JP2011138644A - Power feed connector - Google Patents

Abstract

In a power feeding connector for connecting to a power receiving side connector of an electric machine, a locked state between a cylindrical case and a power receiving side connector can be released even when an abnormality occurs.
A cylindrical case 1 having a front end opening 1a that is formed in a cylindrical shape and opens at a front end in the direction of the central axis L1 and a terminal 21 that is electrically connected to a power receiving side connector face the front end opening 1a. Provided in the cylindrical case 1 so as to be movable between a connector main body 2 housed in the cylindrical case 1 in a state, a locking position locked to the power receiving side connector, and a retracted position not locked to the power receiving side connector. And the urging means 63 for urging the locking member 6A so that the locking member 6A is arranged at the locking position. Feeding power is formed with an insertion hole 111 through which the locking release member 113 that moves through and moves the locking member 6A to the retracted position against the biasing means 63 can be inserted from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical case 1. Connector A is provided.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply connector used for charging an electric machine such as an electric vehicle.

  Conventionally, as a power supply connector used for charging an electric machine driven by electric power such as an electric vehicle or the like, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a plurality of terminals are slidably attached to a front half of a cylindrical case. Connector body, operating lever for controlling the movement of the connector body, and after inserting the cylindrical case into the power receiving connector of the electric vehicle, the connector main body is advanced by turning the operating lever so that the power receiving connector and the connector main body are fitted. Locking means for locking the movement of the operation lever at the combined position and a release lever for releasing the lock are provided.

  Further, the conventional power supply connector is an engagement means for locking the cylindrical case to the power receiving side connector while the cylindrical case is inserted into the power receiving side connector so that the power supply connector is not unexpectedly disconnected from the power receiving side connector during charging. It also has. The locking state between the cylindrical case and the power receiving side connector by the engaging means is released by operating the release lever, as in the case of the locking means described above.

Japanese Patent No. 275032

  However, in the above conventional power supply connector, not only the unlocking of the operation lever but also the unlocking state of the cylindrical case and the power receiving side connector is released by the release lever. For example, the release lever is damaged or for some reason In the event of an abnormal situation in which the cylinder case does not move, the locked state between the cylindrical case and the power receiving connector cannot be released. That is, there is a possibility that the power feeding connector cannot be detached from the power receiving side connector.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a power supply connector that can be removed from the power receiving side connector by releasing the locking state between the cylindrical case and the power receiving side connector even in an abnormal state. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a power supply connector according to the present invention is a power supply connector for connecting to a power receiving side connector provided in an electric machine, provided in a charging device that supplies electric power to the electric machine, and has a cylindrical shape. A cylindrical case having a front end opening formed at the front end in the central axis direction and a terminal for electrical connection to the power receiving side connector facing the front end opening in the cylindrical case A latch provided in the cylindrical case so as to be movable between a connector main body to be accommodated and a latching position latched to the power receiving connector and a retracted position not latched to the power receiving connector. And a biasing means for biasing the locking member so that the locking member is arranged at the locking position, the cylindrical case penetrates from the inside to the outside, Said locking against the biasing means Wherein the insertion hole of the wood was insertable from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical case unlocking member to move to the retracted position is formed.

  Further, in the power supply connector, an engaging portion that engages with the unlocking member inserted into the cylindrical case from the insertion hole is formed on the locking member, and is engaged with the engaging portion. The locking member may be moved to the retracted position by moving the locking release member so as to be pulled out from the cylindrical case.

  Further, in the power supply connector, the locking release member is further moved from the outside of the cylindrical case in a state in which a tip of the locking release member inserted into the cylindrical case is in contact with the locking member. The locking member may be moved to the retracted position by moving inward.

  Furthermore, in the power feeding connector, the locking release member may be attached to the cylindrical case so as to be movable in the penetration direction of the insertion hole while being inserted into the insertion hole.

According to the power supply connector of the present invention, since the locking member is arranged at the locking position where the locking member is locked to the power receiving side connector by the biasing force of the biasing means, an external force against the biasing force of the biasing means is applied to the locking member. In addition, the locking member can be moved to a retracted position where the locking member is not locked to the power receiving side connector. An external force that moves the locking member to the retracted position against the urging force of the urging means can be applied to the locking member by the locking releasing member inserted into the cylindrical case from the insertion hole.
In other words, the locking member can be moved from the locking position to the retracted position regardless of the various mechanisms such as the operation lever provided in the power supply connector. It is possible to release the locked state between the case and the power receiving side connector and remove it from the power receiving side connector.

