CN115693269A - Charging connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a charging connector, aiming at realizing miniaturization of the charging connector. The charging connector (10) has: power terminals (22A, 22B); signal terminals (24A, 24B); housing (50) and stopper for holding the power terminals and signal terminals; relay terminals (28A, 28B), It has a plate-shaped mounting part (29Aa, 29Ba), and is fixed to the power supply terminal (22A, 22B) in a posture extending in a direction intersecting with the plugging and unplugging direction; the power line (32) is connected to the power supply terminal (28A, 28B) via the relay terminal The terminals (22A, 22B) are electrically connected; and the exterior member covers the stopper (60) and the power terminal and the signal terminal together, and the power line (32) is in the exterior member (90) along the direction crossing the plugging direction. A straight line extending in a direction.

Description

charging connector

technical field

The present disclosure relates to charging connectors.

Background technique

Patent Document 1 discloses a charging socket including a cylindrical portion, a case fitted to a base end portion of the cylindrical portion, and an end cap fitted to the case. A plurality of terminals electrically connected to terminals of the external connector are provided inside the cylindrical portion. In addition, the terminal is electrically connected to the battery via wiring passing through the case and the end cap.

prior art literature

patent documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-83130

Contents of the invention

The problem to be solved by the invention

As the wiring connecting the terminal and the battery, a power line is used. Power lines are thicker than signal lines, so the bending radius tends to be large. Therefore, if the power line is supposed to be bent in the end cover depending on the direction in which the wiring is drawn, it is necessary to secure a space in the end cover that can accommodate the bent power line.

Here, miniaturization of the charging socket is required.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to achieve miniaturization of a charging connector.

Solution to the problem

The charging connector of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle, is fitted with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle, and is used for charging a battery included in the vehicle, and the charging connector includes: a first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal are used to supply power to the battery; the first signal terminal is opposite to the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal, along with the first power supply terminal and the first power supply terminal 2. The direction perpendicular to the direction in which the power supply terminals are arranged is arranged on one side; and the second signal terminal is arranged along the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal with respect to the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal. The direction perpendicular to the direction in which the power terminals are arranged is arranged on the other side; the housing has an opening and a terminal holding portion, and the external charging connector is inserted and removed through the opening, and the terminal holding portion is positioned along the The external charging connector is located inside the opening when viewed in the plugging and unplugging direction, holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, the first signal terminal, and the second signal terminal; The movable body is integrated with an end portion of the housing opposite to the opening, and holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the first signal terminal together with the housing. and the second signal terminal; the first relay terminal has a first plate-shaped mounting part and a first power line connection part, the first plate-shaped mounting part has a first through hole, and the first plate-shaped mounting part fixed to the end of the first power supply terminal opposite to the opening in a posture extending in a direction intersecting with the insertion and extraction direction; the second relay terminal has a second plate-shaped mounting portion and the second power line connection part, the second plate-shaped mounting part has a second through hole, and the second plate-shaped mounting part is fixed to the second The end of the power terminal on the opposite side to the opening; the first power line is connected to the first power line connection part, and is electrically connected to the first power terminal through the first relay terminal; a power line connected to the second power line connection portion and electrically connected to the second power supply terminal via the second relay terminal; and an exterior member connecting the stopper, the first power supply terminal, the The second power supply terminal, the first signal terminal, and the second signal terminal are covered together from the side opposite to the opening, and the first power line and the second power line are along the inner side of the exterior member. A straight line extending in a direction intersecting with the plugging and unplugging direction.

Invention effect

According to the present disclosure, miniaturization of the charging connector can be achieved.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a charging connector according to Embodiment 1 and an assembly thereof.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the charging connector according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4 .

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power supply terminal, an electric wire with a terminal, and their storage positions.

Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining electric wire paths in the charging connector.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing power supply terminals.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a stopper and a relay terminal.

Fig. 10 is a rear view showing a charging connector according to a modified example.

Detailed ways

[Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described first.

The charging connector of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) Mounted on a vehicle, fitted with an external charging connector connected to an external power supply of the vehicle, and used for charging a battery included in the vehicle, the charging connector includes: a first power supply terminal and a second power supply Terminals, used for power supply to the battery; first signal terminals, opposite to the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal, arranged along the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal The direction perpendicular to the direction is arranged on one side; the second signal terminal, with respect to the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal, is arranged along the line of the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal The direction perpendicular to the direction is arranged on the other side; the housing has an opening and a terminal holding portion, the external charging connector is plugged and pulled out through the opening, and the terminal holding portion is inserted along the external charging connector. Viewed from the insertion and extraction direction, it is located inside the opening, holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, the first signal terminal, and the second signal terminal; a stopper, and An end portion of the housing opposite to the opening is integrated to hold the first power terminal, the second power terminal, the first signal terminal, and the first power terminal together with the housing. 2 signal terminals; the first relay terminal has a first plate-shaped assembly part and a first power line connection part, the first plate-shaped assembly part has a first through hole, and the first plate-shaped assembly part is along the The posture extending in the direction intersecting the insertion and extraction directions is fixed to the end of the first power supply terminal opposite to the opening; the second relay terminal has a second plate-shaped mounting part and a second power line The connection part, the second plate-shaped fitting part has a second through hole, and the second plate-shaped fitting part is fixed in the middle of the second power supply terminal in a posture extending in a direction intersecting with the plugging-out direction. The end portion on the opposite side of the opening; the first power line is connected to the first power line connection part, and is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal through the first relay terminal; the second power line is connected to the first power line. The second power line connection part is connected, electrically connected to the second power terminal via the second relay terminal; , the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal are covered together from the side opposite to the opening, and the first power line and the second power line run along the inside of the exterior member A straight line extending in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction directions.

According to this charging connector, the first electric power line and the second electric power line extend along a straight line extending in a direction intersecting with the insertion and removal direction inside the exterior member. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a space for accommodating the bent power line in the exterior member. Thereby, miniaturization of the charging connector can be realized. In particular, since the direction change of the electric power line with respect to the longitudinal direction of the power supply terminal is performed by the relay terminal fastened to the power supply terminal, it is possible to reduce the size of the charging connector in the plugging and unplugging direction. In addition, since the first electric power line and the second electric power line do not need to be bent inside the exterior member, manufacturing of the charging connector becomes easy.

(2) In the charging connector of (1), the charging connector may be a charging connector in which the first power line connection part and the second power line connection part are arranged so that the first power line and the second power line A power line protrudes toward one side along the direction in which the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal are arranged, and the first relay terminal has a detour portion provided on the first plate-shaped The mounting portion and the first power line connection portion extend so as to bypass the first signal terminal. Thereby, the first relay terminal can be arranged while avoiding interference with the signal line extending from the first signal terminal.

(3) In the charging connector of (1) or (2), the stopper may have a wall surrounding the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal, so that The wall is formed at a position separating the first relay terminal or the second relay terminal from the first signal terminal or the second signal terminal as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. Thereby, each relay terminal and each signal terminal can be separated by a wall.

(4) In any one of the charging connectors (1) to (3), one of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal may include a The plate-shaped portion, the other of the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal includes a plate-shaped portion along a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction. By aligning the plate-shaped portion of the first relay terminal and the plate-shaped portion of the second relay terminal in different directions in this way, it can be arranged in a compact space and contribute to miniaturization of the charging connector.

