JP5691294B2 - Electrical equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical device including a connection tool including an electrode for electrically connecting to a connection target part, and a power receiving unit electrically connected to the connection tool.

As an electrical device connected to the connection target part via such a connection tool, for example, a charger for charging a secondary battery, or a commercial power supply voltage as described in Patent Document 1 below is appropriately used. There is an adapter that converts the voltage into a DC voltage or an AC voltage.
In such an electric device, in addition to the device in which the relative posture between the connected connector and the power receiving unit is not changed as in the technique described in Patent Document 1 below, the connection tool and the power receiving unit are relatively rotatable, Many of them allow various usage modes by allowing a change in posture.
In the case where such a connection tool and the power receiving unit can be rotated relative to each other, in many cases, a loose positioning mechanism is provided by locally changing an operation resistance in the relative rotation.

JP 2002-260794 A

However, in the above-described conventional configuration, even if the positioning mechanism is provided, the holding force at the set position is weak, so that the power receiving unit is inadvertently connected with the connection tool connected to the connection target part such as an outlet. In some cases, the rotation may change the connection state between the connection tool and the connection target part, and the connection between the connection tool and the connection target part becomes unstable. Sometimes it occurred.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to allow the connection tool and the power reception unit to be used in a stable posture while ensuring the convenience of relative rotation between the connection tool and the power reception unit. It is in the point to do.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the first aspect of the present application provides an electrical device including a connection device including an electrode for electrically connecting to a connection target portion, and a power receiving unit electrically connected to the connection device. A lock mechanism that is connected to the connection tool and the power receiving unit so as to be relatively rotatable, and is capable of switching between a state in which relative rotation between the power reception unit and the connection tool is permitted and a state in which the power receiving unit is blocked. An electrical device provided, wherein the connection tool and the power reception unit are configured separately, and a connection member and a connection thereof for connecting and electrically connecting the connection tool and the power reception unit. An attachment / detachment portion that is detachable with respect to a member is distributed and arranged between the connection tool and the power reception unit, and the connection member is configured to be rotatably supported by one of the connection tool or the power reception unit. The locking mechanism The is configured provided in the connecting device or the power receiving unit and a detachable unit, and arranged distributed between the convex member and the recessed member and the power receiving unit and the connecting member, the convex This is an electric device that is urged by the urging means to the side on which the concave member and the concave member engage .
Therefore, by preventing relative rotation between the connection tool and the power reception unit by the lock mechanism, the relative posture between the connection tool and the power reception unit can be stably maintained, and the use posture of the electric device can be stabilized. it can.
On the other hand, if the lock mechanism is switched to a state allowing the relative rotation, the relative posture between the connector and the power receiving unit can be changed as desired.
Further, the projecting member and the recessed member are arranged separately on the connecting member and the power receiving unit, and are biased by the biasing means on the side where the projecting member and the recessed member engage with each other. It is possible to change the operation resistance of the rotation operation before and after the convex member and the concave member moving (here, relative rotation) engage.

In addition, by making the connector and the power receiving unit detachable separately, for example, multiple types of connectors that conform to specifications such as the shape of the outlet of the commercial power supply in each country or region can be separated from the power receiving unit. It is possible to prepare the body and use the electrical device by attaching a connector that conforms to the specifications of the country or the like to the power receiving unit.
In the case of taking such a use form, it is very effective to have a lock mechanism that switches between a state in which the relative rotation of the connecting tool and the power receiving unit is allowed and a state in which the relative rotation is allowed and blocked. Become.

Further, a lock mechanism that switches between a state in which relative rotation between the connection tool and the power reception unit is permitted and a state in which the connection tool and the power reception unit are blocked is functionally provided on a side of the connection tool and the power reception unit on which the connecting member is disposed. Alternatively, it may be provided on the side where the detachable part is arranged, but it is not provided on the side having a configuration for rotatably supporting the connecting member, but is provided on the side where the detachable part is present. The structure for realizing the function of enabling the relative rotation of the connection tool and the power receiving unit and the structure for realizing the function of switching the relative rotation are distributed to the connection tool and the power receiving unit. ing.

