Charging connector

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of facilitating work of assembling a charging connector.SOLUTION: A charging connector 10 comprises: a power terminal 22; a signal terminal 24; a housing 50 that holds the power terminal 22 and the signal terminal 24; and a retainer 60 combined with the housing 50. The signal terminal 24 has a cylindrical part 25a provided at a tip side and into which a terminal of an external charging connector is inserted. A slit 25f is formed at a tip part of the cylindrical part 25a to divide a portion along a circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 25a from the other portion. A width dimension of a tip of the slit 25f is smaller than a width dimension of a wall such as a convex part 53g appearing at a rear end part of the housing 50 when the rear end part of the housing 50 is observed from an inserting / drawing-out direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle connector such as a charging inlet mounted on a vehicle. In the vehicle connector, terminals are attached to a housing.

Prior Art Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desired that the assembly work of the connector, such as the work of attaching the terminals to the housing, is easy.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a technique that can facilitate the assembly work of the charging connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [[ID=]45] ​​​​The charging connector of this disclosure is mounted on a vehicle, engages with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle, and is used for charging a battery provided in the vehicle, comprising: first and second power terminals used for supplying power to the battery; a plurality of signal terminals formed with a thinner plate thickness than the first and second power terminals and transmitting signals between the outside of the vehicle and the control unit of the vehicle; and a front end that holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals and engages with the external charging connector in the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector. The charging connector comprises a housing and a retainer which is combined with the rear end of the housing and holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals together with the housing, wherein each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion provided at the tip side into which the terminals of the external charging connector are inserted, and a slit is formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion, separating a part of the cylindrical portion along the circumferential direction from another part, and the width of the tip of the slit is smaller than the width of the wall that appears at the rear end of the housing when the rear end of the housing is observed from the insertion / removal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the assembly of the charging connector becomes easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [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 a 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 terminal-equipped wire and its housing location. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a wire path in the charging connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing differences in signal terminals. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the rear end portion of the housing body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the housing body and the signal terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the retainer. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the retainer. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how the retainer presses the terminal from behind. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which three types of signal terminals are accommodated in a regular terminal accommodating portion. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which one type of signal terminal is accommodated in three types of terminal accommodating portions. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which another type of signal terminal is accommodated in three types of terminal accommodating portions. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which yet another type of signal terminal is accommodated in three types of terminal accommodating portions. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic rear view showing a state in which two types of signal terminals are accommodated in a regular terminal accommodating portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a rear view showing the charging connector according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the signal terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a rear view showing the retainer. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the signal terminal is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The charging connector of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A charging connector that 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. The charging connector includes first and second power terminals used to supply power to the battery, a plurality of signal terminals formed with a thickness thinner than that of the first and second power terminals and used to send signals between the outside of the vehicle and a control unit of the vehicle, a housing that holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals and mates with the external charging connector at a front end portion along an insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector, and a retainer that mates with a rear end portion of the housing and holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals together with the housing. Each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion provided at a tip side into which a terminal of the external charging connector is inserted, and a slit that divides a part along a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion into another part is formed at a tip end portion of the cylindrical portion. A width of a tip of the slit is smaller than a width of a wall that appears at the rear end portion of the housing when the rear end portion of the housing is observed from the insertion / removal direction. The width of the slit of the cylindrical portion is smaller than the width of the wall of the housing, so that when the signal terminal is not properly inserted into the housing, it is suppressed that the wall of the housing enters the slit. Thereby, the work of attaching the terminal to the housing becomes easy.

[0012] (2) In the charging connector of (1), each of the plurality of signal terminals further has a wire connection portion provided on the rear end side to which a signal wire is electrically connected, and an intermediate portion provided between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion, the intermediate portion having a projection that protrudes from the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, and the retainer may have a terminal retaining portion that extends along the wire connection portion and presses the projection toward the housing. This prevents the signal terminal from coming loose using the projection. Since the projection is held in place by the housing and the retainer, there is no need to deform the projection when inserting the terminal into the housing.

[0013] (3) In the charging connector of (2), the retainer has a through hole that penetrates the retainer along the insertion / removal direction, and the terminal retaining portion is formed on the periphery of the through hole, and the through hole may be larger than the maximum width dimension of the intermediate portion of the signal terminal. This allows the signal terminal to pass through the retainer through the through hole after it has been connected to the signal line, and the terminal retaining portion can be locked onto the protruding portion after the signal terminal that has passed through the through hole is housed in the housing. This eliminates the need to connect a terminal to the signal line after it has passed through the retainer, making the assembly of the connector easier.

[0014] In the charging connector of (4)(3), the terminal retainer portion has a cylindrical protruding portion that surrounds the signal terminal on the wire connection side of the protruding portion, the through hole has a hollow portion of the protruding cylindrical portion, a terminal insertion hole located on the outside of the protruding cylindrical portion, and a terminal retainer portion side slit formed in the protruding cylindrical portion and connecting the hollow portion and the terminal insertion hole, the minimum width dimension of the signal terminal on the electrical connection side of the protruding portion or the diameter of the signal wire connected to the signal terminal is the same as or smaller than the width dimension of the terminal retainer portion side slit, and the maximum width dimension in the intermediate portion may be larger than the width dimension of the terminal retainer portion side slit. This allows the rear end portion of the signal terminal or the signal wire to be inserted into the hollow portion of the protruding cylindrical portion through the terminal retainer portion side slit after the signal terminal with the signal wire has been placed in the housing through the through hole. Furthermore, after the rear end of the signal terminal or the signal wire is housed in the hollow portion, the retainer moves along the signal terminal with the signal wire attached and is mounted to the housing, so that the signal terminal is housed within the protruding cylindrical portion and the tip of the protruding cylindrical portion is locked into the protrusion.

[0015] (5)(4) In the charging connector, as the through-hole, one terminal insertion hole is provided which communicates with the hollow portion of the first protruding cylindrical portion via the first terminal retaining portion side slit, and also communicates with the hollow portion of the second protruding cylindrical portion via the second terminal retaining portion side slit, and an insulating wall may be provided in the portion of the shared through-hole that is connected in a straight line between the first terminal retaining portion side slit and the second terminal retaining portion side slit. This ensures an insulating distance for the multiple signal terminals inserted into the housing through the shared through-hole.

[0016] (6) In any one of the charging connectors from (3) to (5), the connector further comprises a thermistor attached to the power terminal and a wire attached to the thermistor, wherein the thermistor is housed in the housing together with the power terminal, and the wire of the thermistor may pass through the retainer through the through hole. This allows the wire of the thermistor to extend toward the interior of the vehicle even when the thermistor is housed in the housing together with the power terminal. In addition, the thermistor can be positioned closer to the connection part with the mating terminal of the power terminal, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature detection of the power terminal by the thermistor.

[0017] (7) In any one of the charging connectors from (1) to (6), the cylindrical portion comprises a cylindrical body and a plurality of elastic pieces protruding from the tip of the cylindrical body, the plurality of elastic pieces protruding from positions spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, the space between the plurality of elastic pieces arranged in the circumferential direction is the slit, and the cylindrical body may have a body-side slit extending from one end to the other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. This allows for some radial deformation of the cylindrical portion during insertion and removal.

[0018] In the charging connector of (8)(7), the width dimension of the rear end of the plurality of elastic pieces may be smaller than the width dimension of the front end of the plurality of elastic pieces, and the width of the rear end of the slit may be larger than the width of the front end of the slit. This makes it easier for the plurality of elastic pieces to deform radially when inserting or removing the connector.

[0019] In the charging connector of (9), (7), or (8), the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the tip of the plurality of elastic pieces may be smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the rear end of the plurality of elastic pieces.

[0020] [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 all modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] The charging connector according to Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0022] <About the vehicle> First, let's explain which vehicles have a built-in charging connector.

