JP2015210884A - Connector for electric connection and power conversion system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector for electric connection with improved convenience and a power conversion system using the same.SOLUTION: A first circuit breaker 35 has a first contact which is disposed on an electric circuit to open/close the first contact. A second circuit breaker 36 has a second contact which is disposed on the electric circuit to open/close the second contact. When a connector body is connected to an inlet in a state that the first contact and the second contact are opened, a pinion 21 and a second interlock member 37 close the first circuit breaker 35 and the second circuit breaker 36. When the connector body is disconnected from the inlet in a state that the first contact and the second contact are closed, the pinion 21 and the second interlock member 37 open either one of the first circuit breaker 35 and the second circuit breaker 36.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an electrical connection connector and a power conversion system using the same, and more particularly to an electrical connection connector electrically connected to an inlet provided in a device and a power conversion system using the same. .

  Conventionally, a charging cable for charging a battery mounted on an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has been provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A charging cable described in Patent Document 1 includes a power plug that is detachably connected to a power outlet of a commercial power source, a vehicle connector that is detachably connected to an electric vehicle and supplies a charging current to a battery of the electric vehicle, and Is provided.

  The power plug and the vehicle connector are connected by an electric cable, and a control box is provided in the middle of the electric cable. Inside the control box are housed an open / close circuit that opens and closes an electric circuit between the power plug and the vehicle connector, and a control circuit that controls the operation of the open / close circuit.

  In this charging cable, the battery is charged with AC power supplied from a commercial power source by connecting the power plug to a power outlet and connecting the vehicle connector to the electric vehicle. Further, in this charging cable, when an abnormality occurs during charging of the battery (for example, temperature rise of the power plug or leakage), the control circuit controls the open / close circuit to open the electric circuit and stop the charging of the battery. As a result, circuit protection can be achieved when an abnormality occurs.

JP 2010-110055 A

  In the charging cable shown in Patent Document 1 described above, since the control box is provided in the middle of the electric cable, the control box sometimes gets in the way when the electric cable is stored.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connection connector with improved usability and a power conversion system using the same.

  The electrical connection connector of the present invention includes a pair of first contact portions, and each of the pair of first contact portions is in contact with each of the pair of second contact portions provided in an inlet included in the device. An electrical connection connector electrically connected to the inlet, the connector body having the pair of first contact portions, one of the pair of first contact portions, and the pair of second contact portions And a first switch that opens and closes the first contact portion, the other of the pair of first contact portions, and the pair of second contact portions. A second contact part provided in the middle of the electric circuit including the other of the first contact part, and a second switch that opens and closes the second contact part, and the first contact in conjunction with the attachment / detachment operation of the connector body to the inlet. Interlocking part for opening and closing at least one of the switch and the second switch The interlocking member includes the first switch and the second switch when the connector body is connected to the inlet with the first contact portion and the second contact portion open. When the connector main body is removed from the inlet with the first contact portion and the second contact portion closed, one of the first switch and the second switch is opened. It is characterized by.

  A power conversion system according to the present invention includes the above-described electrical connection connector, and a power conversion device that is electrically connected to the electrical connection connector and controls at least one of power feeding to the device and discharge from the device. It is characterized by having.

  According to the configuration of the electrical connection connector according to the present invention, an electrical connection connector with improved usability can be provided.

  According to the configuration of the power conversion system according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power conversion system with improved usability by using the above-described electrical connection connector.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the principal part of the connector for electrical connection which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the connector for electrical connection which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the connector for electrical connection which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the connector for electrical connection which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the connector for electrical connection which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view showing the main part of the electrical connection connector according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is an overall perspective view showing the main part of the electrical connection connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. 8A and 8B are external perspective views of a first interlocking member used in the electrical connection connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. 9A and 9B are external perspective views of a second interlocking member used in the electrical connection connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the connector for electrical connection which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 11A to 11C are operation explanatory views of the electrical connection connector according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an electrical connection connector 1 and a power conversion system according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated from other embodiments. Within the range, various changes can be made according to the design and the like.

  In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3) in which the electrical connection connector 1 is inserted and removed is the front-rear direction of the electrical connection connector 1, and the vertical direction in FIG. The description will be given by defining the vertical direction. Therefore, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3 is the left-right direction of the electrical connector 1.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the power conversion system of this embodiment. This power conversion system includes an electrical connection connector 1 and a power conversion device 5, and by connecting the electrical connection connector 1 to an inlet 40 of the electric vehicle 4, the connection between the electric vehicle 4 and the power conversion device 5 is established. Electrically connected.