(5) In any one of the charging connectors (1) to (4), the first power line and the second power line may be arranged along the first power terminal and the second power terminal. direction extension. Thereby, the first electric power line and the second electric power line can be drawn out along the direction in which the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal are arranged.

(6) In any one of (1) to (5), the charging connector may further include: a first signal line connected to the first signal terminal; and a second signal line , connected to the second signal terminal, the first signal line and the second signal line are bent and bundled into one within the exterior member. Thereby, also about a 1st signal line and a 2nd signal line, it becomes possible to change direction in an exterior member, bundle them into one, and draw out.

(7) In any one of (1) to (6), the charging connector may further include: a first fastening member inserted through the first through hole to fasten the first plate-shaped mounting part. fixed to the end of the first power terminal on the side opposite to the opening; and a second fastener inserted through the second through hole to fasten the second plate-shaped assembly part fixed to the end of the second power terminal opposite to the opening. Accordingly, the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal can be easily and firmly connected to the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal using the first fastener and the second fastener.

(8) In the charging connector of (7), the tightening direction of the first fastener and the second fastener may be the same as the insertion/extraction direction. As a result, it is only necessary to perform the tightening work of the fastener along the insertion and removal direction, so the fastening work can be easily performed.

(9) In any one of the charging connectors (1) to (8), the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal may be metal plate-shaped members bent so as to bend the first power supply terminal. The plate-shaped mounting portion and the second plate-shaped mounting portion are arranged along a direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction. Accordingly, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the first plate-shaped mounting portion and the second plate-shaped mounting portion can be arranged in a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction.

(10) In any one of the charging connectors (1) to (9), the first power supply terminal may have a first cylindrical portion into which a counterpart terminal is inserted, and the second power supply terminal may have a counterpart terminal. In the inserted second cylindrical portion, when viewed along the insertion/extraction direction, the first cylindrical portion overlaps the first through hole, and the second cylindrical portion overlaps the second through hole. As a result, the charging connector can be made compact when viewed along the plugging and unplugging direction.

(11) In any one of the charging connectors (1) to (10), the first power line and the second power line may include conductors with a cross-sectional area of 40 mm ² or more. In this way, if the power line is thick, the bending radius becomes large, and the space for accommodating the bent portion tends to increase. The first electric power line and the second electric power line are configured to extend along a straight line extending in a direction intersecting with the insertion and removal direction inside the exterior member, so that even if a thick first electric power line including a conductor with a cross-sectional area of 40mm2 ^or more is used, Even in the case of the power line and the second power line, the charging connector can be downsized.

[Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

Specific examples of the charging connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this indication is not limited to these illustrations, It is intended to include all the changes within the meaning and range equivalent to a claim, and showing by a claim.

[Embodiment 1]

Hereinafter, the charging connector according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

<About the vehicle>

First, a vehicle on which the charging connector is mounted will be described.

The vehicle to which the charging connector is installed is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery and an electric motor. The vehicle travels by being driven by the electric power of the battery through an electric motor. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle including only an electric motor as a drive source, or a hybrid vehicle including an electric motor and an engine. The battery in the vehicle is charged with electric power supplied from an external power source. The charging connector is configured to be inserted and electrically connected to the external charging connector 200 (see FIG. 5 ). The external charging connector is a connector for a charging cable extending from an external power source.

Generally, there are normal charging and quick charging as charging methods for the battery in the vehicle. Quick charging enables charging in a shorter time than normal charging by flowing a larger current than normal charging. Assume that normal charging uses a household power supply or an external power supply equivalent thereto. In fast charging, it is assumed that a dedicated power source such as a charging post is used. The charging connector of the present disclosure is a charging connector corresponding to fast charging as an example for description.

<Charging connector in the vehicle>

The assembly method of the charging connector in the vehicle will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a plan view showing charging connector 10 according to Embodiment 1 and how it is assembled.

Charging connector 10 is mounted to, for example, mounting portion 100 provided on the outer surface of a vehicle body in a vehicle. An example of the mounting part 100 is shown in FIG. 1 . The mounting portion 100 is formed in a concave shape in which a part of a panel constituting the vehicle body is dented toward the inner side of the vehicle, for example. The panel 102 at the bottom in the fitting part 100 is formed with a through hole 104 .

A connection portion to an external charging connector is provided on the front side of the charging connector 10 . The connection part includes a part into which the external charging connector is inserted and electrically connected. A portion of charging connector 10 including the connecting portion passes through through hole 104 and is exposed outside panel 102 . The other part of charging connector 10 is arranged on the inner side of the vehicle than panel 102 . Usually, a vehicle body side cover 106 is provided on the mounting portion 100 . The body side cover 106 is mounted so that it can be opened and closed using a hinge or the like. When the body side cover 106 is closed, the body side cover 106 covers the opening of the panel 102 . When the vehicle body side cover 106 is opened, the charging connector 10 is exposed, and the charging connector 10 can be inserted from the outside. The battery 230 included in the vehicle is charged by fitting and connecting the external charging connector 200 to the charging connector 10 .

In the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1 , the X direction among mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions is a direction parallel to the direction in which the charging connector 10 passes through the through hole 104 of the panel 102 . The charging connector 10 and the external charging connector are connected in the X direction. The Y direction is a direction in which a pair of power supply terminals 22 described later are arranged. The Z direction is a direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. For example, when charging connector 10 is installed on the side of the vehicle, it is considered that the X direction is the width direction of the vehicle, the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction is the plumb direction. Also, for example, when charging connector 10 is installed at the front or rear of the vehicle, the X direction is considered to be the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the Y direction is considered to be the width direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction is considered to be the plumb direction.

<overall composition>

In addition to FIG. 1 , the overall configuration of the charging connector 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing charging connector 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing charging connector 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing charging connector 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4 . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the terminal-provided electric wire 38 and its storage position. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the routing of electric wires 30 in charging connector 10 . In addition, in FIG. 3 , the electric wire 30 is omitted. In addition, in FIG. 6 , a part of the terminal-provided electric wire 38 is omitted.

Charging connector 10 includes terminal 20 , electric wire 30 , thermistor unit 40 , case 50 , stopper 60 , electric wire cover 70 , cover unit 80 , and grommet 90 .

<terminal>

The terminals 20 include connector terminals 21 and relay terminals 28 (see FIGS. 3 to 6 ). The connector terminal 21 is housed in the housing 50 . The connector terminal 21 is connected to a terminal of the counterpart connector. The number and types of connector terminals 21 are appropriately set according to the specifications of charging connector 10 and the like. In the example of this embodiment, two power supply terminals 22 , six signal terminals 24 , and one ground terminal 26 are provided as the connector terminals 21 . The relay terminal 28 is sandwiched between the power supply terminal 22 and the electric wire 30 . The relay terminals 28 are provided in the same number (two here) as the power supply terminals 22 . Each terminal 20 is formed by pressing (bending) a metal plate.

The power supply terminal 22 is a terminal used to supply electric power to the battery 230 . The power terminal 22 has a cylindrical portion 23a, a fastening plate portion 23b, and a protruding portion 23c. The power supply terminal 22 also has a thermistor mounting portion 23d.

