Charging connector

Abstract

To provide a charging connector which enables improvement of holding strength of a connector terminal.SOLUTION: A charging connector 10 includes: a housing 11; a first power terminal 12 which is housed in the housing 11; and a first position holding member 16 which holds a position of the first power terminal 12 in an insertion direction D of a mating terminal. The housing 11 has a second opening 57a which is open in a thickness direction Z intersecting with the insertion direction D. The first position holding member 16 has an insertion part 62 to be inserted into the second opening 57a. The insertion part 62 has a first contact part 64 with which the first power terminal 12 contacts in the insertion direction D. The insertion part 62 contacts with an edge part of the second opening 57a in the insertion direction D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging connector. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an in-vehicle charging connector. The charging connector includes a housing and connector terminals accommodated in the housing. An external connector of an external power supply device is mated with the housing. Mating terminals of the external connector are inserted into the connector terminals, thereby electrically connecting the connector terminals to the mating terminals. When the side of the housing where the external connector is mated is defined as the front end, an end cap is attached to the rear end of the housing. The end cap abuts against the connector terminals in the insertion direction of the mating terminals. As a result, the end cap maintains the position of the connector terminals in the insertion direction. The end cap is fixed to the housing by a protrusion formed on a side surface of the housing engaging with an engagement hole in the end cap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 111175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the charging connector described above, the external connector is repeatedly inserted and removed from the housing each time a charge is performed. When a mating terminal is inserted into the connector terminal, the end cap is subjected to a load from the connector terminal in the direction of insertion of the mating terminal. The load then acts on the engagement portion between the engagement hole of the end cap and the protrusion of the housing. Therefore, every time a mating terminal is inserted into the connector terminal, a load is applied to the engagement portion between the engagement hole of the end cap and the protrusion of the housing, raising concerns about the strength of the engagement portion.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging connector that enables improved holding strength of connector terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The charging connector of the present disclosure is an on-board charging connector, and includes a housing, a first connection portion into which a mating terminal is inserted and connected, a connector terminal accommodated in the housing, and a first position retaining member that retains the position of the connector terminal in the insertion direction of the mating terminal, wherein the housing has an opening that opens in a direction intersecting the insertion direction, and the first position retaining member has an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening, and the insertion portion has a first abutment portion that the connector terminal abuts against in the insertion direction, and the insertion portion abuts against an edge of the opening in the insertion direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The charging connector of the present disclosure exhibits the effect of improving the holding strength of the connector terminals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a charging state of a vehicle equipped with a charging connector. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the charging connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the charging connector in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the charging connector in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the charging connector in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view partially showing the internal structure of the housing of the charging connector of the same configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first power terminal and the second power terminal in the same embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first position-retaining member in the same embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The charging connector of the present disclosure includes: [1] An in-vehicle charging connector comprising: a housing; a connector terminal having a first connection portion into which a mating terminal is inserted and connected, the connector terminal being accommodated in the housing; and a first position retaining member that retains the position of the connector terminal in an insertion direction of the mating terminal, wherein the housing has an opening that opens in a direction intersecting the insertion direction, the first position retaining member having an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening, the insertion portion having a first abutment portion against which the connector terminal abuts in the insertion direction, and the insertion portion abutting against an edge of the opening in the insertion direction.

[0010] With this configuration, when the mating terminal is inserted into the connector terminal, the first abutment portion of the first position-retaining member receives a load from the connector terminal. At this time, the load received by the first position-retaining member is applied to the abutment portion between the insertion portion of the first position-retaining member and the opening of the housing. This makes it possible to improve the retention strength of the connector terminal.

[0011] [2] The connector terminal is provided so as to be movable relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. With this configuration, the first position-retaining member retains the position of the connector terminal in the insertion direction of the mating terminal, while allowing the connector terminal to move relatively in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. Therefore, even if the position of the mating terminal is misaligned in the intersecting direction, the connector terminal moves, allowing the mating terminal to be inserted reliably.

[0012] [3] The connector terminal is a pressed terminal formed by pressing a plate material. According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the manufacturability of the connector terminal compared to when the connector terminal is, for example, a machined terminal.

[0013] [4] The connector terminal includes a second connection portion to which a relay terminal connected to an electric wire is connected, a linking portion that links the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a pair of extending wall portions that are bent relative to the linking portion, and each of the pair of extending wall portions abuts against the first abutment portion in the insertion direction. This configuration is preferable in that the insertion load of the mating terminal is borne by the first abutment portions that abut against the pair of extending wall portions of the connector terminal.

[0014] [5] The insertion portion covers the second connection portion when viewed from the insertion direction. According to this configuration, the insertion portion of the first position-retaining member can prevent water that has entered through the opening of the first connecting portion from adhering to the second connecting portion.

[0015] [6] The connector terminals are arranged in a row in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the housing has a pair of insulating wall portions located between the connector terminals to electrically insulate the connector terminals from each other.

[0016] According to this configuration, the pair of insulating wall portions can ensure an insulating distance between the plurality of connector terminals. [7] The first position retaining member has a first engagement portion, and the housing has a second engagement portion between the pair of insulating wall portions that engages with the first engagement portion in a direction along the opening direction of the opening.

