Vehicle Charging Connector

Abstract

A vehicle charging connector coupled to a charging unit of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a coupling housing having a coupling space formed that is open in an extensional direction; an alignment holder formed by a holder plate disposed on one side of the coupling space and a holder rib extending from the holder plate to form an open alignment space, and coupled to one side of the coupling housing; and a charging terminal fixed in the alignment space and disposed in the coupling space as the alignment holder is coupled to the coupling housing; wherein the holder rib is formed by a rib body extending in an extensional direction to form the alignment space received in the coupling space and a deformation part elastically deformable at one end of the rib body, so that a portion of the charging terminal is fixed in an extensional direction while being exposed to the outside of the rib body, thereby improving the productivity and reliability of the product.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging connector for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a charging connector for a vehicle that is coupled to a charging part of a vehicle to supply external power. Background Technology

[0002] Interest in eco-friendly vehicles has increased to address environmental issues through energy conservation and pollution prevention. Consequently, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, biodiesel vehicles, and electric vehicles are garnering attention as alternatives to vehicles powered by conventional internal combustion engines.

[0003] Among these, the field of the most active technological development is the electric vehicle sector, which consists of vehicles that use electricity as their primary driving force. To this end, electric vehicles are equipped with a charging section connected to a battery to receive electrical energy from an external source.

[0004] In this case, a charging connector connected to an external power source is attached to the charging section of the electric vehicle to supply power from the outside. Furthermore, since electric energy is a major energy source managed by the state and presents the problem of difficulty in establishing supply infrastructure, there is a trend to increase the adoption of electric vehicles by installing charging connectors in public places for use by an unspecified number of people.

[0005] Here, the charging connector is a device installed in a public place and used by an unspecified number of people; a problem has arisen in which the internal charging terminal becomes displaced due to repeated attachment and detachment, resulting in reduced electrical connection stability.

[0006] In addition, to prevent the aforementioned problems from occurring initially, the need for accuracy in the installation positions of multiple charging terminals increased during the production of charging connectors, leading to a problem of reduced workability and product productivity. The problem to be solved

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a vehicle charging connector that facilitates the operation of a plurality of charging terminals while simultaneously having improved product reliability. means of solving the problem

[0008] A vehicle charging connector coupled to a charging part of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a coupling housing having a coupling space formed that is open in an extensional direction; an alignment holder formed by a holder plate disposed on one side of the coupling space and a holder rib extending from the holder plate to form an open alignment space, and coupled to one side of the coupling housing; and a charging terminal fixed in the alignment space and disposed in the coupling space as the alignment holder is coupled to the coupling housing; wherein the holder rib is formed by a rib body extending in an extensional direction to form the alignment space received in the coupling space, and a deformation part elastically deformable at one end of the rib body, so that a portion of the charging terminal is fixed in an extensional direction while being exposed to the outside of the rib body.

[0009] The above charging terminal may be formed with a relay part disposed in the coupling space and relaying an electrical connection during charging, a fixing end protruding in a circumferential direction from one end of the relay part to deform the deformation part while being supported from the outside and generating a fixing force in the extension direction, and a connecting part extending from the fixing end and connected to an external power source on the inside of the alignment space.

[0010] The above-described deformation part is formed with an open portion that is open to a coupling space, an extension portion that extends from one end of the rib body to the open portion, and a cut portion that is formed radially from the open portion and cuts the extension portion into multiple parts, so that one side of the fixed end penetrates the open portion and is supported by the extension portion and fixed in the extension direction.

[0011] The above deformation part may further have a reinforcing member formed to connect the rib body and a plurality of the extension parts in the circumferential direction, thereby reinforcing the fixing force in the extension direction of the charging terminal.

[0012] The above deformation part may further have a reinforcing part formed that extends from the rib body and is supported on the other side of the fixed end, thereby allowing the charging terminal to be fixed on both sides in the extension direction.

[0013] The above-mentioned coupling space and the above-mentioned alignment space have corresponding polygonal shapes centered on the extension direction, so they can generate fixing force in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The above deformation part may be formed as a plurality of extensions from a single holder plate so that a plurality of the charging terminals are individually fixed and have a preset pattern.

[0015] It is preferable that the above reinforcing part be formed corresponding to the location of the above incision part. Effects of the invention

[0016] As examined above, various effects including the following can be expected according to the means for solving the problem of the present invention. However, the present invention is not required to exhibit all of the following effects to be valid.

[0017] The vehicle connector of the present invention is equipped with an alignment holder for aligning a plurality of charging terminals, and the alignment holder improves workability by primarily fixing the charging terminals through a deformable part that deforms when installed.