The cylindrical portion 23a is a portion electrically connected to the power supply terminal of the external charging connector. The fastening plate portion 23b is a portion where the relay terminal 28 is fastened and fixed. The power line 32 is electrically connected to the power supply terminal 22 via the relay terminal 28 .

The signal terminal 24 has a counterpart-side connection portion 25a, a wire connection portion 25b, and a protruding portion 25c. The ground terminal 26 has a counterpart-side connection portion 27a, a wire connection portion 27b, and a protruding portion 27c. The electric wire connection part 25b, 27b is the part which connects electric wire, here it is a crimping part. The signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26 are respectively crimped to the end of the corresponding electric wire 30 by the electric wire connection part 25b, 27b. Accordingly, the signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26 are electrically connected to and fixed to the corresponding electric wires 30 .

The protruding portions 23c, 25c, and 27c are provided at intermediate portions of the respective connector terminals 21 . The protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are portions pressed by the stopper 60 . The thermistor mounting portion 23d is a portion where the thermistor unit 40 is mounted.

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

Each electric wire 30 is a covered electric wire. The covered electric wire has the core wire 31a and the covering part 31b which covers the core wire 31a. The core wire 31a is formed, for example, by twisting a plurality of metal wires. The core wire 31a may also be a single core wire. The covering portion 31b is formed, for example, by extruding an insulating resin around the core wire 31a. As the plurality of electric wires 30 , various electric wires 30 having different thicknesses are used. The thickness of the electric wire 30 is set according to the allowable current value and the like. Generally, in order to increase the allowable current value, it is necessary to increase the cross-sectional area of the conductor, and accordingly, the thickness of the electric wire 30 becomes thicker. In addition, the thickness of the electric wire 30 generally has a correlation with the difficulty of bending the electric wire 30 , and the electric wire 30 becomes difficult to bend as the electric wire 30 becomes thicker. For example, when the easy-to-bend wire and the hard-to-bend wire are bent by the same angle, the radius of curvature of the hard-to-bend wire is larger than that of the easy-to-bend wire, requiring a large arrangement space accordingly.

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 harder to bend than the ground line 36 and the signal line 34 . The cross-sectional area of the conductor of the electric power line 32 is, for example, 40 mm ² or more. The cross-sectional area of the conductor of the electric power line 32 is, for example, 120 mm ² or less. In addition, the ground wire 36 is thicker than the signal wire 34 . Therefore, the ground wire 36 is harder to bend than the signal wire 34 .

<wire with terminal>

Terminal 20 and electric wire 30 are electrically connected to each other by crimping at a stage in the middle of manufacturing charging connector 10 , and are fixed and integrated. Such an integrated structure of the electric wire 30 and the terminal 20 is sometimes referred to as a terminal-provided electric wire 38 . In this example, a terminal-equipped wire 38 integrated with the power line 32 and the relay terminal 28, a terminal-equipped wire 38 integrated with the signal line 34 and the signal terminal 24, and a terminal-equipped wire 36 integrated with the ground terminal 26 are provided. 38.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the wire 38 with a terminal may be covered with a shrink tube 39 . The shrink tube 39 covers the connecting portion between the electric wire 30 and the terminal 20 . Thereby, splashing of water at the connecting portion between the electric wire 30 and the terminal 20, intrusion of water into the covering portion 31b, and the like can be suppressed. The shrink tube 39 covers, for example, from a portion of the terminal 20 in front of a portion to which the electric wire 30 is connected to a portion of the electric wire 30 having the covering portion 31b. The shrinkable tube 39 is, for example, a heat-shrinkable tube 39 that shrinks by heating. The shrink tube 39 covers the terminal-provided wire 38 in a state of a large diameter before being heated. Then, when the shrink tube 39 is heated and shrunk, it becomes a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection part, so that it can be brought into close contact with the connection part. For example, a hot-melt adhesive may be provided on the inner surface of the shrink tube 39 . Thereby, the hot-melt adhesive can fill the gap between the shrink tube 39 and the terminal 20 and the gap between the shrink tube 39 and the electric wire 30 , thereby improving the waterproofness of the shrink tube 39 . A hot-melt adhesive may also be provided on the inner surface of the shrink tube 39 . In the electric wire 38 with a terminal, the shrink tube 39 may not be provided at the connection part of the electric wire 30 and the terminal 20, but may be exposed. In the terminal-provided wire 38 , a resin such as an adhesive may be provided at the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20 instead of the shrink tube 39 .

<Thermistor unit>

The thermistor unit 40 measures the temperature of the power terminal 22 . In the charging connector 10 for quick charging, a large current flows through the power supply terminal 22 for supplying electric power for charging the battery, so the temperature rise of the power supply terminal 22 also increases accordingly. By monitoring the temperature of the power supply terminal 22 using the thermistor unit 40 , it is possible to suppress the temperature of the power supply terminal 22 from rising too much. The thermistor unit 40 has a thermistor 42 and a thermistor wire 44 (see FIG. 6 ). In this example, a thermistor 42 is attached to each pair of power supply terminals 22, and the respective temperatures of the pair of power supply terminals 22 are measured. One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to the thermistor 42 . The other end of the thermistor electric wire 44 extends outward from the grommet 90 similarly to the other end of the electric wire 30 . When charging connector 10 is mounted on the vehicle, the other end of thermistor wire 44 is connected to, for example, an ECU or the like. The thermistor wire 44 is thinner than the power line 32 and the ground wire 36 . Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 is easier to bend than the power line 32 and the ground wire 36 .

<shell>

The housing 50 holds the connector terminal 21 at a predetermined position (the position of the external charging connector to which the connector terminal 21 can be connected). The housing 50 includes a housing main body 51 , a vehicle mounting portion 54 , and a wire pressing portion 57 (see FIGS. 3 to 6 ).

The connector terminal 21 is housed in the case main body 51 . The housing main body 51 has an outer frame portion 52 and a plurality of terminal holding portions 53 . Each of the plurality of terminal holding portions 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating a corresponding connector terminal 21 . The outer frame portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the plurality of terminal holding portions 53 . In the middle part of the terminal holding part 53, a plurality of terminal holding parts 53 and the outer frame part 52 are connected by a flat connection part. An opening 51A through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed is formed in the outer frame portion 52 toward the vehicle outer side of the connecting portion. The above-mentioned terminal holding portion 53 is located inside the opening portion 51A when viewed along the plugging and pulling direction of the external charging connector. A cover unit 80 is fitted in front of the case main body 51 . A stopper 60 is mounted on the rear of the housing main body 51 .

Vehicle fitting portion 54 is a portion for fitting charging connector 10 to fitting portion 100 . The vehicle mounting portion 54 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes toward the periphery of the outer frame portion 52 at the middle portion of the case main body 51 . The vehicle mounting portion 54 is mounted to the mounting portion 100 using, for example, screws S or the like.