  The power conversion device 5 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter, converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into predetermined DC power, and supplies the DC power to the electric vehicle 4 via the electrical connection connector 1. The power conversion device 5 may further include a DC / AC converter. In this case, the DC power discharged from the electric vehicle 4 side can be converted into predetermined AC power, and the power can be supplied to home appliances such as a television and a refrigerator.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electric vehicle 4 (device) includes an inlet 40, a charging circuit 41, and a storage battery 42. The inlet 40 is connected so that the connector main body 13 of the electrical connection connector 1 can be inserted and removed. The charging circuit 41 generates DC power having a desired voltage value from the DC power supplied from the power conversion device 5. The storage battery 42 stores the DC power generated by the charging circuit 41.

  The electric vehicle 4 includes an electric vehicle (EV) having only an electric motor as a power source, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) using an engine and an electric motor as a power source, and a fuel cell as a power source. There is a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that drives an electric motor.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the inlet 40 has a main body portion 401 formed in a cylindrical shape whose rear surface is open, and a mounting portion 402 formed in a disk shape at the front end portion of the main body portion 401. Are provided integrally. A step 4011 on which the hook 151 of the lock lever 15 is hooked is provided on the upper opening edge of the main body 401. In addition, a pair of power supply sockets 403 (second contact portions) formed in a cylindrical shape are provided inside the main body portion 401. 3 to 6, only one power supply socket 403 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the electrical connection connector 1 includes a connector main body 13, a link 14, a lock lever 15, a rack 19, pinions 20 and 21, a micro switch (not shown), And a solenoid device 31. The electrical connector 1 includes a stopper 22, a slide lever 24, release levers 25 and 27, a pin 29, a first switch 35, a second switch 36 (see FIG. 1), and a second switch. The interlocking member 37 (refer FIG. 1) and the case 10 are provided.

  The case 10 is formed by combining a pair of halved case pieces with each other, and has a cylindrical tubular portion 11 that is long in the front-rear direction, and a grip portion 12 that is integrally provided at the rear end of the tubular portion 11. Consists of. A rubber bush 61 formed in a cylindrical shape is attached to the lower end of the grip portion 12, and the electric cable CB <b> 1 is drawn out through the rubber bush 61.

  An opening 111 for exposing the lock lever 15 is provided along the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3) at the upper and front side of the cylindrical portion 11. In addition, a hole 112 for exposing the release button 30 is provided in an upper part and a rear part of the cylindrical part 11. Further, a first groove (not shown) is provided on the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion 11 for moving the shaft 16 connecting the link 14 and the lock lever 15 in the front-rear direction.

  The connector main body 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape by, for example, a synthetic resin, and is disposed at the tip (front end) of the cylindrical portion 11 of the case 10. A pair of contact pins 32 (first contact portions) formed in a bar shape that is long in the front-rear direction are accommodated inside the connector body 13, and a coil spring 33 is disposed around each contact pin 32. . A disc-shaped insulating cap 34 is attached to the front end portion of each coil spring 33. 3 to 6, only one contact pin 32, coil spring 33, and insulating cap 34 are shown.

  One of the pair of contact pins 32 is connected to one output end of the power converter 5 through the first contact portion 352 (see FIG. 2) of the first switch 35 and the electric cable CB1. The other of the pair of contact pins 32 is connected to the other output end of the power converter 5 via the second contact portion 362 (see FIG. 2) of the second switch 36 and the electric cable CB1.

  The link 14 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is rotatably supported by a shaft 17 attached to the lower end. The link 14 is connected to the rack 19 by a shaft 18 attached to the intermediate portion. Further, the link 14 is connected to the lock lever 15 by a shaft 16 attached to the upper end portion.

  The lock lever 15 is used to fix the electrical connection connector 1 to the inlet 40 of the electric vehicle 4. The lock lever 15 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the link 14 by a shaft 16 attached to an intermediate portion. A hook 151 that protrudes upward is provided at the front end of the lock lever 15, and a hook 152 that protrudes downward is provided at the rear end of the lock lever 15. The lock lever 15 is applied with a clockwise (clockwise) elastic force by a torsion spring (not shown).

  The rack 19 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of teeth 191 are provided along the front-rear direction at an intermediate portion on the lower surface of the rack 19. The rack 19 is attached to the rear end portion of the connector main body 13 and can move in the front-rear direction as the connector main body 13 moves.