[0018] At this time, an incision is formed in the deformation section to facilitate deformation when connecting the charging terminal, while a reinforcing section is formed to secure the support force of the charging terminal, thereby stably positioning the charging terminal at a pre-set location.

[0019] In addition, a reinforcing section is further formed on the holder rib to secure both sides of the charging terminal in the extension direction, thereby accurately guiding the connection position with the vehicle's charging part and ensuring electrical connection stability.

[0020] In addition, the joining space and the alignment space have corresponding polygonal shapes to provide radial fixing force, preventing each component from deviating from a preset position and ensuring the durability of the product. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle charging connector of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the joint of FIG. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 from a different direction. FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the alignment holder of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of FIG. 5(a) in a different direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the VI-VI direction of FIG. 2. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in order not to obscure the essence of the present invention, descriptions of known functions or configurations will be omitted.

[0023] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the direction in which the charging terminal is extended is defined as the extension direction, the direction in which the circumference of a circle centered on the extension direction is formed is defined as the circumference direction, and the direction in which the radius of a circle centered on the extension direction is formed is defined as the radius direction.

[0024] At this time, the direction in which the relay part of the charging terminal is formed is referred to as the front of the extension direction, and the direction in which the extension part is formed is referred to as the rear of the extension direction.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle charging connector of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coupling part of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 in a different direction, FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the alignment holder of FIG. 4, FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of FIG. 5(a) in a different direction, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view in the VI-VI direction of FIG. 2.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a vehicle charging connector (10) coupled to a charging part of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a coupling housing (110) having a coupling space (114) formed that is open in an extending direction, a holder plate (121) disposed on one side of the coupling space (114), and a holder rib (122) formed by extending from the holder plate and forming an open alignment space (12211), an alignment holder (120) coupled to one side of the coupling housing (110), and a charging terminal (130) fixed to the alignment space (12211) and disposed in the coupling space (114) as the alignment holder (120) is coupled to the coupling housing (110), wherein the holder rib (122) comprises a rib body (1221) that extends in an extending direction and forms the alignment space (12211) that is received in the coupling space (114), and the It is characterized by being formed with a deformation part (1222) that is elastically deformed at one end of the rib body (1221), so that a part of the charging terminal (130) is fixed in an extended direction with the portion exposed to the outside of the rib body (1221).

[0028] The vehicle charging connector (10) is a connector that is connected to the charging part of a vehicle connected to a battery that supplies power to the vehicle's driving force and electrical components, and supplies external power to the battery to charge it.

[0029] To this end, the vehicle charging connector (10) is formed with a coupling part (100) that is coupled to the charging part of the vehicle, a charging head (200) that is connected to the coupling part (100) and accommodates a part of the charging terminal (130), and a connecting cable (300) that connects the charging terminal (130) and the battery.

[0030] At this time, the coupling part (100) accommodates a charging terminal (130) that is electrically connected to an inlet terminal formed in the charging part of the vehicle, so that when a user operates the charging head (200) to connect the coupling part (100) to the charging part of the vehicle, the charging terminal (130) and the inlet terminal come into contact and are electrically connected.

[0031] In addition, the charging part and the coupling part (100) of the vehicle are formed to have a set standard to ensure universality, and at the same time, a plurality of charging terminals (130) are formed to have a preset pattern.

[0032] To this end, the coupling portion (100) is formed with a coupling housing (110) coupled to the charging portion of a vehicle, an alignment holder (120) coupled to one side of the coupling housing (110), and a plurality of charging terminals (130) that are primarily fixed to the alignment holder (120) and aligned in a pattern set on the inside of the coupling housing (110).

[0033] Specifically, the coupling housing (110) is formed with a coupling body (111) that is coupled to the charging part of the vehicle in the forward direction of the extension, a receiving body (112) that is formed in the rear direction of the extension and is received in the charging head (200), and a guide section (113) that protrudes in the circumferential direction between the coupling body (111) and the receiving body (112).

[0034] Additionally, the coupling housing (110) penetrates the coupling body (111) and the receiving body (112) in an extended direction to form an open coupling space (114). Accordingly, a charging terminal (130) is installed into the coupling space (114) through the receiving body (112), and is electrically connected to an inlet terminal on the inside of the coupling body (111).

[0035] In addition, a fastening projection (1121) is formed on the outer side of the receiving body (112) so that the alignment holder (120) is fixed to one side of the coupling housing (110) without a separate fixing member, thereby allowing a plurality of charging terminals (130) to be installed more easily in the coupling housing (110) with a certain pattern.

