Charging connector

Abstract

To downsize a charging connector.SOLUTION: A charging connector comprises: a retainer 60 which holds, together with a housing, a power terminal and a signal terminal; relay terminals 28A, 28B which are fixed to the power terminal and extend in a direction intersecting an insertion / removal direction; and a power line which is electrically connected to the power terminal via the relay terminals. The relay terminals 28A, 28B include: through-holes penetrating along the insertion / removal direction; and rotation preventing protrusions 29Ap, 29Bp1, 29Bp2 which partially protrude, around the through-holes, in the direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The relay terminals have first fitting parts 29Aa, 29Ba fitted to the power terminal. The retainer 60 has a first protrusion 64 and a second protrusion 65 which restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal 28A or the second relay terminal 28B by making contact with the first rotation preventing protrusion 29Ap or the second rotation preventing protrusions 29Bp1, 29Bp2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging inlet including a cylindrical portion, a housing fitted to the base end portion of the cylindrical portion, and an end housing fitted to the housing. Inside the cylindrical portion, a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the terminals of the external connector are provided. The terminals are electrically connected to the battery via wiring passing through the housing and the end housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A power line is used as the wiring for connecting the terminals and the battery. Since the power line is thicker than the signal line, the bending radius tends to be large. Therefore, assuming that the power line is bent in the end housing according to the drawing direction of the wiring, it is necessary to secure a space in the end housing that can accommodate the bent power line.

[0005] Here, there is a demand to miniaturize the charging inlet.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of the charging connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The charging connector of this disclosure is mounted on a vehicle, mates with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle, and is used to charge a battery provided in the vehicle, and comprises: a first power terminal and a second power terminal used for supplying power to the battery; a signal terminal; an opening through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed; a housing having a terminal holding portion located inside the opening when viewed along the insertion and removal direction of the external charging connector, and holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal and the signal terminal; a retainer which is coupled with the end of the housing opposite to the opening and holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal and the signal terminal together with the housing; a first relay terminal fastened and fixed to the end of the first power terminal opposite to the opening and extending in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction; and a terminal holding portion fastened and fixed to the end of the second power terminal opposite to the opening, The charging connector comprises a second relay terminal extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, a first power line electrically connected to the first power terminal via the first relay terminal, and a second power line electrically connected to the second power terminal via the second relay terminal, wherein the first relay terminal includes a first through hole penetrating along the insertion / removal direction and a first rotation-retaining projection partially protruding around the first through hole in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and has a first mounting portion attached to the first power terminal, and the second relay terminal includes a second through hole penetrating along the insertion / removal direction and a second rotation-retaining projection partially protruding around the second through hole in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and has a second mounting portion attached to the second power terminal, and the retainer has a first projection and a second projection protruding in the insertion / removal direction and contacting the first rotation-retaining projection or the second rotation-retaining projection, respectively, to restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to miniaturize the charging connector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a plan view showing a charging connector and its assembly configuration according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a charging connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing a charging connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the power terminals, the wires with terminals, and their respective housing locations. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the wiring path in a charging connector. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the power terminals. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the retainer and the relay terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a rear view showing the relationship between the retainer wall and the first and second relay terminals. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a rear view showing a modified charging connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The charging connector of this disclosure is as follows:

[0012] (1) A charging connector mounted on a vehicle and mated with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle, used for charging a battery provided in the vehicle, comprising: a first power terminal and a second power terminal used for supplying power to the battery; a signal terminal; an opening through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed; a housing having a terminal holding portion located inside the opening when viewed along the insertion and removal direction of the external charging connector, and holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal and the signal terminal; a retainer which is coupled with the end of the housing opposite to the opening and holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal and the signal terminal together with the housing; a first relay terminal fastened and fixed to the end of the first power terminal opposite to the opening and extending in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction; and a terminal holding portion fastened and fixed to the end of the second power terminal opposite to the opening and extending in the insertion and removal direction The charging connector comprises a second relay terminal extending in a direction intersecting the first power terminal, a first power line electrically connected to the first power terminal via the first relay terminal, and a second power line electrically connected to the second power terminal via the second relay terminal, wherein the first relay terminal includes a first through hole penetrating along the insertion / removal direction and a first rotation-retaining projection partially protruding around the first through hole in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and has a first mounting portion attached to the first power terminal, and the second relay terminal includes a second through hole penetrating along the insertion / removal direction and a second rotation-retaining projection partially protruding around the second through hole in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and has a second mounting portion attached to the second power terminal, and the retainer has a first projection and a second projection protruding in the insertion / removal direction and contacting the first rotation-retaining projection or the second rotation-retaining projection, respectively, to restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal.

[0013] According to this charging connector, the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal extend in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The first power line and the second power line are connected to the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal and thus extend in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a space for accommodating the bent power lines within the charging connector. As a result, miniaturization of the charging connector can be achieved. Also, the rotation of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal is prevented when the first rotation prevention convex portion of the first relay terminal and the second rotation prevention convex portion of the second relay terminal contact the first convex portion and the second convex portion. Thereby, the directions in which the first power line and the second power line extend are stabilized. Since the first rotation prevention convex portion and the second rotation prevention convex portion are portions that partially protrude around the through hole, the surface areas of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal can be increased. Thereby, heat dissipation in the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal can be promoted.

[0014] (2) The charging connector according to (1), wherein the first rotation prevention convex portion and the second rotation prevention convex portion may protrude in a direction different from a portion connecting a portion fastened and fixed to the first power terminal or the second power terminal around the first through hole or the second through hole to a portion to which the first power line or the second power line is connected. Thereby, the surface areas of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal can be effectively increased, and heat dissipation in the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal can be further promoted.

[0015] (3) The charging connector according to (1) or (2), wherein the first convex portion may surround the first mounting portion, and the second convex portion may surround the second mounting portion. Thereby, the first convex portion and the second convex portion can partition each mounting portion from the surroundings.

[0016] (4) Any one of the charging connectors from (1) to (3), wherein the signal terminal further includes a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, and the first signal terminal is arranged on one side with respect to the alignment line connecting the central axes of the first power terminal and the second power terminal when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, and the second signal terminal is arranged on the other side with respect to the alignment line when viewed along the insertion / removal direction. The first relay terminal includes a first power line connection portion to which the first power line is connected, and the second relay terminal includes a second power line connection portion to which the second power line is connected. The first power line connection portion and the second power line connection portion are arranged at positions where the first power line and the second power line can extend along the alignment line to one side. The first relay terminal may be provided between the first mounting portion and the first power line connection portion and may have a bypass portion that extends so as to bypass the first signal terminal. Thereby, the first relay terminal can be arranged while avoiding interference with the signal line extending from the first signal terminal.

[0017] (5) Any one of the charging connectors from (1) to (4), wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion may be formed so as to partition the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal and the signal terminal when viewed along the insertion / removal direction. Thereby, the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal and the signal terminal can be partitioned by the convex portion for anti-rotation.

[0018] (6) Any one of the charging connectors from (1) to (5), further including an exterior member that collectively covers the retainer, the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the signal terminal from the side opposite to the opening portion, and the first power line and the second power line may extend along a straight line extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction within the exterior member. In this case, in the exterior member, it is not necessary to secure a space for accommodating the bent power lines. Thereby, miniaturization of the charging connector can be achieved.

[0019] (7)(6) A charging connector comprising a plurality of signal terminals, and further comprising a plurality of signal lines connected to each of the plurality of signal terminals, wherein the plurality of signal lines may be bent and bundled together within the outer casing. This allows the first signal line and the second signal line to also be changed direction within the outer casing and bundled together for easy extraction.

[0020] (8)(6) or (7) is a charging connector, wherein the outer casing member may be an elastic member. This allows the portion of the charging connector opposite to the opening to be easily and completely covered by the elastic outer casing member. Furthermore, the elastic outer casing member can improve the waterproofness of the portion of the charging connector opposite to the opening.

[0021] (9) Any one of the charging connectors from (1) to (8), wherein a portion of one of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal includes a plate-shaped portion along the insertion / removal direction, and a portion of the other of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal includes a plate-shaped portion along a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. By aligning the plate-shaped portion of the first relay terminal and the plate-shaped portion of the second relay terminal along different directions, they can be arranged in a compact space, contributing to the miniaturization of the charging connector.