The electric wire pressing portion 57 has an intermediate portion of the electric wire 30 extending from the terminal 20 . Accordingly, vibration generated in the portion of the electric wire 30 closer to the other end than the portion pressed by the electric wire pressing portion 57 is less likely to be transmitted to the terminal 20 , and friction between the terminal 20 and the housing body 51 can be suppressed. A block-shaped arm 56 protrudes in the Y direction from the outer frame portion 52 at the rear of the case main body 51 . An electric wire pressing portion 57 is provided at a tip end portion of the arm 56 along the protruding direction protruding from the case main body 51 . Three wire pressing parts 57 are provided. Two wire pressing parts 57 of the three wire pressing parts 57 press two power lines 32 , and the remaining one wire pressing part 57 presses one ground wire 36 . Viewed along the plugging direction, the signal line 34 extends along the ground line 36 .

<stop body>

The stopper 60 suppresses the disengagement of the terminal 20 from the housing 50 . The stopper body 60 includes a terminal pressing portion 61 and walls 64 , 65 , 66 .

The terminal pressing portion 61 is pressed and accommodated behind the connector terminal 21 of the housing 50 . Thereby, the connector terminal 21 is suppressed from detaching rearward from the housing 50 . The terminal pressing portion 61 includes a rear cover portion 62 and a plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 63 .

The rear cover portion 62 closes the rear opening of the outer frame portion 52 . A plurality of through holes are formed in the rear cover portion 62 . A plurality of through holes are formed at positions corresponding to the respective terminal holding portions 53 . Through the through hole corresponding to the power terminal 22 , the power terminal 22 and the relay terminal 28 are in contact with each other and are locked by screws. The relay terminal 28 is arranged on the back surface of the rear cover portion 62 . The signal line 34 and the ground line 36 are drawn out from through holes corresponding to the signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26 .

A plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 63 protrude from the rear cover portion 62 toward the front (the casing 50 side). A plurality of protruding cylindrical portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to the respective terminal holding portions 53 . Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 communicates with each through hole. The tip of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the corresponding terminal holding portion 53, and the corresponding protruding portion 23c, 25c, 27c is pressed from the rear.

The walls 64 , 65 , and 66 protrude rearward from the rear cover portion 62 along the insertion and removal direction. The walls 64 and 65 are walls that separate the relay terminal 28 from its surroundings. The walls 64 , 65 are also restricting walls that restrict the position of the relay terminal 28 . The wall 66 is a partition wall that partitions the storage space of the terminal 20 from the drainage space inside the grommet 90 .

Locking portions are provided on the housing 50 and the stopper 60 . In this example, a locking protrusion formed on the housing 50 and a locking piece formed on the stopper 60 are provided as the locking portion. When the locking piece is locked with the locking protrusion, the stopper 60 is integrated with the rear end portion of the housing 50 on the side opposite to the opening 51A. Thereby, the stopper body 60 holds the connector terminal 21 together with the housing 50 .

<wire cover>

The wire cover 70 is fitted to the wire pressing portion 57 . The electric wire cover 70 suppresses the electric wire 30 from coming off from the electric wire pressing part 57 . The entire periphery of the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 30 is covered by the electric wire cover 70 and the electric wire pressing portion 57 . In the present embodiment, two wire covers 70 are provided. One of the two wire covers 70 presses the two power lines 32 . The other wire cover 70 of the two wire covers 70 presses one ground wire 36 .

<cover unit>

The cover unit 80 is provided in front of the case main body 51 so as to be openable and closable. When the cover unit 80 is opened, the connection port of the case main body 51 is exposed. Thereby, an external charging connector can be connected to this charging connector 10 . When the cover unit 80 is closed, the connection port of the case main body 51 is closed by the cover unit 80 . The cover unit 80 has a cover 82 , a hinge unit 84 , and a lock unit 86 . The cover 82 is openably and closably attached to the case main body 51 via a hinge unit 84 . The lock unit 86 maintains the cover 82 in a closed state. During the charging work, the operator can operate the lock unit 86 to open the cover 82 .

<Wire grommet>

The grommet 90 covers the stopper 60 and the terminal 20 together from the side opposite to the opening 51A with respect to the housing 50 . The grommet 90 includes a first protection portion 91 and a second protection portion 94 . The first protection portion 91 covers the rear end portion of the case main body 51 and the stopper 60 . The second protection portion 94 covers the electric wire pressing portion 57 . The grommet 90 is an elastic member. The grommet 90 is made of elastic materials such as EPDM, for example. The grommet 90 is, for example, a die-integrated product. The grommet is an example of an exterior member that covers the stopper 60 and the terminal 20 together. The exterior member does not need to be an elastic member, but may be formed of hard resin, metal, or the like. That is to say, the exterior member can be either a protector or a wire grommet.

A casing outlet 92 and a drain port 93 are formed in the first protection portion 91 . The casing outlet 92 is an example of an opening that covers the rear end portion of the casing 50 . The front end portion of the housing main body 51 extends to the outside of the grommet 90 through the housing outlet 92 . The casing outlet 92 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. Drain port 93 is an opening for draining water entering charging connector 10 to the outside. As for such water, it is assumed that, for example, it infiltrates from the front end portion of the case main body 51 when the lid unit 80 is opened. The drain port 93 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction.

A binding band 98 is attached to the outer surface of the casing outlet 92 . The grommet 90 is assembled to the housing 50 with a binding band 98 . An annular rib 92 a is provided on the inner surface of the casing outlet 92 . The annular rib 92 a is provided over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the casing outlet 92 . The annular rib 92a is in close contact with the outer surface of the case main body 51 over the entire circumference. The ring-shaped rib 92 a becomes compressed in the inner surface of the case outlet 92 and the outer surface of the case main body 51 by the case outlet 92 being fastened by the binding band 98 . Accordingly, the water-tightness between the outer surface of the housing main body 51 and the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 is improved.

An electric wire outlet 95 is formed in the second protection portion 94 . The other end of the wire 30 extends out of 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 the two power lines 32 . One power line 32 is inserted through each of the two electric wire outlets 95 . The remaining one of the three wire outlets 95 passes through the signal wire 34 , the ground wire 36 , and the thermistor wire 44 collectively.

<Positional relationship of terminals>

The positional relationship of the connector terminals 21 held by the housing 50 and the stopper 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 .

The charging connector 10 includes a pair of power terminals 22 . The pair of power supply terminals 22 are arranged in a row in the Z direction as viewed along the plugging-in/unplugging direction of the external charging connector. For example, a pair of power supply terminals 22 is arranged so as to line up in the horizontal direction with respect to the plumb direction.

The pair of power supply terminals 22 is an example of a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal. In the following description, one of the pair of power supply terminals 22 may be divided into the first power supply terminal 22A, and the other may be divided into the second power supply terminal 22B as necessary. Each of the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal can also be distinguished by adding "1st" or "2nd" at the beginning. The power line 32 and the screw S as an example of a fastener can also be distinguished by adding "1st" or "2nd" at the beginning according to the first power supply terminal 22A and the second power supply terminal 22B to be connected.

The plurality of signal terminals 24 are arranged separately on both sides with respect to the direction in which the pair of power supply terminals 22 are arranged as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. In the following description, the plurality of signal terminals 24 may be divided into the first signal terminal 24A and the second signal terminal 24B. The first signal terminal 24A is arranged on one side (for example, on the upper side) of the pair of power terminals 22 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged among the plurality of signal terminals 24 viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. side) signal terminal. The second signal terminal 24B is arranged on the other side of the plurality of signal terminals 24 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged relative to the pair of power terminals 22 as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction (for example, lower side) signal terminals. Regarding the signal line 34 connected to the signal terminal 24, sometimes the signal line 34 connected to the first signal terminal 24A is divided into the first signal line, and the signal line 34 connected to the second signal terminal 24B is divided into the second signal line as needed. 2 signal lines.

