JP5718302B2 - Power supply connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply connector for rapid charging used in an electric vehicle or the like.

  In recent years, electric vehicles that do not use fossil fuels have attracted attention from the viewpoint of global environmental problems. An electric vehicle is equipped with a driving battery and can be driven by electricity charged in the battery.

  In order to charge an electric vehicle, there are a method using a normal household power source and a method using a special charging device for quick charging. In the method using a household power source, since a charging current is relatively small, a connector having a large current capacity is unnecessary. However, since charging takes a long time, charging is performed using a time when the automobile is not used, such as at night. On the other hand, in order to perform long-distance continuous operation, it is necessary to perform quick charging at power supply stations provided at various places, as in the case of refueling at a conventional gas station. In this case, since the charging current is 100 A or more, a connector having a large current capacity is required.

  As such a power supply connector for an electric vehicle, for example, a connector main body, a case that accommodates the connector main body, and a gripping member that is attached to the case are provided. The gripping member is provided with a speed reduction mechanism, and the gripping member and the connector main body are moved with respect to the case via the speed reduction mechanism, and when the gripping member is moved with respect to the case There is a power feeding connector in which the moving distance of the connector body relative to the case is smaller than the moving distance of the gripping member relative to the case (Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-174463 A

  The power supply connector described in Patent Document 1 can insert the power supply connector into the power reception connector with a smaller force. On the other hand, in such a connector, it is desired that the speed reduction mechanism is not allowed to function until the connector body is connected to each other by detecting a state in which the case of the power feeding connector is securely inserted into the power receiving connector. This is because if the speed reduction mechanism works when the power supply connector case is not fitted to the power receiving connector, when the connector bodies are actually connected, the speed reduction mechanism does not work, making it difficult to connect the connectors. It is to become.

  On the other hand, until the case of the power supply connector is inserted into the power receiving connector, the case locking mechanism does not operate the speed reduction mechanism. When it is detected that the case is inserted into the power receiving connector, the case locking mechanism is released and the speed reduction mechanism There is a method of connecting connector bodies.

  However, in such a method, when the power supply connector is accidentally dropped, the lock mechanism may be damaged. For example, when the power supply connector falls from the case side, the case cannot be moved because it is locked to the gripping member. Therefore, the impact applied to the case at this time is applied to the lock mechanism. Therefore, the case lock mechanism needs to have an impact resistance that can withstand even when the power supply connector is dropped.

  However, increasing the size of the case lock mechanism increases the size of the power supply connector and causes an increase in weight. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure impact resistance against dropping or the like without increasing the size of the power supply connector.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power feeding connector for an electric vehicle capable of suppressing damage to a case lock mechanism even when an impact is applied to the case. And

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention is a power feeding connector for an automobile, and includes a connector main body, a case for housing the connector main body, a gripping member attached to the case, and the case inserted into the power receiving connector. An insertion detecting means for detecting the fact that the movement of the case is restricted with respect to the gripping member, and the insertion detecting means is formed at an insertion portion of the case to the power receiving connector. , Comprising a slider slidable in the insertion / removal direction of the case, the case lock mechanism has a locking member and a resin guide, and the locking member is movable along the guide, the locking member includes a metal portion and the resin portion is formed integrally, in a state in which the slider projects from the casing, wherein the metal part is made of metal provided on the gripping member In contact with the tip of the racket, and the movement of the casing resin portion for said gripping member I'll be in contact with the guide is locked, when the slider is crowded press contact with the power receiving connector in the case The power supply connector is characterized in that the case locking mechanism is released by the movement of the locking member, and the connector body and the gripping member are slidable in substantially the same axial direction with respect to the case. is there.

  The locking member has a groove, and when the slider comes into contact with the power receiving connector and is pushed into the case, the locking member moves, and the tip of the bracket can move along the groove. It is desirable that the case lock mechanism is released.

The locking member is movable along the guide , the metal portion has a hardness higher than the hardness of the material constituting the tip of the bracket, and the resin portion constitutes the guide. It is desirable to be made of a material having a hardness lower than that of the resin.