[0017] According to this configuration, the engagement structure between the first position-retaining member and the housing is provided in the dead space formed between the pair of insulating walls, which contributes to the miniaturization of the housing.

[0018] [8] The charging connector comprises a power terminal as the connector terminal, a ground terminal accommodated in the housing, a signal terminal accommodated in the housing, and a second position retaining member, the housing having a first end which is the end on the side where the mating terminal is inserted and a second end which is the end opposite to the first end, the power terminal, the ground terminal and the signal terminal are each accommodated in the housing through an opening in the second end, the second position retaining member is assembled to the second end, and the second position retaining member has a second abutment portion against which the ground terminal abuts in the insertion direction and a third abutment portion against which the signal terminal abuts in the insertion direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, the second abutment portion of the second position-retaining member can maintain the position of the ground terminal in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the third abutment portion of the second position-retaining member can maintain the position of the signal terminal in the insertion direction. Therefore, there is no need to separately prepare a component for maintaining the position of the ground terminal and a component for maintaining the position of the signal terminal. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the number of components in the charging connector.

[0020] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the charging connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience, some of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ between drawings. Furthermore, in this specification, "vertical" and "orthogonal" do not only refer to strictly vertical or orthogonal, but also include cases where the connector is roughly vertical or orthogonal within the scope of the operation and effect of this embodiment.

[0021] The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical object having a continuous wall formed around the entire circumference, but also includes a cylindrical object formed by combining multiple parts, or a C-shape having a notch in a portion of the circumference. The term "cylindrical" also includes circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners.

[0022] In addition, "facing" in this specification refers to surfaces or components facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. In addition, "facing" in this specification includes both cases where a component separate from the two components is interposed between the two components, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two components.

[0023] (Vehicle V equipped with charging connector 10) 1 schematically shows a state in which a vehicle V, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, is being charged by an external power supply device 100. The vehicle V is provided with a charging connector 10 of this embodiment. An external connector 101, which is connected to the external power supply device 100, is connected to the charging connector 10. The charging connector 10 is connected to a battery BT mounted on the vehicle V via a wire harness W including electric wires 24, which will be described later.

[0024] (Configuration of charging connector 10) As shown in FIG. 3 , the charging connector 10 includes a housing 11, a first power terminal 12, a second power terminal 13, a ground terminal 14, and a plurality of signal terminals 15. The first power terminal 12 is a power terminal on the positive potential side. The second power terminal 13 is a power terminal on the negative potential side. The first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, the ground terminal 14, and each of the signal terminals 15 are housed in the housing 11. The charging connector 10 also includes a first position retaining member 16 that retains the positions of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13, and a second position retaining member 17 that retains the positions of the ground terminal 14 and each of the signal terminals 15.

[0025] Each drawing shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the "width direction X of the charging connector 10" or simply as the "width direction X." The direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the "insertion / removal direction Y of the charging connector 10" or simply as the "width direction X." The direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as the "thickness direction Z of the charging connector 10" or simply as the "thickness direction Z."

[0026] 2 and 4, the charging connector 10 includes a first relay terminal 21 connected to the first power terminal 12, a second relay terminal 22 connected to the second power terminal 13, and a third relay terminal 23 connected to the ground terminal 14. The first relay terminal 21 is fixed to the first power terminal 12 by bolting. The second relay terminal 22 is fixed to the second power terminal 13 by bolting. The third relay terminal 23 is fixed to the ground terminal 14 by bolting.

[0027] An electric wire 24 is connected to each of the first relay terminal 21 and the second relay terminal 22. Each electric wire 24 is a large-diameter high-voltage wire capable of handling high voltages and large currents. The cross-sectional area of ​​the electric wire 24 is set to, for example, 70 square millimeters or more. An electric wire 25 is connected to the third relay terminal 23. Note that in FIG. 4, the electric wires 24 and 25 are not shown to simplify the drawing.

[0028] (Configuration of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13) 3 and 7, the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are arranged side by side in the width direction X. The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are configured to be symmetrical with respect to a center line C1 of the charging connector 10 in the width direction X.

[0029] The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are the same component and have the same shape. Therefore, the components of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 will be described using the same reference numerals. The second power terminal 13 is the first power terminal 12 rotated 180 degrees around an axis along the insertion / removal direction Y. The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are pressed terminals formed by pressing a plate material. Examples of materials that can be used to form the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 include copper-based and aluminum-based metal materials.

[0030] The configurations of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 will be described using the first power terminal 12 as an example. As shown in Fig. 10, the first power terminal 12 has a first connection portion 31, a second connection portion 32, a coupling portion 33, and a pair of extending wall portions 34.

[0031] The first connecting portion 31 has a cylindrical shape extending along the insertion / removal direction Y. More specifically, the first connecting portion 31 has a plurality of elastic pieces 31a. The elastic pieces 31a are arranged in a ring shape when viewed from the insertion / removal direction Y. Each elastic piece 31a is configured to elastically bend in the radial direction of the first connecting portion 31. A mating terminal (not shown) of the external connector 101 described above is inserted into the first connecting portion 31 along the insertion / removal direction Y. Each elastic piece 31a comes into radial contact with the mating terminal. This ensures electrical conduction between the first power terminal 12 and the mating terminal.

