Battery Cover Connector Case Mounting for Compact Charging Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working vehicles with on-board charging power source connectors face challenges such as cumbersome assembly processes, increased man-hours, and spatial occupancy due to the connector's oblique downward orientation, as well as difficult inspection when the battery cover is opened.

Innovation Solution

The on-board charging power source connector is mounted on a hollow case fixed to the battery cover's outer surface, with the connector case fixed by welding to a reinforcing plate, allowing the charging cable to pass through, and the connector is oriented obliquely to reduce spatial occupancy and facilitate easy assembly and inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the on-board charging power source connector case is fixed to the counterweight by fixing screws inside the case, then the connector is securely mounted, but the assembly work becomes cumbersome and the number of man-hours increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector case is pre-fixed to the battery cover in the factory before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary assembly action eliminates the need for on-site assembly work, reducing man-hours while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated fixing structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector case and battery cover are merged into a single integrated assembly. The case is fixed to the outer surface of the battery cover, combining two components into one unit that simplifies installation and reduces assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the connector case is mounted on the counterweight with internal fixing, then the mounting is stable, but the assembly process requires more time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing operation is performed in advance at the factory during manufacturing. The connector case is pre-attached to the battery cover with stable fixing screws before the equipment is deployed, eliminating time-consuming on-site assembly while ensuring mounting stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the on-board charging power source connector is covered by the battery cover during inspection, then the connector is protected, but the inspection work becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidinspection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery cover is designed to be openable, segmenting the protective enclosure into accessible and closed states. This allows the connector to be protected when closed and easily inspected when opened, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery cover transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic openable state. This dynamic design allows the cover to provide protection during normal operation while enabling easy access for inspection and maintenance when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the connector case occupies space in the height direction and vehicle width direction, then the connector can be properly oriented, but the overall vehicle space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector orientationVSAvoidvehicle space occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is oriented obliquely rather than purely vertically or horizontally, utilizing diagonal space efficiency. The electricity supply port faces obliquely upward toward the rear side, reducing the projected footprint in both height and width directions while maintaining proper connector orientation and functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration simplifies assembly, reduces man-hours, saves space around the connector case, and allows easier inspection and maintenance, while maintaining a compact design and preventing water ingress.

Implementation Method 1

the on-board charging power source connector case is fixed by welding between the on-board charging power source connector case fixing portion and the raised portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4624213A1Working vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TAKEUCHI MFG CO LTD
  • EP4624213A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624213A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624213A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a working vehicle that reduces the number of assembling man-hours of an on-board charging power source connector, and realizes the saving of a space around an on-board charging power source connector case. A working vehicle 1 includes: an on-board charging power source connector; and an on-board charging power source connector case on which the on-board charging power source connector is mounted, and allows the charging cable to pass therethrough. The on-board charging power source connector case is disposed on a right side end portion of a battery cover. The on-board charging power source connector case is fixed to a reinforcing plate fixed to an inner back surface of the battery cover at an on-board charging power source connector case fixing portion.