It is a cross-sectional view which shows the electric power feeding connector which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the power receiving side connector which connects the electric power feeding connector of FIG. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the state which connected the electric power feeding connector of FIG. 1 to the receiving side connector. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the electric power feeding connector which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the state which connected the electric power feeding connector of FIG. 4 to the receiving side connector. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the electric power feeding connector which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the state which connected the electric power feeding connector of FIG. 6 to the receiving side connector. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the electric power feeding connector which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the power supply connector of FIG. 8 is connected to the power reception side connector.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a power supply connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, a power supply connector A according to the present embodiment is provided in a charging device such as a charging stand that supplies electric power to an electric vehicle. ). The power supply connector A includes a cylindrical case 1 formed in a cylindrical shape, a connector main body 2 accommodated in the cylindrical case 1 in a state of being slidable in the central axis L1 direction of the cylindrical case 1, An operation mechanism 3 that operates to move the connector main body 2 in the direction of the central axis L1 relative to the cylindrical case 1 is generally configured.

The cylindrical case 1 has a front end opening 1a that opens to the front end (the left end in FIG. 1) in the direction of the central axis L1. The front end portion of the cylindrical case 1 is configured as an insertion portion 11 that is inserted into the shell 101 of the power receiving connector B, and a locking claw 61 of a lock arm 6 described later is inserted into the peripheral wall of the insertion portion 11. An insertion hole 11 a is formed so as to face the radially outer side of the portion 11.
A grip portion 12 that projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 1 is integrally fixed to the rear end portion (right end portion in FIG. 1) of the cylindrical case 1. The grip portion 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the internal space of the cylindrical case 1 in which the connector main body 2 is arranged communicates with the internal space of the grip portion 12. Further, a display lamp 13 such as an LED is provided at the rear end of the cylindrical case 1. The display lamp 13 is set to be turned on when charging and turned off when charging is completed.

The connector body 2 is housed near the front end side of the cylindrical case 1 and houses a plurality of power feeding side terminals (terminals) 21 for electrical connection to the power receiving side connector B and a plurality of power feeding side terminals 21. A cylindrical terminal storage portion 22 and a cable storage portion 23 for storing the cable 4 connected to the proximal end of the power supply side terminal 21. The cable 4 is arranged so as to extend from the power supply side terminal 21 side to the outside of the power supply connector A through the grip portion 12.
In addition to the power supply terminal for supplying power to the electric vehicle, the power supply side terminal 21 includes, for example, a communication terminal for communicating information required for charge control between the charging device and the electric vehicle. Further, the terminal accommodating portion 22 is formed so that the front end of the power supply side terminal 21 faces outward from the front end opening 1 a of the cylindrical case 1.
The specific number and arrangement of the power supply side terminals 21, the specific shape of the terminal storage portion 22, and the shape of the insertion portion 11 of the cylindrical case 1 described above can be arbitrarily set. For example, those defined in “Japanese Electric Vehicle Standard: JEVS G 105” can be mentioned.

  The cable storage portion 23 is fixed to the rear end of the terminal storage portion 22 so as to be arranged on the rear end side of the cylindrical case 1 with respect to the terminal storage portion 22. A sliding pin 24 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cable housing portion 23. The sliding pin 24 is accommodated in a sliding groove 14 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 1 so as to extend in the direction of the central axis L1. It is slidable in the direction of the central axis L1.

Note that the range of movement of the connector body 2 with respect to the cylindrical case 1 is regulated by the regulating means 5 provided in the power feeding connector A. The restricting means 5 includes a spherical ball plunger 52 that is urged by the coil spring 51 from the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical case 1 toward the outer peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 23, and the outer peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 23. It is comprised by the formed recessed part 53. FIG.
Two recesses 53 are arranged at intervals in the direction of the central axis L1. The inner surface of each recess 53 is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the spherical surface of the ball plunger 52, and a part of the ball plunger 52 enters the each recess 53.

And the space | interval of the two recessed parts 53 is the position (henceforth an accommodation position) where the connector main body 2 accommodates the terminal storage part 22 whole of the connector main body 2 in the cylindrical case 1 as shown in FIG. 3) and a position where a part of the terminal storage portion 22 protrudes from the front end opening 1a of the cylindrical case 1 (hereinafter referred to as a protruding position) as shown in FIG. Has been.
That is, in a state where the connector main body 2 is disposed at the housing position, the movement of the connector main body 2 is restricted by the ball plunger 52 entering the first concave portion 53 </ b> A located on the front end side of the cylindrical case 1. Further, in a state where the connector main body 2 is arranged at the protruding position, the movement of the connector main body 2 is restricted by the ball plunger 52 entering the second concave portion 53B located on the rear end side of the cylindrical case 1.