[0022] (10) Any one of the charging connectors from (1) to (9) may be provided with a watertight seal at the connection point between the first power line and the first relay terminal, and at the connection point between the second power line and the second relay terminal. This prevents water from entering each connection point.

[0023] (11)(10) is a charging connector, and the water-sealing part may be a heat-shrinkable tube. This allows each connection part to be easily sealed with a heat-shrinkable tube.

[0024] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the charging connectors of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0025] [Embodiment 1] The charging connector according to Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0026] <About the vehicle> First, let's explain which vehicles are equipped with a charging connector.

[0027] The vehicle into which the charging connector is incorporated is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery and a motor. The vehicle is driven by the motor being powered by the battery. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle equipped only with a motor as a power source, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with a motor and an engine. The battery in the vehicle is charged by power supplied from an external power source. The charging connector is configured to be electrically connected to an external charging connector 200 (see Figure 5) into which an external charging connector 200 is inserted. The external charging connector is a connector for a charging cable extending from an external power source.

[0028] In general, there are two methods of charging a vehicle battery: normal charging and fast charging. Fast charging allows for faster charging by supplying a larger current than normal charging. Normal charging is assumed to use a household power supply or an equivalent external power supply. Fast charging is assumed to use a dedicated power supply, such as a charging station. The charging connector of this disclosure is described as a charging connector that supports fast charging.

[0029] <Charging connector in a vehicle> Referring to Figure 1, the assembly configuration of the charging connector in the vehicle will be described. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the charging connector 10 and its assembly configuration according to Embodiment 1.

[0030] The charging connector 10 is attached, for example, to a mounting portion 100 provided on the outer surface of the vehicle body. Figure 1 shows an example of a mounting portion 100. The mounting portion 100 is formed in a concave shape, for example, where a part of the body panel is recessed inward into the vehicle. A through hole 104 is formed in the bottom panel 102 of the mounting portion 100.

[0031] The front side of the charging connector 10 is provided with a connection portion for an external charging connector. The connection portion includes a part into which the external charging connector is inserted and electrically connected. A portion of the charging connector 10, including the connection portion, passes through the through hole 104 and is exposed to the outside of the panel 102. Another portion of the charging connector 10 is positioned inside the vehicle relative to the panel 102. Typically, the mounting portion 100 is provided with a vehicle-side cover 106. The vehicle-side cover 106 is attached so as to be openable and closable by a hinge or the like. When the vehicle-side cover 106 is closed, it covers the opening in the panel 102. When the vehicle-side cover 106 is open, the charging connector 10 is exposed, allowing access to the charging connector 10 from the outside. When the external charging connector 200 is mated and connected to this charging connector 10, the battery 230 provided in the vehicle is charged.

[0032] In this disclosure, as shown in Figure 1, of the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, the X direction is the direction parallel to the direction in which the charging connector 10 penetrates the through-hole 104 of the panel 102. The charging connector 10 and the external charging connector are connected in the X direction. The Y direction is the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22, described later, are aligned. The Z direction is the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. For example, if the charging connector 10 is provided on the side of the vehicle, the X direction may be the width direction of the vehicle, the Y direction may be the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction may be the vertical direction. Also, for example, if the charging connector 10 is provided on the front or rear of the vehicle, the X direction may be the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the Y direction may be the width direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction may be the vertical direction.

[0033] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of the charging connector 10 will be described with reference to Figure 1, as well as Figures 2 through 7. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the charging connector 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a front view showing the charging connector 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the terminal-equipped wire 38 and its housing position. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the wire 30 path in the charging connector 10. Note that the wire 30 is omitted in Figure 3. Also, some of the terminal-equipped wires 38 are omitted in Figure 6.

[0034] The charging connector 10 comprises a terminal 20, a wire 30, a thermistor unit 40, a housing 50, a retainer 60, a wire cover 70, a lid unit 80, and a grommet 90.

[0035] <Terminal> Terminal 20 includes connector terminals 21 and relay terminals 28 (see Figures 3 to 6). Connector terminals 21 are housed in housing 50. Connector terminals 21 are connected to terminals of the mating connector. The number and type of connector terminals 21 are appropriately determined according to the specifications of the charging connector 10. In this embodiment, connector terminals 21 are provided with two power terminals 22, six signal terminals 24, and one ground terminal 26. Relay terminals 28 are interposed between the power terminals 22 and the electric wire 30. The same number of relay terminals 28 as power terminals 22 (two in this case) are provided. Each terminal 20 is formed by press-forming (bending) a metal plate.

[0036] The power terminal 22 is a terminal used to supply power to the battery 230. The power terminal 22 has a cylindrical portion 23a, a fastening plate-shaped portion 23b, and a protruding portion 23c. The power terminal 22 further has a thermistor mounting portion 23d.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 23a is the part that is electrically connected to the power supply terminal of the external charging connector. The fastening plate-shaped portion 23b is the part to which the relay terminal 28 is fastened and fixed. The power line 32 is electrically connected to the power terminal 22 via the relay terminal 28.

[0038] The signal terminal 24 has a mating connector 25a, a wire connector 25b, and a protruding portion 25c. The ground terminal 26 has a mating connector 27a, a wire connector 27b, and a protruding portion 27c. The wire connectors 25b and 27b are the parts to which the wires are connected, in this case, the crimping portions. The signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26 are crimped to the ends of the corresponding wires 30 by the wire connectors 25b and 27b, respectively. In this way, the signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26 are electrically connected to and fixed to the corresponding wires 30, respectively.

[0039] The protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are provided in the middle of each connector terminal 21. The protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are parts that are held down by the retainer 60. The thermistor mounting part 23d is the part to which the thermistor unit 40 is mounted.

[0040] One end of each wire 30 is connected to terminal 20. The other end of each wire 30 extends to the outside from grommet 90. When the charging connector 10 is mounted on the vehicle, the other end of each wire 30 is connected to another device mounted on the vehicle. Such device is appropriately set according to the type of wire 30, and for example, a battery, an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. The number and type of wires 30 correspond to the number and type of connector terminals 21. In this embodiment, the wire 30 includes two power lines 32, six signal lines 34, and one ground line 36 (see Figures 2 and 7). One end of the power line 32 is connected to relay terminal 28. The power line 32 is connected to power terminal 22 via relay terminal 28. One end of the signal line 34 is connected to signal terminal 24. One end of the ground line 36 is connected to ground terminal 26. One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to thermistor 42.

[0041] Each electric wire 30 is an insulated electric wire. An insulated electric wire has a core wire 31a and an insulation 31b that covers the core wire 31a. The core wire 31a is formed, for example, by twisting together multiple metal strands. The core wire 31a may also be a single-core wire. The insulation 31b is formed, for example, by extruding an insulating resin around the core wire 31a. Multiple types of electric wires 30 with different thicknesses are used as multiple electric wires 30. The thickness of the electric wire 30 is set according to the allowable current value, etc. Usually, to increase the allowable current value, it is necessary to increase the conductor cross-sectional area, and the thickness of the electric wire 30 increases accordingly. Also, the thickness of the electric wire 30 is usually correlated with the resistance of the electric wire 30 to bending, and as the electric wire 30 becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to bend. For example, when a flexible wire and a non-flexible wire are bent by the same angle, the radius of curvature of the non-flexible wire will be larger than that of the flexible wire, requiring a larger installation space.

[0042] In this example, the power line 32 is thicker than the ground line 36 and the signal line 34. Therefore, the power line 32 is less flexible than the ground line 36 and the signal line 34. The cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor of the power line 32 is, for example, 40 mm² or more. The cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor of the power line 32 is, for example, 120 mm² or less. Also, the ground line 36 is thicker than the signal line 34. Therefore, the ground line 36 is less flexible than the signal line 34.