  The pinion 20 is formed of a gear formed in a disk shape, and teeth 201 that mesh with the teeth 191 of the rack 19 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pinion 20 over the entire circumference. The pinion 21 that meshes with the pinion 20 will be described later.

  The micro switch (not shown) is directly pressed by the connector main body 13 that has entered the case 10 and detects that the connector main body 13 has reached a predetermined position of the case 10. When this micro switch is turned on, a contact (not shown) provided inside the micro switch is turned on, and a drive signal is output to the solenoid device 31.

  The solenoid device 31 has a restricting portion 311 attached to a front end portion of a pin (not shown) that moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3). When the pin is extended, the restricting portion 311 is provided. Therefore, the release button 30 cannot be pressed. In the solenoid device 31, the pin extends forward by a drive signal output from the above-described microswitch (not shown), and the pin moves backward by a charge completion signal output from the electric vehicle 4.

  The stopper 22 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and is rotatably supported by a shaft 23 attached to the rear end. Further, a protrusion 221 that protrudes upward is provided at the front end of the stopper 22. Further, a recess 222 into which a protrusion 153 provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 15 enters is provided behind the protrusion 221 in the front-rear direction of the stopper 22. A counterclockwise (counterclockwise) elastic force is applied to the stopper 22 by a torsion spring (not shown).

  The slide lever 24 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the link 14 and the lock lever 15 by a shaft 16 attached to the front end. That is, the slide lever 24 can move in the front-rear direction together with the link 14 and the lock lever 15. A concave portion 241 into which the front end portion (tip end portion) of the release lever 27 is inserted in the state where the electrical connecting connector 1 is connected to the inlet 40 is provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the slide lever 24.

  The release lever 25 is formed in a plate shape long in the front-rear direction, and is rotatably supported by a shaft 26 attached to the rear end portion. Further, a hooking portion 251 that protrudes upward is provided at the front end portion of the release lever 25. A counterclockwise (counterclockwise) elastic force is applied to the release lever 25 by a torsion spring (not shown).

  The release lever 27 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and is rotatably supported by a shaft 28 that is attached to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction). The rear end of the release lever 27 is disposed below the release button 30 and rotates counterclockwise when the release button 30 is pressed downward. A clockwise elastic force is applied to the release lever 27 by a torsion spring (not shown).

  Next, the basic operation of the electrical connection connector 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the connector body 13 is not inserted into the inlet 40, the protrusion 153 of the lock lever 15 enters the recess 222 of the stopper 22, and the movement of the lock lever 15 to the rear is restricted. Yes. Therefore, the link 14 connected to the lock lever 15 does not rotate, and the shaft 16 attached to the upper end of the link 14 is located at the front end of the first groove.

  At this time, the hook 151 of the lock lever 15 is in a state of being retracted into the case 10. At this time, the rack 19 connected to the link 14 via the shaft 18 is also restricted from moving backward, and the connector main body 13 connected to the rack 19 is also restricted from moving backward. Further, at this time, the distal end portion of the release lever 27 is in contact with the rear end portion of the release lever 25, so that the counterclockwise rotation of the release lever 25 is restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the connector main body 13 is inserted to a predetermined position of the inlet 40, the protrusion 221 of the stopper 22 contacts the opening edge of the main body 401, and the stopper 22 rotates clockwise about the shaft 23. To do. As a result, the protrusion 153 of the lock lever 15 comes out of the recess 222 of the stopper 22, and the restriction state of the lock lever 15 by the stopper 22 is released.

  Further, since the movement of the connector main body 13 is restricted by the rack 19 until the connector main body 13 reaches a predetermined position of the inlet 40, the connector main body 13 is pushed into the inlet 40 side. Thereby, each contact pin 32 of the connector main body 13 is inserted into the inner surface of each power supply socket 403 while sliding, and the connector main body 13 is electrically connected to the inlet 40. At this time, since the rack 19 does not move, the pinions 20 and 21 do not rotate.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the case 10 is pushed into the inlet 40 side (right side in FIG. 5), the connector main body 13 is placed on the case 10 side (left side in FIG. 5) due to the contact resistance between the contact pin 32 and the power supply socket 403. Move to. At this time, the rack 19 is moved rearward as viewed from the case 10 by being pushed rearward by the connector main body 13, and accordingly, the link 14 also rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 17. As the link 14 rotates, the shaft 16 moves backward in the first groove, and the lock lever 15 moves rearward as viewed from the case 10.