  In this restricting means 5, since the concave portion 53 is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the ball plunger 52, if the force is greater than the urging force of the coil spring 51, the coil 5 is operated by operating the operation mechanism 3 described later. In order to resist the urging force of the spring 51, the connector body 2 is moved from the state in which the connector body 2 is disposed in the housing position in a direction to project from the front end opening 1a, and the connector body 2 is disposed in the projecting position. It is possible to move the connector main body 2 in the direction in which the connector main body 2 is accommodated in the cylindrical case 1 from the state where it is formed.

In such a connector main body 2, the rear end side of the cable housing portion 23 is connected to the operation mechanism 3. The operation mechanism 3 includes an operation lever 31 whose one end 31a protrudes outside the cylindrical case 1, and the operator operates the operation lever 31 to move the connector body 2 in the direction of the central axis L1. It is configured to be able to.
In addition, although the other end 31b is pivotally supported with respect to the cylindrical case 1 by the other end 31b, the operation lever 31 of the example of illustration is not restricted to this. The mechanism that converts the operation of the operation lever 31 into the movement of the connector main body 2 may be an arbitrary mechanism such as a gear mechanism or a link mechanism. Further, the entire operation lever 31 including the other end 31 b is arranged outside the cylindrical case 1, but the other end 31 b of the operation lever 31 may be arranged inside the cylindrical case 1, for example.

In addition, the power supply connector A of the present embodiment includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of lock arms 6 provided on the front end side of the cylindrical case 1 and locking the power supply connector A to the power reception side connector B. The plurality of lock arms 6 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical case 1 so as to surround the connector body 2.
Each lock arm 6 is formed in a substantially rod shape extending in the direction of the central axis L <b> 1, and a locking claw 61 protruding outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1 is formed at the front end of the lock arm 6.
A midway portion in the longitudinal direction of one lock arm 6A is pivotally supported on the cylindrical case 1 by a pin 62, and a rear end of the other lock arm 6B is pivotally supported by the cylindrical case 1 by a pin 62. That is, each lock arm 6 is attached to the cylindrical case 1 so as to be swingable.
A torsion spring 63 is fixed to the pin 62, and the urging force of the torsion spring 63 causes the lock arm 6 to swing so that its front end side moves radially outward of the cylindrical case 1. Is being energized. In this biased state, the locking claw 61 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11 to the outer side in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1 through the insertion hole 11 a of the cylindrical case 1.

Furthermore, the power feeding connector A of the present embodiment is one lock arm against the urging force of the torsion spring 63 in conjunction with the movement from the protruding position of the connector main body 2 to the accommodation position by the operation of the operation lever 31. An unlocking mechanism 7 for retracting the 6A locking claw 61 into the cylindrical case 1 is provided. The unlocking mechanism 7 includes a rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A extending from the middle portion of the one lock arm 6A pivotally supported by the pin 62 to the rear end side of the cylindrical case 1 along the central axis L1. The first projecting portion 72 formed on the rear end portion 64 and the second projecting portion 73 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector main body 2 are configured.
The rear end portion 64 of the one lock arm 6 </ b> A is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 23, and the first protrusion 72 projects toward the outer peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 23. Note that the protruding height of the first protrusion 72 is set so as not to contact the outer peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 23.

The second protruding portion 73 protrudes toward the rear end portion 64 of the one lock arm 6A. When the connector main body 2 is arranged at the protruding position (see FIG. 3), the first protruding portion 72 and the It does not contact the rear end portion 64 of the lock arm 6A. On the other hand, in a state where the connector main body 2 is disposed at the accommodation position (see FIG. 1), the connector main body 2 contacts the first protrusion 72. By this contact, the second protrusion 73 presses the rear end portion 64 against the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1 against the urging force of the torsion spring 63, and as a result, the locking claw of one lock arm 6A. 61 is retracted into the cylindrical case 1.
That is, the lock release mechanism 7 and the torsion spring 63 described above engage the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A in conjunction with the movement between the housing position and the protruding position of the connector body 2 by the operation of the operation lever 31. Then, it is moved between the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 1) in the cylindrical case 1 and the locking position (position shown in FIG. 3) that protrudes outside from the insertion hole 11a and locks to the power receiving connector B. An interlocking movement mechanism 8 is configured.