  The metal part may be made of stainless steel, the resin part may be made of polycarbonate, the bracket may be made of aluminum, and the guide may be made of polybutylene terephthalate.

  The gripping member is provided with a speed reduction mechanism, and the movement of the gripping member and the connector main body with respect to the case is performed via the speed reduction mechanism, and when the gripping member is moved with respect to the case, It is desirable that the moving distance of the connector main body with respect to the case is smaller than the moving distance of the gripping member with respect to the case.

  According to the present invention, the insertion detecting means for detecting that the case is inserted into the power receiving connector is provided. The insertion detecting means releases the case lock mechanism when it is detected that the case is inserted into the power receiving connector. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the connector main body from moving when the case is not completely inserted into the power receiving connector. For example, when a part of the case hits the periphery of the power receiving connector, the connector body does not move. Therefore, the speed reduction mechanism works before the case is completely inserted into the power receiving connector, so that the effect cannot be obtained.

  Also, the locking member is provided with a groove, and the locking member that locks the case and the gripping member moves when the slider that can slide in the insertion / removal direction of the case is pushed into the case, and the case lock The mechanism is released. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect the insertion of the case into the charging connector with a simple structure.

  Moreover, a metal part is formed in a part of the locking member. The metal part serves as a contact surface with the tip of the bracket of the grip member in a normal state. For this reason, it can suppress that a locking member is damaged by the impact from a bracket.

  In addition, the locking member is made of metal only on the contact surface with the bracket described above, and other parts are made of resin. Further, the impact strength of the resin is the resin constituting the guide portion that guides the movement of the locking member. By setting the impact strength to be lower than the impact strength, it is possible to prevent the guide from being damaged and the locking member from being unable to slide. In order to do this, the locking member is made of stainless steel and polycarbonate, the bracket is made of aluminum, and the guide is made of polybutyl terephthalate.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when an impact is added to a case, the electric power feeding connector for electric vehicles which can suppress damage to a case lock mechanism can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the electric power feeding connector 1, (a) is a side view, (b) is side sectional drawing. It is a figure which shows the state which operated the electric power feeding connector 1, (a) is a side view, (b) is side sectional drawing. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the power feeding connector 1 is connected to the power receiving connector 33. FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the locking member 27 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the power feeding connector 1 is connected to the power receiving connector 33. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the locking member 27 in FIG. 5, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state in which the electric power feeding connector 1 was connected with the receiving connector 33, (a) is side sectional drawing, (b) is an enlarged view of the locking member 27 vicinity.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are schematic views showing a power supply connector 1, in which FIG. 1A is a side view and FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view. In the present invention, the state shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as a normal state. In the following drawings, illustration of cables and the like is omitted. The power supply connector 1 mainly includes a gripping member 3, a case 9, and a connector main body 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gripping member 3 has a handle 5 at one end (rear). The handle 5 is a part that an operator holds when handling the power supply connector 1. Here, the handle 5 is formed such that at least a part of the handle 5 is disposed on an extension line of the central axis of the connector main body 11 (a central axis in the moving direction of the connector main body). For this reason, when the holding member 3 is pushed in, it is possible to apply a force straight to the connector main body 11 against the connection target. For this reason, the power feeding connector 1 is excellent in handleability.

  Various structures can be accommodated inside the gripping member 3. A case 9 is provided at the other end (front) of the gripping member 3. The vicinity of the front end of the gripping member 3 is cylindrical, and a part (rear part) of the case 9 is accommodated inside the gripping member 3. The gripping member 3 can slide back and forth with respect to the case 9.

  The case 9 is a cylindrical member, and a connector main body 11 is accommodated in the front end portion of the case 9. The connector main body 11 can slide back and forth with respect to the case 9. Note that a guide mechanism (not shown) and a stopper for regulating the sliding range may be provided on the sliding portions of the gripping member 3 and the connector main body 11 with respect to the case 9.