[0043] <Wire with terminals> The terminal 20 and the wire 30 are electrically connected and fixed together by crimping during the manufacturing process of the charging connector 10, and are integrated into one unit. This integrated unit of wire 30 and terminal 20 is sometimes called a terminal-equipped wire 38. In this example, a terminal-equipped wire 38 is provided in which the power line 32 and the relay terminal 28 are integrated, a terminal-equipped wire 38 is provided in which the signal line 34 and the signal terminal 24 are integrated, and a terminal-equipped wire 38 is provided in which the ground line 36 and the ground terminal 26 are integrated.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, a watertight seal may be provided at the connection point between the wire 30 and the terminal 20 of the terminal-equipped wire 38. The watertight seal may be a heat-shrinkable tube 39 that has been heat-shrinked while covering the connection point. This prevents water from getting on the connection point between the wire 30 and the terminal 20, and prevents water from entering the insulation 31b. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 covers, for example, the portion of the terminal 20 in front of the portion to which the wire 30 is connected, up to the portion of the wire 30 that has insulation 31b. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 is placed over the terminal-equipped wire 38 in its large diameter state before heating. Then, when the heat-shrinkable tube 39 is heated and shrinks, it takes on a shape that conforms to the shape of the connection point, allowing it to adhere tightly to the connection point. For example, a hot-melt adhesive may be provided on the inner surface of the heat-shrinkable tube 39. This allows the hot melt adhesive to fill the gap between the heat shrink tube 39 and the terminal 20, and the gap between the heat shrink tube 39 and the electric wire 30, thereby increasing the waterproofing performance of the heat shrink tube 39. The inner surface of the heat shrink tube 39 does not necessarily need to be coated with hot melt adhesive. In the electric wire 38 with a terminal, the heat shrink tube 39 may be left exposed at the connection point between the electric wire 30 and the terminal 20, instead of the heat shrink tube 39. In the electric wire 38 with a terminal, a resin such as adhesive may be provided at the connection point between the electric wire 30 and the terminal 20 instead of the heat shrink tube 39. A configuration in which the resin covers and hardens the connection point can also function as a watertight seal. Figure 6 shows a heat shrink tube 39 covering the connection points between the power line connection points 29Ab and 29Bb of the relay terminal 28 and the power line 32.

[0045] <Thermistor Unit> The thermistor unit 40 measures the temperature of the power terminals 22. In the fast-charging connector 10, a large current flows through the power terminals 22 that supply power for charging the battery, and consequently, the temperature of the power terminals 22 rises significantly. By monitoring the temperature of the power terminals 22 using the thermistor unit 40, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the power terminals 22 from becoming too high. The thermistor unit 40 has a thermistor 42 and a thermistor wire 44 (see Figure 6). In this example, a thermistor 42 is attached to each of the pair of power terminals 22, and the temperature of each of the pair of power terminals 22 is measured. One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to the thermistor 42. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends to the outside from the grommet 90, similar to the other end of the wire 30. When the charging connector 10 is mounted on the vehicle, the other end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to, for example, an ECU. The thermistor wire 44 is thinner than the power line 32 and the ground wire 36. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 is more flexible than the power line 32 and the ground wire 36.

[0046] <Housing> The housing 50 holds the connector terminal 21 in a predetermined position (a position where it can be connected to the connector terminal 21 of the external charging connector). The housing 50 includes a housing body 51, a vehicle mounting portion 54, and a wire retaining portion 57 (see Figures 3 to 6).

[0047] The connector terminals 21 are housed in the housing body 51. The housing body 51 has an outer frame 52 and a plurality of terminal holding parts 53. Each of the plurality of terminal holding parts 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the corresponding connector terminals 21. The outer frame 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the plurality of terminal holding parts 53. In the middle of the terminal holding parts 53, the plurality of terminal holding parts 53 and the outer frame 52 are connected by a flat connecting part. An opening 51A is formed in the part of the outer frame 52 that faces outward from the vehicle than the connecting part, through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed. The terminal holding parts 53 are located inside the opening 51A when viewed along the direction of insertion and removal of the external charging connector. A lid unit 80 is attached to the front of the housing body 51. A retainer 60 is attached to the rear of the housing body 51.

[0048] The vehicle mounting portion 54 is the part for attaching the charging connector 10 to the mounting portion 100. The vehicle mounting portion 54 is formed as a plate shape that protrudes around the outer frame portion 52 in the middle part of the housing body 51. The vehicle mounting portion 54 is attached to the mounting portion 100 by means of a screw S, for example.

[0049] The wire retainer 57 holds down the middle portion of the wire 30 extending from the terminal 20. This makes it less likely for vibrations occurring on the other end of the wire 30, beyond the portion held down by the wire retainer 57, to be transmitted to the terminal 20, thereby suppressing friction between the terminal 20 and the housing body 51. Behind the housing body 51, a block-shaped arm 56 protrudes in the Y direction from the outer frame 52. A wire retainer 57 is provided at the tip of the arm 56 along the direction of protrusion from the housing body 51. Three wire retainers 57 are provided. Two of the three wire retainers 57 hold down two power lines 32, and the remaining wire retainer 57 holds down one ground line 36. Viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the signal line 34 extends along the ground line 36.

[0050] <Retainer> The retainer 60 prevents the terminal 20 from coming loose from the housing 50. The retainer 60 includes a terminal retaining portion 61 and walls 64, 65, and 66.

[0051] The terminal retaining portion 61 holds the rear of the connector terminal 21 housed in the housing 50. This prevents the connector terminal 21 from coming out of the housing 50 to the rear. The terminal retaining portion 61 includes a rear cover portion 62 and a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 63 that act as retaining portions.

[0052] The rear cover portion 62 closes the rear opening of the outer frame portion 52. Multiple through holes are formed in the rear cover portion 62. The multiple through holes are formed at positions corresponding to each terminal holding portion 53. The power terminal 22 and the relay terminal 28 are screwed together and in contact through the through hole corresponding to the power terminal 22. The relay terminal 28 is located on the back surface of the rear cover portion 62. The signal line 34 and the ground line 36 are drawn out from the through holes corresponding to the signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26.

[0053] Multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 project forward (towards the housing 50) from the rear cover portion 62. The multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to each terminal holding portion 53. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 communicates with each through hole. The tip of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the corresponding terminal holding portion 53 and presses the corresponding protruding portions 23c, 25c, and 27c from the rear. For example, the pair of protruding cylindrical portions 63 corresponding to the power terminal 22 act as a pressing portion, pressing the protruding portion 23c from the opposite side of the cylindrical portion 23a (see Figure 5).

[0054] Walls 64, 65, and 66 protrude rearward from the rear cover portion 62 along the insertion / removal direction. Walls 64 and 65 are walls that separate the relay terminal 28 from its surroundings. Walls 64 and 65 also serve as restricting walls that restrict the rotation of the relay terminal 28. The configuration in which walls 64 and 65 restrict the rotation of the relay terminal 14 will be explained further later in relation to the relay terminal 14. Wall 66 is a partition wall that separates the terminal 20 housing space from the drainage space inside the grommet 90.

[0055] The housing 50 and the retainer 60 are provided with locking portions. In this example, the locking portions consist of a locking projection formed on the housing 50 and a locking piece formed on the retainer 60. The locking piece engages with the locking projection, causing the retainer 60 to join with the rear end of the housing 50 opposite to the opening 51A. As a result, the retainer 60, together with the housing 50, holds the connector terminal 21.

[0056] <Wire cover> The wire cover 70 is attached to the wire retainer 57. The wire cover 70 prevents the wire 30 from coming out of the wire retainer 57. The wire cover 70 and the wire retainer 57 cover the entire perimeter of the middle portion of the wire 30 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, two wire covers 70 are provided. One of the two wire covers 70 holds down two power lines 32. The other of the two wire covers 70 holds down one ground line 36.

[0057] <Lid Unit> The lid unit 80 is provided in front of the housing body 51 so as to be openable and closable. When the lid unit 80 is opened, the connection port of the housing body 51 is exposed. This allows an external charging connector to be connected to the charging connector 10. When the lid unit 80 is closed, the connection port of the housing body 51 is closed by the lid unit 80. The lid unit 80 has a lid 82, a hinge unit 84, and a locking unit 86. The lid 82 is attached to the housing body 51 so as to be openable and closable via the hinge unit 84. The locking unit 86 keeps the lid 82 in the closed position. During charging, the operator can open the lid 82 by operating the locking unit 86.