  At this time, the lock lever 15 moves rearward along the upper surface of the stopper 22, so that the hook 151 of the lock lever 15 is hooked on the step 4011 of the main body 401 of the inlet 40. Further, at this time, when the rack 19 moves rearward, the pinion 20 that meshes with the rack 19 rotates counterclockwise, and the pinion 21 that meshes with the pinion 20 rotates clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the case 10 is further pushed into the inlet 40, the connector main body 13 further moves toward the case 10 due to the contact resistance between the contact pin 32 and the power supply socket 403. At this time, since the rack 19 is pushed by the connector main body 13 and further moves rearward when viewed from the case 10, the link 14 connected to the rack 19 via the shaft 18 further rotates counterclockwise. As the link 14 rotates, the shaft 16 moves further backward in the first groove, and the lock lever 15 moves further rearward as viewed from the case 10.

  At this time, the slide lever 24 also moves rearward, and the distal end portion of the release lever 27 enters the recess 241 provided in the slide lever 24. As a result, the release lever 25 that has lost its holding force rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 26, and the hook portion 251 of the release lever 25 is hooked on the hook portion 152 of the lock lever 15.

  Further, at this time, when the rack 19 further moves rearward, the pinion 20 that meshes with the rack 19 further rotates counterclockwise, and the pinion 21 that meshes with the pinion 20 further rotates clockwise. Thereby, the 1st contact part 352 of the 1st switch 35 and the 2nd contact part 362 of the 2nd switch 36 close, and the electric power feeding path from the power converter device 5 to the electric vehicle 4 is formed.

  Subsequently, when the charging of the electric vehicle 4 is completed, the solenoid device 31 is actuated by the charging completion signal output from the electric vehicle 4, and the regulating portion 311 attached to the tip of the pin and the pin is retracted backward. In this state, when the release button 30 is pushed downward, the rear end portion of the release lever 27 arranged on the lower side of the release button 30 is pushed downward, whereby the release lever 27 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 28. Rotate to.

  When the release lever 27 rotates counterclockwise, the rear end portion of the release lever 25 is pushed upward by the front end portion of the release lever 27, whereby the release lever 25 rotates clockwise about the shaft 26. The 25 hooks 251 are disengaged from the hooks 152 of the lock lever 15.

  When the case 10 is pulled rearward with the hooking portion 251 of the release lever 25 detached from the hooking portion 152 of the lock lever 15, the shaft 16 relatively moves forward in the first groove, and as the shaft 16 moves. Thus, the link 14 rotates clockwise about the shaft 17. Further, as the shaft 16 moves, the lock lever 15 moves forward as viewed from the case 10. The lock lever 15 moves to a position where the protrusion 153 faces the concave portion 222 of the stopper 22 in the vertical direction.

  At this time, the rack 19 connected to the link 14 also moves to the front side as viewed from the case 10, and as the rack 19 moves, the pinion 20 that meshes with the rack 19 rotates clockwise, and the pinion 21 that meshes with the pinion 20 Rotates counterclockwise. Thereby, the 1st contact part 352 of the 1st switch 35 and the 2nd contact part 362 of the 2nd switch 36 open, and the electric power feeding path from the power converter device 5 to the electric vehicle 4 is open | released.

  When the case 10 is further pulled rearward and the protrusion 221 of the stopper 22 is disengaged from the opening edge of the main body 401 of the inlet 40, the stopper 22 rotates counterclockwise by the elastic force of the torsion spring, and the protrusion 153 of the lock lever 15 Enters the recess 222 of the stopper 22. As a result, the movement of the rack 19 connected to the lock lever 15 is restricted. As a result, the connector main body 13 moves rearward together with the case 10, and the electrical connection connector 1 is removed from the inlet 40.

  Hereinafter, the characteristic part of the connector 1 for electrical connection of this embodiment is demonstrated concretely.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first switch 35 has a synthetic resin case 350 formed in a flat box shape. Inside the case 350, a first contact portion 352 (see FIG. 2) and A handle 351 (see FIG. 7A) is housed at least. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the handle 351 is formed in a columnar shape having the left-right direction as an axial direction. And the insertion part 3510 (refer FIG. 10) by which the one end part of the connection bar 38 which connects between the pinions 21 is provided in the surface facing the pinion 21 in the handle | steering-wheel 351.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second switch 36 has a synthetic resin case 360 formed in a flat box shape. Inside the case 360, a second contact portion 362 (see FIG. 2) and A handle 361 (see FIG. 7A) is housed at least. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the handle 361 is formed in a columnar shape having the left-right direction as an axial direction. An insertion portion 3610 into which one end of a connection bar 39 that connects the second interlocking member 37 is inserted is provided on a surface of the handle 361 facing the second interlocking member 37.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the pinion 21 has a main body portion 210 formed in a disk shape, and teeth 211 protruding in a triangular shape are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 210 over the entire circumference. Is formed. Moreover, the insertion part 213 in which the other end part of the connection bar 38 is inserted is provided in the surface facing the handle 351 in the main body part 210 of the pinion 21 (see FIG. 8B).