[0023] A vehicle incorporating a charging connector is an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device and a motor. The vehicle is driven by the motor being powered by the power from the power storage device. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle equipped only with a motor as a power source, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with both a motor and an engine. The power storage device in the vehicle is charged by power supplied from an external power source. The charging connector is configured to allow an external charging connector to be inserted and electrically connected. The external charging connector is a connector for a charging cable extending from an external power source.

[0024] In general, there are two types of charging methods for energy storage devices in vehicles: normal charging and fast charging. Fast charging enables charging in a shorter time 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.

[0025] <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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The front side of the charging connector 10 is provided with a connection portion for an external charging connector. The connection portion includes the 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.

[0028] 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 Z direction is, for example, the vertical direction. For example, if the charging connector 10 is installed on the side of the vehicle, the Y direction is the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, if the charging connector 10 is installed on the front or rear of the vehicle, the Y direction is the width direction of the vehicle. Hereinafter, even for components that are not in an installed state, the explanation will be similar to the directions corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions when they are in an installed state.

[0029] <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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] <Terminal> Terminal 20 includes a connector terminal 21 and an intermediate terminal 28. The connector terminal 21 is housed in the housing 50. The connector terminal 21 is connected to the terminal of the mating connector. The number and type of connector terminals 21 are appropriately set according to the specifications of the charging connector 10, etc. In this embodiment, the connector terminal 21 is provided with two power terminals 22, six signal terminals 24, and one ground terminal 26. The intermediate terminal 28 is interposed between the power terminal 22 and the electric wire 30. The same number of intermediate terminals 28 as the power terminals 22 (two in this case) are provided. The two power terminals 22 are examples of first and second power terminals. Either of the two power terminals 22 can be designated as the first power terminal.

[0032] The power terminal 22 has a mating connection portion 23a, a terminal fixing portion 23b, and a protruding portion 23c. The power terminal 22 further has a thermistor mounting portion 23d. The signal terminal 24 has a mating connection portion 25a, a wire connection portion 25b, and a protruding portion 25c. The ground terminal 26 has a mating connection portion 27a, a wire connection portion 27b, and a protruding portion 27c. The relay terminal 28 has a terminal fixing portion 29a and a wire connection portion 29b.

[0033] The mating connection parts 23a, 25a, and 27a are the parts that are electrically connected to the connector terminals of the external charging connector. The terminal fixing parts 23b and 29a have holes through which screws S can be inserted. The power terminal 22 and the relay terminal 28 are electrically connected and fixed by being fixed with screws S at the terminal fixing parts 23b and 29a. The wire connection parts 25b, 27b, and 29b are crimping parts having barrels. The signal terminal 24, ground terminal 26, and relay terminal 28 are crimped to the ends of the corresponding wires 30 by the barrels at the wire connection parts 25b, 27b, and 29b. In this way, the signal terminal 24, ground terminal 26, and relay terminal 28 are electrically connected and fixed to the corresponding wires 30. The protruding parts 23c, 25c, and 27c are provided in the middle of each connector terminal 21. The protruding portions 23c, 25c, and 27c are parts that are held in place by the retainer 60. The thermistor mounting portion 23d is the part to which the thermistor unit 40 is mounted.

[0034] Each terminal 20 is formed by pressing (bending) a metal plate. The thickness of each terminal 20 may be set according to the allowable current value, etc. The larger the plate thickness, the larger the conductor cross-sectional area and the larger the allowable current value. In this example, the plate thickness of the signal terminal 24 is thinner than that of the power terminal 22 and the ground terminal 26. Also, the plate thickness of the ground terminal 26 is thinner than that of the power terminal 22. The plate thickness of the intermediate terminal 28 is the same as that of the power terminal 22.

[0035] The signal terminal 24 is thinner than the power terminal 22 and the ground terminal 26, and the ground terminal 26 is thinner than the power terminal 22. The mating connectors 23a, 25a, and 27a of the power terminal 22, signal terminal 24, and ground terminal 26 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The mating connector 25a of the signal terminal 24 has a smaller diameter than the mating connectors 23a and 27a of the power terminal 22 and the ground terminal 26, and the mating connector 27a of the ground terminal 26 has a smaller diameter than the mating connector 23a of the power terminal 22.

[0036] <Electric wire> 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. 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.

[0037] 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 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 to bending of the electric wire 30, and as the electric wire 30 becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to bend. For example, when an easily bendable electric wire and a difficult-to-bend electric wire are bent by the same angle, the radius of curvature of the difficult-to-bend electric wire is larger than that of the easily bendable electric wire, and therefore a larger installation space is required.

[0038] 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. 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. The power terminal 22, the relay terminal 28, and the power line 32 are used to supply power to the battery. The signal terminal 24 and the signal line 34 transmit signals between the outside of the vehicle and the vehicle's control unit. The ground terminal 26 and the ground line 36 are used for grounding.

[0039] <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.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the terminal-equipped wire 38 may be covered with a heat-shrink tube 39 to form a watertight seal. The heat-shrink tube 39 covers the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20. This prevents water from getting onto the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20, and prevents water from entering the insulation. The connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20 is the crimped portion between the barrel at the wire connection portions 25b, 27b, and 29b and the core wires of the signal wire 34, ground wire 36, and power wire 32.

[0041] The heat-shrinkable tube 39 covers, for example, the portion of the terminal 20 in front of the part to which the wire 30 is connected, up to the insulated portion of the wire 30. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 is a heat-shrinkable tube that shrinks when heated. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 is placed over the terminal-attached wire 38 in its large diameter state before heating. Then, when the heat-shrinkable tube 39 is heated and shrinks, it conforms to the shape of the connection part, allowing it to fit tightly to the connection part. 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-shrinkable tube 39 and the terminal 20, and the gap between the heat-shrinkable tube 39 and the wire 30, thereby increasing the waterproofing effect of the heat-shrinkable tube 39. The inner surface of the heat-shrinkable tube 39 does not necessarily have to have a hot-melt adhesive.

[0042] In the terminal-equipped wire 38, the watertight portion does not have to be a heat-shrink tube 39. For example, a resin such as adhesive may be provided instead of the heat-shrink tube 39. Also, in the terminal-equipped wire 38, the watertight portion may not be provided at the crimped portion and may be exposed. The terminal-equipped wire 38 may be sealed with a rubber stopper or the like.

[0043] <Thermistor Unit> The thermistor unit 40 measures the temperature of the power supply circuit. In the charging connector 10 for rapid charging, a large current flows through the power supply circuit for charging the battery, and consequently, the temperature of the power supply circuit rises significantly. By monitoring the temperature of the power supply circuit using the thermistor unit 40, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the power supply circuit from becoming too high. The thermistor unit 40 has a thermistor 42 and a thermistor wire 44. 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 line 36. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 is more flexible than the power line 32 and the ground wire 36.

[0044] <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 engages with the external charging connector at its front end along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector. The housing 50 includes a housing body 51, a vehicle mounting portion 54, and a wire retaining portion 57.

[0045] The connector terminals 21 are housed in the housing body 51. The housing body 51 has a plurality of terminal housing sections 53 and an outer frame section 52. Each of the plurality of terminal housing sections 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of housing the corresponding connector terminals 21. The outer frame section 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the plurality of terminal housing sections 53. In the middle of the terminal housing sections 53, the plurality of terminal housing sections 53 and the outer frame section 52 are connected by a flat connecting section. 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] <Retainer> The retainer 60 prevents the terminal 20 from coming out of the housing 50. The retainer 60 is joined to the rear end of the housing 50 and holds the terminal 20 together with the housing 50. The retainer 60 includes a terminal retaining portion 61 and ribs 69a and 69b.

[0049] The terminal retaining portion 61 presses 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. The terminal retaining portion 61 includes a rear cover portion 62 and a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 63. The protruding cylindrical portions 63 press the signal terminal 24. The terminal retaining portion 61 further includes two power terminal retaining portions 63P and a ground terminal retaining portion 63G. The power terminal 22 is held in place by the power terminal retaining portion 63P, and the ground terminal 26 is held in place by the ground terminal retaining portion 63G.