[0058] <Grommet> The grommet 90 covers the retainer 60 and terminal 20 together from the opposite side of the opening 51A of the housing 50. The grommet 90 includes a first protective part 91 and a second protective part 94. The first protective part 91 covers the rear end of the housing body 51 and the retainer 60. The second protective part 94 covers the wire retaining part 57. The grommet 90 is made of an elastic material. The grommet 90 is made of an elastomer such as EPDM. The grommet 90 is made of an integrally molded product, for example. The grommet is an example of an exterior member that covers the retainer 60 and terminal 20 together. The exterior member does not need to be made of an elastic material and may be made of a hard resin, metal, etc. In other words, the exterior member may be a protector or a grommet, for example.

[0059] The first protective section 91 has a housing outlet 92 and a drain port 93. The housing outlet 92 is an example of an opening that covers the rear end of the housing 50. The front end of the housing body 51 extends outside the grommet 90 through the housing outlet 92. The housing outlet 92 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the X direction. The drain port 93 is an opening for draining water that enters the inside of the charging connector 10 to the outside. Such water is expected to enter, for example, from the front end of the housing body 51 when the lid unit 80 is opened. The drain port 93 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the Z direction.

[0060] A cable tie 98 is attached to the outer surface of the housing outlet 92. The grommet 90 is attached to the housing 50 by the cable tie 98. An annular rib 92a is provided on the inner surface of the housing outlet 92. The annular rib 92a is provided around the entire circumference of the inner surface of the housing outlet 92. The annular rib 92a is in close contact with the outer surface of the housing body 51 around its entire circumference. When the housing outlet 92 is tightened by the cable tie 98, the annular rib 92a is compressed between the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 and the outer surface of the housing body 51. This increases the watertightness between the outer surface of the housing body 51 and the inner surface of the housing outlet 92.

[0061] A wire outlet 95 is formed in the second protective section 94. The other end of the wire 30 extends outside the grommet 90 through the wire outlet 95. Three wire outlets 95 are provided in one grommet 90. Two of the three wire outlets 95 are provided for two power lines 32. One power line 32 is passed through each of the two wire outlets 95. The signal line 34, ground line 36, and thermistor wire 44 are all passed through the remaining wire outlet 95 of the three wire outlets 95.

[0062] <Positional relationship of terminals> Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the positional relationship of the connector terminals 21 held by the housing 50 and the retainer 60 will be explained.

[0063] The charging connector 10 includes a pair of power terminals 22. Viewed along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector, the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged to align in the Z direction. For example, the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged to align horizontally with respect to the vertical direction.

[0064] The pair of power terminals 22 are an example of a first power terminal and a second power terminal. In the following description, one of the pair of power terminals 22 may be distinguished as the first power terminal 22A and the other as the second power terminal 22B, as needed. The parts of the first power terminal and the second power terminal can also be distinguished by adding "first" or "second" to their prefixes. The power line 32 and the screw S, which is an example of a fastener, can also be distinguished by adding "first" or "second" to their prefixes, depending on the first power terminal 22A and the second power terminal 22B to which they are connected.

[0065] The multiple signal terminals 24 are arranged on either side of the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction. In the following description, the multiple signal terminals 24 may be distinguished as a first signal terminal 24A and a second signal terminal 24B. The first signal terminal 24A is one of the multiple signal terminals 24 that, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, is arranged on one side (for example, the upper side) of the alignment line in the direction in which the central axes of the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned with respect to the pair of power terminals 22. The second signal terminal 24B is one of the multiple signal terminals 24 that, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, is arranged on the other side (for example, the lower side) of the alignment line with respect to the pair of power terminals 22. The signal lines 34 connected to the signal terminals 24 may also be distinguished as follows, with those connected to the first signal terminal 24A being called the first signal line and those connected to the second signal terminal 24B being called the second signal line, as needed.

[0066] Here, four first signal terminals 24A are arranged on one side (for example, the upper side) along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned. More specifically, one first signal terminal 24A is positioned on one side (for example, the upper side) along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned, rather than between the pair of power terminals 22, and the remaining three first signal terminals 24A are positioned further from the pair of power terminals 22 than that one first signal terminal 24A is positioned along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned.

[0067] Furthermore, two second signal terminals 24B are arranged on the other side (for example, the lower side) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned. More specifically, the two second signal terminals 24B are arranged on the other side (for example, the lower side) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned, and are aligned in the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned. A ground terminal 26 is arranged between the two second signal terminals 24B. Terminal holding portions 53 that accommodate each connector terminal 21 are also provided at positions corresponding to each connector terminal 21.

[0068] <Power terminal> A more specific example of the power terminal 22 will be described. In this embodiment, the first power terminal 22A and the second power terminal 22B have the same configuration. As shown in Figure 8, the power terminal 22 includes a cylindrical portion 23a and a fastening plate-shaped portion 23b. The cylindrical portion 23a is provided at one end of the power terminal 22, and the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b is provided at the other end.

[0069] The cylindrical portion 23a is formed in a cylindrical shape into which the mating rod-shaped terminal 210 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 23a has slits 23s that extend from the middle of the longitudinal direction toward the tip. Multiple slits 23s are formed so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 23a. The elongated pieces 23p of the cylindrical portion 23a between the slits are connected via an annular portion on the base end side of the cylindrical portion 23a. Each elongated piece 23p can be elastically deformed inward and outward of the cylindrical portion 23a with the annular portion as a fulcrum. When the mating terminal 210 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 23a, each elongated piece 23p elastically deforms toward the outside of the cylindrical portion 23a. With the terminal 210 inserted into the cylindrical portion 23a, each elongated piece 23p is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the terminal 210 by the elastic force that causes each elongated piece 23p to return to its original shape. When the terminal 210 is pulled out of the cylindrical portion 23a, each long piece 23p returns to its original annular arrangement.

[0070] The fastening plate-like portion 23b is a plate-shaped part having a fastening through-hole 23bh. The fastening through-hole 23bh only needs to penetrate both sides of the fastening plate-like portion 23b and does not need to be a hole surrounded by other objects. A part of the periphery of the fastening through-hole 23bh may reach the outer edge of the fastening plate-like portion 23b via a slit. The fastening plate-like portion 23b intersects with the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 23a, and in this case, it is perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 23a. When viewed along the insertion and removal direction, the fastening through-hole 23bh and the through-hole 29Aah (or 29Bah), which will be described later, are arranged to overlap with the cylindrical portion 23a. The central axis of the fastening through-hole 23bh and the central axis of the cylindrical portion 23a may coincide. In this embodiment, the fastening plate-like portion 23b is formed in a disc shape except for the part connected to the connecting portion 23e, which will be described next. The external shape of the fastening plate-like portion 23b is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be formed in a polygonal plate shape such as a rectangular plate shape. Since the fastening plate-like portion 23b is arranged along a direction intersecting the central axis of the cylindrical portion 23a, the plate-like mounting portions 29Aa and 29Ba, which will be described later and superimposed on the fastening plate-like portion 23b, are also arranged along a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0071] A connecting portion 23e is provided between the cylindrical portion 23a and the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b. The connecting portion 23e has an elongated plate-shaped portion, one end of which is connected to a part of the circumferential direction of the base end of the cylindrical portion 23a, and the other end of which is connected to one side of the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b.

[0072] The pair of protrusions 23c are provided on both sides of the connecting portion 23e that are closer to the cylindrical portion 23a. When viewed along the longitudinal direction of the power terminal 22, the tips of the pair of protrusions 23c extend beyond the cylindrical portion 23a. As described above, the protruding cylindrical portion 63 of the retainer 60 can press against 23c from the side opposite to the cylindrical portion 23a.

[0073] The power terminal 22 may be a member formed by bending a metal plate-shaped member 220. For example, a metal plate-shaped member 220 made of a copper plate or copper alloy plate is punched out into the shape that forms the power terminal 22 (see dashed line L in Figure 8 for some punched shapes). During or after punching, each punched part is bent to form a cylindrical part 23a, a fastening plate-shaped part 23b, and a protruding part 23c. This manufactures the power terminal 22. Such a power terminal 22 can be manufactured more efficiently and at a lower cost than when a metal block-shaped member is machined.