  Furthermore, the power supply connector A of this embodiment includes an electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 that prevents the connector main body 2 from moving relative to the cylindrical case 1 during charging. The electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 has a solenoid 91 including a cylindrical electromagnet 93 fixed to the cylindrical case 1 and a plunger 94 inserted therethrough, and a through hole 92a provided in the connector body 2 and through which the plunger 94 is inserted. The lock part 92 is comprised. The lock portion 92 may be configured such that a separate member is used as the connector body 2 as in the illustrated example, but may be formed integrally with the connector body 2, for example.

The plunger 94 of the solenoid 91 is accommodated in the electromagnet 93 by an urging means (not shown) in a state where no current flows through the electromagnet 93, and protrudes from the electromagnet 93 in a state where a current flows through the electromagnet 93. Note that power supply to the electromagnet 93 is performed during charging (power supply to the electric vehicle).
The lock portion 92 is arranged at a position where the plunger 94 protruding from the electromagnet 93 can be inserted into the through hole 92a in a state where the connector body 2 is arranged at the protruding position. In the state where the connector main body 2 is disposed at the accommodation position, the through hole 92a of the lock portion 92 is positioned with respect to the plunger 94, and even if the plunger 94 protrudes, it is not inserted into the through hole 92a. .

In the power supply connector A of the present embodiment, even when the connector main body 2 cannot be moved by the operation lever 31 and the unlocking mechanism 7 does not function normally, the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A is biased. Forcibly unlocking mechanism 110 that can be moved to the retracted position is provided.
As shown in FIG. 3, the forced unlocking mechanism 110 is formed so as to penetrate through the insertion hole 111 formed to penetrate from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical case 1 and the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A. The engagement hole (engagement portion) 112 and the lock release member 113 that is inserted into the insertion hole 111 and engages with the engagement hole 112 are configured.

The insertion hole 111 is formed at a position where the cylindrical case 1 is not inserted into the power receiving connector B and at a position where the engagement hole 112 faces the outside of the cylindrical case 1. The penetrating direction of the engaging hole 112 is set to be substantially the same as the penetrating direction of the inserting hole 111, and it is easy to insert the locking release member 113 formed in a rod shape into both the inserting hole 111 and the engaging hole 112. It is said that.
A hook 114 for engaging with the engagement hole 112 is formed at the distal end of the locking release member 113 in the insertion direction. The flange portion 114 is formed in an umbrella shape that spreads outward in the radial direction of the unlocking member 113 as it goes from the front end side to the rear end side of the unlocking member 113, and its diameter dimension is larger than the inner diameter of the engagement hole 112. It is set large. Further, the collar portion 114 can be elastically deformed with respect to the rod-shaped portion of the locking release member 113.
In this configuration, when the locking release member 113 is inserted into the engagement hole 112 from the distal end side, the flange 114 is elastically deformed and passes through the engagement hole 112. In the state where the collar portion 114 has passed through the engagement hole 112, the collar portion 114 is elastically restored, so that it cannot be pulled out from the engagement hole 112 even if it moves in the direction opposite to the direction in which the locking release member 113 is inserted. . That is, the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A and the locking release member 113 are engaged.

The power receiving connector B connected to the power feeding connector A having the above configuration is fixed to the body of the electric vehicle and the like, and is a cylindrical shell that receives the insertion portion 11 of the cylindrical case 1 as shown in FIG. 101, a cylindrical terminal storage portion 102 provided therein, and a power receiving side terminal (not shown) arranged in the terminal storage portion 102 are roughly configured. The terminal storage portion 102 is received in the terminal storage portion 22 of the connector main body 2 in a state where the insertion portion 11 of the cylindrical case 1 is received in the shell 101 (see FIG. 3). That is, the shapes of the shell 101 and the terminal storage portion 102 correspond to the insertion portion 11 and the terminal storage portion 22 of the power feeding connector, respectively. Further, locking recesses 103 that engage with the locking claws 61 of the power feeding connector A are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the shell 101 so as to correspond to the number and arrangement of the lock arms 6.
The power receiving side terminal contacts or abuts the power feeding side terminal 21 of the power feeding connector A to electrically connect the power feeding connector A and the power receiving side connector B, and plays the same role as the power feeding side terminal 21. That is, the number and arrangement of the power receiving side terminals correspond to the power feeding side terminals 21 of the power feeding connector A.