[0032] The second connection portion 32 of the first power terminal 12 is a portion that is fastened to the first relay terminal 21 with a bolt. The second connection portion 32 of the second power terminal 13 is a portion that is fastened to the second relay terminal 22 with a bolt. The second connection portion 32 has, for example, a plate shape that is perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction Y. The second connection portion 32 has a through hole 35 through which a bolt B is inserted along the insertion / removal direction Y. The through hole 35 passes through the second connection portion 32 along the insertion / removal direction Y. A nut 36 into which the bolt B is screwed is provided at a position in the second connection portion 32 corresponding to the through hole 35.

[0033] The connecting portion 33 connects the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. The connecting portion 33 extends along the insertion / removal direction Y. The connecting portion 33 has, for example, a plate shape perpendicular to the width direction X. The second connecting portion 32 is bent at a substantially right angle to the connecting portion 33.

[0034] The connecting portion 33 has a first side surface 33a which is one plate surface of the connecting portion 33, and a second side surface 33b which is the reverse surface of the first side surface 33a. The first side surface 33a and the second side surface 33b are, for example, perpendicular to the width direction X.

[0035] 8, the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are provided so that their first side surfaces 33a face each other in the width direction X. That is, the second side surfaces 33b of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 face outward in the width direction X. Furthermore, each of the pair of extending wall portions 34 extends from the connecting portion 33 toward the first side surface 33a.

[0036] As shown in Figures 7 and 10, the pair of extending wall portions 34 extend in the same direction from both ends of the connecting portion 33 in the thickness direction Z. Each extending wall portion 34 is shaped like a plate perpendicular to the thickness direction Z. Each extending wall portion 34 is bent at a substantially right angle to the connecting portion 33. The extending wall portions 34 face each other in the thickness direction Z. The lengths of the extending wall portions 34 in the width direction X are equal to each other. Furthermore, the lengths of the extending wall portions 34 in the insertion / removal direction Y are equal to each other. In the insertion / removal direction Y, each extending wall portion 34 is provided between the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. Each extending wall portion 34 faces the second connecting portion 32 in the insertion / removal direction Y.

[0037] Each extending wall portion 34 has a jig hole 37. The jig hole 37 penetrates each extending wall portion 34 in the thickness direction Z. The jig holes 37 in each extending wall portion 34 are provided at positions that overlap each other in the thickness direction Z. A rod-shaped jig P shown in FIG. 7 can be inserted into each jig hole 37.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 10 , a temperature sensor 38 is attached to the first power terminal 12. The temperature sensor 38 may be, for example, an NTC thermistor, a PTC thermistor, or a PT sensor. The temperature sensor 38 is held by a holding member 39 fixed to the connecting portion 33 by, for example, a screw S. The holding member 39 and the temperature sensor 38 are attached to the second side surface 33b of the connecting portion 33. The holding member 39 is made of, for example, a metal material having high thermal conductivity. The temperature sensor 38 has lead wires 38a. The temperature sensor 38 outputs detected temperature information through the lead wires 38a. A holding member 39 and a temperature sensor 38 are also attached to the second power terminal 13.

[0039] (Configuration of ground terminal 14) 3, the ground terminal 14 has a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, a linking portion 43, and a pair of extending wall portions 44. The ground terminal 14 is a pressed terminal formed by pressing a plate material. Examples of materials for forming the ground terminal 14 include copper-based and aluminum-based metal materials.

[0040] The first connecting portion 41 has a cylindrical shape extending along the insertion / removal direction Y. A mating terminal (not shown) of the external connector 101 is inserted into the first connecting portion 41 along the insertion / removal direction Y. This establishes electrical continuity between the ground terminal 14 and the mating terminal.

[0041] The second connection portion 42 is a portion that is fastened to the third relay terminal 23 with a bolt. The second connection portion 42 has, for example, a plate shape that is perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction Y. The second connection portion 42 has a through hole 45 through which the bolt B is inserted along the insertion / removal direction Y. The through hole 45 passes through the second connection portion 42 along the insertion / removal direction Y. A nut 46 into which the bolt B is screwed is provided at a position in the second connection portion 42 corresponding to the through hole 45.

[0042] The connecting portion 43 connects the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42. The connecting portion 43 extends along the insertion / removal direction Y. The connecting portion 43 has, for example, a plate shape that is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z. The second connecting portion 42 is bent at approximately a right angle to the connecting portion 43.

[0043] The pair of extending wall portions 44 extend in the same direction from both ends of the connecting portion 43 in the width direction X. Each extending wall portion 44 is shaped like a plate perpendicular to the width direction X. Each extending wall portion 44 is bent at a substantially right angle to the connecting portion 43. The extending wall portions 44 face each other in the width direction X. The lengths of the extending wall portions 44 in the thickness direction Z are equal to each other. Furthermore, the lengths of the extending wall portions 44 in the insertion / removal direction Y are equal to each other.

[0044] 7, the connecting portion 43 has a jig hole 47. The jig hole 47 penetrates the connecting portion 43 in the thickness direction Z. The jig hole 47 is provided between the base ends of the extending wall portions 44. A rod-shaped jig P can be inserted into the jig hole 47.

[0045] (Regarding the arrangement of each terminal) In the following description, one side in the thickness direction Z is referred to as the "upper side" and the other side in the thickness direction Z is referred to as the "lower side." In other words, "upper" and "lower" used in the description of this specification do not necessarily mean upper and lower in the direction of gravity.