[0050] The rear cover portion 62 closes the rear opening of the outer frame portion 52. Multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 protrude forward (towards the housing 50) from the rear cover portion 62. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Protruding cylindrical portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to each of the terminal housing portions 53 of the six signal terminals 24. The protruding cylindrical portions 63 are inserted into the terminal housing portions 53. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 surrounds the signal terminal 24 on the wire connection portion 25b side of the protruding portion 25c. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 opens to the front and rear of the retainer 60, respectively. When a protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 53, the rear end of the connector terminal 21 housed in the terminal housing portion 53 is housed inside the protruding cylindrical portion 63 through the front opening of the protruding cylindrical portion 63. When each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 53, each protruding cylindrical portion 63 extends along the wire connection portion 25b of the signal terminal 24 to be housed. The tip of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 presses the corresponding protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24 toward the housing 50 from the rear. The signal wire 34 is drawn out from the rear opening of the corresponding protruding cylindrical portion 63.

[0051] Two power terminal retainers 63P and one ground terminal retainer 63G protrude forward (towards the housing 50) from the rear cover portion 62. The power terminal retainers 63P are formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The ground terminal retainer 63G is formed in a plate shape extending in the Y direction. Each power terminal retainer 63P presses the protruding portion 23c of the corresponding power terminal 22 from the rear toward the housing 50. The ground terminal retainer 63G presses the protruding portion 27c of the ground terminal 26 from the rear toward the housing 50. The power terminals 22 and the relay terminal 28 are in contact and screwed through the rear opening of the power terminal retainer 63P. The relay terminal 28 is positioned on the back surface of the rear cover portion 62. The rear opening of the power terminal retainer 63P is closed by the relay terminal 28. The ground wire 36 is drawn out from the lower hole of the ground terminal retainer 63G.

[0052] Ribs 69a and 69b protrude rearward from the rear cover portion 62. Ribs 69a and 69b separate the relay terminals 28 from each other. They also separate the relay terminals 28 from the signal terminals 24. Ribs 69a and 69b also position the relay terminals 28. The portion of the relay terminals 28 that connects to the power terminals 22 is positioned along the ribs 69a and 69b. Ribs 69a and 69b separate the terminal 20 housing space from the drainage space inside the grommet 90. This prevents dust and other debris that enter the drainage space from the drain port 93 from reaching the terminal 20 housing space. As a result, dust and other debris are prevented from adhering to the terminals 20.

[0053] 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, thereby maintaining the housing 50 and the retainer 60 in a mounted state.

[0054] <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 entire perimeter of the wire 30 is covered by the wire cover 70 and the wire retainer 57. 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.

[0055] <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.

[0056] <Grommet> The grommet 90 is an example of an exterior component that covers the power line 32 and the signal line 34 from the rear end of the housing 50 to the middle section. Providing the grommet 90 as an exterior component is not a mandatory configuration. For example, a protector may be provided as an exterior component. The grommet 90 covers the housing 50 and the retainer 60. The grommet 90 includes a first protective section 91 and a second protective section 94. The first protective section 91 covers the rear end of the housing body 51 and the retainer 60. The second protective section 94 covers the wire retaining section 57. The grommet 90 is made of an elastomer such as EPDM.

[0057] The first protective section 91 has a housing outlet 92 and a drain port 93. The front end of the housing body 51 extends to the outside of the grommet 90 through the housing outlet 92. 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, through the opening in the housing body 51 when the lid unit 80 is opened. 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] <Wire routing in charging connectors> The power line 32 extends in a straight line through the grommet 90 from one end connected to the relay terminal 28 to the other end, and extends outside the grommet 90 through the wire outlet 95. Therefore, one end of the power line 32 is not inserted into the through hole 64 of the retainer 60.

[0060] The two power lines 32 extend through the grommet 90, aligned in the Z direction. The two power terminals 22 are housed in the housing body 51, aligned in the Y direction. The difference between the direction in which the two power lines 32 are aligned and the direction in which the two power terminals 22 are aligned is absorbed by the intermediate terminals 28. More specifically, the two intermediate terminals 28 are each located on the rear cover portion 62. The two intermediate terminals 28 extend in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. Of the two intermediate terminals 28, intermediate terminal 28A is connected to the power terminal 22 closer to the wire outlet 95, and intermediate terminal 28B is connected to the power terminal 22 further from the wire outlet 95. Intermediate terminals 28A and 28B are aligned in the Y direction where they connect to the power terminals 22, and aligned in the Z direction where they connect to the wires 30. The relay terminal 28A extends in a straight line along the rear cover portion 62 between the portion connected to the power terminal 22 and the portion connected to the power line 32. The relay terminal 28B bends away from the rear cover portion 62 on its way from the portion connected to the power terminal 22 to the portion connected to the power line 32. The orientation of the main surface of the relay terminal 28B changes between the portion connected to the power terminal 22 and the portion connected to the power line 32.

[0061] One end of the signal wire 34 is inserted into the terminal housing 53. The other end of the signal wire 34 extends out of the through hole 64 of the retainer 60, bends within the grommet 90, and heads toward the wire exit 95 of the grommet 90. Of the multiple signal wires 34, signal wire 34A is connected to a signal terminal 24 located above the power terminal 22, and signal wire 34B is connected to a signal terminal 24 located below the power terminal 22. After extending out of the through hole 64, signal wire 34A passes between the pair of power wires 32, merges with signal wire 34B, and extends in the Y direction.

[0062] One end of the ground wire 36 is inserted into the terminal housing 53. The ground wire 36 extends from one end to the other through the through hole 64 of the retainer 60, bends within the grommet 90, and proceeds toward the wire exit 95 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 part 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 wire cover 70 of the housing 50, which prevents the ground wire 36 from bulging too much within the grommet 90.

[0063] 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 out to the outside of the rear cover portion 62 through the through hole 64 of the retainer 60, 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 64 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.

[0064] <Regarding the relationship between the housing and the signal terminals> The relationship between the housing body 51 and the signal terminals 24 will be explained with further reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the differences in the signal terminals 24. Figure 9 is a rear view showing the rear end of the housing body 51. In Figure 9, the connector terminals 21 are shown in the same arrangement as the terminal housing section 53. This is a rear view showing the rear end of the housing body 51. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the housing body 51 and the signal terminals 24. In Figure 10, the signal terminals 24 are a partially enlarged view of Figure 8, and the housing body 51 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 9.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, in this example, the multiple signal terminals 24 have three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C. Here, one signal terminal 24A, three signal terminals 24B, and two signal terminals 24C are provided. Signal terminal 24A is housed in terminal housing 53A, and signal terminal 24B is housed in terminal housing 53B. Terminal housings 53A and 53B are located above the line connecting the centers of the terminal housings 53 of the two power terminals 22 in the Z direction. Terminal housing 53A is surrounded by three terminal housings 53B. In the Y direction, terminal housings 53B are located on either side of terminal housing 53A. In the Z direction, one terminal housing 53B is located below terminal housing 53A. Terminal housing 53A and the terminal housing 53B below it are located in the center of the terminal housings 53 of the two power terminals 22 in the Y direction.