When the power feeding connector A configured as described above is connected to the power receiving side connector B, first, the operator holds the grip portion 12 in a state where the connector main body 2 is arranged at the accommodation position as shown in FIG. Is inserted, the front end portion (insertion portion 11) of the cylindrical case 1 is inserted into the shell 101 and inserted into the power receiving side connector B. In this state, as shown in FIG. 3, the locking claw 61 of the other lock arm 6B is engaged with the locking recess 103 of the power receiving side connector B, and the power feeding connector A is temporarily fitted to the power receiving side connector B. It becomes a state.
Next, the connector body 2 is moved to the front end side of the cylindrical case 1 by the operation mechanism 3 so that the connector body 2 is arranged at the protruding position. More specifically, the connector main body 2 is connected to the cylindrical case 1 by rotating the operation lever 31 so that the operator holds the one end 31a of the operation lever 31 and moves to the front end side of the cylindrical case 1. It moves to the front end side and is arranged at the protruding position.

In this state, the operation of the operation lever 31 described above causes the second protrusion 73 of the lock release mechanism 7 to move together with the connector body 2 and separate from the first protrusion 72. For this reason, the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A protrudes outside from the insertion hole 11a of the cylindrical case 1 by the urging force of the torsion spring 63 and engages with the locking recess 103 of the power receiving side connector B. As a result, the power feeding connector A is completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B. Further, in this state, the power supply side terminal 21 is in contact with or in contact with the power reception side terminal, and the power supply connector A and the power reception side connector B are electrically connected to be in a chargeable state.
When the operation lever 31 is rotated, the power supply connector A and the power receiving connector B are electrically connected after the engaging claw 61 of the lock arm 6A is engaged with the locking recess 103 of the power receiving connector B. Is done.

When charging is started in this completely fitted state, a current flows through the electromagnet 93 and the plunger 94 is inserted into the through hole 92 a of the lock portion 92. That is, the electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 prevents the connector main body 2 from moving, and can reliably prevent the power feeding side terminal 21 of the power feeding connector A and the power receiving side terminal of the power receiving side connector B from being separated during charging.
When the charging is completed, the power supply to the electromagnet 93 is stopped, and accordingly, the plunger 94 comes out of the through hole 92a of the lock portion 92. That is, the connector main body 2 becomes movable.

Thereafter, when the power feeding connector A is removed from the power receiving side connector B from the state in which the power feeding connector A is completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B, first, the operator holds the one end 31a of the operation lever 31 to form a cylindrical shape. The operation lever 31 is rotated so as to move to the rear end side of the case 1. Thereby, the connector main body 2 moves to the rear end side of the cylindrical case 1 and is arranged at the accommodation position.
In this state, the operation of the operation lever 31 described above causes the second protrusion 73 of the lock release mechanism 7 to move together with the connector body 2 and abut against the first protrusion 72. As a result, the second projecting portion 73 presses the rear end portion 64 of the one lock arm 6A against the urging force of the torsion spring 63 toward the radially outer side of the cylindrical case 1, and the locking claw of the one lock arm 6A. 61 is retracted into the cylindrical case 1. That is, the power supply connector A returns to the state of being temporarily fitted to the power receiving side connector B.

Thereafter, the grip portion 12 is gripped and the power supply connector A is pulled out from the power receiving side connector B, whereby the work for removing the power supply connector A is completed.
In the temporary fitting state, the engagement claw 61 of the other lock arm 6B is engaged with the power receiving side connector B, but the engagement claw 61 of one lock arm 6A and the power reception side connector B are engaged. Since the engagement force between the power supply connector A and the power receiving side connector B is weakened by releasing the power supply connector A, the power supply connector A can be easily pulled out.

  If the connector main body 2 cannot be moved by the operating lever 31 with the power feeding connector A completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B, first, as shown in FIG. Is inserted into the cylindrical case 1 through the insertion hole 111. Next, the distal end portion of the locking release member 113 is inserted into the engagement hole 112, and the collar portion 114 is engaged with the engagement hole 112. Then, in this engaged state, the unlocking member 113 is moved so as to be pulled out from the inside of the cylindrical case 1. As a result, the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6 </ b> A moves outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1. That is, the locking release member 113 moves the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A to the retracted position so as to resist the urging force of the torsion spring 63, and the power feeding connector A is temporarily fitted to the power receiving side connector B. It will return to the state.

As described above, according to the power feeding connector A of the present embodiment, the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A is locked to the locking recess 103 of the power receiving connector B by the urging force of the torsion spring 63. Therefore, by applying an external force against the urging force of the torsion spring 63 to the one lock arm 6A, the one lock arm 6A is moved to a retracted position where it is not locked to the locking recess 103 of the power receiving side connector B. It is possible to make it.
Then, as described above, the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A is moved to the retracted position so as to resist the urging force of the torsion spring 63 by the locking release member 113 inserted into the cylindrical case 1 from the insertion hole 111. An external force to be moved can be applied to the locking member.