[0046] The ground terminal 14 is disposed, for example, below the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 which are aligned in the width direction X. Furthermore, the ground terminal 14 is located, for example, between the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0047] For example, two signal terminals 15 are arranged below the first power terminal 12. For example, two signal terminals 15 are arranged below the second power terminal 13. Each signal terminal 15 is arranged so that its length direction is along the insertion / removal direction Y. Each signal terminal 15 and the ground terminal 14 are lined up in the width direction X, for example.

[0048] (Configuration of housing 11) As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 11 has a first end 51 which is one end in the insertion / removal direction Y, and a second end 52 which is the other end in the insertion / removal direction Y. An external connector 101 is fitted into the housing 11 from the first end 51 side. The second end 52 opens in the insertion / removal direction Y. The first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, the ground terminal 14, and each signal terminal 15 are accommodated in the housing 11 through the opening of the second end 52. As shown in FIG. 2, an actuator 110 is provided on the upper side of the housing 11. The actuator 110 is not shown in FIG. 3 and subsequent figures.

[0049] 3 and 7, the housing 11 has a first accommodating portion 53a that accommodates the first power terminal 12 and a second accommodating portion 53b that accommodates the second power terminal 13. The housing 11 also has a third accommodating portion 53c that accommodates the ground terminal 14 and a plurality of fourth accommodating portions 53d that accommodate the plurality of signal terminals 15, respectively.

[0050] The positional relationship between the first accommodating portion 53a, the second accommodating portion 53b, the third accommodating portion 53c, and each fourth accommodating portion 53d is the same as the arrangement of the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, the ground terminal 14, and each signal terminal 15 described above. That is, the first accommodating portion 53a and the second accommodating portion 53b are arranged side by side in the width direction X. The third accommodating portion 53c is arranged below the first accommodating portion 53a and the second accommodating portion 53b, at an intermediate position between them. Below the first accommodating portion 53a, for example, two fourth accommodating portions 53d are provided. Below the second accommodating portion 53b, for example, two fourth accommodating portions 53d are provided. The fourth accommodating portions 53d and the third accommodating portion 53c are arranged side by side in the width direction X, for example.

[0051] The first power terminal 12 is accommodated in the first accommodation portion 53a so as to be movable in the width direction X and the thickness direction Z. That is, the first power terminal 12 is provided so as to be movable relative to the housing 11 in the width direction X and the thickness direction Z. The first power terminal 12 is also provided so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 11 within a predetermined angle range around a rotation axis along the insertion / removal direction Y. The rotation axis for this relative rotation coincides with the axis of the first connection portion 31 of the first power terminal 12, for example.

[0052] The second power terminal 13 is accommodated in the second accommodation portion 53b so as to be movable in the width direction X and the thickness direction Z. That is, the second power terminal 13 is provided so as to be movable relative to the housing 11 in the width direction X and the thickness direction Z. The second power terminal 13 is also provided so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 11 within a predetermined angle range around a rotation axis along the insertion / removal direction Y. The rotation axis for this relative rotation coincides with the axis of the first connection portion 31 of the second power terminal 13, for example.

[0053] The ground terminal 14 is accommodated in the third accommodating portion 53c so as to be movable in the width direction X and the thickness direction Z. That is, the ground terminal 14 is provided so as to be movable relative to the housing 11 in the width direction X and the thickness direction Z. The ground terminal 14 is also provided so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 11 within a predetermined angular range around a rotation axis along the insertion / removal direction Y. The rotation axis for this relative rotation coincides with, for example, the axis of the first connection portion 41 of the ground terminal 14. Furthermore, a signal terminal 15 is accommodated in each fourth accommodating portion 53d.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7 , the housing 11 has insulating walls 54 separating the first accommodating portion 53a and the second accommodating portion 53b. For example, two insulating walls 54 are provided. For example, the insulating walls 54 are flat and perpendicular to the width direction X. Each insulating wall 54 extends in a direction parallel to the opening direction of the jig hole 37. Each insulating wall 54 is located between the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13. Each insulating wall 54 ensures an insulation distance between the first power terminal 12 accommodated in the first accommodating portion 53a and the second power terminal 13 accommodated in the second accommodating portion 53b. The space between each insulating wall 54 communicates with the third accommodating portion 53c via a through hole 55.

[0055] 5 and 7, the housing 11 has first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c through which a jig P can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 7, the first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c are provided corresponding to the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14, respectively. Specifically, the jig P for the first power terminal 12 is inserted into the first opening 56a. The jig P for the second power terminal 13 is inserted into the first opening 56b. The jig P for the ground terminal 14 is inserted into the first opening 56c. The first openings 56a and 56b have, for example, substantially the same shape as the jig hole 37 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. Furthermore, the first opening 56c has, for example, substantially the same shape as the jig hole 47 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0056] The first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c are provided on one side surface of the housing 11 in the thickness direction Z. The first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c are provided, for example, on the upper surface of the housing 11. The first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c are open in the same direction. More specifically, the first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c are open upward in the thickness direction Z toward the exterior of the housing 11. The first opening 56a connects the first accommodating portion 53a to the exterior of the housing 11. The first opening 56b connects the second accommodating portion 53b to the exterior of the housing 11. The first opening 56c connects the space between each insulating wall portion 54 to the exterior of the housing 11. The first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c are provided, for example, side by side along the width direction X.