[0074] <Relay terminal> The relay terminal 28 will be explained in more detail. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the retainer 60 and the relay terminal 28. As shown in Figures 3, 5 to 7, and 9, one of the pair of relay terminals 28 is connected to the first power terminal 22A, and the other is connected to the second power terminal 22B. The pair of relay terminals 28 are examples of the first and second relay terminals, and their shapes differ from each other. In the following description, the relay terminal 28 connected to the first power terminal 22A may be distinguished as the first relay terminal 28A, and the one connected to the second power terminal 22B as the second relay terminal 28B, as needed. The parts of the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B may also be distinguished by adding the prefix "first" or "second".

[0075] The second relay terminal 28B has a plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba, a power line connection portion 29Bb, and an intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc. With the second relay terminal 28B fixed to the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b of the second power terminal 22B, the second relay terminal 28B extends along a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0076] More specifically, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba is formed in a plate shape. The external shape of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba is not particularly limited. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba may be formed in a non-circular plate shape and may be shaped to contact the wall 65 to prevent rotation. A through hole 29Bah is formed in the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba. The through hole 29Bah only needs to penetrate through both sides of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba and does not need to be a hole surrounded by other objects. A part of the periphery of the through hole 29Bah may reach the outer edge of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba via a slit. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba may have the same configuration as a perforated plate-shaped terminal, so-called an LA terminal. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba is superimposed on the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b at the rear end of the second power terminal 22B opposite to the opening 51A. In this state, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh are positioned in the same location. A screw S, which is an example of a fastener, is inserted through the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh from the opposite side of the opening 51A, and the screw S is screwed into a nut. This fastens the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba to the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b. In this state, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba intersects with the insertion / removal direction. The fastener may be a rivet instead of a screw. The fastening direction is defined as the direction in which the fastener tightens the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba and the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b toward each other, thereby joining the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba and the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b. The fastening direction is the same as the direction in which the fastener is inserted through the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh. In this embodiment, the fastening direction is the same as the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, the fastener can be inserted through the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh along the insertion / removal direction. Furthermore, if the fastener is a screw, the screw can be rotated around an axis along the insertion / removal direction. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba includes a through hole 29Bah and is an example of a second mounting portion that is attached to the second power terminal 22B. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba is provided with second rotation-retaining projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2. The second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp will be explained further later in relation to the wall 64.

[0077] An intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc extends from the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba along a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. In this embodiment, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc extends toward one side along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc extend in the same plane intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0078] A power line connection portion 29Bb is provided at the end of the intermediate plate-like portion 29Bc. Therefore, the second relay terminal 28B extends in a direction that intersects the insertion / removal direction when viewed as a whole.

[0079] The power line connection portion 29Bb is the portion to which the power line 32 is connected. In this embodiment, the power line connection portion 29Bb is crimped to the core wire 31a exposed at the end of the power line 32. The power line connection portion 29Bb and the core wire 31a may be connected by soldering, ultrasonic welding, or the like. The power line 32 connected to the power line connection portion 29Bb is electrically connected to the second power terminal 22B via the second relay terminal 28B. The power line 32 extends along a straight line extending from the power line connection portion 29Bb in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0080] The first relay terminal 28A has a plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa, a power line connection portion 29Ab, and an intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac. With the first relay terminal 28A fixed to the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b of the first power terminal 22A, the first relay terminal 28A extends along a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0081] More specifically, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa is formed in a plate shape. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa has a through hole 29Aah, similar to the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba. Similar to the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba, the external shape of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the shape of the through hole 29Aah are not particularly limited. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa is superimposed on the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b at the rear end of the first power terminal 22A opposite to the opening 51A. In this state, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa is fastened to the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b by a screw S, which is an example of a fastener, as described above. In this state, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa intersects with respect to the insertion and removal direction. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa includes the through hole 29Aah and is an example of a first mounting portion attached to the first power terminal 22A. A first rotation stop projection 29Ap is provided on this plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa. The first rotational stop projection 29Ap will be explained further later in relation to the wall 65.

[0082] Since the first power terminal 22A and the second power terminal 22B are adjacent to each other, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba are provided in adjacent positions with a gap between them. In this embodiment, in the insertion / removal direction, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba are located in the same position.

[0083] An intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac extends from the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa along a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0084] A power line connection portion 29Ab is provided at the end of the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac. Therefore, the first relay terminal 28A extends in a direction that intersects the insertion / removal direction when viewed as a whole.

[0085] The power line connection section 29Ab, like the power line connection section 29Bb, is the part to which the power line 32 is connected. By connecting the power line 32 to the power line connection section 29Ab, the power line 32 is electrically connected to the first power terminal 22A via the first relay terminal 28A. The power line 32 extends along a straight line that extends from the power line connection section 29Bb in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0086] The pair of power lines 32 may extend in the same direction along the direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, or they may extend in different directions. In this embodiment, the pair of power lines 32 extend in the same direction along the direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

[0087] In other words, as described above, the power line connection portion 29Bb of the second relay terminal 28B is positioned outward along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned relative to the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba. The power line connection portion 29Ab of the first relay terminal 28A is positioned in parallel with the power line connection portion 29Bb. More specifically, the power line connection portion 29Ab is positioned inward from the adjacent power line connection portion 29Bb. As a result, the pair of power lines 32 connected to the pair of power line connection portions 29Ab and 29Bb can extend in parallel along the direction in which the pair of power lines 32 are aligned.

[0088] The power line connection portion 29Ab of the first relay terminal 28A bypasses the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc of the second relay terminal 28B and heads towards the power line connection portion 29Bb. For this reason, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac of the first relay terminal 28A has a structure that acts as a bypass portion.

[0089] More specifically, the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is formed in an elongated plate shape. One side of one end of the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is connected to the edge of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa that is opposite to the second relay terminal 28B. This allows the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac to bend along the insertion / removal direction. By bending the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac in its thickness direction, it becomes easier to make the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac follow a narrow and flexible path when viewed along the insertion / removal direction.

[0090] In this embodiment, the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac includes an inclined portion 29Ac1 and an alignment-direction portion 29Ac2 (see Figures 7 and 9). The inclined portion 29Ac1 is a portion that is inclined from the portion connected to the plate-like mounting portion 29Aa toward the space between the pair of power terminals 22, while being inclined in the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned. The inclined portion 29Ac1 extends toward a position further away from the first signal terminal 24A relative to the plate-like mounting portion 29Aa. The alignment-direction portion 29Ac2 is a portion that curves from the end of the inclined portion 29Ac1 and extends along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned. The alignment-direction portion 29Ac2 extends along a path outside the first signal terminal 24A. The power line connection portion 29Ab is connected to the end of the alignment-direction portion 29Ac2. In this way, the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac passes through a path that detours to pass through a path outside the pair of power terminals 22 and the first signal terminal 24A.

[0091] In this embodiment, the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is a plate-like portion that runs along the insertion / extraction direction, and the intermediate plate-like portion 29Bc is a plate-like portion that runs along a direction intersecting the insertion / extraction direction. The relay terminal 28 forms a power path, so it needs to be a member with a cross-sectional area that matches the current flowing through it. For this reason, the width and thickness of the intermediate plate-like portions 29Ac and 29Bc also need to be set according to the current. For example, if both the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac and the intermediate plate-like portion 29Bc are oriented in a direction intersecting the insertion / extraction direction, a large area will be required to arrange the intermediate plate-like portions 29Ac and 29Bc when viewed along the insertion / extraction direction. As in this embodiment, by changing the extending direction of the intermediate plate-like portions 29Ac and 29Bc and combining them, it becomes easier to arrange the intermediate plate-like portions 29Ac and 29Bc in a compact space. In particular, by aligning the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac, which tends to be a detour and thus have a longer path length, with the insertion / removal direction, it becomes easier to arrange the intermediate plate-like portions 29Ac and 29Bc in a compact space when viewed along the insertion / removal direction.