That is, since the one lock arm 6A can be moved from the locking position to the retracted position regardless of various mechanisms such as the operation mechanism 3 and the electric lock mechanism 9 provided in the power supply connector A, the operation mechanism 3 and the electric lock mechanism. Even when various mechanisms such as 9 do not operate normally, the locked state between the cylindrical case 1 and the power receiving connector B can be released, and the power feeding connector A can be detached from the power receiving connector B.
In the power supply connector A of the present embodiment, since the engagement hole 112 that engages with the lock release member 113 is formed in one lock arm 6A, the lock release member 113 is moved from the inside of the cylindrical case 1 to the outside. The latching claw 61 can be moved to the retracted position by the pulling operation.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, the same components as those of the power supply connector A will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, in this embodiment, illustration of the rear end side of the cylindrical case 1 having the same configuration as the power supply connector A of the first embodiment is also omitted.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the forced lock release mechanism 120 provided in the power supply connector C according to this embodiment includes an insertion hole 121 formed so as to penetrate from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical case 1, and an insertion hole 121. A rod-shaped locking release member 123 inserted into the cylindrical case 1 is provided.
The insertion hole 121 is formed at a position where the cylindrical case 1 is not inserted into the power receiving connector B and at a position where the front end of one lock arm 6A faces the outside of the cylindrical case 1. Therefore, when the locking release member 123 is inserted into the cylindrical case 1 through the insertion hole 121, the tip of the locking release member 123 comes into contact with the front end portion of one lock arm 6A.

  When the connector main body 2 cannot be moved by the operation lever 31 in a state where the power feeding connector C having the above configuration is completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B, as shown in FIG. It inserts in the cylindrical case 1 from the hole 121, and makes the front-end | tip of the latch release member 123 contact | abut to the front-end part of one lock arm 6A. In this contact state, the locking release member 123 is further moved from the outside of the cylindrical case 1 to the inside. As a result, the front end of one lock arm 6 </ b> A moves radially inward of the cylindrical case 1. That is, the locking release member 123 moves the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A to the retracted position so as to resist the biasing force of the torsion spring 63, and the power feeding connector C is temporarily fitted to the power receiving side connector B. It will return to the state.

According to the power supply connector C of the present embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, one lock arm 6A is locked regardless of various mechanisms such as the operation mechanism 3 and the electric lock mechanism 9 provided in the power supply connector C. Since it can be moved from the position to the retracted position, even when various mechanisms such as the operation mechanism 3 and the electric lock mechanism 9 do not operate normally, the locked state between the cylindrical case 1 and the power receiving side connector B is released. Thus, the power feeding connector C can be detached from the power receiving side connector B.
Further, according to this power supply connector C, unlike the first embodiment, it is not necessary to form the engagement hole or the collar portion as in the first embodiment in the one lock arm 6A or the locking release member 123. The structure of the power feeding connector C can be simplified. Furthermore, since the latch release member 123 can be formed as a simple rod-shaped member, it is not necessary to form it as a member dedicated to the power feeding connector C. That is, the locking release member 123 may not be included in the configuration of the power supply connector C.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, only differences from the first and second embodiments will be described, the same components as those of the power supply connectors A and C will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the illustration of the rear end side of the cylindrical case 1 having the same configuration as the power supply connectors A and C of the first and second embodiments is also omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, the forced unlocking mechanism 140 included in the power supply connector D according to this embodiment is inserted through the insertion hole 141 formed through the tubular case 1 from the inside to the outside, and the insertion hole 141. And an unlocking member 143 that is attached to the cylindrical case 1 in a state of being in the state.
The insertion hole 141 is formed at a position where the cylindrical case 1 is not inserted into the power receiving side connector B and at a position where the front end of one lock arm 6A faces the outside of the cylindrical case 1.

The unlocking member 143 is movable in the insertion direction of the insertion hole 141 with respect to the cylindrical case 1. Moreover, the large diameter part larger than the internal diameter of the insertion hole 141 is formed in the both ends of the longitudinal direction of the latch release member 143, and it prevents that the latch release member 143 remove | deviates from the cylindrical case 1. Yes. The unlocking member 143 is urged by the coil spring 145 from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical case 1.
In this forced lock release mechanism 140, the lock release member 143 is separated from the one lock arm 6A in a state of being biased by the coil spring 145, but the lock release member is resisted against the biasing force of the coil spring 145. When 143 is moved inward in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1, as shown in FIG. 7, the distal end of the locking release member 143 comes into contact with the front end portion of one lock arm 6 </ b> A.