Further, according to a second invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, the lock mechanism is configured such that the power receiving unit provided with the connecting member or the housing of the connection tool functions to hold down. A locking holding member that can be switched between a rotation preventing posture that prevents relative rotation between the power receiving unit and the connection tool, and a rotation allowing posture that releases the holding action and allows the relative rotation. It is provided and configured.
The lock mechanism has a simple configuration that only switches whether or not the lock holding member acts to hold down the casing on the side including the connecting member of the power receiving unit and the connection tool.

According to a third invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the second invention, the connecting member is provided in the power receiving unit, the attachment / detachment portion is provided in the connection tool, and the lock mechanism is provided. The locking holding member provided in the connector acts to hold down the flat portion of the power receiving unit housing in the rotation prevention posture, and releases the pressure holding action in the rotation allowable posture. It is configured as follows.
In other words, the lock mechanism has a flat portion in the housing, for example, by forming the power receiving unit into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the locking press provided on the connector side on the flat portion. The stopper member acts to hold down and prevents relative rotation between the connector and the power receiving unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect of the invention, the locking retaining member is configured so that the rotation-permissible posture and the rotation of the locking retaining member are adjusted by moving in and out of the plane of the retaining action target. It is configured to be switched to a movement preventing posture.
That is, as a configuration for switching the lock holding member between the rotation-permitting posture and the rotation-preventing posture, the lock holding member is moved back and forth along any side surface of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped power receiving unit. It is realizable with the structure which makes it do.

According to a fifth invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the fourth invention, the locking holding member is within a schematic outline of the outer shape of the connector in the rotation preventing posture. A main body part to be accommodated and an operated part protruding from the contour are provided, and the main body part and the operated part are configured to fit within the contour in the rotation allowable posture.
Therefore, if you move toward the case side of the power receiving unit to be stopped presser locking retainer stop member acts, overflowing from schematic outline of the outer shape of the connecting device, the locking retainer stop member Limited to a part to be operated, even when the lock holding member is holding down the side surface of the housing of the power receiving unit, the presence of the lock holding member is used when operating electrical equipment, etc. Can be avoided.
On the other hand, when releasing the hold-down action between the lock hold-down member and the housing side surface of the power receiving unit, the operated hold-down member can be operated to move the lock hold-down member to the hold-down release side. The entire lock holding member including the operation unit is within the outline of the outer shape of the connector.

(Delete)

According to a sixth invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth inventions, the connection tool is provided at a set position within a relative rotation range of the connection tool and the power receiving unit. An electrical device provided with a detachment prevention mechanism that prevents detachment from the power receiving unit, and the detachment prevention mechanism is configured to prevent detachment by providing a protrusion on the power receiving unit side.
According to a seventh aspect of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion on the power receiving unit side in the separation preventing mechanism is formed on a flat surface of the power receiving unit of the connecting device to which the power plug is attached. On the other hand, it is arranged in a direction that suppresses separation in the substantially parallel and approximately 90 degrees directions.
In the eighth invention of the present application, the electric device of the first to seventh inventions is a charger or an adapter.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the relative posture between the connection tool and the power reception unit is appropriately set by providing the lock mechanism that switches between a state where the relative rotation between the connection tool and the power reception unit is allowed and a state where the relative rotation is prevented. While preventing unnecessary changes in the relative posture, it is possible to use the connector and the power receiving unit in a stable posture while ensuring the convenience of relative rotation between the connector and the power receiving unit. . Further, in the case of a detachable separate construction and the connection tool receiving unit, by providing the locking mechanism, the convenience of electrical equipment can be further improved. The contact configuration for realizing a function that allows relative rotation and a power receiving unit continue ingredients, and a structure for realizing the function of switching whether or not the relative rotation, to the connector and the power receiving unit Since they are arranged in a distributed manner, it is possible to avoid complication of configuration due to concentration of functions.
Further, according to the second aspect, the locking mechanism, the locking retainer stop member, whether acting stop pressing on the housing side which is provided with a connecting member of the a power receiving unit connecting device Therefore, the apparatus cost can be reduced.
According to the third aspect of the invention, since the object of the holding action of the locking holding member is the flat portion of the casing, the shape for the holding action can be simplified, and the configuration can be simplified.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the lock holding member is switched between the rotation permitting posture and the rotation preventing posture only by moving the lock holding member back and forth along any side surface of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped power receiving unit. Therefore, the apparatus cost can be reduced by simplifying the apparatus configuration.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operated portion is provided in a state of protruding from the schematic outline of the outer shape of the connector in the rotation prevention posture, and the operation for shifting to the rotation permission posture is performed. Since the presence of the locking pressing member does not hinder the handling of the electric device as much as possible, the operability of the electric device can be further improved .