Here, four first signal terminals 24A are arranged on one side (for example, the upper side) along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power supply terminals 22 are arranged. More specifically, one first signal terminal 24A is disposed on one side (for example, upper side) than the middle of the pair of power terminals 22 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged, and the remaining three first signal terminals The signal terminals 24A are arranged along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged at positions farther from the pair of power terminals 22 than the one first signal terminal 24A.

In addition, two second signal terminals 24B are arranged on the other side (for example, the lower side) along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power supply terminals 22 are arranged. More specifically, the two second signal terminals 24B are on the other side (for example, the lower side) with respect to the pair of power terminals 22 along the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged so as to be along the direction of the pair of power terminals 22 . Arrangement direction Arrangement mode configuration. The ground terminal 26 is disposed between the two second signal terminals 24B. The terminal holding part 53 which accommodates each connector terminal 21 is also provided in the position corresponding to each said connector terminal 21. As shown in FIG.

<Power terminal>

A more specific example of the power supply terminal 22 will be described. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first power supply terminal 22A and the second power supply terminal 22B have the same configuration. As shown in FIG. 8 , the power terminal 22 includes a cylindrical portion 23 a and a fastening plate-shaped portion 23 b. A cylindrical portion 23a is provided at one end of the power terminal 22, and a fastening plate-shaped portion 23b is provided at the other end.

The cylindrical portion 23a is formed in a cylindrical shape into which the rod-shaped terminal 210 on the other side is inserted. A slit 23 s is formed in the cylindrical portion 23 a from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction toward the distal end portion. A plurality of slits are formed so as to line up in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 23a. By forming the slit 23s in the cylindrical part 23a, the elongated piece 23p between the slits 23s in the cylindrical part 23a can be elastically deformed into the cylindrical part 23a. Thereby, the elongated piece 23p can be elastically pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the terminal 210 on the other side.

The fastening plate portion 23b is a portion formed in a plate shape having the fastening through-hole 23bh. In addition, the fastening penetration hole 23bh should just penetrate both surfaces of the fastening plate-shaped part 23b, and does not need to be a hole surrounded. A part of the periphery of the fastening through hole 23bh may reach the outer peripheral edge of the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b via the slit. The fastening plate-shaped part 23b intersects with the axial direction of the said cylindrical part 23a, and is orthogonal to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 23a here. The fastening through hole 23bh and the through hole 29Aah (or 29Bah) described later are arranged so as to overlap with the cylindrical portion 23a when viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. The central axis of the fastening through hole 23bh and the central axis of the cylindrical portion 23a may coincide with each other. In this embodiment, the fastening plate-shaped part 23b is formed in disk shape except the part connected to the connection part 23e demonstrated next. The external shape of the fastening plate-shaped part 23b is not specifically limited, For example, it may be formed in polygonal plate shape, such as a quadrangular plate shape. Since the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b is arranged along a direction intersecting the central axis of the cylindrical portion 23a, the later-described plate-shaped mounting portions 29Aa and 29Ba overlapping with the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b are also arranged along the direction intersecting with the insertion and removal. Direction configuration for direction crossing.

The connection part 23e is provided between the cylindrical part 23a and the fastening plate-shaped part 23b. The connecting portion 23e has an elongated plate portion whose one end is connected to a part of the circumference of the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 23a, and the other end is connected to one side of the fastening plate portion 23b.

The above-mentioned pair of protrusions 23c protrude from the connecting portion 23e on both sides of the cylindrical portion 23a. As described above, the stopper 60 can press the pair of protrusions 23c.

Such a power terminal 22 may be formed by bending a metal plate-shaped member 220 . For example, a metal plate member 220 made of a copper plate or a copper alloy plate is punched into a shape forming the above-mentioned power terminal 22 (see virtual line L in FIG. 8 for a part of the punched shape). During punching or after punching, each punched part is bent so as to form the cylindrical part 23a, the fastening plate-shaped part 23b, and the protruding part 23c. Thus, the power terminal 22 is manufactured. Such a power supply terminal 22 can be manufactured efficiently and at low cost compared with the case of cutting a metal block member.

<Relay terminal>

The relay terminal 28 will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the stopper 60 and the relay terminal 28 . As shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 to 7 , and 9 , one of the pair of relay terminals 28 is connected to the first power supply terminal 22A, and the other is connected to the second power supply terminal 22B. The pair of relay terminals 28 is an example of a first relay terminal and a second relay terminal, and their shapes are different from each other. In the following description, if necessary, the relay terminal connected to the first power supply terminal 22A among the pair of relay terminals 28 may be classified as the first relay terminal 28A, and the relay terminal connected to the second power supply terminal 22B may be classified as It is the second relay terminal 28B. Each of the first relay terminal 28A and the second relay terminal 28B may be distinguished by adding "1st" or "2nd" at the beginning.

The second relay terminal 28B has a plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba, a power line connection portion 29Bb, and an intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc. In a state where the second relay terminal 28B is fixed to the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b of the second power supply terminal 22B, the second relay terminal 28B extends in a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction.

More specifically, the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Ba is formed in a plate shape. The outer shape of the plate-like fitting portion 29Ba is not particularly limited. The plate-like mounting portion 29Ba is formed in a non-circular plate shape, and may be in a shape that is in contact with the wall 65 to prevent rotation. A through-hole 29Bah is formed in the plate-like mounting portion 29Ba. In addition, the through-hole 29Bah should just penetrate both surfaces of the plate-shaped mounting part 29Ba, and does not need to be a hole surrounded. A part of the periphery of the through hole 29Bah may reach the outer peripheral edge of the plate-shaped fitting part 29Ba via the slit. The plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba may have the same configuration as a plate-shaped terminal with holes called a so-called LA terminal. The fastening plate-shaped portion 23b at the rear end portion on the side opposite to the opening portion 51A in the second power terminal 22B overlaps the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Ba. In this state, the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh are arranged at the same position as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. A screw S as an example of a fastener is inserted through the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh from the side opposite to the opening 51A, and the screw S is screwed into a nut. Thereby, the plate-shaped fitting part 29Ba is fastened to the fastening plate-shaped part 23b. In this state, the plate-like mounting portion 29Ba intersects with the insertion/extraction direction. In addition, instead of screws, the fasteners may be rivets. In addition, the fastener fastens the plate-shaped fitting part 29Ba and the fastening plate-shaped part 23b in a direction approaching each other, and the direction in which the plate-shaped fitting part 29Ba and the fastening plate-shaped part 23b are combined is set as a fastening direction. The fastening direction is the same as the direction in which the fastener is inserted into the through hole 29Bah and the fastening through hole 23bh. In this embodiment, the fastening direction is the same as the insertion and extraction direction. Therefore, the fastener can be inserted into the through-hole 29Bah and the fastening through-hole 23bh along the insertion/extraction direction. In addition, if the fastener is a screw, it is only necessary to perform the work of rotating the screw about an axis along the insertion/extraction direction.