  If the connector main body 2 cannot be moved by the operation lever 31 in a state where the power feeding connector D having the above configuration is completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B, as shown in FIG. 1 is moved inward in the radial direction, and the tip of the locking release member 143 is brought into contact with the front end of one lock arm 6A. In this abutting state, when the unlocking member 143 is further moved from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical case 1, the front end portion of the one lock arm 6 </ b> A moves to the inside in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1. Become. That is, the locking release member 143 moves the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A to the retracted position so as to resist the urging force of the torsion spring 63, and the power feeding connector D is temporarily fitted to the power receiving side connector B. It will return to the state.

According to the power supply connector D of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.
In addition, since the locking release member 143 is attached to the cylindrical case 1, the locking release member 143 can be easily recognized as an operation button. Can be easily released.

As mentioned above, although three embodiment which concerns on the electric power feeding connector of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. It is.
For example, in the forced lock release mechanism 110 of the first embodiment, the one lock arm 6A and the locking release member 113 are formed with the engagement hole 112 and the flange portion 114, respectively. It is only necessary that an engaging portion that engages the unlocking member 113 is formed on the arm 6A.
Moreover, the latch release members 113 and 123 of the first and second embodiments may be connected to the cylindrical case 1 by, for example, a string or a chain.

Furthermore, the locking release member 113 of the first embodiment penetrates the insertion hole 111 with respect to the cylindrical case 1 while being inserted through the insertion hole 111, for example, similarly to the locking release member 143 of the third embodiment. It may be attached to be movable in the direction. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the forced unlocking mechanism 150 provided in the power feeding connector E is replaced with the locking hole 112 and the locking releasing member 113 of the first embodiment, and a single locking arm. 6A is attached to the cylindrical case 1 while being inserted into the engagement hole (engagement portion) 152 formed through the rear end portion 64 of the 6A and the insertion hole 111 of the cylindrical case 1, and the engagement hole What is necessary is just to have the latch release member 153 engaged with 152.
Here, the engagement hole 152 is formed as a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A. On the other hand, a hook portion 154 for engaging with the engagement hole 152 is formed at the distal end portion of the locking release member 153 in the insertion direction. Further, a knob portion 155 is formed at the rear end portion in the insertion direction of the locking release member 153 located outside the cylindrical case 1.

The flange 154 is a pair of protrusions that protrude in opposite directions in the radial direction of the locking release member 153, and the longitudinal dimension of the flange 154 is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the engagement hole 152 and is engaged. It is set larger than the width dimension of the hole 152. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the flange 154 can pass through the engagement hole 152 in a state where the longitudinal direction of the flange 154 matches the longitudinal direction of the engagement hole 152. Further, from this state, the locking release member 153 is rotated by 90 degrees, for example, with the longitudinal direction of the locking release member 153 as an axis, and the longitudinal direction of the flange portion 154 is set in the width direction of the engagement hole 152 as shown in FIG. In the matched state, the flange portion 154 cannot pass through the engagement hole 152. Therefore, when the engagement release member 153 is inserted into the engagement hole 152 and the longitudinal direction of the flange portion 154 is made to coincide with the width direction of the engagement hole 152, the engagement release member 153 is opposite to the insertion direction. Even if it moves in the direction, it cannot be pulled out from the engagement hole 152. That is, the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A and the locking release member 153 are engaged.
The knob 155 is formed in a shape that can be gripped by the operator's fingers and the like, and has a large-diameter portion that is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 111. In addition, since the longitudinal dimension of the collar part 154 described above is also set larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 111, the locking release member 153 does not come off from the cylindrical case 1.

  When the connector main body 2 can be moved by the operating lever 31 in a state where the power feeding connector E having the above configuration is completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B, the longitudinal direction of the flange portion 154 is engaged as shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to make it correspond to the longitudinal direction of the hole 152. FIG. In this state, since the lock release member 153 is not engaged with the engagement hole 152, even if the lock release member 153 is moved so as to be pulled out from the inside of the cylindrical case 1, The completely fitted state with the power receiving side connector B is not released. That is, even if the locking release member 153 is mistakenly pulled out, it is possible to reliably prevent the power feeding connector E from being unintentionally disconnected from the power receiving side connector B.

On the other hand, when the connector main body 2 cannot be moved by the operating lever 31 with the power feeding connector E completely fitted to the power receiving side connector B, as shown in FIG. The flange 154 is engaged with the engagement hole 152 so as to coincide with the longitudinal direction of the joint hole 152. In this engaged state, the unlocking member 153 is moved so as to be pulled out from the inside of the cylindrical case 1. As a result, the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6 </ b> A moves outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1. That is, the locking claw 61 of one lock arm 6A is moved to the retracted position by the locking release member 153 against the urging force of the torsion spring 63, and the power feeding connector E is temporarily fitted to the power receiving side connector B. Will return.
According to the power supply connector E having this configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Similarly to the case of the third embodiment, the locking release member 153 is attached to the cylindrical case 1 so that the cylindrical case 1 and the power receiving side connector B are locked by the forced unlocking mechanism 150. Can be easily released.