The perspective view of the charger which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the charger which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power plug unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power receiving unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power receiving unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power receiving unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Cross-sectional view of relevant parts for explaining the holding-down action according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Cross-sectional view of relevant parts for explaining positioning according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view of the connection member which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the component for positioning which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention The perspective view of the charger which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the charger which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power plug unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the connection member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power receiving unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the power receiving unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Cross-sectional view of relevant parts for explaining the holding-down action according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing principal part explaining operation | movement of the locking mechanism based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an electric apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
In this 1st Embodiment, charger BC which charges a secondary battery as an electric equipment is illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 1, the charger BC includes a power plug unit 2 as a connection tool for electrically connecting to a power source (commercial power) outlet as a connection target unit. The power plug unit 2 is mechanically mounted on the power receiving unit 1, and the power plug unit 2 and the power receiving unit 1 are electrically connected in the mounted state. ing.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 3, the power plug unit 2 has a plug electrode 21 as an electrode (a power receiving electrode inserted into a commercial power outlet) for electrical connection with a connection target (power outlet). However, since the shape of the outlet of the commercial power supply differs depending on the country or region of the world, the power plug unit 2 has a plurality of types in which the shape and arrangement of the plug electrode 21 are different from the power receiving unit 1 correspondingly. Prepared. In the first embodiment, an example illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 3 suitable for a Japanese commercial power outlet will be described. In FIG. 3, the operation mode of the lock mechanism LM is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, which will be described later.

Mechanical connection and electrical connection between the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 are performed by a connecting member 11 and a detachable part that can be attached to and detached from the connecting member 11, and the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit are connected thereto. 2 and are arranged. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 11 is disposed in the power receiving unit 1, and the inlet plug 22 (see FIG. 3) that is a detachable portion is disposed in the power plug unit 2.

The power receiving unit 1 has a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and the casing is made of resin.
As shown in FIG. 4 showing only the power receiving unit 1 in a perspective view, the power receiving unit 1 is provided with a connecting member 11 of a type called a so-called inlet, and the power plug unit 2 is provided in an opening 11 a of the connecting member 11. By inserting the inlet plug 22, the power plug unit 2 is mounted in a state of being connected to the power receiving unit 1.
With the inlet plug 22 inserted into the opening 11 a of the connecting member 11, the plug electrode 21 and the pair of electrode pins 11 b in the connecting member 11 are electrically connected.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9, the connecting member 11 includes columnar supported shafts 11 c having low heights on both sides with the surface on which the opening 11 a is formed as the front surface. The member on the side is supported so as to be rotatable (more precisely, swingable) in the direction indicated by an arrow A around the rotation axis α (axis passing through the center of the circle formed by the supported shaft 11c). Also in FIG. 4, the rotation axis α of the connecting member 11 and the arrow A indicating the direction of rotation are indicated by the same reference numerals.
FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the opening 11a of the connecting member 11 is inclined obliquely upward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the flat surface 1a (the upper surface or the lower surface in FIG. 4) of the power receiving unit 1. .
When the rotation range of the connecting member 11 is expressed in the direction in which the opening 11a of the connecting member 11 faces, that is, the insertion direction of the power plug unit 2, the two adjacent orthogonal surfaces on the housing surface of the power receiving unit 1 Opening 11a is a range from a posture that faces the normal direction of one surface to a posture that faces the normal direction of the other surface, and a posture that faces a direction parallel to the flat surface 1a of power reception unit 1 (see FIG. 5). ) To a posture (see FIG. 6) facing upward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the flat surface 1a of the power receiving unit 1. The casing of the power receiving unit 1 is cut away so as to allow the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 to rotate within this range.
In this rotation range, the inlet plug 22 of the power plug unit 2 is inserted into the connecting member 11 in a state of approximately 45 degrees as shown in FIG.