[0092] Furthermore, since the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is bent from the fastening plate-like portion 23b of the first power terminal 22A toward the cylindrical portion 23a, the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac itself is positioned within the length dimension of the first power terminal 22A along the insertion / removal direction. For this reason, the presence of the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac along the insertion / removal direction does not easily affect the enlargement of the charging connector 10 in the insertion / removal direction.

[0093] Since the above-mentioned relay terminal 28 has a shape in which plate-like portions are connected on the same plane or a shape in which plate-like portions are bent, it can be formed by bending a metal plate-like member by press working or the like.

[0094] The relay terminal 28 may have a first plating layer 28f. The power terminal 22 may have a second plating layer 22f. The wear resistance of the second plating layer 22f may be higher than that of the first plating layer 28f. The wear resistance here may be evaluated, for example, by the reciprocating wear test method specified in the Plating Wear Resistance Test Method of JIS H 8503:1989. For example, the first plating layer 28f may contain tin, and the second plating layer 22f may contain silver.

[0095] Unlike the intermediate terminal 28, the cylindrical portion 23a of the power terminal 22 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the mating terminal 210. Therefore, by applying a second plating layer 22f with high wear resistance to the power terminal 22, a good electrical connection between the power terminal 22 and terminal 210 can be maintained. In contrast, since the intermediate terminal 28 does not rub against other terminals, wear resistance is not a major consideration, and a plating material can be selected considering other characteristics (e.g., corrosion resistance, cost, etc.).

[0096] The relay terminal 28 may be fixed to the pair of power terminals 22 by fastening and fixing plate-shaped mounting portions 29Aa and 29Ba to a fastening plate-shaped portion 23b exposed behind the retainer 60, for example, while the pair of power terminals 22 are held by the housing 50 and the retainer 60.

[0097] <Terminals and Walls> The positional relationship between the walls 64 and 65 on the retainer 60 and the terminals 20 will be explained in more detail. Figure 10 is a rear view showing the relationship between the walls 64 and 65 of the retainer 60 and the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B. That is, since the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B are fixed by fasteners such as screws S, they may rotate around the fasteners. The walls 64 and 64 restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B.

[0098] As shown in Figures 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, the wall 64 is a wall surrounding the first relay terminal 28A and is an example of a first protrusion that restricts the rotation of the first relay terminal 28A.

[0099] The wall 64 will be described in more detail in relation to the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa of the first relay terminal 28A. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa includes a first rotational stopper projection 29Ap that partially protrudes around the first through hole 29Aah, intersecting (in this case orthogonal) in the insertion / removal direction. More specifically, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa includes a main body portion 29Aq that protrudes from one side edge of the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac, and a first rotational stopper projection 29Ap that protrudes from one side of the main body portion 29Aq. The main body portion 29Aq is plate-shaped, enclosed by a U-shaped line and a straight line. The straight line portion of the main body portion 29Aq is connected to the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac. The center of curvature of the U-shaped portion of the main body portion 29Aq coincides with the center of curvature of the first through hole 29Aah. The first rotational stop projection 29Ap is formed in a plate shape that protrudes from one side of the main body 29Aq (the side opposite to the side from which the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac protrudes). Therefore, the first rotational stop projection 29Ap partially protrudes around the first through hole 29Aah in a direction intersecting (in this case perpendicular to) the insertion and removal direction. The tip of the first rotational stop projection 29Ap extends in a direction that is inclined in the opposite direction to the straight line portion of the main body 29Aq, towards the side opposite to the side from which the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac protrudes.

[0100] Here, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac is the part that connects the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa to the first power line connection portion 29Ab. The first rotational stop projection 29Ap protrudes around the first through hole 29Aah in a direction different from the direction in which the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac extends. This first rotational stop projection 29Ap effectively increases the surface area of ​​the first relay terminal 28A, thereby further promoting heat dissipation at the first relay terminal 28A. In other words, even if the first rotational stop projection 29Ap does not contribute much as a conductor for carrying current for power supply from the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa to the first power line connection portion 29Ab, it enhances the heat dissipation of the first relay terminal 28A, and thereby plays a role in suppressing the temperature rise of the first relay terminal 28A.

[0101] The wall 64 is a wall that surrounds the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac of the first relay terminal 28A. The wall 64 is an example of a first protrusion that protrudes along the insertion / removal direction and contacts the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap to restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal 28A. More specifically, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the wall 64 is formed to follow the outer periphery of the main body portion 29Aq and the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa. The portion 64p of the wall 64 that surrounds the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap partially bypasses the first through hole 29Aah outward to form a space that accommodates the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap. In addition, protrusions 64p1 and 64p2 are formed on the inner surface of portion 64p of the wall 64, along the insertion / removal direction. The protruding portions 64p1 and 64p2 are formed in positions that allow them to contact the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap from both sides. By partially protruding thinly from the wall 64, the protruding portions 64p1 and 64p2 can minimize the gap between the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap and its outer edge, thereby more reliably restricting the rotation of the first rotation-retaining projection 29Ap.

[0102] In other words, if the inner circumferential shape of the wall 64 is set to be the same as the shape of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa, it becomes difficult to fit the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa into the wall 64. Therefore, if the inner circumferential shape of the wall 64 is made slightly larger than the shape of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa, the assembly of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa becomes easier. In this case, there is a possibility that the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa may move in the rotational direction within the wall 64. Therefore, by making the protruding portions 64p1 and 64p2, which are part of the wall 64, protrude, the assembly of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa is made easier while more reliably restricting the rotation of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa.

[0103] The wall 64 also has portions that surround both sides of the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, and protruding portions 64P2 are formed in these portions along the insertion / removal direction. The rotation of the first relay terminal 28A is also restricted when the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is fitted into the portion of the wall 64.

[0104] Furthermore, the wall 64 includes a portion 64a interposed between the first relay terminal 28A and the first signal terminal 24A, and a portion 64b interposed between the first relay terminal 28A and the second signal terminal 24B. A portion of the wall 64 surrounding the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa (the upper part in Figure 10) is portion 64a, and the other portion (the lower part in Figure 10) is portion 64b.

[0105] The wall 65 will be explained in more detail in relation to the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba of the second relay terminal 28B.

[0106] The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba includes second rotation-retaining projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 that partially protrude around the second through-hole 29Bah in the direction of insertion and removal (in this case, perpendicular). More specifically, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba includes a main body portion 29Bq that protrudes from the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac on the side opposite to the second power line connection portion 29Bb, and second rotation-retaining projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 that protrude from one side of the main body portion 29Bq. The main body portion 29Bq has a polygonal plate shape that gradually narrows toward the side opposite to the second power line connection portion 29Bb. The second through-hole 29Bah is formed in the main body portion 29Bq.

[0107] The second rotation stop projection 29Bp1 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes from one side of the main body 29Bq (in this case, the side of the first signal terminal 24A). Therefore, the second rotation stop projection 29Bp1 partially protrudes around the second through hole 29Bah in a direction intersecting (in this case perpendicular) with the insertion / removal direction. One side edge of the second rotation stop projection 29Bp2 is perpendicular to the direction in which the intermediate plate-like portion 29Bc is directed toward the second power line connection portion 29Bb, the tip edge of the second rotation stop projection 29Bp1 is parallel to this direction, and the other side edge of the second rotation stop projection 29Bp1 is inclined with respect to this direction and connects to the main body 29Bq.

[0108] The second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp2 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes from the other side of the main body 29Bq (in this case, the side of the second signal terminal 24B). Therefore, the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp2 partially protrudes around the second through-hole 29Bah in a direction intersecting (in this case perpendicular) with the insertion / removal direction. Both side edges of the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp2 are perpendicular to the direction in which the intermediate plate-like portion 29Bc is directed toward the second power line connection portion 29Bb, and the tip edge of the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp2 is parallel to this direction.

[0109] The wall 65 is a wall that surrounds the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba of the second relay terminal 28B, excluding the portion connected to the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc. The wall 65 is an example of a second protrusion that protrudes along the insertion / removal direction and contacts the second rotation-retaining protrusions 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 to restrict the rotation of the second relay terminal 28B.