The middle plate portion 29Bc protrudes from the plate fitting portion 29Ba in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. In the present embodiment, the middle plate-like portion 29Bc protrudes toward one side along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged. The plate-shaped fitting part 29Ba and the intermediate plate-shaped part 29Bc extend in the same plane shape intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction.

A power line connection portion 29Bb is provided at an end portion of the intermediate plate portion 29Bc. Therefore, the second relay terminal 28B extends in a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction as a whole.

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

The first relay terminal 28A has a plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa, a power line connection portion 29Ab, and an intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac. In a state where the first relay terminal 28A is fixed to the fastening plate portion 23b of the first power supply terminal 22A, the first relay terminal 28A extends in a direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction.

More specifically, the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Aa is formed in a plate shape. 29Aah of through-holes are formed in the plate-like fitting part 29Aa similarly to the plate-like fitting part 29Ba. Like the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba, the outer shape of the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the shape of the through-hole 29Aah are not particularly limited. The fastening plate-shaped portion 23b at the rear end portion on the side opposite to the opening portion 51A in the first power terminal 22A overlaps the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Aa. In this state, the plate-shaped fitting part 29Aa is fastened to the fastening plate-shaped part 23b with the screw S which is an example of a fastener, similarly to the above. In this state, the plate-like mounting portion 29Aa intersects with the insertion and removal direction.

Since the first power supply terminal 22A and the second power supply terminal 22B are adjacent to each other, the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba are provided at adjacent positions with a space therebetween. In the present embodiment, the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Aa and the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Ba are located at the same position in the insertion and removal direction.

The intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac protrudes from the plate-like fitting portion 29Aa in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction.

A power line connection portion 29Ab is provided at an end portion of the intermediate plate portion 29Ac. Therefore, the first relay terminal 28A extends in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction as a whole.

The power line connection portion 29Ab is a portion to which the power line 32 is connected, similarly to the power line connection portion 29Bb. By connecting the power line 32 to the power line connection portion 29Ab, the power line 32 is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 22A via the first relay terminal 28A. The power line 32 extends along a straight line extending from the power line connection portion 29Bb in a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction.

The pair of power lines 32 may protrude in the same direction along the direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction, or may protrude in different directions. In the present embodiment, a pair of power lines 32 protrude in the same direction along a direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction.

That is, as described above, the power line connection portion 29Bb of the second relay terminal 28B is arranged outside the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged. The power line connection portion 29Ab of the first relay terminal 28A is arranged in parallel with the power line connection portion 29Bb. More specifically, the power line connection portion 29Ab is disposed on the inner side of the side of the power line connection portion 29Bb. Thereby, the pair of power lines 32 connected to the pair of power line connection portions 29Ab and 29Bb can protrude in a parallel state along the direction in which the pair of power lines 32 are arranged.

The power line connection portion 29Ab of the first relay terminal 28A detours through the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Ba and the intermediate plate portion 29Bc of the second relay terminal 28B, and heads toward the vicinity of the power line connection portion 29Bb. Therefore, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac in the first relay terminal 28A has a structure as a detour portion.

More specifically, the middle plate portion 29Ac is formed in an elongated plate shape. One side of one end of the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac is connected to an edge of the plate-like mounting portion 29Aa on the opposite side to the second relay terminal 28B. Thereby, the intermediate plate-shaped part 29Ac can follow an insertion-extraction direction. By bending such an intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac in the thickness direction, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac can easily follow a thin and flexible path when viewed along the insertion/extraction direction.

In the present embodiment, the middle plate-shaped portion 29Ac includes an inclined portion 29Ac1 and an alignment direction portion 29Ac2 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 ). The inclined portion 29Ac1 is a portion inclined with respect to the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged from the portion connected to the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Aa and inclined so as to face between the pair of power terminals 22 . The inclined portion 29Ac1 extends toward a position away from the first signal terminal 24A with respect to the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa. The arrangement direction portion 29Ac2 is a portion bent from the end portion of the inclined portion 29Ac1 and extending along the direction in which the pair of power terminals 22 are arranged. The array direction portion 29Ac2 extends along a path outside the first signal terminal 24A. The above-mentioned power line connection portion 29Ab is connected to the end portion of the alignment direction portion 29Ac2. In this way, the intermediate plate-like portion 29Ac passes through a path that detours so as to pass through the path on the outside of the pair of power supply terminals 22 and the first signal terminal 24A.

In the present embodiment, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac is a plate-shaped portion along the insertion/extraction direction, and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc is a plate-shaped portion along a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction. In order to form a power path, the relay terminal 28 needs to be a member having a cross-sectional area commensurate with the flowing current. Therefore, it is also necessary to set the width and thickness of the intermediate plate portions 29Ac and 29Bc according to the current. For example, when both of the middle plate-like portion 29Ac and the middle plate-like portion 29Bc are arranged in a direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction, it takes longer to arrange the middle plate-like portion 29Ac and the middle plate-like portion 29Bc as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. Large exclusive area. By changing and combining the extending directions of the intermediate plate-shaped portions 29Ac and 29Bc as in the present embodiment, it is easy to arrange the intermediate plate-shaped portions 29Ac and 29Bc in a compact space. In particular, by making the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac, which is a detour and whose path length is likely to be long, along the insertion and extraction direction, it is easy to arrange the intermediate plate-shaped portions 29Ac and 29Bc in a compact space when viewed along the insertion and extraction direction.

In addition, since the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac is bent from the fastening plate-shaped portion 23b of the first power supply terminal 22A toward the cylindrical portion 23a, the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac itself is housed and arranged along the length of the first power supply terminal 22A along the insertion/extraction direction. within size. Therefore, the existence of the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac along the plugging-in/unplugging direction hardly affects the increase in size of the charging connector 10 in the plug-in/out-out direction.

The above-mentioned relay terminal 28 can be formed by bending a metal plate-shaped member by pressing or the like because it has a shape in which the plate-shaped parts are connected on the same plane or a shape in which the plate-shaped parts are bent.

For example, the above-mentioned relay terminal 28 can also be obtained by fastening and fixing the plate-shaped mounting parts 29Aa and 29Ba to the exposed rear of the stopper 60 in the state where the pair of power supply terminals 22 are held by the housing 50 and the stopper 60 . The plate-like portion 23b is fastened to be fixed to the pair of power supply terminals 22 .

<terminal and wall>

The positional relationship between the walls 64 and 65 provided on the stopper 60 and the terminal 20 will be described more specifically.

As shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 , 7 and 9 , the wall 64 is a wall that surrounds the first relay terminal 28A. More specifically, the wall 64 is a wall that surrounds the plate-shaped mounting portion 29Aa and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac in the first relay terminal 28A. The wall 64 is formed along the outer peripheral edges of the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Aa and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac when viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. By arranging the first relay terminal 28A inside the wall 64 , the rotation of the first relay terminal 28A around the screw S can be suppressed. The wall 64 includes a portion 64a sandwiched between the first relay terminal 28A and the first signal terminal 24A and a portion 64b sandwiched between the first relay terminal 28A and the second signal terminal 24B as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction.