[0057] The housing 11 has a second opening 57a and a third opening 57b for attaching the first position retaining member 16. The second opening 57a and the third opening 57b are provided on one side surface of the housing 11 in the thickness direction Z. The second opening 57a and the third opening 57b are provided on, for example, the top surface of the housing 11. The second opening 57a and the third opening 57b open upward in the thickness direction Z toward the outside of the housing 11.

[0058] Two second openings 57a are provided. One of the two second openings 57a connects the first accommodating portion 53a to the outside of the housing 11. The other of the two second openings 57a connects the second accommodating portion 53b to the outside of the housing 11. Each second opening 57a is provided closer to the second end 52 than the first openings 56a and 56b. The third opening 57b connects the space between each insulating wall portion 54 to the outside of the housing 11. The third opening 57b is provided closer to the second end 52 than the first opening 56c. The second opening 57a and the third opening 57b are provided side by side, for example, along the width direction X.

[0059] (Configuration of first position retaining member 16) 8 and 11, the first position-retaining member 16 has a covering portion 61 that covers the upper portions of the second openings 57a and the third openings 57b, a pair of insertion portions 62, and a pair of first engagement portions 63. The covering portion 61 covers the second openings 57a and the third openings 57b together. The insertion portions 62 and the first engagement portions 63 extend downward from the covering portion 61. Each insertion portion 62 is inserted into the corresponding second opening 57a along the thickness direction Z. As a result, one insertion portion 62 is inserted into the first housing portion 53a, and the other insertion portion 62 is inserted into the second housing portion 53b.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8 , the pair of first engagement portions 63 are inserted between the insulating wall portions 54 through the third opening 57b. The housing 11 has second engagement portions 58 between the pair of insulating wall portions 54. The second engagement portions 58 are provided so as to protrude from opposing side surfaces of the insulating wall portions 54. Each first engagement portion 63 is hooked onto each second engagement portion 58 upward in the thickness direction Z. This fixes the first position retaining member 16 to the housing 11.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 , the insertion portion 62 is located between each extending wall portion 34 of the first power terminal 12 and the second connecting portion 32. Note that direction D in FIG. 6 indicates the mating direction D of the external connector 101 and the insertion direction D of the mating terminal. The insertion portion 62 has a first abutment portion 64 with which the first power terminal 12 abuts in the insertion direction D. In this embodiment, each extending wall portion 34 abuts against the first abutment portion 64 in the insertion direction D. The insertion portion 62 abuts against the edge of the second opening 57a in the insertion direction D. The insertion portion 62 covers the second connecting portion 32 when viewed from the insertion direction D. The insertion portion 62 is located on the first side surface 33a side of the coupling portion 33 (see FIG. 8 ). Note that the relationship between the second power terminal 13 and the insertion portion 62 is the same as the relationship between the first power terminal 12 and the insertion portion 62.

[0062] (Configuration of second position-retaining member 17) 3 and 6, the second position-retaining member 17 has a main body 71 that covers the opening of the second end 52 in the insertion / removal direction Y, and a locking piece 72 extending from the main body 71. The locking piece 72 is locked to a locking protrusion 59 formed on the outer surface of the housing 11. This fixes the second position-retaining member 17 to the housing 11.

[0063] The main body 71 has an opening 73 that opens in the insertion / removal direction Y. The openings 73 are provided to correspond to the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14, respectively. The second connection portion 32 of each of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 is exposed to the outside from the opening 73. In addition, the second connection portion 42 of the ground terminal 14 is exposed to the outside from the opening 73.

[0064] 3, the second position retaining member 17 has a second contact portion 74 and a third contact portion 75. The second contact portion 74 and the third contact portion 75 extend, for example, from the main body portion 71 toward the inside of the housing 11 along the insertion / removal direction Y. A plurality of third contact portions 75 are provided corresponding to the plurality of signal terminals 15, respectively.

[0065] 8, the second contact portion 74 is provided at a position corresponding to the ground terminal 14. The tip of the second contact portion 74 abuts against the ground terminal 14 in the direction along the insertion / removal direction Y. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip of the third contact portion 75 abuts against the signal terminal 15 in the insertion direction D.

[0066] 4, the second position retaining member 17 has an insulating wall 76 extending outward from the main body 71 in the insertion / removal direction Y. The insulating wall 76 electrically insulates the first relay terminal 21, the second relay terminal 22, and the third relay terminal 23. The main body 71 is also provided with a pair of outlets 77 that penetrate the main body 71 in the insertion / removal direction Y.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, signal wires 15a are connected to the multiple signal terminals 15, respectively. Note that in Figures 4 and 9, each signal terminal 15 is schematically shown by a two-dot chain line. Also, in Figure 9, the second position retaining member 17 is shown partially cut away. Two signal wires 15a and one lead wire 38a are drawn out of each lead outlet 77 to the outside of the housing 11. The lead wire 38a is routed downward from the temperature sensor 38 attached to the second side surface 33b of the connecting portion 33. The lead wire 38a is passed between the third abutment portion 75 and the inner surface of the housing 11 in the width direction X.