  An arm 13 is provided inside the case 9. The arm 13 is attached to the case 9 so that the vicinity of one end thereof can be rotated by a pin 23a. The vicinity of the other end of the arm 13 is connected to a bracket 16 joined to the gripping member 3 by a connecting portion 15a. In the connection part 15a, both are rotatably connected by the long hole formed in the arm 13, the pin etc. which were formed in the bracket 16.

  A substantially central portion of the arm 13 (between the pin 23a and the connecting portion 15a) is connected to the connector main body 11 by the connecting portion 15b. The connection part 15b is the same structure as the connection part 15a. That is, when the arm 13 rotates, the connector body 11 and the gripping member 3 can move linearly with respect to the case 9 as the arm 13 rotates.

  A lock member 17 is provided inside the case 9. The lock member 17 is rotatably attached to the case 9 by a pin 23b. A lock pin 17 a is formed at the front end of the lock member 17 so as to face upward. The lock pin 17 a is disposed at the position of the hole formed in the case 9.

  A fitting portion 17b is provided at the rear end of the lock member 17 downward. The fitting portion 17 b has a convex shape that can be fitted with the fitting portion 21. The fitting part 21 is fixed to the holding member 3 side. In the normal state, the fitting portions 17 b and 21 are not fitted to each other, and the protrusion of the fitting portion 17 b is on the protrusion of the fitting portion 21. In this state, since the fitting portion 17b is pushed upward by the fitting portion 21, the lock pin 17a does not protrude from the case 9 (hole provided in the case 9) via the pin 23b. It is held in the case 9.

  Inside the gripping member 3, a lock lever 7 as an operation unit is provided. The lock lever 7 is rotatably attached to the gripping member 3 by a pin 23c. The rear end of the lock lever 7 protrudes to the outside from the gripping member 3, and an operator can operate the lock lever 7 from the outside. A lock pin 7a is provided in front of the lock lever 7 so as to face downward. The lock pin 7a comes into contact with a part of the case 9 and is normally pushed up. The case 9 is provided with a recess 19 in which the lock pin 7a can be fitted on the front side of a portion that contacts the lock pin 7a in a normal state.

  A slider 25 is provided inside the case 9. One end of the slider 25 projects forward of the case 9. That is, a step is formed in front of the case 9, and the slider 25 is exposed from the step. The slider 25 is slidable in the axial direction (the moving direction of the case 9 and the connector insertion / extraction direction).

  A locking member 27 is provided behind the slider 25 and in the vicinity of the tip of the bracket 16. The locking member 27 is disposed in a guide rail 28 fixed to the case 9. The locking member 27 is in contact with the slider 25 and is movable along a groove-shaped guide 24 provided on the guide rail 28 according to the operation of the slider 25.

  The locking member 27 locks the case 9 and the gripping member 3. That is, the locking member 27 functions as a case lock mechanism that locks the movement of the case 9 relative to the gripping member 3. The details of the mechanism and operation of the slider 25 that is the insertion detection means and the locking member 27 that is the case lock mechanism will be described later.

  Next, a state where the power supply connector 1 is operated will be described. 2A and 2B are views showing the power supply connector 1 in a state where the gripping member is moved, in which FIG. 2A is a side view and FIG. 2B is a side sectional view.

  As described above, the gripping member 3 is locked by the case 9 and the locking member 27 in the normal state. When the slider 25 is pushed from this state (in the direction of arrow A in the figure), the locking member 27 is pushed by the slider 25, and the locking member 27 moves upward along the guide 24 (in the direction of arrow I in the figure). ). At this time, the holding member 3 and the case 9 are unlocked by the movement of the locking member 27.

  When the gripping member 3 is moved forward with respect to the case 9 (in the direction of arrow C in the figure) with the case 9 and the gripping member 3 unlocked, the gripping member 3 (bracket 16) is joined. The connecting portion 15a is pushed forward. Since the connecting portion 15a moves forward, the arm 13 rotates about the pin 23a as a rotation axis (in the direction of arrow D in the figure). As the arm 13 rotates, the connector main body 11 connected to the arm 13 by the connecting portion 15b moves in the same direction as the gripping member 3 (in the direction of arrow E in the figure).