[0066] The three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C have different shapes from each other. In the three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C, the shape of each protrusion 25c is different from each other. In each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C, the first and second protrusions 25c extend in opposite directions from each other. In the middle part of each signal terminal 24, the connecting portion that connects the mating connection portion 25a and the wire connection portion 25b is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. The first protrusion 25c extends away from the connecting portion from one end of the semi-cylindrical connecting portion. The second protrusion 25c extends away from the connecting portion from the other end of the semi-cylindrical connecting portion. The distance between the tip of the first protrusion 25c and the tip of the second protrusion 25c from the semi-cylindrical connecting portion is the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 8, the vertical direction of the paper is parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector. The dimension along the insertion / removal direction of the projection 25c of the signal terminal 24 is the width dimension of the projection 25c. In the example shown in Figure 8, the width dimensions W1A, W1B, and W1C are the width dimensions of the projection 25c of each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C. As shown in Figure 8, the width dimensions W1A and W1C of the projection 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24C are smaller than the width dimension W1B of the projection 25c of signal terminal 24B. Also, the width dimension W1A of the projection 25c of signal terminal 24A and the width dimension W1C of the projection 25c of signal terminal 24C are the same.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 8, the left-right direction of the paper is parallel to the direction in which the protrusion 25c extends from the semi-cylindrical connecting portion. In the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24, the dimension along the direction in which the first and second protrusions 25c extend is the width dimension of the signal terminal 24. In the example shown in Figure 8, the width dimensions W2A, W2B, and W2C are the width dimensions of the signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C, respectively. As shown in Figure 8, the width dimension W2A of signal terminal 24A is smaller than the width dimensions W2B and W2C of signal terminals 24B and 24C. Also, the width dimension W2B of signal terminal 24B is smaller than the width dimension W2C of signal terminal 24C.

[0069] Each signal terminal 24 also has a cylindrical portion 25a as a mating connection portion 25a. The cylindrical portion 25a is provided on the tip side of the signal terminal 24. The terminals of the external charging connector are inserted into the cylindrical portion 25a. The cylindrical portion 25a has a cylindrical body 25d and a plurality of elastic pieces 25e. The plurality of elastic pieces 25e protrude from the tip end to the tip side of the cylindrical body 25d. The plurality of elastic pieces 25e form the tip end of the signal terminal 24. A semi-cylindrical connecting portion protrudes from the rear end end to the rear end side of the cylindrical body 25d.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 8, the length dimensions LA, LB, and LC are the dimensions of the cylindrical body 25d of each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C in the insertion and removal direction. The length dimension LA of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24A is longer than the length dimensions LB and LC of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminals 24B and 24C. The length dimension LB of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24B is the same as the length dimension LC of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24C.

[0071] The terminal housing portion 53 for the signal terminal 24 has a first housing portion 53d and a second housing portion 53e. The first housing portion 53d accommodates the tip portion of the signal terminal 24 beyond the protruding portion 25c. The first housing portion 53d is formed to be the same size as or slightly smaller than the cylindrical body 25d. The second housing portion 53e accommodates the protruding portion 25c and the rear end portion beyond the protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24. The second housing portion 53e is sized to accommodate the protruding cylindrical portion 63. In the direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, the second housing portion 53e is larger than the first housing portion 53d, and a step is created between the first housing portion 53d and the second housing portion 53e. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the rear end surface of the first housing portion 53d is exposed on the rear end side through the second housing portion 53e. When the signal terminal 24 attempts to move toward the front end of the terminal housing portion 53 beyond a predetermined position in the insertion / removal direction, the protruding portion 25c catches on the rear end surface of the first housing portion 53d, restricting further movement.

[0072] Each first housing section 53d has two recesses 53f formed therein. The two recesses 53f are spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the first housing section 53d. The two recesses 53f are formed in the portion of the first housing section 53d that houses the cylindrical body 25d and the rear end portion thereof. The space between the two recesses 53f is a protrusion 53g. The two recesses 53f and the protrusion 53g extend from the rear end to the middle portion of the first housing section 53d. The two recesses 53f are provided on either side of the lowest portion in the Z direction on the inner surface of the first housing section 53d. The protrusion 53g is provided on the lowest portion in the Z direction on the inner surface of the first housing section 53d. The two recesses 53f are recessed downward along the Z direction. The rear end of the recesses 53f is recessed a greater amount in the Z direction than the front end of the recesses 53f. On the rear end surface of the first housing portion 53d, the recess 53f and the protrusion 53g have an uneven shape in the X direction.

[0073] In some of the terminal housings 53B and 53C, a groove 53h is formed in the second housing 53e into which the protrusion 25c fits. The second housing 53e of the terminal housings 53B and 53C has first and second grooves 53h formed into which the first and second protrusions 25c fit, respectively. The first and second grooves 53h are formed on the inner surface of the second housing 53e at positions 180 degrees apart from each other. Each groove 53h is sized according to the protrusion 25c it accommodates. Each groove 53h is also recessed from the inner surface of the second housing 53e in a direction corresponding to the orientation of the signal terminal 24. The signal terminal 24B is housed in the terminal housing 53B such that the first and second protrusions 25c extend in the Y direction. The first and second grooves 53h in the terminal housing 53B are recessed from the inner surface of the second housing 53e in the Y direction. The signal terminal 24C is housed in the terminal housing 53C such that the first and second protrusions 25c extend in directions intersecting the Y and Z directions. The first and second grooves 53h in the terminal housing 53C are recessed from the inner surface of the second housing 53e in directions intersecting the Y and Z directions. The first and second protrusions 25c of the signal terminals 24B and 24C fit into the first and second grooves 53h of the terminal housing 53B and 53C. This suppresses rotation of the signal terminals 24B and 24C around their axes along the insertion and removal directions.

[0074] A groove 53h is not formed in the second housing portion 53e of some terminal housing portions 53A. The second housing portion 53e of the terminal housing portion 53A is formed to accommodate the protrusion 25c. A rotation-suppressing projection 53i is formed in the second housing portion 53e of the terminal housing portion 53A. The rotation-suppressing projection 53i protrudes inward from a part of the inner surface of the second housing portion 53e. The rotation-suppressing projection 53i is located on the trajectory of the protrusion 25c when the signal terminal 24A rotates around an axis along the insertion / removal direction. As shown in Figure 9, the rotation-suppressing projection 53i is provided at a different position from the recess 53f and the projection 53g when viewed from the X direction.

[0075] A slit 25f is formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 25a. The slit 25f separates a portion of the cylindrical portion 25a from another portion along the circumferential direction. In this case, the space between multiple elastic pieces 25e is the slit 25f. The multiple elastic pieces 25e protrude from positions separated from each other along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 25d. The space between each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e arranged in the circumferential direction is the slit 25f. In this example, three elastic pieces 25e are arranged in the circumferential direction at one signal terminal 24. Therefore, three slits 25f are formed at one signal terminal 24.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 10, the width dimension W3 is the width of the tip of the slit 25f in the signal terminal 24C. Also in the example shown in Figure 10, the width dimension W4 is the width dimension of the protrusion 53g in the terminal housing portion 53 of the signal terminal 24C. The width dimension W4 is the width of the wall that appears at the rear end of the housing 50 when the rear end of the housing 50 is observed from the insertion / removal direction. The width dimension W3 of the slit 25f is smaller than the width dimension W4 of the protrusion 53g which acts as a wall. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24C is inserted into the terminal housing portion 53, the protrusion 53g is prevented from entering the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0077] Furthermore, the width dimension of the tip of the slit 25f in signal terminals 24A and 24B is the same as the width dimension of the tip of the slit 25f in signal terminal 24C. Also, the width dimension of the protrusion 53g in the terminal housing portion 53 of signal terminals 24A and 24B is the same as the width dimension of the protrusion 53g in the terminal housing portion 53 of signal terminal 24C. Therefore, when signal terminals 24A and 24B are inserted into the terminal housing portion 53, the protrusion 53g is prevented from entering the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0078] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the width dimension W5 is the width dimension of the protrusion 53g in the terminal housing portion 53 of the ground terminal 26. The protrusion 53g in the terminal housing portion 53 of the ground terminal 26 is the narrowest wall among the walls that appear at the rear end of the housing 50 when the rear end of the housing 50 is observed from the insertion / removal direction. Here, the width dimension W3 of the slit 25f is smaller than the width dimension W5 of the wall. As a result, when each signal terminal 24 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 53, it is prevented from any wall at the rear end of the housing 50 entering the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0079] The slit 25f extends rearward from the tip of the cylindrical portion 25a. The protrusion 53g of the terminal housing portion 53 extends forward from the rear end of the first housing portion 53d. The rear end of the protrusion 53g is exposed when the rear end of the housing 50 is observed from the insertion / removal direction.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 10, the width dimension W6 is the width dimension of the rear end of the slit 25f. The width dimension W6 of the rear end of the slit 25f is larger than the width dimension W3 of the front end of the slit 25f.