[0068] Next, an example of assembling the charging connector 10 will be described. First, the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 are accommodated in the housing 11 through the opening of the second end 52.

[0069] Next, the first position-retaining member 16 is assembled to the housing 11 in the thickness direction Z. In this state, the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are prevented from being removed in the insertion / removal direction Y by the insertion portions 62 of the first position-retaining member 16.

[0070] Next, each signal terminal 15 to which the signal wire 15a is connected is accommodated in the housing 11 through the opening of the second end 52. Next, the second position-retaining member 17 is assembled to the housing 11. At this time, the signal line 15a and the lead wire 38a of the temperature sensor 38 are passed through the lead-out port 77.

[0071] Next, a jig P is inserted into each jig hole 37 of the first power terminal 12 through the first opening 56a. A jig P is also inserted into each jig hole 37 of the second power terminal 13 through the first opening 56b. A jig P is also inserted into each jig hole 47 of the ground terminal 14 through the first opening 56c. By inserting each jig P, rotation of the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 is restricted.

[0072] Next, the first relay terminal 21 is fixed to the second connection portion 32 of the first power terminal 12 with a bolt B. The second relay terminal 22 is fixed to the second connection portion 32 of the second power terminal 13 with a bolt B. The third relay terminal 23 is fixed to the second connection portion 42 of the ground terminal 14 with a bolt B. The rotation of each of the first power terminal 12, second power terminal 13, and ground terminal 14 is restricted by a jig P, so they do not rotate together when the bolts are tightened.

[0073] After the first relay terminal 21, the second relay terminal 22, and the third relay terminal 23 have been bolted, the jigs P are removed, which allows the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 to rotate within a predetermined angle range.

[0074] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The charging connector 10 includes a first position-retaining member 16 that retains the position of the first power terminal 12 in the insertion direction D of the mating terminal. The housing 11 has a second opening 57a that opens in a thickness direction Z that intersects with the insertion direction D. The first position-retaining member 16 has an insertion portion 62 that is inserted into the second opening 57a. The insertion portion 62 has a first abutment portion 64 that the first power terminal 12 abuts against in the insertion direction D. The insertion portion 62 abuts against an edge of the second opening 57a in the insertion direction D. With this configuration, when a mating terminal is inserted into the first power terminal 12, the first abutment portion 64 of the first position-retaining member 16 receives a load from the first power terminal 12. At that time, the load received by the first position-retaining member 16 is applied to the abutting portion between the insertion portion 62 and the second opening 57a of the housing 11. This improves the retention strength of the first power terminal 12 against insertion of the mating terminal. The same effect can also be obtained with the second power terminal 13.

[0075] (2) The first power terminal 12 is provided to be movable relative to the housing 11 in the width direction X and thickness direction Z, which are directions intersecting the insertion direction D. With this configuration, the first power terminal 12 is movable relative to the housing 11 in the width direction X and thickness direction Z while the position of the first power terminal 12 in the insertion direction D is maintained by the first position retaining member 16. Therefore, even if the position of the mating terminal is misaligned in the width direction X or thickness direction Z, the first power terminal 12 moves, allowing the mating terminal to be inserted reliably. The same effect can also be achieved with the second power terminal 13.

[0076] (3) The first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 are pressed terminals formed by pressing a plate material. This configuration improves the manufacturability of each of the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 compared to, for example, a machined terminal.

[0077] (4) In each of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13, the first connection portion 31 is connected to a mating terminal of the external connector 101. The second connection portion 32 is connected to the first relay terminal 21 or the second relay terminal 22, which is connected to the electric wire 24. The linking portion 33 links the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32. The pair of extending wall portions 34 are formed by being bent relative to the linking portion 33. Each of the pair of extending wall portions 34 abuts against the first abutment portion 64 in the insertion direction D. This configuration is preferable in that the insertion load of the mating terminal is borne by the first abutment portion 64 abutting against the pair of extending wall portions 34.

[0078] (5) The insertion portion 62 covers the second connection portion 32 when viewed from the insertion direction D. With this configuration, the insertion portion 62 can prevent water that has entered through the opening of the first connection portion 31 from adhering to the second connection portion 32.

[0079] (6) The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are arranged side by side in the width direction X, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction D. The housing 11 has a pair of insulating walls 54 located between the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 to electrically insulate the first power terminal 12 from the second power terminal 13. With this configuration, the pair of insulating walls 54 can ensure an insulation distance between the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13.

[0080] (7) The first position-retaining member 16 has a first engagement portion 63. The housing 11 has a second engagement portion 58, which is located between the pair of insulating walls 54 and engages with the first engagement portion 63 in the thickness direction Z along the opening direction of the second opening 57a. With this configuration, an engagement structure between the first position-retaining member 16 and the housing 11 is provided in the dead space formed between the pair of insulating walls 54. This contributes to the miniaturization of the housing 11.