  Furthermore, a protruding portion 212 that protrudes toward the second interlocking member 37 is provided on the surface of the main body 210 of the pinion 21 that faces the second interlocking member 37. The protrusion 212 has a ring-shaped first protrusion 2120 when viewed from the second interlocking member 37 side, and a fan-shaped shape when viewed from the second interlocking member 37 side. It is comprised with a pair of 2nd protrusion part 2121 provided in the position which becomes symmetrical with respect to (refer FIG. 8A).

  The pinion 21 is formed to have the same diameter as the above-described pinion 20, and rotates when the teeth 211 mesh with the teeth 201 of the pinion 20, thereby rotating the handle 351 connected via the connecting bar 38. Thereby, the 1st contact part 352 of the 1st switch 35 is opened and closed. In addition, in this embodiment, although the number of teeth of the pinion 20 and the pinion 21 is set to the same number, you may differ. Here, in the present embodiment, the first interlocking member is constituted by the pinion 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10, the second interlocking member 37 has a main body 370 formed in a disk shape, and penetrates in the thickness direction in the central portion of the main body 370 and is connected thereto. A through hole 372 through which the other end of the bar 39 is passed is provided.

  In addition, a concave portion 371 in which the protruding portion 212 provided in the main body portion 210 of the pinion 21 is accommodated is provided on the surface of the main body portion 370 of the second interlocking member 37 facing the pinion 21. Further, a pair of projecting portions 3710 projecting inward are provided on the inner surface of the recess 371 of the main body 370 so as to face each other. Here, in the present embodiment, the interlocking member is configured by the pinion 21 that is the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member 37.

  In the state where the handle 351, 361, the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 are assembled to the frame 51 formed in a U shape when viewed from the front-rear direction, as shown in FIG. The pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 are arranged between 510. A handle 351 is disposed on the side opposite to the pinion 21 with respect to one side plate 510, and a handle 361 is disposed on the side opposite to the second interlocking member 37 with respect to the other side plate 510.

  Further, in the space surrounded by the bottom plate and the side plates 510 of the frame 51, the pinion 20 arranged so that the teeth 201 mesh with the teeth 211 of the pinion 21 and the teeth 191 mesh with the teeth 201 of the pinion 20 are arranged. The rack 19 is stored (see FIG. 1).

  Further, in the state where the handles 351, 361, the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 are assembled to the frame 51, the protruding portion 212 of the pinion 21 is accommodated in the recess 371 of the second interlocking member 37 as shown in FIG. Yes. That is, at least a part (projection part 212) of the pinion 21 (first interlocking member) enters the inside of the second interlocking member 37 in a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37. ing. Thereby, the external dimension in the left-right direction (width direction) of the connector 1 for electrical connection can be made small.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 are joined by a pin, for example, by adopting a structure in which the protruding portion 212 provided on the pinion 21 is accommodated in the recess 371 of the second interlocking member 37. Compared to the case, the bonding strength can be increased.

  By the way, the connector 1 for electrical connection of this embodiment is further provided with the 1st opening mechanism 53 and the 2nd opening mechanism 54, as shown in FIG. The first opening mechanism 53 is an opening mechanism using, for example, a bimetal or a solenoid. When an overcurrent flows through the electric circuit including the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362, the first opening mechanism 53 is switched via the bimetal or the solenoid. The first contact part 352 and the second contact part 362 are opened.

  Further, the second opening mechanism 54 is, for example, an opening mechanism using a solenoid, and when an abnormality other than an overcurrent (for example, electric leakage) occurs in the electric circuit, the power converter 5 detects the abnormality, An abnormal signal is output to the solenoid. In the second opening mechanism 54, the solenoid is actuated by the abnormal signal from the power converter 5, and the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 are opened.