  In addition, since the connection position with respect to the arm 13 differs between the gripping member 3 and the connector main body 11, the moving distance of the gripping member 3 with respect to the case 9 and the moving distance of the connector main body 11 are different. Specifically, if the ratio of the distances of the connecting portions 15a and 15b from the pin 23a is 2: 1, if the moving distance of the gripping member 3 relative to the case 9 is 2, the connector body 11 moves by a distance of 1. To do. That is, the mechanism such as the arm 13 functions as a speed reduction mechanism.

  Further, the gripping member 3 moves forward with respect to the case 9 so that the fitting portion 17b and the fitting portion 21 are engaged with each other. For this reason, the lock member 17 rotates about the pin 23b as a rotation axis. That is, when the fitting portion 17b side is pushed down, the lock member 17 rotates, and the lock pin 17a at the other end is pushed up. For this reason, the lock pin 17a protrudes outward from the case 9 through the hole (in the direction of arrow G in the figure). The lock member 17 may be formed with a spring or the like so as to always return to the state shown in FIG. 2 (the state in which the fitting portion 17b is pushed down).

  Further, as the gripping member 3 moves forward with respect to the case 9, the lock pin 7 a of the lock lever 7 moves in the direction of the recess 19, and the lock pin 7 a is fitted into the recess 19. For this reason, the lock lever 7 rotates about the pin 23c as a rotation axis. That is, when the lock pin 7a is pushed down, the lock lever 7 is rotated and the other end is pushed up (in the direction of arrow F in the figure). The lock lever 7 may be formed with a spring or the like so as to always return to the state shown in FIG. 2 (the state where the lock pin 7a is pushed down).

  When the lock pin 7 a is fitted into the recess 19, the movement of the gripping member 3 with respect to the case 9 is locked. That is, the lock lever 7 functions as a lock unit that locks the movement of the gripping member 3 (and the connector main body 11) relative to the case 9, and operates the lock lever 7 (on the outside of the lock lever 7). By pushing down the end part), it functions as a release mechanism for releasing the lock. Therefore, the connection state of the connector can be securely held and can be easily released.

  A parallel link may be used for the sliding portion between the gripping member 3 (or the connector main body 11) and the case 9. By using the parallel link, rattling does not easily occur when the gripping member 3 (or the connector main body 11) and the case 9 slide, and the movement range can be restricted.

  Next, a method for using the power supply connector 1 will be described. 3-7 is a figure which shows the process of connecting the electric power feeding connector 1 with the receiving connector 33. As shown in FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the power supply connector 1 in the normal state is opposed to the target power reception connector 33. Specifically, the tip of the case 9 is inserted into the recess on the power receiving connector side. A connector body 37 is accommodated in the power receiving connector 33. In this state, the male and female terminals of the connector bodies 11 and 37 are arranged with a slight gap so that they are not yet connected.

  In the state where the case 9 is disposed on the power receiving connector 33 side, a recess 35 is formed on the inner surface on the power receiving connector 33 side at a position corresponding to the lock pin 17a. In order to align the positions of the lock pin 17a and the recess 35 and the positions of the male and female terminals described above, a guide or the like for positioning with the power receiving connector side may be formed on the outer surface of the case 9.

  4A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the slider 25, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ of FIG. 4A. In the state of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 4A, the tip of the slider 25 does not contact the power receiving connector 33 and protrudes forward of the case 9. The slider 25 is always urged forward by an elastic member (not shown) provided inside the case 9. That is, the slider 25 always protrudes in front of the case 9 at normal times.

  A locking member 27 is provided inside the case 9 and at the rear end of the slider 25. The locking member 27 is disposed in the groove-shaped guide 24. The locking member 27 is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 25 (lower in the figure) by an elastic member (not shown).