  The locking release member is not limited to the members shown in the above three embodiments and FIGS. 8 and 9, and may be, for example, a finger of an operator depending on the size of the insertion holes 111, 121, and 141. In this case, the forced lock release mechanisms 110, 120, 140, and 150 can be configured by only the insertion hole 111 and the engagement holes 112 and 152, or only the insertion hole 121.

In all the embodiments described above, the lock release mechanism 7 including the rear end portion 64 of the one lock arm 6A and the second protrusion 73 has the second protrusion in a state where at least the connector main body 2 is disposed at the receiving position. The second protrusion 73 is separated from the rear end portion 64 in a state where the portion 73 contacts the rear end portion 64 and the locking claw 61 is disposed at the retracted position, and the connector body 2 is disposed at the protruding position. The latching claw 61 may be configured to be disposed at the latching position by the urging force of the torsion spring 63. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the first protrusion 72 at the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A as in the above embodiment.
Further, the urging means for urging the locking claw 61 so as to be disposed at the locking position is not limited to the torsion spring 63 that urges the lock arm 6 in one of the swinging directions. A coil spring that biases the side toward the radially outer side of the cylindrical case 1 or biases the rear end portion 64 of one lock arm 6A toward the radially inner side of the cylindrical case 1 may be used.

In all the embodiments, the locking member that locks the cylindrical case 1 and the power receiving side connector B is the lock arm 6 that is pivotally supported by the cylindrical case 1. What is necessary is just to be provided in the cylindrical case 1 so that the pawl 61 can move between the locking position and the retracted position. For example, the entire locking member is translated in the radial direction of the cylindrical case 1. It may be provided in the cylindrical case 1.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the restricting means 5 for restricting the movement range of the connector main body 2 is constituted by the ball plunger 52 provided on the cylindrical case 1 side and the concave portion 53 formed in the connector main body 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be constituted by the sliding groove 14 of the cylindrical case 1 that houses the sliding pin 24 of the connector body 2, and for example, the rotational angle range of the operation lever 31 is regulated. It may be configured as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the power supply connectors A, C, D, and E included in the charging device for an electric vehicle have been described. However, the power supply connector of the present invention is applied to a charging device for various electric machines that are driven by electric power. Is possible.

A, C, D, E: Power feeding connector, B: Power receiving side connector, 1 ... Cylindrical case, 1a ... Front end opening, 12 ... Grip part, 2 ... Connector body, 21 ... Power feeding side terminal (terminal), 6, 6A ... Lock arm (locking member), 61 ... Locking claw, 63 ... Torsion spring (biasing means), 110, 120, 140, 150 ... Forced lock release mechanism, 111, 121, 141 ... Insertion hole, 112, 152 ... engaging hole (engaging portion), 113, 123, 143, 153 ... locking release member, L1 ... central axis

Claims (4)

A power supply connector for connecting to a power receiving side connector provided in the electric machine, provided for a charging device that supplies electric power to the electric machine,
A cylindrical case having a front end opening which is formed in a cylindrical shape and opens at the front end in the central axis direction, and the cylindrical shape in a state where a terminal for electrical connection to the power receiving side connector faces the front end opening Provided in the cylindrical case so as to be movable between a connector main body housed in the case, a locking position locked to the power receiving connector, and a retracted position not locked to the power receiving connector. And a biasing means for biasing the locking member so that the locking member is disposed at the locking position,
A locking release member that penetrates from the inside to the outside and moves the locking member to the retracted position against the biasing means can be inserted from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical case. A power supply connector, characterized in that an insertion hole is formed. The engaging member is formed with an engaging portion that engages with the unlocking member inserted into the cylindrical case from the insertion hole,
The locking member is moved to the retracted position by moving the locking release member engaged with the engaging portion so as to be pulled out from the inside of the cylindrical case. The power supply connector described.   By moving the locking release member further from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical case with the tip of the locking release member inserted into the cylindrical case in contact with the locking member, The power supply connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is moved to the retracted position.   The said latch release member is attached so that the movement to the penetration direction of the said insertion hole is possible with respect to the said cylindrical case in the state penetrated by the said insertion hole. The power feeding connector according to any one of claims.

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