  As described above, by providing the first opening mechanism 53 and the second opening mechanism 54, it is possible to improve the blocking performance at the time of abnormality. In addition, when the power conversion device 5 detects a leakage, the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 are opened by the second opening mechanism 54 so that the gap between the power conversion device 5 and the electric vehicle 4 is opened. Can be insulated.

  Next, the operation of the characteristic portion of the electrical connection connector 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C.

  FIG. 11A shows the positional relationship between the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 when the connector main body 13 is not inserted into the inlet 40 (the state shown in FIG. 3). At this time, the end surface on the traveling direction side of each second protrusion 2121 when the pinion 21 rotates clockwise is in contact with each protrusion 3710.

  When the connector main body 13 is inserted into the inlet 40 (the state shown in FIG. 6), the pinion 21 rotates clockwise. At this time, since the end surface on the traveling direction side of each second protrusion 2121 is in contact with each protrusion 3710, the second interlocking member 37 also rotates clockwise as the pinion 21 rotates as shown in FIG. 11B. Rotate. As a result, the first contact portion 352 of the first switch 35 connected to the pinion 21 and the second contact portion 362 of the second switch 36 connected to the second interlocking member 37 are closed, and the electric power conversion device 5 is electrically driven. A power feeding path to the vehicle 4 is formed.

  When the connector body 13 is pulled out from the inlet 40, the pinion 21 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, since the end surface on the traveling direction side of each second projecting portion 2121 is not in contact with each projecting portion 3710, as shown in FIG. 11C, the second interlocking member 37 idles and only the pinion 21 rotates. Accordingly, only the first contact part 352 of the first switch 35 connected to the pinion 21 is opened, and the second contact part 362 of the second switch 36 connected to the second interlocking member 37 is kept closed. Is done. In this state, since the first contact portion 352 is open, the power supply path from the power conversion device 5 to the electric vehicle 4 is opened.

  Similarly, when the connector main body 13 is inserted into and removed from the inlet 40, the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 repeat the state shown in FIG. 11B and the state shown in FIG. 11C. That is, the second interlocking member 37 idles and only the pinion 21 rotates. Thereby, only the first contact part 352 of the first switch 35 is opened and closed, and the second contact part 362 of the second switch 36 is held in a closed state.

  By the way, after opening the 1st contact part 352 and the 2nd contact part 362 by the above-mentioned 1st opening mechanism 53 or the 2nd opening mechanism 54, the connector 1 for electrical connection is removed from the inlet 40, pinion 21 ( The first interlocking member) returns to the original position (position shown in FIG. 11A). On the other hand, since the second interlocking member 37 does not rotate in conjunction with the pinion 21 as described above, it cannot be returned to the original position (position shown in FIG. 11A).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, after the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 are opened by the first opening mechanism 53 or the second opening mechanism 54, the second interlocking member 37. A return spring 52 is provided to return the valve to its original position. Thereby, when abnormality occurs in the electric path between the power converter 5 and the electric vehicle 4, the second interlocking member 37 can be returned to the original position (position where the second contact portion 362 is opened). Here, in the present embodiment, the reset mechanism is constituted by the return spring 52.

  In the electrical connection connector 1 of the present embodiment, nothing is provided in the middle of the electrical cable CB1 that connects the power converter 5, so that when the electrical cable is stored as in the conventional example, the control box is There is an advantage that usability is improved without being disturbed.

  In addition, after the electrical connection connector 1 is first attached to the inlet 40, only the first contact portion 352 of the first switch 35 is opened and closed, and the second contact portion 362 of the second switch 36 is closed. Retained. Thereby, after attaching the electrical connection connector 1 to the inlet 40 initially, the force applied when attaching / detaching the electrical connection connector 1 can be made small.