[0110] More specifically, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the wall 65 is formed to follow the outer edges of the main body 29Bq and the second rotation-retaining projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba. The portion 65p1 of the wall 65 surrounding the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp1 partially bypasses the second through-hole 29Bah outward to form a space that accommodates the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp1. More specifically, the portion 65p1 includes a portion facing the tip edge of the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp1, and a ridge portion 65p1p is formed on the inner surface of this portion along the insertion / removal direction. The ridge portion 65p1p is formed in a position where it can contact the tip edge of the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp1. The protruding portion 65p1p, by partially protruding thinly from the wall 65, minimizes the gap with the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp1, thereby playing a role in more reliably restricting the rotation of the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp1.

[0111] The portion 65p2 of the wall 65 surrounding the second rotational stop projection 29Bp2 forms a space that accommodates the second rotational stop projection 29Bp2 by partially bypassing the second through hole 29Bah. More specifically, the portion 65p2 is shaped to include a portion facing the tip edge of the second rotational stop projection 29Bp2 and the side edge opposite to the second power line connection portion 29Bb. Viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the portion 65p2 is L-shaped. A ridge portion 65p2p is formed at the inner corner of the portion 65p2, along the insertion / removal direction. The ridge portion 65p2p is formed at a position where it can contact the corner edge of the second rotational stop projection 29Bp2, which is composed of the tip edge and one side edge. The protruding portion 65p2p, by partially protruding thinly from the wall 65, minimizes the gap with the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp2, thereby playing a role in more reliably restricting the rotation of the second rotation-retaining projection 29Bp2.

[0112] The protruding portions 65p1p and 65p2p, like the protruding portions 64p1 and 64p2 described above, partially protrude from the wall 65, thereby facilitating the assembly of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba while more reliably restricting the rotation of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba.

[0113] The intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc is the part that connects the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba to the second power line connection portion 29Bb. The second rotation-stopping protrusions 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 protrude around the second through-hole 29Bah in a direction different from the direction in which the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc extends. These second rotation-stopping protrusions 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 enhance the heat dissipation of the second relay terminal 28B, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the second relay terminal 28B.

[0114] Furthermore, the wall 65 includes a portion 65a interposed between the second relay terminal 28B and the first signal terminal 24A, and a portion 65b interposed between the second relay terminal 28B and the second signal terminal 24B. A portion of the wall 64 surrounding the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba (the upper part in Figure 10) is portion 65a, and the other portion (the lower part in Figure 10) is portion 65b.

[0115] Furthermore, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the wall 64 and wall 65 share a portion of each other where the pair of power terminals 22 are adjacent.

[0116] <Wire routing in charging connectors> As shown in Figure 7, the power line 32 extends straight through the grommet 90 from one end connected to a pair of relay terminals 28 to the other end, and extends outside the grommet 90 through an outlet. The two power lines 32 extend side by side in the Z direction through the grommet 90. The two power terminals 22 are housed in the housing body 51 side by side in the Y direction. The direction in which the two power lines 32 are aligned and the direction in which the two power terminals 22 are aligned are changed by the relay terminals 28 as described above.

[0117] One end of the signal wire 34 is inserted into the terminal holding portion 53. The other end of the signal wire 34 extends out of the through hole, is bent and bundled together in the grommet 90, and proceeds towards the exit of the grommet 90. More specifically, of the multiple signal wires 34, the first signal wire 34A is connected to the first signal terminal 24A located above the power terminal 22, extends out of the through hole, passes between the pair of power lines 32, merges with the second signal wire 34B, and extends in the Y direction. The second signal wire 34B is connected to the second signal terminal 24B located below the power terminal 22, extends out of the through hole, merges with the first signal wire 34A, and extends in the Y direction. Bundling the signal wires 34 may be done by a guide portion 58 provided on the wire retaining portion 57. The guide section 58 has a pair of side walls 58a, and multiple signal lines 34 are bundled together by being placed between these side walls 58a. The bundle of multiple signal lines may also be done by means of adhesive tape, cable ties, or the like.

[0118] One end of the ground wire 36 is inserted into the terminal holding portion 53. The ground wire 36 extends from one end to the other through the through hole, bends within the grommet 90, and proceeds toward the exit of the grommet 90 together with the signal wire 34. As described above, the ground wire 36 is less flexible than the signal wire 34, so in the portion where the signal wire 34 and the ground wire 36 bend from the X direction to the Y direction, the radius of curvature of the ground wire 36 tends to be larger than that of the signal wire 34. The other end of the ground wire 36 is held in place by the wire retaining portion 57 and the wire cover 70, which prevents the ground wire 36 from bulging too much within the grommet 90.

[0119] The thermistor 42 is housed in the housing body 51 together with the power terminal 22. Therefore, one end of the thermistor wire 44 is also housed in the housing body 51. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends outside the rear cover portion 62 through the through hole, bends within the grommet 90, and heads toward the exit of the grommet 90. The thermistor wire 44 passes through the portion of the through hole used for inserting the terminal wire 38. The thermistor wire 44 extends in the Y direction together with the signal wire 34, passing between the pair of power wires 32.

[0120] The insertion / extraction direction, the direction in which the drain port 93 opens, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the grommet 90 are intersecting directions. Here, the insertion / extraction direction is the X direction. The direction in which the drain port 93 opens is the Z direction. The direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the grommet 90 is the Y direction. The insertion / extraction direction, the direction in which the drain port 93 opens, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the grommet 90 are orthogonal to each other, but they may intersect at angles other than orthogonal.

[0121] <Effects, etc.> With the charging connector 10 configured in this way, the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B extend in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The power line 32 extends in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction when connected to the first relay terminal 28A or the second relay terminal 28B. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure space within the charging connector 10 to accommodate the bent power line 32. This allows for miniaturization of the charging connector 10. In addition, the first rotation-stopping projection 29Ap of the first relay terminal 28A and the second rotation-stopping projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 of the second relay terminal 28B contact the wall 64 as the first projection or the wall 65 as the second projection, thereby preventing rotation of the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B. This stabilizes the direction in which each power line 32 extends. Furthermore, since the first rotation-stopping projection 29Ap and the second rotation-stopping projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 are portions that partially protrude around the through holes 29Aah and 29Bah, the surface area of ​​the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B can be increased. This promotes heat dissipation at the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B. For example, the monitoring temperature of the power terminal 22 detected by a thermistor or the like will also be lower, and charging by the charging connector 10 can be performed smoothly.

[0122] Furthermore, since the first rotation-stopping projection 29Ap and the second rotation-stopping projections 29Bp1 and 29Bp2 protrude in different directions from the intermediate plate-like portions 29Ac and 29Bc, the surface area of ​​the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B can be effectively increased regardless of the power path, thereby promoting heat dissipation at each relay terminal 28.

[0123] Furthermore, since walls 64 and 65 surround the plate-shaped mounting sections 29Aa and 29Ba, they separate the plate-shaped mounting sections 29Aa and 29Ba from their surroundings, enabling physical separation from other components and more reliable insulation.

[0124] Furthermore, since the first relay terminal 28A has an intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac that acts as a bypass portion that extends to bypass the first signal terminal 24A, the first relay terminal 28A can be positioned while avoiding interference with the signal line 34 extending from the first signal terminal 24A.

[0125] Furthermore, since the walls 64 and 65 of the retainer 60 have portions 64a, 64b, 65a, and 65b formed at positions that separate the relay terminal 28 and the signal terminal 24, the relay terminal 28 and the signal terminal 24 can be more reliably separated by a tangible object.

[0126] Furthermore, if the power line 32 extends along a straight line that intersects the insertion / removal direction within the grommet 90, the space required for housing the power line 32 within the grommet 90 can be reduced, and the assembly of the power line 32 becomes easier. This makes it possible to miniaturize the charging connector and also simplifies the manufacturing of the charging connector 10.

[0127] Furthermore, since the signal wire 34 is easier to bend than the power wire 32, it can be easily bent and reoriented within the grommet 90 and then bundled together and pulled out.