[0081] Multiple elastic pieces 25e are bent in the middle such that the tips of the multiple elastic pieces 25e are located radially closer to the center than the rear ends of the multiple elastic pieces 25e. As a result, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the tips of the multiple elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear ends of the multiple elastic pieces 25e. Consequently, the spacing between adjacent elastic pieces 25e at the tips of the elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the spacing between adjacent elastic pieces 25e at the rear ends of the elastic pieces 25e.

[0082] Furthermore, in this case, the width of the plate at the rear end of each elastic piece 25e is smaller than the width of the plate at the front end. As a result, the distance between adjacent elastic pieces 25e at the front end of the elastic piece 25e is smaller than the distance between adjacent elastic pieces 25e at the rear end of the elastic piece 25e.

[0083] Furthermore, a body-side slit 25g is formed in the cylindrical body 25d. The body-side slit 25g extends from one end to the other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 25d. As described above, the signal terminal 24 is formed by bending a metal plate. The circumference of the metal plate in the cylindrical body 25d is slightly shorter than the circumference of the circle corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical body 25d. In the circumferential direction, one end and the other end of the metal plate do not overlap in the radial direction, but are separated in the circumferential direction. As a result, the space between one end and the other end of the metal plate in the circumferential direction is the body-side slit 25g.

[0084] <Regarding the relationship between retainers and terminals> The relationship between the retainer 60 and the connector terminal 21 will be explained with further reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a rear view of the retainer 60. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the retainer 60. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating how the retainer 60 holds the connector terminal 21 from behind.

[0085] The retainer 60 has multiple through holes 64. Each through hole 64 penetrates the retainer 60 along the insertion / removal direction. The through holes 64 are formed at positions corresponding to the terminal housing portion 53. A protruding cylindrical portion 63 is formed on the periphery of the through hole 64. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 has a protruding cylindrical portion body 63a. The protruding cylindrical portion 63 that holds the signal terminal 24B further has a protruding portion retaining projection 63b. The protruding portion retaining projection 63b protrudes outward from the outer surface of the protruding cylindrical portion body 63a. The protruding portion retaining projection 63b enters the groove 53h and holds the protruding portion 25c. The protruding cylindrical portion 63 that holds the signal terminals 24A and 24C do not have a protruding portion retaining projection 63b. In this example, in one retainer 60, four through holes 64 are formed corresponding to the terminal housing portion 53 of the six signal terminals 24.

[0086] Each of the four through holes 64 has a hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63, a terminal insertion hole 66, and a terminal retaining portion side slit 67. The hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 is the portion connecting the front opening and the rear opening of the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The terminal insertion hole 66 is located on the outside of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction. The terminal retaining portion side slit 67 is formed along the entire length of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 in the insertion and removal direction. The terminal retaining portion side slit 67 connects the hollow portion 65 and the terminal insertion hole 66.

[0087] In two of the four through holes 64A and 64B, one terminal insertion hole 66 communicates with the hollow portion 65 of one protruding cylindrical portion 63. The hollow portions 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 in the through holes 64A and 64B are separated from the hollow portions 65 of the other protruding cylindrical portions 63.

[0088] In two of the four through holes 64, 64C and 64D, one terminal insertion hole 66 communicates with the hollow portions 65 of the two protruding cylindrical portions 63. These two through holes 64C and 64D are shared through holes 64C and 64D. In the shared through hole 64C, one terminal insertion hole 66C communicates with one hollow portion 65C1 via one terminal retainer-side slit 67C1, and also with another hollow portion 65C2 via another terminal retainer-side slit 67C2. In the shared through hole 64D, one terminal insertion hole 66D communicates with one hollow portion 65D1 via one terminal retainer-side slit 67D1, and also with another hollow portion 65D2 via another terminal retainer-side slit 67D2.

[0089] The six signal terminals 24 are connected to the signal line 34 to form a terminal-equipped wire 38, and then pass through the retainer 60 through the through-hole 64 corresponding to the terminal housing section 53 in which they are housed, out of the four through-holes 64. Specifically, signal terminal 24A and the signal terminal 24B to the left of signal terminal 24A (one of the three signal terminals 24B) pass through the retainer 60 through through-hole 64C. The signal terminal 24B to the right of signal terminal 24A (one of the three signal terminals 24B) passes through the retainer 60 through through-hole 64A. The signal terminal 24B below signal terminal 24A (one of the three signal terminals 24B) passes through the retainer 60 through through-hole 64B. The two signal terminals 24C pass through the retainer 60 through through-hole 64D.

[0090] Each of the four through-holes 64 is sized to allow the corresponding signal terminal 24 to pass through. Each of the four through-holes 64 is larger than the maximum width dimension in the middle of the signal terminal 24 through which it passes. The maximum width dimension in the middle of the signal terminal 24 is the width dimension at the protruding portion 25c. Specifically, through-holes 64A and 64B are larger than the width dimension W1B at the protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24B. Through-hole 64C is larger than the width dimension W1A at the protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24A and the width dimension W1B at the protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24B. Through-hole 64D is larger than the width dimension W1C at the protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24C.

[0091] The maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24 in the middle section is greater than the width dimension of the terminal retaining slit 67. The middle section of the signal terminal 24 is prevented from passing through the terminal retaining slit 67.

[0092] The minimum width dimension of the signal terminal 24 on the wire connection portion 25b side from the protruding portion 25c, or the diameter of the signal wire 34 connected to the signal terminal 24, is the same as or smaller than the width dimension of the terminal retaining portion side slit 67. This allows the signal terminal 24 or signal wire 34 to move through the terminal retaining portion side slit 67 to the hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 after the protruding portion 25c has passed through the through hole 64. Here, the diameter of the signal wire 34 is smaller than the width dimension of the terminal retaining portion side slit 67. The signal wire 34 is made able to pass through the terminal retaining portion side slit 67.

[0093] In the shared through-hole 64C, an insulating wall 68C is provided in the portion where the terminal retaining portion side slit 67C1 and the terminal retaining portion side slit 67C2 are connected by a straight line. The insulating wall 68C is part of the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The insulating wall 68C ensures an insulating distance between the two signal terminals 24A and 24B that pass through the shared through-hole 64C.

[0094] In the shared through-hole 64D, insulating walls 68D1 and 68D2 are provided in the portion where the terminal retaining portion side slit 67D1 and terminal retaining portion side slit 67D2 are connected by a straight line. Insulating wall 68D1 is part of the protruding cylindrical portion 63. Insulating wall 68D2 is a wall provided separately from the protruding cylindrical portion 63. Insulating wall 68D2 extends downward in the Z direction from the end of insulating wall 68D1. The four through-holes 64 are separated by the rear cover portion 62 of the retainer 60. The insulating walls 68D1 and 68D2 ensure an insulating distance between the two signal terminals 24C and the ground terminal 26 that pass through the shared through-hole 64C.

[0095] The rear opening of the cylindrical power terminal retainer 63P is blocked by the relay terminal 28. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 cannot be pulled out through the rear opening of the power terminal retainer 63P. The thermistor wire 44 passes through the retainer 60 through one of the four through holes 64. For example, the thermistor wire 44 of the thermistor 42 connected to one power terminal 22 passes through the retainer 60 through through hole 64A. The thermistor wire 44 of the thermistor 42 connected to the other power terminal 22 passes through the retainer 60 through through hole 64C.

[0096] <Regarding preventing incorrect connection of signal terminals> Preventing misassembly of the three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C will be explained with further reference to Figures 14 to 17. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C are housed in the correct terminal housings 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which one type of signal terminal 24A is housed in the three types of terminal housings 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which another type of signal terminal 24B is housed in the three types of terminal housings 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing yet another type of signal terminal 24C housed in the three types of terminal housings 53A, 53B, and 53C.