  Further, when a booster mechanism including the link 14, the rack 19, the pinions 20, 21 and the second interlocking member 37 is used as in the present embodiment, the force applied when the electrical connection connector 1 is attached / detached is applied. It can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when the electrical connection connector 1 is removed from the inlet 40, the first contact portion 352 of the first switch 35 is opened and the second contact portion 362 of the second switch 36 is closed. But may be reversed. That is, the second contact part 362 of the second switch 36 may be opened and the first contact part 352 of the first switch 35 may be kept closed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion 212 that is a part of the pinion 21 (first interlocking member) is configured to be accommodated in the recess 371 of the second interlocking member 37, but the entire pinion 21 is accommodated in the recess 371. It may be. Further, a recess may be provided on the pinion 21 side and a protrusion may be provided on the second interlocking member 37 side.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although both the 1st opening mechanism 53 and the 2nd opening mechanism 54 are provided, it should just be provided with at least one, and is not limited to this embodiment. Further, the reset mechanism is not limited to the return spring 52, and other configurations may be used as long as the second interlocking member 37 can be returned to the original position.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the second contact opening mechanism 54 opens the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 by the abnormal signal output from the power converter 5, but the first switch 35 and the second switch Any configuration may be used as long as an abnormal signal is input to the second opening mechanism 54 from the outside of the two switches 36. For example, an abnormality detection unit (not shown) is provided outside the first switch 35 and the second switch 36 and in the case 10, and this abnormality detection unit outputs an abnormality signal to the second opening mechanism 54. It may be configured to.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although it was set as the structure which only charges the storage battery 42 of the electric vehicle 4, the structure which only discharges the storage battery 42 may be sufficient, and the structure which performs both charge and discharge of the storage battery 42 It may be. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CHAdeMO (registered trademark) method is adopted as the charging method of the storage battery 42, but another charging method (for example, a combo method) may be used.

  Further, the pinion 21 (first interlocking member) and the second interlocking member 37 of the present embodiment are examples, and for example, the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 rotate independently with the rotation of the pinion 20, for example. It may be a configuration. In this case, after closing the second contact portion 362 that is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the second interlocking member 37 and is in an open state, the second contact portion 362 is engaged with the teeth 201 of the pinion 20 and the second contact portion 362 is closed. Provides teeth (not shown) at positions where they do not mesh with the teeth 201 of the pinion 20.

  Furthermore, teeth (not shown) may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second interlocking member 37 over the entire periphery, and teeth 201 that mesh with the teeth of the second interlocking member 37 may be provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the pinion 20. Good. In this case, after closing the second contact portion 362 that is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the pinion 20 and is in the open state, after engaging with the teeth of the second interlocking member 37 and closing the second contact portion 362, The teeth 201 are provided at positions that do not mesh with the teeth of the second interlocking member 37.

  According to these configurations, like the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 described in the above embodiment, after the electrical connection connector 1 is first attached to the inlet 40, the electrical connection connector 1 is attached and detached. The force applied at the time can be reduced.

  As described above, the electrical connection connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a pair of contact pins 32 (first contact portions). And each of a pair of contact pin 32 contacts each of a pair of electric power feeding socket 403 (2nd contact part) provided in the inlet 40 which the electric vehicle 4 (apparatus) comprises, and the connector 1 for electrical connection The inlet 40 is electrically connected. The electrical connection connector 1 includes a connector body 13, a first switch 35, a second switch 36, and interlocking members (pinion 21 and second interlocking member 37). The connector body 13 has a pair of contact pins 32. The first switch 35 includes a first contact part 352 provided in the middle of the electrical path including one of the pair of contact pins 32 and one of the pair of power supply sockets 403, and opens and closes the first contact part 352. The second switch 36 has a second contact portion 362 provided in the middle of the electrical path including the other of the pair of contact pins 32 and the other of the pair of power supply sockets 403, and opens and closes the second contact portion 362. The interlocking member opens and closes at least one of the first switch 35 and the second switch 36 in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the connector body 13 to the inlet 40. The interlocking member closes the first switch 35 and the second switch 36 when the connector body 13 is connected to the inlet 40 with the first contact part 352 and the second contact part 362 open. It is configured. Further, when the connector main body 13 is removed from the inlet 40 with the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 being closed, the interlocking member moves one of the first switch 35 and the second switch 36. Configured to open.

  Further, like the electrical connection connector 1 of the present embodiment, the interlocking member includes a pinion 21 (first interlocking member) that opens and closes the first switch 35 and a second interlocking member that opens and closes the second switch 36. 37 is preferable. In this case, when the connector main body 13 is connected to the inlet 40 with the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 open, the pinion 21 closes the first switch 35 and the second interlocking member 37 is The second switch 36 is configured to close. Further, when the connector main body 13 is removed from the inlet 40 with the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 being closed, the pinion 21 opens the first switch 35 and the second interlocking member 37 is The two switches 36 are configured to hold the closed state.

  Moreover, it is also preferable to provide the following structures like the connector 1 for electrical connection of this embodiment. When the connector main body 13 is connected to the inlet 40 with the first contact portion 352 opened and the second contact portion 362 closed, the pinion 21 closes the first switch 35 and the second interlocking member 37 is The two switches 36 are configured to hold the closed state.