In a state in which the inlet plug 22 is inserted into the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 is connected to the power receiving unit 1, the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 are integrally rotated so that the plug electrode 21 is connected to the power receiving unit 1. 1 is a state shown in FIG. 1 and the plug electrode 21 is in a state substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 1a of the power receiving unit 1 as shown in FIG.
The charger BC is used by inserting the plug electrode 21 of the power plug unit 2 into an outlet of a commercial power supply in a state where the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 are in the posture shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
The above-described rotation in the state where the power plug unit 2 is attached to the power receiving unit 1 is strictly relative rotation between the power plug unit 2 and the power receiving unit 1. This will be described as the rotation of the power plug unit 2 in a fixed state.

As described above, the inlet plug 22 of the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 11 of the power receiving unit 1 are connected, and the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 11 are connected to the power receiving unit 1 with the power plug unit 2 attached. Is rotatable about the rotation axis of the connecting member 11 within a range of approximately 90 degrees between the posture shown in FIG. 1 and the posture shown in FIG. Is provided with a lock mechanism LM for switching between a state allowing and preventing rotation of the motor, and a normal use posture (post-connector posture) shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. In the illustrated posture, the power plug unit 2 can be prevented from rotating.
The lock mechanism LM is provided on the side of the power plug unit 2 having the inlet plug 22 which is an attaching / detaching portion, and is configured with a lock holding member 25 shown in FIG. 3 as a main portion. The lock holding member 25 acts to hold down the casing of the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 where the connecting member 11 is provided (the power receiving unit 1 in the first embodiment) to act as a power source. Switching between a rotation prevention posture for preventing the rotation of the plug unit 2 and a rotation permission posture for allowing the rotation of the power plug unit 2 by releasing the above-described press-holding action. FIG. 3A shows a state in which the rotation is allowed, and FIG. 3B shows a state in the rotation prevention posture.

The lock retaining member 25 is formed by integrally forming a substantially U-shaped main body portion 25a disposed so as to sandwich the vicinity of the narrow portion 24 and a substantially prismatic operated portion 25b. 26 is attached.
The holding member 25 for locking is slidable in the direction of arrow B while being guided by the guide 26b (see FIG. 3B), and the locking member 25 of the main body 25a shown in FIG. It moves between a position where the tip of the character contacts the base portion 26 and a position shown in FIG. 3B positioned by a positioning mechanism (not shown).
In the rotation prevention posture shown in FIG. 3B, the main body portion 25 a is within the outline of the outer shape of the power plug unit 2, and more specifically, the base portion 26 that supports the plug electrode 21. It is lined up to be flush with the side. On the other hand, the operated portion 25 b protrudes from the above-described contour, that is, the side surface of the base portion 26.
On the other hand, in the rotation permissible posture shown in FIG. 3A, both the main body 25a and the operated part 25b are within the outline of the outer shape of the power plug unit 2, and the operated part 25b is The base portion 26 is retreated to a position that is flush with the side surface.
The object of the presser holding member 25 for locking is a flat surface portion of the casing of the power receiving unit 1, more specifically, the flat surface 1a and the side surface 1b substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 1a. On the other hand, the lock holding member 25 is moved back and forth to switch between the rotation allowable posture and the rotation prevention posture.
The main body portion 25a of the locking holding member 25 is not so strong or tightly fitted and sandwiches the vicinity of the narrow portion 24, and the locking holding member 25 does not move to such an extent that the power plug unit 2 is changed in posture. It is set so that it can be easily moved by finger operation.