The wall 65 is a wall that surrounds the second relay terminal 28B. More specifically, the wall 65 is a wall that surrounds the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Ba and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc in the second relay terminal 28B. The wall 65 is formed along the outer peripheral edges of the plate-shaped fitting portion 29Ba and the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Bc when viewed along the insertion and extraction direction. By arranging the second relay terminal 28B inside the wall 65 , the rotation of the second relay terminal 28B around the screw S can be restricted. In addition, the wall 64 and the wall 65 share a mutual part at the portion where the pair of power terminals 22 are adjacent as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction. The wall 65 includes a portion 65 a sandwiched between the second relay terminal 28B and the first signal terminal 24A and a portion 65 b sandwiched between the second relay terminal 28B and the second signal terminal 24B when viewed along the insertion/extraction direction.

<The path of the wire in the charging connector>

As shown in FIG. 7 , the power line 32 extends straight from one end connected to the pair of relay terminals 28 to the other end inside the grommet 90 , and extends out of the grommet 90 through the outlet. The two power lines 32 extend inside the grommet 90 so as to line up in the Z direction. The two power terminals 22 are housed in the case main body 51 so as to line up in the Y direction. The direction in which the two power lines 32 are arranged and the direction in which the two power terminals 22 are arranged are switched using the relay terminal 28 as described above.

One end portion of the signal line 34 is inserted into the terminal holding portion 53 . The other end of the signal wire 34 extends from the through hole, is bent and bundled in the grommet 90 , and faces the outlet of the grommet 90 . More specifically, among the plurality of signal lines 34, the first signal line 34A is connected to the first signal terminal 24A located above the power supply terminal 22, extends from the through hole, passes between the pair of power lines 32, and connects to the first signal terminal 24A. The 2 signal lines 34B merge and extend in the Y direction. The second signal line 34B is connected to the second signal terminal 24B located below the power supply terminal 22 , extends out of the through hole, joins the first signal line 34A, and extends in the Y direction. Bundling of the signal wires 34 may also be performed by the guide portion 58 provided on the electric wire pressing portion 57 . The guide portion 58 has a pair of side walls 58a, and the plurality of signal lines 34 are bundled into one by being arranged between the side walls 58a. In addition, the bundling of multiple signal wires can also be carried out by adhesive tape and strapping.

One end of the ground wire 36 is inserted into the terminal holding portion 53 . The ground wire 36 extends from the through hole from one end toward the other end, is bent in the grommet 90 , and goes toward an outlet of the grommet 90 together with the signal wire 34 . As described above, the ground wire 36 is more difficult to bend than the signal wire 34 , so the radius of curvature of the ground wire 36 tends to be larger than that of the signal wire 34 at portions where the signal wire 34 and the ground wire 36 bend from the X direction to the Y direction. By pressing the other end portion of the ground wire 36 with the wire pressing portion 57 and the wire cover 70 , the ground wire 36 is suppressed from swelling too much in the grommet 90 .

The thermistor 42 is housed in the case main body 51 together with the power terminal 22 . Therefore, one end portion of the thermistor wire 44 is also accommodated in the case main body 51 . The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends out of the rear cover 62 through the through hole, is bent in the grommet 90 , and goes toward the outlet of the grommet 90 . The thermistor wire 44 is passed through the through hole through which the terminal-equipped wire 38 is inserted. The thermistor wire 44 passes between the pair of power lines 32 and extends in the Y direction together with the signal line 34 .

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

<Effect etc.>

According to charging connector 10 configured as described above, electric power line 32 extends along a straight line extending in a direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction within grommet 90 as an example of an exterior member. Therefore, a space for accommodating the bent power line 32 does not have to be ensured in the grommet 90 . Accordingly, the miniaturization of charging connector 10 can be realized. In particular, since the direction change of the power line 32 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the power terminal 22 is performed by the relay terminal 28 fastened and fixed to the power terminal 22, the charging connector 10 can be miniaturized in the plugging and unplugging direction. In addition, since the thick and difficult-to-bend electric power line 32 does not need to be bent in the grommet 90 , the manufacturing of the charging connector 10 becomes easy.

In particular, when the cross-sectional area of the conductor of the electric power line 32 is 40 mm ² or more, it is difficult to bend the electric power line 32 and the space for accommodating the bent portion becomes larger. In such a case, it is more effective to configure the electric power line 32 without bending inside the grommet 90 .

In addition, the first relay terminal 28A has the intermediate plate-shaped portion 29Ac as a detour extending so as to detour through the first signal terminal 24A. Therefore, it is possible to avoid interference with the signal line extending from the first signal terminal 24A and to arrange The first relay terminal 28A.

In addition, the walls 64, 65 of the stopper 60 have portions 64a, 64b, 65a, 65b formed at positions separating the relay terminal 28 and the signal terminal 24, so that the relay terminal 28 and the signal terminal can be separated by a tangible object. 24 apart.

In addition, the intermediate plate-shaped part 29Ac is a plate-shaped part along the insertion and extraction direction, and the intermediate plate-shaped part 29Bc is a plate-shaped part along the direction intersecting with the insertion and extraction direction. It is arranged in a compact space and contributes to miniaturization of the charging connector 10 .

In addition, since the power lines 32 are along the direction in which the power terminals 22 are arranged, the direction in which the power lines 32 are pulled out can be aligned with the direction in which the power terminals 22 are arranged.

In addition, since the signal line 34 is easier to bend than the power line 32, it is easy to bend and change direction in the grommet 90, and can be bundled into one and drawn out.

In addition, since the relay terminal 28 is fastened and fixed to the power terminal 22 with a screw S as an example of a fastener, the screw S can be used to easily and firmly connect the relay terminal 28 to the power terminal 22 .

In addition, the fastening direction of the screw S as an example of the fastener is the same as the plugging and pulling direction, so the screw S can be inserted in the plugging and pulling direction from the rear of the charging connector, and can be rotated along the plugging and pulling direction. The fastening work of the screw S is performed by the shaft, and the fastening work can be easily performed.

In addition, since the power supply terminal 22 is a member formed by bending a metal plate-shaped member, fastening can be easily realized in order to arrange the plate-shaped mounting parts 29Aa and 29Ba of the relay terminal 28 in a direction intersecting with the insertion and removal direction. The plate-like portion 23b is configured along a direction intersecting with the insertion/extraction direction.

Moreover, since cylindrical part 23a overlaps with through-hole 29Aah, 29Bah when viewed along the insertion/extraction direction, charging connector 10 can be made into a compact structure as viewed along the insertion/extraction direction.

[modified example]

FIG. 10 is a rear view showing charging connector 110 according to a modified example. In addition, in FIG. 10, some members, such as the electric wire 30, are abbreviate|omitted. In addition, in the description of this modified example, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent elements as those described so far, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In charging connector 110 shown in FIG. 10 , eight signal terminals 24 are provided. More specifically, four signal terminals 24 are arranged on one side and four signal terminals 24 are arranged on the other side with respect to the direction in which the pair of power supply terminals 22 are arranged as viewed along the plugging direction. In addition, the pair of power supply terminals 22 are hidden by the relay terminal 28 in FIG. 10 , but are arranged at positions corresponding to the pair of screws S as in the first embodiment. The four signal terminals 24 are arranged at positions corresponding to vertices of the rhombus. In addition, in this example, the ground terminal 26 is omitted. Accordingly, the structure of the ground terminal 26 is omitted in the case 150 corresponding to the case 50 and the stopper 160 corresponding to the stopper 60 .