[0128] Furthermore, if the exterior component is an elastic grommet, the grommet 90 can be deformed to easily cover the portion of the charging connector 10 opposite to the opening 51A. This improves the waterproofing of the portion of the charging connector 10 opposite to the opening 51A.

[0129] Furthermore, since the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is a plate-like portion that follows the insertion / removal direction, and the intermediate plate-like portion 29Bc is a plate-like portion that follows a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, each plate-like portion can be arranged in a compact space with different directions, contributing to the miniaturization of the charging connector 10.

[0130] Furthermore, by providing water-sealing sections at the connection points between the power line 32 and the power line connection sections 29Ab and 29Bb, the adhesion of water to these connection points is suppressed.

[0131] By using heat-shrink tubing 39 as a watertight seal, the above connection point can be easily sealed.

[0132] [Differentiation] Figure 11 is a rear view showing a modified charging connector 110. Note that some components, such as the electric wires 30, are omitted in Figure 11. In the description of this modified example, components similar to those described previously are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0133] The charging connector 110 shown in Figure 11 has eight signal terminals 24. More specifically, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction, four signal terminals 24 are arranged on one side of the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are aligned, and four signal terminals 24 are arranged on the other side. The pair of power terminals 22 are hidden by the relay terminal 28 in Figure 11, but are positioned in the same location as the pair of screws S as in Embodiment 1. The four signal terminals 24 are positioned in the locations corresponding to the vertices of the rhombus. In this example, the ground terminal 26 is omitted. Accordingly, the structure relating to the ground terminal 26 is omitted in the housing 150 corresponding to the housing 50 and the retainer 160 corresponding to the retainer 60.

[0134] Furthermore, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 10 Charging Connectors 20 terminals 21 Connector terminals 22 Power terminals (22A 1st power terminal, 22B 2nd power terminal) 22f Second plating layer 23a Cylinder part 23b Fastening plate-like portion 23bh fastening through hole 23c, 25c, 27c protrusion 23d Thermistor mounting section 23e Connecting part 23p long piece 23s Slit 24 Signal terminals (24A First signal terminal, 24B Second signal terminal) 25a, 27a Reciprocal connection part 25b, 27b Wire connection section 26 Ground terminal 28 Relay terminals (28A First relay terminal, 28B Second relay terminal) 28f First plating layer 29Aa, 29Ba Plate-shaped mounting part 29Aah, 29Bah through hole 29Ab, 29Bb Power line connection 29Ac, 29Bc Intermediate plate-like section 29Ac1 Inclined section 29Ac2 Parallel Direction Section 29Ap First rotation stop protrusion 29Aq, 29Bq Main unit 29Bp1, 29Bp2 Second rotation stop protrusion 30 Electric wire 31a Core wire 31b Covering 32 Power lines 34 Signal lines (34A First signal line, 34B Second signal line) 36 Ground Line 38 wires with terminals 39 Heat shrink tubing 40 Thermistor Unit 42 Thermistor 44 Thermistor wire 50 Housing 51 Housing body 51A opening 52 Outer frame 53 Terminal holding part 54 Vehicle mounting section 56 Arm 57 Wire retaining section 58 Information Department 58a side wall 60 retainers 61 Terminal retaining part 62 Rear cover section 63 Projecting cylinder part The 64, 65, and 66 walls 64a, 65a The portion interposed between the relay terminal and the first signal terminal 64b, 65b The portion interposed between the relay terminal and the second signal terminal 64P2 Projection part Page 64: The part surrounding the first rotating stop protrusion. 64p1, 64p2 protrusion 65p1, 65p2: Parts surrounding the second rotation stop protrusion. 65p1p, 65p2p protrusion 70 Wire cover 80 Lid Units 82 Lid 84 Hinge Unit 86 Rock Unit 90 Grommets 91 1st Protection Department 92 Housing Outlet 92a Annular rib 93 Drain port 94 2nd Protection Department 95 Wire Outlet 98 Cable ties 100 Mounting part 102 panels 104 Through hole 106 Body side cover 110 Charging Connector 150 Housing 160 Retainer 200 External charging connector 210 terminals 220 components 230 batteries

Claims

1. A charging connector mounted on a vehicle, which mates with an external charging connector connected to the vehicle's external power supply, and is used for charging the battery provided in the vehicle, A first power terminal and a second power terminal used for supplying power to the aforementioned battery, Signal terminal and A housing having an opening through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed, and a terminal holding portion located inside the opening when viewed along the insertion and removal direction of the external charging connector, which holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the signal terminal, A retainer is provided which, together with the housing, holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the signal terminal, and which is coupled with the end of the housing opposite to the opening. A first relay terminal is fastened and fixed to the end of the first power terminal opposite to the opening, and extends in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, A second relay terminal is fastened and fixed to the end of the second power terminal opposite to the opening, and extends in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, A first power line electrically connected to the first power terminal via the first relay terminal, A second power line electrically connected to the second power terminal via the second relay terminal, Equipped with, The first relay terminal includes a first through hole that penetrates along the insertion / removal direction, and a first rotation-retaining projection that partially protrudes around the first through hole in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and has a first mounting portion that is attached to the first power terminal, and a first intermediate plate-like portion that extends from the first mounting portion and connects the first mounting portion to the portion to which the first power line is connected. The first rotation-stopping projection is formed in a plate shape that protrudes on the side opposite to the side from which the first intermediate plate-like portion extends. The second relay terminal includes a second through-hole that penetrates along the insertion / removal direction and a second rotation-retaining projection that partially protrudes around the second through-hole in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and has a second mounting portion that is attached to the second power terminal. The retainer has a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude in the insertion / removal direction and contact the first rotation-stopping protrusion or the second rotation-stopping protrusion, respectively, to restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal. The second relay terminal has a second intermediate plate-like portion that extends from the second mounting portion and connects the second mounting portion to the portion to which the second power line is connected. The second rotation-stopping projection includes a projection that protrudes laterally from the second intermediate plate-like portion. The protrusion has a leading edge that is aligned with the direction toward the portion to which the second power line is connected to the second intermediate plate-like portion, and a side edge perpendicular to the leading edge, and this side edge contacts the retainer to restrict the rotation of the second relay terminal. The first and second protrusions are walls surrounding the first and second mounting portions, A protruding portion is formed on the wall along the insertion / removal direction. The aforementioned protrusion contacts the first rotation-stopping projection or the second rotation-stopping projection to restrict the rotation of the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal. A charging connector in which the protruding portion that contacts the second rotation stop projection partially protrudes from the inner corner of the L-shaped portion of the wall constituting the second projection that faces the tip edge and the side edge.

2. A charging connector according to claim 1, A charging connector in which the first protrusion surrounds the first mounting portion, and the second protrusion surrounds the second mounting portion.

3. A charging connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The signal terminal further comprises a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal. The first signal terminal is positioned on one side of the alignment line connecting the central axis of the first power terminal and the central axis of the second power terminal, when viewed along the insertion / removal direction. The second signal terminal is positioned on the other side of the alignment line when viewed along the insertion / removal direction. The first relay terminal includes a first power line connection section to which the first power line is connected. The second relay terminal includes a second power line connection section to which the second power line is connected. The first power line connection section and the second power line connection section are positioned so that the first power line and the second power line can extend to one side along the aforementioned alignment line. The first relay terminal is provided between the first mounting portion and the first power line connection portion and has a bypass portion that extends to bypass the first signal terminal, thereby providing a charging connector.

4. A charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The exterior member further covers the retainer, the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the signal terminal together from the side opposite to the opening, A charging connector in which the first power line and the second power line extend along a straight line within the outer casing member in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction.

5. The charging connector according to claim 4, The system is equipped with multiple signal terminals, The system further comprises multiple signal lines connected to each of the multiple signal terminals, A charging connector in which the aforementioned multiple signal lines are bent and bundled together within the outer casing.

6. A charging connector according to claim 4 or claim 5, The exterior component is an elastic component, which is used for charging.

7. A charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A charging connector in which a watertight seal is provided at the connection portion between the first power line and the first relay terminal, and at the connection portion between the second power line and the second relay terminal.

8. The charging connector according to claim 7, The aforementioned watertight part is a heat-shrinkable tube, and it is a charging connector.

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