[0097] As described above, the dimensions of the protruding portion 25c differ among the three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 25a of signal terminal 24A is longer than the cylindrical portion 25a of signal terminals 24B and 24C. Therefore, each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C cannot be properly fitted into any terminal housing 53 other than the corresponding terminal housing 53A, 53B, and 53C. Here, "cannot be properly fitted into the terminal housing 53" includes not only cases where the signal terminal 24 cannot be inserted into the terminal housing 53, but also cases where the retainer 60 cannot be attached to the housing 50 when the signal terminal 24 is inserted into the terminal housing 53.

[0098] As shown in Figure 14, when the retainer 60 is attached to the housing 50 with each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C positioned in its corresponding terminal housing 53A, 53B, and 53C, each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the second housing portion 53e of each terminal housing 53 to a predetermined position. This allows the housing 50 and the retainer 60 to be locked at the locking portion, and the housing 50 and the retainer 60 are attached.

[0099] As shown in Figure 15, the signal terminal 24A can be inserted into the terminal housings 53B and 53C. This is because the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24A is smaller than the maximum width dimension of the signal terminals 24B and 24C and the corresponding width dimensions of the terminal housings 53B and 53C. However, the length dimension of the cylindrical portion 25a of the signal terminal 24A is longer than the length dimension of the cylindrical portion 25a of the signal terminals 24B and 24C. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24A is inserted into the terminal housings 53B and 53C, the protruding portion 25c of the signal terminal 24A is located further back than the normal position of the protruding portion 25c. Consequently, when the retainer 60 is attached to the housing 50 with the signal terminal 24A inserted into the terminal housings 53B and 53C, the protruding cylindrical portion 63 cannot be inserted to the normal position in relation to the terminal housings 53B and 53C that house the signal terminal 24A. As a result, the housing 50 and retainer 60 cannot be locked at the locking portion, and the housing 50 and retainer 60 cannot be installed. Therefore, incorrect assembly of the signal terminal 24A to the terminal housing portions 53B and 53C is suppressed.

[0100] As shown in Figure 16, the signal terminal 24B cannot be inserted into the terminal housing 53A. This is because the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24B is larger than the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24A and the corresponding width dimension of the terminal housing 53A. Therefore, incorrect assembly of the signal terminal 24B into the terminal housing 53A is suppressed.

[0101] Furthermore, the signal terminal 24B can be inserted into the terminal housing 53C. This is because the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24B is smaller than the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24C and the corresponding width dimension of the terminal housing 53C. However, the width dimension of the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24B is larger than the width dimension of the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24C. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24B is inserted into the terminal housing 53C, the rear end of the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24B is located further back than its normal position. As a result, when the retainer 60 is attached to the housing 50 with the signal terminal 24B inserted into the terminal housing 53C, the protruding cylindrical portion 63 cannot be inserted to its normal position into the terminal housing 53C in which the signal terminal 24B is housed. Consequently, the housing 50 and the retainer 60 cannot be locked at the locking portion, and the housing 50 and the retainer 60 cannot be attached. Therefore, incorrect connection of the signal terminal 24B to the terminal housing 53C is suppressed.

[0102] As shown in Figure 17, the signal terminal 24C cannot be inserted into the terminal housings 53A and 53B. This is because the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24C is larger than the maximum width dimension of the signal terminals 24A and 24B and the corresponding width dimensions of the terminal housings 53A and 53B. Therefore, incorrect assembly of the signal terminal 24C into the terminal housings 53A and 53B is suppressed.

[0103] In the above example, in the insertion / removal direction, the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24C. Therefore, in the insertion / removal direction, the combinations of signal terminals 24 that satisfy the first condition that the dimension of the protrusion 25c of the first signal terminal 24 is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of the second signal terminal 24 are the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C, and the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above example, in the direction in which the protrusion 25c extends, the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24B, and the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24A. Therefore, the combinations of signal terminals 24 that satisfy the second condition that in the direction in which the protrusion 25c extends, the dimension of the protrusion 25c of the second signal terminal 24 is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of the first signal terminal 24 are the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24B, the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C, and the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above example, signal terminals 24A and 24B are located on the opposite side of signal terminal 24C, with the two power terminals 22 in between. Therefore, the combinations of signal terminals 24 that satisfy the third condition that the first signal terminal 24 is located on the opposite side of the second signal terminal 24, with the two power terminals 22 in between, are the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C, and the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C.

[0106] In the above example, the combination of signal terminals 24 that satisfies all of the first, second, and third conditions is the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C. That is, in the insertion / removal direction, the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C. Also, in the direction in which the protrusion 25c extends, the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C is larger than the dimension of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B. Furthermore, signal terminal 24B is positioned on the opposite side of signal terminal 24C, with the two power terminals 22 in between.

[0107] <Regarding the holding status of the signal terminal> The holding state of the signal terminal 24 will be explained with further reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a schematic rear view showing the state in which the two types of signal terminals 24A and 24B are housed in the regular terminal housings 53A and 53B.

[0108] When the signal terminal 24A is housed in the terminal housing 53A, a rotation-suppressing projection 53i is provided at the position of the protruding portion 25c in the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24A attempts to rotate around its axis in the insertion / removal direction, as shown in Figure 18, the protruding portion 25c contacts the rotation-suppressing projection 53i in any direction of rotation, suppressing further rotation. As a result, the rotation of the signal terminal 24A around its axis in the insertion / removal direction is suppressed to less than one full rotation. This suppresses an increase in the amount of twisting of the signal line 34 connected to the signal terminal 24A.

[0109] Furthermore, the rotation-suppressing projection 53i extends to the rear end of the terminal housing portion 53A. The rotation-suppressing projection 53i fits into the terminal-holding portion side slit 67 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 that holds the signal terminal 24A, at the rear end of the protruding portion 25c. The terminal-holding portion side slit 67 is closed by the rotation-suppressing projection 53i. The signal terminal 24A is allowed to rotate less than one full turn around its axis in the insertion / removal direction. Even in this case, the fact that the terminal-holding portion side slit 67 is closed by the rotation-suppressing projection 53i prevents the signal terminal 24A or the signal line 34 connected to it from getting caught in the terminal-holding portion side slit 67 when the signal terminal 24A rotates around its axis in the insertion / removal direction.

[0110] As shown in Figure 18, with the signal terminal 24B housed in the terminal housing 53B, the first and second protrusions 25c are housed in the first and second grooves 53h, respectively. This prevents further rotation of the signal terminal 24B when it attempts to rotate around its axis in the insertion / removal direction, as the protrusions 25c contact the inner surface of the grooves 53h. The amount of rotation of the signal terminal 24b around its axis in the insertion / removal direction is small and less than the amount of rotation of the signal terminal 24A around its axis in the insertion / removal direction.

[0111] Similarly to the signal terminal 24B, the first and second protrusions 25c of the signal terminal 24C are housed in the first and second grooves 53h, respectively, thereby suppressing rotation around the axis in the insertion / removal direction.

[0112] The cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24A is longer in the insertion / removal direction compared to the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminals 24B and 24C. Therefore, signal terminal 24A is supported by the terminal housing 53 over a longer distance along the insertion / removal direction than signal terminals 24B and 24C. As a result, signal terminal 24A is less likely to rotate around an axis intersecting the insertion / removal direction (for example, around the Y-axis or Z-axis).

[0113] The cylindrical body 25d of signal terminals 24B and 24C is shorter in the insertion / removal direction compared to the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24A. Even in this case, the protruding portion 25c of signal terminals 24B and 24C is supported on the inner surface of the groove 53h. As a result, signal terminals 24B and 24C are also less likely to rotate around an axis extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction (for example, around the Y-axis or Z-axis).