In addition, each structure demonstrated in each said embodiment and each modification can be combined suitably as long as it does not contradict each other.

Explanation of reference signs

10 charging connector

20 terminals

21 connector terminal

22 power supply terminals (22A 1st power supply terminal, 22B 2nd power supply terminal)

23a barrel

23b fastening plate part

23bh fastening through holes

23c, 25c, 27c protrusions

23d Thermistor Assembly Department

23e link

23p long film

23s slit

24 signal terminals (24A first signal terminal, 24B second signal terminal)

25a, 27a counterpart side connection part

25b, 27b wire connection part

26 Ground terminal

28 relay terminals (28A 1st relay terminal, 28B 2nd relay terminal)

29Aa, 29Ba plate assembly

29Aah, 29Bah through holes

29Ab, 29Bb power line connection

29Ac, 29Bc middle plate part

29Ac1 inclined part

29Ac2 Arrangement Direction Department

30 wires

31a core wire

31b cladding part

32 power line

34 signal lines (34A first signal line, 34B second signal line)

36 ground

38 wires with terminals

39 shrink tube

40 Thermistor Units

42 thermistor

44 wire for thermistor

50 shells

51 shell body

51A opening

52 outer frame

53 terminal holding part

54 Vehicle Assembly Department

56 arms

57 wire pressing part

58 Guidance Department

58a side wall

60 stop body

61 terminal pressing part

62 rear cover

63 protruding barrel

64, 65, 66 walls

64a, 65a sandwiched between the relay terminal and the first signal terminal

64b, 65b sandwiched between the relay terminal and the second signal terminal

70 wire cover

80 cover units

82 covers

84 hinge unit

86 locking units

90 grommet

91 Division 1 Protection

92 shell outlet

92a circular rib

93 drain

94 Division 2 Protection

95 wire outlet

98 strapping

100 Assembly Department

102 panels

104 through holes

106 body side cover

110 charging connector

150 shell

160 stop body

200 external charging connector

210 terminal

220 components

230 batteries

S screw

Claims (11)

1. A charging connector mounted on a vehicle, fitted to an external charging connector connected to an external power supply of the vehicle, and used for charging a battery provided in the vehicle, the charging connector comprising:

a 1 st power supply terminal and a 2 nd power supply terminal for supplying power to the battery;

a 1 st signal terminal arranged on one side of the 1 st power supply terminal and the 2 nd power supply terminal in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the 1 st power supply terminal and the 2 nd power supply terminal are arranged;

a 2 nd signal terminal arranged on the other side of the 1 st power supply terminal and the 2 nd power supply terminal in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the 1 st power supply terminal and the 2 nd power supply terminal are arranged;

a housing having an opening through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed, and a terminal holding portion that is located inside the opening when viewed in an insertion and removal direction of the external charging connector and holds the 1 st power supply terminal, the 2 nd power supply terminal, the 1 st signal terminal, and the 2 nd signal terminal;

a stopper body that is integrated with an end portion of the case on a side opposite to the opening portion, and holds the 1 st power supply terminal, the 2 nd power supply terminal, the 1 st signal terminal, and the 2 nd signal terminal together with the case;

a 1 st relay terminal including a 1 st plate-like mounting portion and a 1 st power line connecting portion, the 1 st plate-like mounting portion including a 1 st through-hole, the 1 st plate-like mounting portion being fixed to an end portion of the 1 st power supply terminal on a side opposite to the opening portion in a posture extending in a direction intersecting the insertion/extraction direction;

a 2 nd relay terminal including a 2 nd plate-like mounting portion and a 2 nd power line connecting portion, the 2 nd plate-like mounting portion including a 2 nd through-hole, the 2 nd plate-like mounting portion being fixed to an end portion of the 2 nd power supply terminal on a side opposite to the opening portion in a posture extending in a direction intersecting the inserting and extracting direction;

a 1 st power line connected to the 1 st power line connection portion and electrically connected to the 1 st power supply terminal via the 1 st relay terminal;

a 2 nd power line connected to the 2 nd power line connection portion and electrically connected to the 2 nd power supply terminal via the 2 nd relay terminal; and

an exterior member collectively covering the stopper body, the 1 st power supply terminal, the 2 nd power supply terminal, the 1 st signal terminal, and the 2 nd signal terminal from a side opposite to the opening,

the 1 st power line and the 2 nd power line extend along a straight line extending in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction in the exterior member.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1,

the 1 st power line connection portion and the 2 nd power line connection portion are disposed at positions where the 1 st power line and the 2 nd power line can be extended toward one side along a direction in which the 1 st power supply terminal and the 2 nd power supply terminal are aligned,

the 1 st relay terminal has a bypass portion provided between the 1 st plate-like mounting portion and the 1 st power line connecting portion and extending so as to bypass the 1 st signal terminal.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1 or claim 2,

the stopper body has a wall surrounding the 1 st relay terminal and the 2 nd relay terminal,

the wall is formed at a position separating the 1 st relay terminal or the 2 nd relay terminal and the 1 st signal terminal or the 2 nd signal terminal as viewed in the inserting and extracting direction.

4. The charging connector according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3,

one of the 1 st relay terminal and the 2 nd relay terminal includes a plate-like portion along the inserting and extracting direction,

the other of the 1 st relay terminal and the 2 nd relay terminal includes a plate-like portion along a direction intersecting the insertion/removal direction.

5. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the 1 st power line and the 2 nd power line extend along a direction in which the 1 st power terminal and the 2 nd power terminal are arranged.

6. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

a 1 st signal line connected to the 1 st signal terminal; and

a 2 nd signal line connected to the 2 nd signal terminal,

the 1 st signal line and the 2 nd signal line are bent and bundled into one in the exterior member.

7. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

a 1 st fastening member inserted through the 1 st through-hole to fasten and fix the 1 st plate-like fitting portion to an end portion of the 1 st power supply terminal opposite to the opening portion; and

and a 2 nd fastening member inserted into the 2 nd through-hole to fasten and fix the 2 nd plate-like fitting portion to an end portion of the 2 nd power supply terminal opposite to the opening portion.

8. The charging connector according to claim 7,

the fastening direction of the 1 st fastening piece and the 2 nd fastening piece is the same as the plugging direction.

9. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the 1 st power supply terminal and the 2 nd power supply terminal are metal plate-shaped members bent so that the 1 st plate-shaped mounting portion and the 2 nd plate-shaped mounting portion can be arranged in a direction intersecting the insertion/removal direction.

10. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the 1 st power supply terminal has a 1 st cylinder into which the counterpart terminal is inserted,

the 2 nd power supply terminal has a 2 nd cylindrical part into which the counterpart terminal is inserted,

when viewed along the inserting and extracting direction, the 1 st tube part overlaps the 1 st through hole, and the 2 nd tube part overlaps the 2 nd through hole.

11. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the 1 st power line and the 2 nd power line include a sectional area of 40mm ² The above conductors.

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