[0036] The guide section (113) protrudes radially between the coupling body (111) and the receiving body (112) to limit, i.e., guide, the length in the extension direction in which the coupling body (111) is coupled to the charging part of the vehicle, so that the charging terminal (130) can come into contact with the inlet terminal at a preset position.

[0037] In addition, the coupling space (114), which is formed on the inner side of the receiving body (112) and accommodates the rib body (1221), has a cross-sectional shape identical to the cross-section of the rib body (1221) so as to support the outer side of the rib body (1221) while the alignment holder (120) is fully fastened to one side of the receiving body (112).

[0038] At this time, the coupling space (114) and the rib body (1221) have a polygonal shape and provide a fixing force in the circumferential direction while the alignment holder (120) is fastened to the receiving body (112), so that the charging terminal (130) is ultimately positioned and maintained more stably in a preset position.

[0039] To this end, the coupling space (114) is formed with a fixed portion (1141) in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases forward in the extension direction from the end of the receiving body (112), an extended portion (1142) that extends forward from the fixed portion (1141) while maintaining a constant cross-sectional area, and a protective portion (1143) that extends forward from the extended portion (1142) and is formed inside the coupling body (111).

[0040] This is to prevent interference between the inner surface of the coupling space (114) and the reinforcing part (1223) protruding outward from the rib body (1221) when the rib body (1221) is inserted into the coupling space (114) formed on the inner side of the initial receiving body (112).

[0041] At the same time, when the alignment holder (120) is fully fastened to one side of the receiving body (112), the outer surface of the rib body (1221) is in close contact with the inner surface of the fixing part (1141) to provide a fixing force in the circumferential direction.

[0042] At this time, a predetermined gap is created between the inner surface of the extension part (1143) and the rib body (1221) so as not to interfere with the holder rib (122) during the assembly process of the alignment holder (120), and it is preferable to further form a seating groove (11421) at the end of the extension part (1142) where the reinforcing part (1223) is seated.

[0043] Accordingly, the reinforcing member (1223) protruding outward from the fixed end (133) prevents damage during the use of the vehicle's charging connector (10) and prevents the charging terminal (130) from moving due to vibrations in the extension direction, thereby providing more stable charging.

[0044] Additionally, the protective portion (1143) is formed to accommodate each of the plurality of charging terminals (130) internally, and is formed in correspondence with the position of the holder rib (122), that is, the shape of the charging part of the vehicle, so that the plurality of charging terminals (130) have a pre-designed pattern.

[0045] Accordingly, the relay portion (131) of the charging terminal (130) is positioned at a preset location by the protection portion (1443) to guide the connection with the charging portion of the vehicle. At this time, the end of the symbol portion (1443) is extended radially and positioned outside the relay portion (131), thereby significantly reducing the possibility of damage to the charging terminal (130) when the vehicle charging connector (10) and the vehicle's charging portion are connected.

[0046] In summary, the coupling housing (110) accommodates multiple charging terminals (130) internally and protects them from the outside, while simultaneously guiding them to make contact with the inlet terminal at a preset position, thereby improving the reliability of the product and the convenience of the user.

[0047] To further maximize the above-mentioned effect, the vehicle charging connector (10) of the present invention further comprises an alignment holder (120) that is aligned in a preset pattern before the charging terminal (130) is installed in the coupling housing (110), thereby significantly improving the workability of installing a plurality of charging terminals (130).

[0048] To this end, the alignment holder (120) is formed with a holder plate (121) positioned at the rear in the extension direction of the receiving body (112) and a holder rib (122) extending in the extension direction from the holder plate (121).

[0049] At this time, the holder ribs (122) are formed in a plurality of ways that are identical to the installation pattern of the charging terminal (130) and primarily fix the charging terminal (130).

[0050] Additionally, a fastening rib (123) is further formed on the outer side of the holder plate (121) to be fastened to a fastening projection (1121) protruding outwardly from the receiving body (112), so that a plurality of charging terminals (130) are aligned in the alignment holder (120) and can be easily installed into the coupling space (114).

[0051] Specifically, each holder rib (122) is formed with a rib body (1221) that extends in an extension direction to form an open alignment space (12211), and a deformation part (1222) formed to be elastically deformable at one end of the extension direction of the rib body (1221).

[0052] Accordingly, the charging terminal (130) is fixed in an extended direction with a portion exposed from the rib body (1221), and a plurality of charging terminals (130) are installed in the coupling space (114) simply by coupling the alignment holder (120) to the coupling housing (110).