  A groove portion 26 is formed on the surface of the locking member 27 in the connector insertion / extraction direction. The groove 26 is formed at a position deviated from the tip of the bracket 16 in the normal state. That is, the tip of the bracket 16 comes into contact with a portion other than the groove 26 of the locking member 27. Therefore, the bracket 16 cannot be moved further forward by the locking member 27. For this reason, movement of the gripping member 3 to which the bracket 16 is fixed with respect to the case 9 is restricted and locked. In the normal state, the contact surface of the locking member 27 with the bracket 16 is a metal portion 27a made of metal, and the other portion is a resin portion 27b made of resin. That is, the locking member 27 is formed by integrally forming a metal and a resin.

  For example, when the case 9 is obliquely inserted into the power receiving connector 33 or when the case 9 comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the power receiving connector 33, the gripping member 3 is attached to the case 9 by the slider 25 and the locking member 27. It will not move forward. That is, when the locking member 27, which is a case lock mechanism, is locked, the case 9 is not pushed inward of the gripping member 3 when the gripping member 3 is pushed forward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, when the gripping member of the power feeding connector 1 is pushed into the power receiving connector 33 (in the direction of arrow C in the figure), the step of the case 9 hits the peripheral edge of the power receiving connector 33. Since the slider 25 protrudes from the step portion of the case 9, the slider 25 comes into contact with the peripheral edge portion of the power receiving connector 33.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6A, the slider 25 is pushed backward (inside the case 9) against the forward pressing force of the elastic member (not shown) (in the direction of arrow A in the figure). The rear end of the slider 25 is in contact with a tapered portion provided on the locking member 27.

  When the slider 25 moves rearward (in the direction of arrow A in the figure), the rear end of the slider 25 and the tapered portion of the locking member 27 slide, and the moving direction of the locking member 27 is converted. That is, the locking member 27 moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 25 against the pressing force by the elastic member (not shown) (in the direction of arrow I in the figure). When the locking member 27 moves, the tip end position of the bracket 16 and the position of the groove portion 26 coincide with each other as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the locked state between the locking member 27 and the bracket 16 is released.

  Here, in the normal state, for example, when the power supply connector 1 is dropped from the case 9 side, the case 9 does not move with respect to the gripping member 3 because the case locking mechanism works. That is, the case 9 is fixed to the gripping member 3 by the interference between the tip of the bracket 16 and the locking member 27. Therefore, the impact generated in the case 9 is transmitted from the guide rail 28 fixed to the case to the bracket 16 via the locking member 27. Therefore, compressive force acts on the locking member 27 from the guide rail 28 side (front side) and from the bracket 16 side (rear side). The locking member 27 and the guide 24 and the bracket 16 in contact with the locking member 27 are not damaged even when such a force is applied, and it is necessary to ensure the sliding property of the locking member 27.

  These members are preferably formed of a resin material for the purpose of weight reduction, and the guide rail 28 on which the guide 24 is formed is also preferably formed of a resin material. However, since many components on which the force acts are mounted on the bracket 16, strength is required, and it is preferable that the bracket 16 is made of a metal material.

  In such a material configuration, when the locking member 27 is formed of only a metal material, if a drop test is performed, the bracket 16 is greatly deformed (damaged), and the slidability of the locking member 27 is not ensured. I knew this. Further, it has been found that when the locking member 27 is formed of only a resin material, the locking member 27 itself is damaged.

  In order to prevent the deformation of the bracket 16 and the breakage of the locking member 27 when dropped, a metal portion 27a is provided on the contact surface of the locking member 27 with the tip of the bracket 16, and the guide 24 side is It was found that it was effective to use resin.

  In addition, it is desirable that the metal constituting the metal portion 27 a has a hardness higher than the hardness of the material constituting the tip of the bracket 16. When the metal part 27a is recessed, the end of the bracket 16 is fitted into the recess of the locking member 27 in a state where the end of the bracket 16 is in contact, and the locking member 27 cannot move. Even if the tip of the bracket 16 is somewhat recessed, the locking member 27 can be moved, so that it can function as a case lock mechanism.