[0114] <Regarding the relationship between the ground terminal, housing, and retainer> The mating connection portion 27a and wire connection portion 27b of the ground terminal 26 are examples of the ground terminal side cylindrical portion and the ground terminal side wire connection portion. The ground terminal 26 has a ground terminal side intermediate portion provided between the mating connection portion 27a and the wire connection portion 27b. The protruding portion 27c is an example of the ground terminal side that protrudes more than the ground terminal side cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The ground terminal retaining portion 63G of the retainer 60 extends along the wire connection portion 27b and presses the protruding portion 27c toward the housing 50.

[0115] Unlike the first and second protrusions 25c, the first and second protrusions 27c extend in the same direction (in this case, the positive Z-direction). The ground terminal retaining portion 63G is formed on the front surface of the rear cover portion 62, on the peripheral edge above the terminal insertion hole 66D. The ground terminal retaining portion 63G is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the Y-direction and presses the tips of the first and second protrusions 27c.

[0116] In this example, the ground terminal 26 can also pass through the retainer 60 with the terminal-equipped wire 38 attached. As shown in Figure 11, the through-hole 64D is formed to a size that allows the terminal-equipped wire 38 of the ground terminal 26 to be inserted.

[0117] <Effects, etc.> With the charging connector 10 configured as described above, the width of the slit 25f in the cylindrical portion 25a is smaller than the width of the walls of the housing 50, such as the protrusion 53g. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24 is not properly inserted into the housing 50, the walls of the housing 50, such as the protrusion 53g, are prevented from entering the slit 25f. This makes it easier to attach the signal terminal 24 to the housing 50. In addition, the thickness of the signal terminal 24 is thinner than that of the power terminal 22. Therefore, the signal terminal 24 is more easily deformed by a smaller external force than the power terminal 22. Even in this case, the walls of the housing 50, such as the protrusion 53g, are prevented from entering the slit 25f, thus preventing the walls of the housing 50 from entering the slit 25f and deforming the cylindrical portion 25a.

[0118] Furthermore, the protruding portion 25c and the terminal retaining portion 61 are used to prevent the signal terminal 24 from coming loose. Since the protruding portion 25c is held in place by the housing 50 and the retainer 60, there is no need to deform the protruding portion 25c when inserting the signal terminal 24 into the housing 50.

[0119] Furthermore, after the signal terminal 24 is connected to the signal line 34, the terminal-equipped wire 38 with the signal terminal 24 can pass through the retainer 60 through the through hole 64, and after the signal terminal 24 that has passed through the through hole 64 is housed in the housing 50, the terminal retaining portion 61 can be locked into the protruding portion 25c. This eliminates the need to connect the signal terminal 24 to the signal line 34 after it has passed through the retainer 60, making the assembly of the charging connector 10 easier.

[0120] Furthermore, after the signal terminal 24 with the signal wire 34 is fitted into the housing 50 through the through hole 64, the rear end portion of the signal terminal 24 or the signal wire 34 can be inserted into the hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 through the terminal retaining portion side slit 67. Also, after the rear end portion of the signal terminal 24 or the signal wire 34 is fitted into the hollow portion 65, the retainer 60 moves along the signal terminal 24 with the signal wire 34 and is attached to the housing 50, so that the signal terminal 24 is fitted into the protruding cylindrical portion 63 and the tip of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 can be locked to the protruding portion 25c.

[0121] Furthermore, in the shared through-hole 64C, an insulating wall 68C is provided in the portion where the first terminal retaining slit 67C1 and the second terminal retaining slit 67C2 are connected by a straight line. This ensures an insulating distance for the multiple signal terminals 24A and 24B inserted into the housing 50 through the shared through-hole 64C. In the shared through-hole 64D, insulating walls 68D1 and 68D2 are provided in the portion where the first terminal retaining slit 67D1 and the second terminal retaining slit 67D2 are connected by a straight line. This ensures an insulating distance for the multiple signal terminals 24C and the ground terminal 26 inserted into the housing 50 through the shared through-hole 64D.

[0122] Furthermore, the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 passes through the retainer 60 via the through hole 64. This allows the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 to extend toward the interior of the vehicle even when the thermistor 42 is housed in the housing 50 together with the power terminal 22. In addition, the thermistor 42 can be positioned closer to the mating connection portion 23a of the power terminal 22, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature detection of the power terminal 22 by the thermistor 42.

[0123] Furthermore, the cylindrical body 25d has a body-side slit 25g that extends from one end to the other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 25d. This allows for some deformation of the cylindrical body 25a in the radial direction during insertion and removal. The width of the slit 25f in the cylindrical body 25a is the width dimension between adjacent elastic pieces 25e.

[0124] Furthermore, the width dimension of the rear end of the multiple elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the width dimension of the front end of the multiple elastic pieces 25e, while the width of the rear end of the slit 25f is larger than the width of the front end of the slit 25f. As a result, the connection portion between the elastic pieces 25e and the cylindrical body 25d is reduced, making it easier for the multiple elastic pieces 25e to deform radially during insertion and removal.

[0125] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the tip of each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear end of each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e. This makes it easier for the multiple elastic pieces 25e to come into contact with the mating terminal during insertion and removal.

[0126] [Embodiment 2] A charging connector according to Embodiment 2 will now be described. Figure 19 is a rear view showing a charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment. The signal line 34 is omitted in Figure 19. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the signal terminal 124 in the charging connector 110. Figure 21 is a rear view showing the retainer 160 in the charging connector 110. Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the signal terminal 124 housed in the terminal housing 153. In this description of the embodiment, components similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0127] In the charging connector 110, the ground terminal 26 and ground wire 36 are omitted. As a result, the configuration relating to the ground terminal 26 and ground wire 36 is omitted in the housing 150 and retainer 160. In addition, the charging connector 110 is provided with eight signal terminals 124. The eight signal terminals 124 are housed in groups of four, flanking the power terminal 22. In the rear view of Figure 19, the arrangement of the four signal terminals 124 corresponds to the four vertices of a square. This square is tilted at 45 degrees so that one of its diagonals aligns with the Z direction. In this example, all eight signal terminals 124 are the same shape.

[0128] In the signal terminal 124, a slit 25f is formed between the elastic pieces 125e. Also, in the housing 150, a wall such as a protrusion 53g appears at the rear end. In this example as well, the width dimension of the slit 25f is smaller than the width dimension of the wall, so that when the signal terminal 124 is inserted into the housing 150, the wall such as the protrusion 53g does not fit into the slit 25f.

[0129] As shown in Figure 20, in the signal terminal 124 as well, the width dimension of the tip of the slit 25f is smaller than the width dimension of the rear end of the slit 25f. Also in the signal terminal 124, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the tip of the elastic piece 125e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the rear end of the elastic piece 125e. In the elastic piece 125e, the width dimension of the tip is smaller than the width dimension of the rear end. In the elastic piece 125e of the signal terminal 124, as shown in Figure 20, the width dimension of the tip is smaller than the width dimension of the rear end. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the tip of the elastic piece 125e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the tip of the elastic piece 25e.

[0130] The shape of the protrusion 125c of the signal terminal 124 is different from the shape of the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24. In the signal terminal 124, the first and second protrusions 125c extend in the same direction from each other, similar to the protrusion 23c of the power terminal 22 and the protrusion 27c of the ground terminal 26. The protruding cylindrical portion 163 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The tip of the protruding cylindrical portion 163 presses the first and second protrusions 125c toward the housing 150. As shown in Figure 22, the tips of the first and second protrusions 125c are pressed by the protruding cylindrical portion 163.

[0131] The signal terminal 124, like the signal terminal 24, is made into a wire 38 with a terminal and then passes through the through hole 164 of the retainer 160. Since the first and second protrusions 125c extend in the same direction, the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 124 is smaller than the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24. For this reason, the through hole 164 in the retainer 160 is also smaller than the through hole 64 in the retainer 60. In addition, the retainer 160 does not have shared through holes 64C and 64D, and eight through holes 164 are formed to correspond to the eight signal terminals 124.