  Moreover, it is also preferable to provide the following structures like the connector 1 for electrical connection of this embodiment. The pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 are arranged so that their central axes are in a straight line. Further, the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 are arranged such that at least a part of one of the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 enters the inside of the other of the pinion 21 and the second interlocking member 37 in a plane orthogonal to the central axis. It is configured.

  Moreover, it is also preferable to provide at least one of the 1st opening mechanism 53 and the 2nd opening mechanism 54 like the connector 1 for electrical connection of this embodiment. In this case, the first opening mechanism 53 opens the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362 when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, and the second opening mechanism 54 causes an abnormality except for the overcurrent to occur in the electric circuit. The first contact part 352 and the second contact part 362 are opened by an abnormal signal from the outside.

  Further, like the electrical connection connector 1 of the present embodiment, when the first opening mechanism 53 or the second opening mechanism 54 opens the first contact portion 352 and the second contact portion 362, the second switch 36 It is also preferable to provide a return spring 52 (reset mechanism) that moves the second interlocking member 37 in the opening direction.

  Further, like the electrical connection connector 1 of the present embodiment, a booster mechanism (link 14, rack 19, pinion 20, 21 and second interlocking member 37) that reduces the force applied when the connector body 13 is attached to or detached from the inlet 40. ).

  The power conversion system of the present embodiment is electrically connected to the above-described electrical connection connector 1 and the electrical connection connector 1 and controls at least one of feeding to the electric vehicle 4 and discharging from the electric vehicle 4. And a conversion device 5.

1 Connector for electrical connection 4 Electric vehicle (equipment)
13 Connector body 21 Pinion (first interlocking member)
32 Contact pin (first contact part)
35 1st switch 36 2nd switch 37 2nd interlocking member 40 Inlet 352 1st contact part 362 2nd contact part 403 Feed socket (2nd contact part)

Claims (8)

A pair of first contact portions is provided, and each of the pair of first contact portions comes into contact with each of a pair of second contact portions provided on an inlet included in the device, so that electrical connection between the pair of first contact portions is electrically performed. A connector for electrical connection to be connected,
A connector body having the pair of first contact portions;
A first switch that has a first contact part provided in the middle of an electrical circuit including one of the pair of first contact parts and one of the pair of second contact parts, and opens and closes the first contact part;
A second switch having a second contact portion provided in the middle of an electrical circuit including the other of the pair of first contact portions and the other of the pair of second contact portions, and opening and closing the second contact portion;
An interlocking member that opens and closes at least one of the first switch and the second switch in conjunction with an attaching / detaching operation of the connector body to the inlet;
The interlocking member closes the first switch and the second switch when the connector body is connected to the inlet with the first contact part and the second contact part open.
When the connector main body is removed from the inlet with the first contact portion and the second contact portion closed, one of the first switch and the second switch is opened. A connector for electrical connection. The interlocking member includes a first interlocking member that opens and closes the first switch, and a second interlocking member that opens and closes the second switch,
When the connector body is connected to the inlet with the first contact portion and the second contact portion open, the first interlocking member closes the first switch, and the second interlocking member is Close the second switch;
When the connector body is removed from the inlet with the first contact portion and the second contact portion closed, the first interlocking member opens the first switch, and the second interlocking member is The electrical connection connector according to claim 1, wherein the second switch is configured to hold a closed state.   When the connector main body is connected to the inlet with the first contact portion opened and the second contact portion closed, the first interlocking member closes the first switch and the second interlocking The electrical connection connector according to claim 2, wherein the member is configured to hold the second switch in a closed state.   The first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are arranged so that their central axes are in a straight line, and in one of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member in a plane orthogonal to the central axis. 4. The electrical connection connector according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the electrical connection connector is configured to be inside the other of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. 5.   A first opening mechanism that opens the first contact portion and the second contact portion when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, and the first contact portion by an abnormal signal from the outside when an abnormality other than the overcurrent occurs in the electric circuit. 5. The electrical connection connector according to claim 2, further comprising at least one of a second opening mechanism that opens the second contact portion. 6.   A reset mechanism for moving the second interlocking member in a direction in which the second switch opens when the first contact opening mechanism or the second contact opening mechanism opens the first contact portion and the second contact portion; The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein the connector is electrically connected.   The electrical connection connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a boosting mechanism that reduces a force applied when the connector body is attached to and detached from the inlet.   The electrical connection connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and power conversion electrically connected to the electrical connection connector and controlling at least one of power feeding to the device and discharge from the device. And a power conversion system.

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