  The impact received on the contact surface with the bracket 16 is also transmitted to the guide 24. At this time, it is desirable that the resin (resin of the resin portion 27 b) constituting the sliding surface of the locking member 27 with the guide 24 is made of a material having a hardness lower than that of the resin constituting the guide 24. This is because if the side surface of the guide 24 is recessed, the locking member 27 fits into the recess and the locking member 27 cannot move. Even if the side surface of the locking member 27 is slightly recessed, the locking member 27 can slide with respect to the guide 24, and thus can function as a case lock mechanism.

  As a combination of materials having such a relationship, for example, the metal portion 27a of the locking member 27 is made of stainless steel, the resin portion 27b is made of polycarbonate, the bracket 16 is made of aluminum, and the guide 24 is made of polybutylene. It may be made of terephthalate.

  The insertion detecting means for detecting whether or not the case 9 is inserted into the power receiving connector 33 is not limited to the slider 25 as shown in the figure, and any method can be used as long as the mechanism operates when the case 9 is inserted. good. Further, the mechanism for releasing the case lock mechanism when detected by the insertion detection means does not have to be the locking member 27 shown in the figure, and the locked state can be released according to the insertion detection means. Any method can be used.

  As described above, when the case 9 is completely inserted into the power receiving connector 33, the locked state between the case 9 and the gripping member 3 is released, and the case 9 can move to each other.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the gripping member 3 of the power feeding connector 1 is further pushed into the power receiving connector 33 (in the direction of arrow C in the figure). As described above, the case 9 is in contact with the power receiving connector 33 and cannot be pushed further. On the other hand, the holding state of the gripping member 3 is released from the case 9. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the tip of the bracket 16 moves forward along the groove 26 (in the direction of arrow C in the figure).

  For this reason, the holding member 3 can be moved forward with respect to the case 9. At this time, the connector main body 11 moves forward with respect to the case 9 as the gripping member 3 moves (in the direction of arrow E in the figure). Therefore, the connector body 11 protrudes from the front of the case 9 and is connected to the connector body 37 on the power receiving connector side.

  Here, when the ratio of the moving distance between the gripping member 3 and the connector main body 11 with respect to the case 9 is 2: 1, the gripping member has a moving distance twice as large as the connection allowance for connecting the connector main body 11 and the connector main body 37 By pushing, the connector body 11 can be moved by a distance that allows the connectors to be connected. That is, the connectors can be connected by pressing the gripping member 3 with half the force required for connecting the connectors (ie, connection resistance). The speed reduction ratio of the speed reduction mechanism is appropriately set in consideration of connection resistance and workability.

  In the state shown in FIG. 7A, the lock pin 17a is fitted into the recess 35 as described above. For this reason, the power receiving connector 33 and the power feeding connector 1 are locked in a connected state. Further, the lock pin 7 a at the end of the lock lever 7 is fitted into the recess 19. For this reason, the movement of the gripping member 3 with respect to the case 9 is locked. Therefore, even if a cable or the like (not shown) is pulled, the power feeding connector 1 is not easily detached from the power receiving connector 33.

  When the power supply connector 1 is removed, the lock pin 7a is pushed up by pushing down the end of the lock lever 7, and the gripping member 3 is pulled back in this state, so that the fitting portion 17b moves onto the fitting portion 21. As a result, the lock by the lock pin 17a is released. For this reason, the power feeding connector 1 can be easily detached.

  As described above, according to the power supply connector 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily connect to the power receiving connector without requiring a large force. In particular, in the power supply connector 1, since the pushing operation of the gripping member performed by the operator matches the connection direction of the connector main body 11, the worker can easily grasp the connection work intuitively.

  Further, by providing a case lock mechanism that locks the case 9 and the gripping member 3, the gripping member 3 does not move with respect to the case 9 in a normal state. Therefore, the gripping member 3 does not move to the case 9 in a state where the case 9 is not completely inserted into the power receiving connector 33.