[0053] At this time, the alignment space (12211) has a polygonal shape centered on the extension direction, and correspondingly, the coupling space (114) also has the same polygonal shape so that when the rib body (1221) is accommodated in the coupling space (114), it is desirable to generate a fixing force in the circumferential direction.

[0054] Accordingly, the circumferential stress that may occur when a user repeatedly attaches and detaches the charging connector (10) for a vehicle to the charging part of the vehicle can be partially offset, thereby ensuring the durability of the product.

[0055] Additionally, the deformation portion (1222) is formed with an opening (12221) that is open in an extension direction so that a part of the charging terminal (130) is fixed in a state where it penetrates the alignment space (12211) and is exposed to the outside, an extension portion (12222) that extends along the inner surface of the rib body (1221) to the opening portion (12221), and a cut portion (12223) that cuts the extension portion (12222) into multiple parts.

[0056] Accordingly, the extension portion (12222) is more easily elastically deformed in the extension direction by the cut portion (12223), thereby preventing interference when the relay portion (131) and the reinforcing portion (12224) of the charging terminal (130) penetrate the alignment space (12211).

[0057] In addition, with the relay section (131) and the reinforcing section (12224) positioned outside the holder rib (122), the reinforcing section (12224) is supported from the rear in the extension direction so that the charging terminal (130) is fixed in one direction in the extension direction.

[0058] At this time, in order to adjust the degree of elasticity of the extension part (12222) according to the design and material of the alignment holder (120), the cut part (12223) may be formed in multiple radial directions centered on the extension direction, but the fixing force of the charging terminal (130) in the extension direction is secured by ensuring that it is not cut while extending in the extension direction.

[0059] In addition, to improve the fixing force in the extension direction of the charging terminal (130), the deformation part (1222) may further be formed with a reinforcing part (12224) that extends circumferentially on the inner surface of the rib body (1221) and is integrally connected with a plurality of extension parts (12222).

[0060] In other words, the deformation part (1222) can change the number of cut sections (12223), whether to form reinforcing sections (12224), and the length in the radial direction, taking into account the degree of deformation required for the extension part (12222) to improve the necessary fixing force and workability in the extension direction.

[0061] Additionally, each holder rib (122) may be formed at the end of the rib body (1221) and may further form a reinforcing part (1223) that supports the other side of the fixed part, that is, the front in the extension direction, which is supported on one side by the extension part (12222) by penetrating the alignment space (12211).

[0062] At this time, the reinforcing part (1223) is formed as at least one opposing pair of holder ribs (122) and together with the rib body (1221), the extension part (12222), and the reinforcing end (12224) reinforces the fixing force in the extension direction of the charging terminal (130).

[0063] However, the reinforcing part (1223) provides a forward fixing force in the extension direction to the charging terminal (130), guiding the position of the charging terminal (130) in the coupling space (114) so ​​that it comes into contact with the inlet terminal at a more accurate position.

[0064] Additionally, it is preferable that the reinforcing part (1223) be formed corresponding to the location of the incision part (12223). This compensates for the problem of reduced fixing force that inevitably occurs at the location of the incision part (12223) through the reinforcing part (1223), thereby enabling more stable fixing force to be generated across the entire surface area of ​​the fixing part.

[0065] Accordingly, the vehicle charging connector (10) of the present invention aligns a plurality of charging terminals (130) in a preset pattern and simultaneously positions the location in contact with the inlet terminal to match a preset location, thereby significantly improving the installation workability of the charging terminals (130) and the reliability of the product.

[0066] In addition, the degree of elastic deformation of the deformation part (1222) can be easily changed through the number and degree of cutting of the incision part (12223) and whether or not the reinforcing part (12224) is formed, thereby ensuring ease of design change and reducing product development costs.

[0067] The charging terminal (130) is formed with a relay part (131) that is placed in the coupling space (114) and contacts the inlet terminal to create an electrical connection, a connection part (132) that is placed in the alignment space (12211) and is electrically connected to the battery through a connection cable (300), and a fixed end (133) that is formed protruding radially between the relay part (131) and the connection part (132).

[0068] Specifically, the fixed end (133) protrudes radially along the outer surface of the relay part (131) and induces deformation by pressing the extension part (12222) in the extension direction when penetrating the opening (12221) of the charging terminal (130), and after penetrating the opening (12221), one side positioned in the rear of the extension direction is supported by the extension part (12222) and fixed in the extension direction.

[0069] At this time, it is preferable that the other side of the fixed end (133) be supported by the reinforcing part (1223) to fix the charging terminal (130) in both directions of the extension direction.

[0070] Accordingly, a plurality of charging terminals (130) are aligned in a preset pattern while primarily fixed to the alignment holder (120), and are installed as a single unit in a preset coupling space by the coupling of the alignment holder (120), thereby ensuring electrical connection stability with the inlet terminal.