[0081] (8) The housing 11 has a first end 51, which is an end on the side where a mating terminal is inserted, and a second end 52, which is an end opposite the first end 51. The first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, the ground terminal 14, and the signal terminal 15 are each accommodated in the housing 11 through an opening in the second end 52. The second position retaining member 17 is attached to the second end 52. The second position retaining member 17 has a second abutment portion 74 with which the ground terminal 14 abuts in the insertion direction D and a third abutment portion 75 with which the signal terminal 15 abuts in the insertion direction D. With this configuration, the second abutment portion 74 of the second position retaining member 17 can retain the position of the ground terminal 14 in the insertion direction D. Furthermore, the third abutment portion 75 of the second position retaining member 17 can retain the position of the signal terminal 15 in the insertion direction D. Therefore, there is no need to separately prepare a component for retaining the position of the ground terminal 14 and a component for retaining the position of the signal terminal 15. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts of the charging connector 10.

[0082] (9) The housing 11 has first openings 56a, 56b, and 56c through which the jig P can be inserted. The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 each have a jig hole 37 through which the jig P inserted into the first openings 56a and 56b can be inserted. The ground terminal 14 also has a jig hole 47 through which the jig P inserted into the first opening 56c can be inserted.

[0083] According to this configuration, when assembling the charging connector 10, the jig P is inserted into the jig hole 37 of the first power terminal 12 inside the housing 11 through the first opening 56a. This makes it possible to restrict relative movement of the first power terminal 12 with respect to the housing 11 by the jig P. Therefore, with the first power terminal 12 accommodated in the housing 11, it is possible to prevent the first power terminal 12 from rotating together with the first relay terminal 21 when the first power terminal 12 is fastened to the first relay terminal 21 by a bolt. Furthermore, with the charging connector 10 assembled, the first power terminal 12 is movable relative to the housing 11. Therefore, the relative movement of the first power terminal 12 with respect to the housing 11 makes it possible to absorb vibrations transmitted from the electric wire 24 and the first relay terminal 21. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bolt B from loosening due to vehicle vibration. The same effect can be obtained with the second power terminal 13 and the ground terminal 14.

[0084] (10) The first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 are pressed terminals formed by pressing a plate material. This configuration improves the manufacturability of each of the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 compared to, for example, a machined terminal.

[0085] (11) The jig holes 37 are provided in the extending wall portions 34. This configuration is preferable in that the jig holes 37 are provided in the extending wall portions 34 formed by bending the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 relative to the connecting portion 33. Furthermore, the jig holes 37 are provided in each of the pair of extending wall portions 34. This configuration makes it possible to insert a jig P into each of the jig holes 37 in the pair of extending wall portions 34. This makes it possible to more firmly suppress the co-rotation of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 during bolt tightening by the jig P inserted into each jig hole 37.

[0086] (12) The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are arranged side by side along the width direction X, which is the first direction. The electric wires 24 are drawn out along the width direction X. This configuration enables the charging connector 10 to be miniaturized in a direction perpendicular to the width direction X.

[0087] (13) The jig holes 37 of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 open in the same direction. This configuration allows the jig P to be inserted into the jig holes 37 of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 from the same direction. This improves the workability when assembling the charging connector 10. Furthermore, the jig hole 47 of the ground terminal 14 also opens in the same direction as the jig hole 37. This further improves the workability when assembling the charging connector 10.

[0088] (14) The insulating wall portion 54 extends in a direction parallel to the opening direction of the jig hole 37. With this configuration, the jig P to be inserted into the jig hole 37 does not need to penetrate the insulating wall portion 54. As a result, the insulating wall portion 54 can ensure an insulation distance between the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13.

[0089] (15) The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 have the same shape. This configuration allows the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 to be treated as the same component. This reduces the number of components that make up the charging connector 10, thereby preventing component management from becoming complicated.

[0090] (16) The multiple signal terminals 15 are provided on only one side in the thickness direction Z relative to the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13. This allows the housing 11 to be made smaller in size in the thickness direction Z. By providing each signal terminal 15 below the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 in the thickness direction Z, it is possible to create space above the housing 11 for arranging the actuator 110 and other components and parts (not shown). Furthermore, the temperature sensor 38 is attached to the side surface of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 in the width direction X. This allows the housing 11 to be made even smaller in size in the thickness direction Z.

[0091] (17) The temperature sensor 38 has lead wires 38a. The signal wires 15a are connected to the multiple signal terminals 15, respectively. At least one of the multiple signal wires 15a and the lead wires 38a are drawn out of the housing 11 from the same lead-out port 77. This configuration contributes to simplifying the routing of the signal wires 15a and the lead wires 38a, since the signal wires 15a and the lead wires 38a are drawn out from the same lead-out port 77.

[0092] (18) The connecting portion 33 has a first side surface 33a which is one plate surface of the connecting portion 33, and a second side surface 33b which is the reverse side of the first side surface 33a. The first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are provided so that the first side surfaces 33a face each other in the width direction X. The temperature sensor 38 is attached to the second side surface 33b. With this configuration, the temperature sensor 38 is attached to the outer side of the connecting portion 33 in the width direction X. This makes it possible to easily route the lead wire 38a of the temperature sensor 38.

[0093] (19) Each of the pair of extending wall portions 34 extends from the connecting portion 33 toward the first side surface 33a. The insertion portion 62 is located on the first side surface 33a side of the connecting portion 33. This configuration is suitable for arranging the insertion portion 62 on the first side surface 33a side of the connecting portion 33 and arranging the temperature sensor 38 on the second side surface 33b side of the connecting portion 33.