  In addition, by providing the metal portion 27a in a part of the locking member 27 constituting the case lock mechanism, the locking member 27 can be prevented from being damaged or dented due to an impact with the tip of the bracket 16. In particular, if the metal constituting the metal part 27a is higher in impact strength than the impact strength of the material constituting the tip of the bracket 16, it is possible to more reliably suppress the breakage of the locking member 27 and the occurrence of dents. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the locking member 27 from moving.

  In addition, the entire locking member 27 is not made of metal, and the resin portion 27b is provided, so that weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved. At this time, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the guide 24 and the occurrence of dents by increasing the hardness of the resin constituting the guide 24 compared to the resin constituting the resin portion 27b.

  Moreover, the force required for the connection of connectors can be reduced by providing a deceleration mechanism for the movement of the gripping member 3 and the connector main body 11 with respect to the case 9. Further, by using together with the case lock mechanism described above, the speed reduction mechanism does not work before the case 9 is inserted into the power receiving connector 33, and after the case 9 is completely inserted into the power receiving connector, the speed reduction mechanism is It is possible to connect the connector bodies to each other.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, the technical scope of this invention is not influenced by embodiment mentioned above. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that it belongs.

  For example, the shape of the gripping part 3 and the arrangement and shape of each component of the members inside the case 9 are not limited to the illustrated example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ......... Power feed connector 3 ......... Grip member 5 ......... Handle 7 ......... Lock lever 7a ......... Lock pin 9 ......... Case 11 ......... Connector body 13 ......... Arms 15a, 15b ... ... Connecting portion 16 ......... Bracket 17 ......... Lock member 17a ......... Lock pin 17b ......... Fitting portion 19 ......... Recessed portion 21 ......... Fitting portions 23a, 23b, 23c ......... Pin 24 ... …… Guide 25 ……… Slider 26 ………… Groove portion 27 ………… Locking member 27a ………… Metal portion 27b ………… Resin portion 33 ………… Receiving connector 35 ………… Recess portion 37 ……… Connector body

Claims (5)

A power supply connector for an automobile,
A connector body;
A case for housing the connector body;
A gripping member attached to the case;
Insertion detecting means for detecting that the case is inserted into the power receiving connector;
A case lock mechanism that restricts movement of the case relative to the gripping member,
The insertion detection means includes a slider formed in an insertion portion of the case to the power receiving connector and slidable in the insertion / extraction direction of the case,
The case lock mechanism has a locking member and a resin guide, and the locking member is movable along the guide.
The locking member is configured integrally with a metal part and a resin part,
In the state where the slider protrudes from the case, the metal part comes into contact with the tip of a metal bracket provided on the gripping member, and the resin part comes into contact with the guide, thereby making contact with the gripping member. The movement of the case is locked,
When the slider comes into contact with the power receiving connector and is pushed into the case, the locking member is moved to release the case locking mechanism, and the connector body and the gripping member are substantially A power supply connector that is slidable in the same axial direction. The locking member has a groove,
When the slider comes into contact with the power receiving connector and is pushed into the case, the locking member moves, the tip of the bracket becomes movable along the groove, and the case lock mechanism is released. The power supply connector according to claim 1, wherein: The locking member is movable along the guide ;
The metal part has a hardness higher than the hardness of the material constituting the tip of the bracket;
The power supply connector according to claim 2, wherein the resin portion is made of a material having a hardness lower than that of the resin constituting the guide. The metal part is made of stainless steel, and the resin part is made of polycarbonate,
The bracket is made of aluminum,
The power supply connector according to claim 3, wherein the guide is made of polybutylene terephthalate. The gripping member is provided with a speed reduction mechanism, and the movement of the gripping member and the connector body with respect to the case is performed via the speed reduction mechanism,
The moving distance of the connector main body with respect to the case is smaller than the moving distance of the holding member with respect to the case when the holding member is moved with respect to the case. The power supply connector according to any one of 4.

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