[0071] Accordingly, the vehicle charging connector (10) of the present invention is equipped with an alignment holder (120) that primarily fixes a plurality of charging terminals (130), thereby significantly improving the workability of the worker in installing the charging terminals (130), while accurately guiding the relative positions between the components to provide electrical connection stability and ease of connection of the vehicle coupling part (100).

[0072] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described illustratively above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and any modifications that are appropriately possible within the scope described in the claims fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0073] 10 Vehicle charging connector. 100 connecting parts 110 combined housing 111 Connecting body 112 Receiving body 1121 Fastening protrusion 113 Guide section 114 Connecting space 1141 Fixed part 1142 Extended part 11421 Seating groove 1143 Protective part 120 alignment holder 121 Holder Plate 122 Holder Rib 1221 Ribbody 12211 Alignment space 1222 Variant 12221 Opening 12222 Extension 12223 Incision 12224 Reinforcement section 1223 Reinforcement section 123 fastening rib 130 charging port 131 Relay Section 132 Connection Section 133 Fixed end 200 charging head 300 connection cable

Claims

Claim 1 A vehicle charging connector (10) coupled to a charging part of a vehicle, comprising: a coupling housing (110) having a coupling space (114) formed in an extending direction; a holder plate (121) disposed on one side of the coupling space (114), and a holder rib (122) formed extending from the holder plate (121) to form an open alignment space (12211), and a alignment holder (120) coupled to one side of the coupling housing (110). The charging terminal (130) is formed by a relay member (131) disposed in the coupling space (114) for relaying an electrical connection during charging, a fixing end (133) protruding in a circumferential direction from one end of the relay member (131) to generate a fixing force in an extension direction, and a connecting member (132) extending from the fixing end (133) and connected to an external power source inside the alignment space (12211), and is disposed in the coupling space (114) as the alignment holder (120) is coupled to the coupling housing (110); wherein the holder rib (122) comprises a rib body (1221) that extends in an extension direction to form the alignment space (12211) accommodated in the coupling space (114), and a rib body (1221) formed at one end of the rib body (1221), deformed by the fixing end (133), and supported on one side of the fixing end (133). A vehicle charging connector characterized by being formed with a deformation portion (1222), wherein a portion of the charging terminal (130) is fixed in an extended direction while exposed to the outside of the rib body (1221), and the deformation portion (1222) is formed with an open portion (12221) that is open to a coupling space, an extension portion (12222) that extends from one end of the rib body (1221) to the open portion (12221), and a cut portion (12223) that is formed radially from the open portion (12221) and cuts the extension portion (12222) into multiple parts, so that one side of the fixed end (133) is supported by the extension portion (12222) through the open portion (12221) and fixed in an extended direction. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation part (1222) further has a reinforcing end (12224) formed to connect the rib body (1221) and a plurality of extension parts (12222) in the circumferential direction to reinforce the fixing force in the extension direction of the charging terminal (130). Claim 5 A vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, wherein the deformation part (1222) further has a reinforcing part (1223) formed that extends from the rib body (1221) and is supported on the other side of the fixed end (133) to fix the charging terminal (130) on both sides in the extension direction. Claim 6 A vehicle charging connector (10) coupled to a charging part of a vehicle, comprising: a coupling housing (110) having a coupling space (114) formed in an extending direction; a holder plate (121) disposed on one side of the coupling space (114), and a holder rib (122) formed extending from the holder plate (121) to form an open alignment space (12211), and a alignment holder (120) coupled to one side of the coupling housing (110). A charging connector for a vehicle, comprising: a charging terminal (130) that is fixed in the alignment space (12211) and disposed in the coupling space (114) as the alignment holder (120) is coupled to the coupling housing (110); wherein the holder rib (122) is formed with a rib body (1221) that extends in an extension direction and forms the alignment space (12211) that is received in the coupling space (114), and a deformation part (1222) that is elastically deformed at one end of the rib body (1221), so that a part of the charging terminal (130) is fixed in the extension direction with the rib body (1221) exposed to the outside, and wherein the coupling space (114) and the alignment space (12211) have corresponding polygonal shapes centered on the extension direction and generate a fixing force in the circumferential direction. Claim 7 A vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, wherein the deformation portion (1222) is formed as a plurality of portions extending from a single holder plate (121) so that a plurality of the charging terminals (130) are individually fixed and have a preset pattern. Claim 8 A vehicle charging connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcing portion (1223) is formed corresponding to the position of the cut portion (12223).

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