[0132] In the terminal housing portion 153, a groove 53h for accommodating the protrusion 125c is not formed. Instead, all eight terminal housing portions 153 are provided with rotation-suppressing protrusions 53i, similar to the terminal housing portion 53A. On the rear end side of the protrusion 125c, the rotation-suppressing protrusions 53i are housed in the terminal-holding portion side slit 167 of the protruding cylindrical portion 163, as described above. Note that because the signal terminals 124 are close together and space is limited, the terminal-holding portion side slits 167A of the three through holes 164A located in the middle of the Y direction among the eight through holes 164 are wider than the terminal-holding portion side slits 167B of the other five through holes 164B. For this reason, the rotation-suppressing protrusions 53i housed in the terminal-holding portion side slit 167A are wider than the rotation-suppressing protrusions 53i housed in the terminal-holding portion side slit 167B. In the rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i that fits into the terminal-holding slit 167A, the width dimension of the rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i is increased by providing two small protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0133] [Note] Up to this point, it has been explained that the protruding portion 25c and the terminal retaining portion 61 prevent the signal terminal 24 from coming out of the housing 50, but this is not an essential configuration. In addition to the protruding portion 25c and the terminal retaining portion 61, a configuration may be provided to prevent the signal terminal 24 from coming out of the housing 50. For example, the signal terminal 24 and the housing 50 may be configured to be locked together by a lance and a recess or the like.

[0134] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the signal terminal 24 is connected to the signal line 34, forming a terminal-equipped wire 38, and then passes through the retainer 60 through the through-hole 64, this is not an essential configuration. The signal line 34 may be connected to the signal terminal 24 after passing through the retainer 60. In this case, if the protruding cylindrical portion 63 has front and rear openings, the terminal insertion hole 66 and the terminal retaining portion side slit 67 may be omitted.

[0135] Furthermore, while it has been explained that insulating walls 68C, 68D1, and 68D2 are provided in the shared through holes 64C and 64D, this is not an essential configuration. Insulating walls 68C, 68D1, and 68D2 may be omitted in the shared through holes 64C and 64D. In this case, the insulating distance between the signal terminals 24 may be sufficient even without insulating walls 68C, 68D1, and 68D2, for example, by increasing the distance between the signal terminals 24.

[0136] Furthermore, while it has been explained that the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 passes through the through hole 64 and then through the retainer 60, this is not a mandatory configuration. The wire 44 of the thermistor 42 may pass through the retainer 60 in a way other than through the through hole 64. Alternatively, the thermistor 42 may be mounted further rear than the rear cover portion 62, so that the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 does not need to pass through the retainer 60.

[0137] Furthermore, although it has been explained so far that the cylindrical body 25d has a body-side slit 25g formed therein, this is not an essential configuration. The cylindrical body 25d does not need to have a body-side slit 25g. For example, the body-side slit 25g may not be formed if one end in the circumferential direction and the other end overlap radially.

[0138] Furthermore, while it has been explained that the width of the rear end of the slit 25f is greater than the width of the front end of the slit 25f, this is not an essential configuration. For example, the width of the slit 25f may be constant from the front end to the rear end. Also, for example, the width of the front end of the slit 25f may be greater than the width of the rear end of the slit 25f.

[0139] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the tip of each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear end of each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e, this is not an essential configuration. For example, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a in each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e may be constant from the tip to the rear end.

[0140] 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]

[0141] 10, 110 charging connector 20 terminals 21 Connector terminals 22 Power terminals 23a Reciprocal connection part 23b Terminal fixing part 23c Protrusion 23d Thermistor mounting section 24, 24A, 24B, 24C, 124 signal terminals 25a, 125a Mating side connection part (tube part) 25b Wire connection section 25c, 125c protrusion 25d Main body of cylinder 25e, 125e elastic piece 25f Slit 25g Main body side slit 26 Ground terminal 27a Mating side connection (Ground terminal side cylindrical part) 27b Wire connection section (Ground terminal side wire connection section) 27c Protrusion (Ground terminal side protrusion) 28, 28A, 28B relay terminals 29a Terminal fixing part 29b Wire connection section 30 Electric wire 31a Core wire 31b Covering 32 Power lines 34 signal line 36 Grand Line 38 wires with terminals 39 Heat shrink tubing 40 Thermistor Unit 42 Thermistor 44 Thermistor wire 50, 150 Housing 51 Housing body 52 Outer frame 53, 53A, 53B, 53C, 153 Terminal housing 53d First containment unit 53e Second containment unit 53f recess 53g protrusion (wall) 53h groove 53i Rotation suppression protrusion 54 Vehicle mounting section 56 Arm 57 Wire retaining section 60, 160 retainer 61 Terminal retaining part 62 Rear cover section 63, 163 Projecting cylinder part 63a Projecting tube body 63b Convex part 63P Power terminal retaining section 63G Ground terminal retaining part 64, 64A, 64B, 164, 164A, 164B through hole 64C, 64D Shared through hole (through hole) 65, 65C1, 65C2, 65D1, 65D2 Hollow part 66, 66C1, 66C2, 66D1, 66D2 terminal insertion holes 67, 67C, 67C1, 67C2, 67D1, 67D2, 167, 167A, 167B Terminal retaining part side slit 68, 68C, 68D1, 68D2 Insulation Wall 69a, 69b Wall 70 Wire cover 80 Lid Units 82 Lid 84 Hinge Unit 86 Rock Unit 89. Sealing member 90 Grommets (Protectors) 91 1st Protection Department 92 Housing Outlet 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 S screw

Claims

1. A charging connector mounted on a vehicle, which engages with an external charging connector connected to the vehicle's external power supply, and is used for charging a battery provided in the vehicle, First and second power terminals used for supplying power to the aforementioned battery, Multiple signal terminals are formed with a thinner plate thickness than the first and second power terminals and transmit signals between the outside of the vehicle and the control unit of the vehicle, A housing that holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals, and that engages with the external charging connector at its front end along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector, A retainer that is combined with the rear end of the housing and holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals together with the housing, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion provided at the tip side into which the terminals of the external charging connector are inserted. A slit is formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion, separating a portion of the cylindrical portion along the circumferential direction from another portion. The width of the tip of the slit is smaller than the width of the wall that appears at the rear end of the housing when the rear end of the housing is observed from the insertion / removal direction. The housing has a terminal housing portion into which one end of the signal terminal is housed. The wall extends radially from the periphery of the terminal housing when the rear end of the housing is observed from the insertion / removal direction, The width of the wall is the width in the direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction and the radial direction, respectively. In directions perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction and the radial direction, there is a first recess on one side of the wall and a second recess on the other side of the wall. The inner surface of the terminal housing portion at the rear end of the housing has a first portion that is uniformly continuous from the first recess to the second recess, and a second portion that is the part of the wall facing the terminal. A charging connector in which the first and second parts are different parts of a single circumferential surface.

2. A charging connector according to claim 1, Each of the plurality of signal terminals further has a wire connection portion provided on the rear end side to which the signal wire is electrically connected, and an intermediate portion provided between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. The intermediate portion has a protrusion that extends further than the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The retainer is a charging connector having a terminal retaining portion that extends along the wire connection portion and presses the protruding portion toward the housing.

3. A charging connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The cylindrical portion comprises a cylindrical body and a plurality of elastic pieces protruding from the tip of the cylindrical body. The plurality of elastic pieces protrude from positions separated from each other along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, The space between the plurality of elastic pieces arranged in the circumferential direction is the slit, A charging connector having a body-side slit formed in the cylindrical body, extending from one end to the other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body.

4. A charging connector according to claim 3, The width dimension of the rear end of the plurality of elastic pieces is smaller than the width dimension of the front end of the plurality of elastic pieces. A charging connector in which the width of the rear end of the slit is greater than the width of the front end of the slit.

5. A charging connector according to claim 3 or claim 4, A charging connector in which the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the tip of the plurality of elastic pieces is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the rear end of the plurality of elastic pieces.

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