[0094] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0095] The configurations, such as the arrangement and shape, of the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 are not limited to those in the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the charging connector 10. For example, the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 may be arranged so that their second side surfaces 33b face each other in the width direction X. Furthermore, for example, the first power terminal 12 and the second power terminal 13 may be arranged so that the first side surface 33a and the second side surface 33b of the connecting portion 33 are perpendicular to the thickness direction Z.

[0096] The temperature sensor 38 may be attached to the first side surface 33 a of the connecting portion 33 . The first openings 56a and 56b of the housing 11 may be formed larger than the jig hole 37. Also, the first opening 56c may be formed larger than the jig hole 47.

[0097] In the housing 11 of the above embodiment, the first openings 56a, 56b, 56c through which the jig P is inserted are individually provided corresponding to the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14, respectively, but this is not particularly limited. For example, instead of the individual first openings 56a, 56b, 56c, a single opening may be formed that overlaps with the jig holes 37, 47 of the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 in the thickness direction Z.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 are configured so that the axis of the fastening bolt B is aligned with the insertion / removal direction Y, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the axis of the bolt B may be configured so that it is aligned with the thickness direction Z or the width direction X. Furthermore, the axis of the bolt B may be configured so that it is aligned in a direction that is inclined with respect to at least one of the width direction X, the insertion / removal direction Y, and the thickness direction Z.

[0099] Components other than the actuator 110 may be attached to the upper side of the housing 11 in the thickness direction Z. In the above embodiment, the first power terminal 12, the second power terminal 13, and the ground terminal 14 are configured so that the axis of the fastening bolt B is aligned with the insertion / removal direction Y, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the axis of the bolt B may be configured so that it is aligned with the thickness direction Z or the width direction X. Furthermore, the axis of the bolt B may be configured so that it is aligned in a direction that is inclined with respect to at least one of the width direction X, the insertion / removal direction Y, and the thickness direction Z.

[0100] The embodiments and modifications disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10 Charging connector 11. Housing 12 First power terminal (connector terminal, power terminal) 13 Second power terminal (connector terminal, power terminal) 14 Ground terminal 15 Signal terminal 15a Signal Line 16 First position retaining member 17 Second position-retaining member 21 First relay terminal (relay terminal) 22 Second relay terminal (relay terminal) 23 Third relay terminal 24 Electric wire 25 Electric wire 31,41 First connection part 31a Elastic piece 32,42 Second connection part 33,43 Connection part 33a 1st side 33b Second side 34,44 Extended wall section 35,45 through holes 36,46 Nut 37,47 Jig hole 38 Temperature Sensor 38a lead wire 39 Retaining member 51 First end 52 Second end 53a First storage section 53b Second storage section 53c Third Storage Unit 53d 4th Storage Unit 54 Insulating wall 55 Through hole 56a,56b,56c 1st opening 57a 2nd opening (opening) 57b 3rd opening 58 Second engagement portion 59 Locking protrusion 61 Covering part 62 Insertion section 63 First engagement portion 64 1st contact part 71 Main body 72 Locking piece 73 Opening 74 Second contact part 75 Third contact part 76 Insulating Wall 77 Outlet 100 External power supply device 101 External Connector 110 Actuator B Bolt BT Battery C1 center line D Insertion direction (mating direction) P jig S screw V vehicle W Wire harness X width direction (first direction) Y Insertion / Removal Direction Z thickness direction

Claims

1. An in-vehicle charging connector, Housing and a connector terminal having a first connection portion into which a mating terminal is inserted and connected, the connector terminal being accommodated in the housing; a first position retaining member that retains the position of the connector terminal in the insertion direction of the mating terminal, the housing has an opening that opens in a direction intersecting the insertion direction, the first position-retaining member has an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening, the insertion portion has a first abutment portion with which the connector terminal abuts in the insertion direction, The insertion portion abuts against an edge portion of the opening in the insertion direction. Charging connector.

2. The connector terminal is provided to be movable relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The charging connector according to claim 1 .

3. The connector terminal is a pressed terminal formed by pressing a plate material. The charging connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The connector terminal is a second connection portion to which a relay terminal connected to the electric wire is connected; a connecting portion that connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; a pair of extending wall portions formed by bending the extending wall portions relative to the connecting portion; Each of the pair of extending wall portions abuts against the first abutment portion in the insertion direction. The charging connector according to claim 3 .

5. the insertion portion covers the second connection portion when viewed from the insertion direction. The charging connector according to claim 4.

6. The connector terminals are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, The housing has a pair of insulating wall portions positioned between the plurality of connector terminals to electrically insulate the plurality of connector terminals. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the first position-retaining member has a first engagement portion, the housing has a second engaging portion between the pair of insulating wall portions that engages with the first engaging portion in a direction along the opening direction of the opening; The charging connector according to claim 6.

8. a power terminal as the connector terminal; a ground terminal accommodated in the housing; a signal terminal accommodated in the housing; a second position-retaining member; the housing has a first end portion into which the mating terminal is inserted, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the power terminal, the ground terminal, and the signal terminal are each received in the housing through an opening at the second end; the second position-retaining member is assembled to the second end; The second position retaining member has a second contact portion with which the ground terminal comes into contact in the insertion direction, and a third contact portion with which the signal terminal comes into contact in the insertion direction. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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