A notch CP cut out in a substantially arc shape is formed from the end of the main body portion 25a of the locking holding member 25 on the operated portion 25b side to the operated portion 25b.
The notch CP is formed by the flat surface 1a and the flat surface in the casing of the power receiving unit 1 when the power plug unit 2 attached to the power receiving unit 1 is rotated around the rotation axis of the connecting member 11. This is to prevent interference with the corner formed by the side surface 1b that is substantially perpendicular to 1a, and the power plug unit 2 is rotated with the locking retaining member 25 in the rotation-permissible posture shown in FIG. When the moving operation is performed, the corner portion passes through the notch CP.
On the other hand, when the lock holding member 25 is moved to the rotation prevention posture shown in FIG. 3B, among the main body portion 25a of the lock holding member 25, it is indicated by reference characters P and Q in FIG. The vicinity of the position enters the moving range of the corner.
Accordingly, the power plug unit 2 is set to the posture shown in FIG. 1 or the posture shown in FIG. 2, and the locking holding member 25 is changed from the rotation allowable posture of FIG. 3A to the rotation blocking posture of FIG. When moved, even if the power plug unit 2 is turned, the vicinity of the positions indicated by the symbols P and Q in FIG. 3B (strictly, the side closer to the corner) is the flatness of the casing of the power receiving unit 1. The power plug unit 2 is prevented from rotating by contacting the surface 1a or the side surface 1b substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 1a. That is, to prevent the rotation acts planar portion and a retainer retaining the locking retainer stop member 25 is the housing of the power receiving unit 1.
When the power plug unit 2 is to be rotated, the operated holding portion 25b protruding from the base portion 26 is pushed inwardly of the base portion 26, so that the lock holding member 25 is prevented from rotating (FIG. 3B). )) To the rotation allowable posture (posture shown in FIG. 3A), and the holding action of the locking holding member 25 with the flat surface portion of the casing of the power receiving unit 1 is released. The power plug unit 2 can be rotated.

The charger BC includes a detachment prevention mechanism AD that prevents the power plug unit 2 from being detached from the connection member 11 when the connection member 11 and the power plug unit 2 are in the posture shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. It has been.
The detachment prevention mechanism AD includes an engaging portion 12 and an engaged portion 23 that prevent the inlet plug 22 from being detached from the connecting member 11 by a mutual holding action, and the power plug unit 2 side and the power receiving unit 1 side. In the first embodiment, the locking portion 12 is provided on the power receiving unit 1 side, and the locked portion 23 is provided on the power plug unit 2 side.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking portion 12 of the power receiving unit 1 is formed in the vicinity of the attachment location of the connecting member 11 using the housing of the power receiving unit 1.
The locking portion 12 includes a first locking portion 12a formed on the flat surface 1a on the upper surface side in FIG. 4, and a second locking portion 12b formed on the side surface 1b substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 1a. There is.
Each of the first locking portion 12 a and the second locking portion 12 b has a shape in which the vicinity of the housing surface of the power receiving unit 1 is projected into a narrow plate shape toward the rotation space of the connecting member 11. ing.

In the state shown in FIG. 2 in which the plug electrode 21 is in a posture substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 1a, the first locking portion 12a prevents the power plug unit 2 from coming off, that is, the movement of the power plug unit 2 in the detaching direction. This is for blocking, and is formed as a pair on both sides of the opening 11a when the opening 11a shown in FIG.
The second locking portion 12b prevents the power plug unit 2 from coming off in the state shown in FIG. 1 in which the plug electrode 21 is substantially parallel to the flat surface 1a, that is, prevents the power plug unit 2 from moving in the detaching direction. 5 is a pair on both sides of the opening 11a when viewed from the side (parallel to the flat surface 1a). Is formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the locked portion 23 on the side of the power plug unit 2 corresponding to the locking portion 12 is in the horizontal width direction (arrow B in FIG. 3) with the base portion of the inlet plug 22 having an arcuate cross section. It is formed in a shape protruding in the direction indicated by.
On the plug electrode 21 side with respect to the locked portion 23, there is a narrow portion 24 whose length in the lateral width direction (the direction of arrow B) is shorter than the portion where the locked portion 23 exists.
Corresponding to the fact that the first locking portion 12a and the second locking portion 12b are formed in a pair on the left and right sides, the equivalent of the locked portion 23 on the near side in FIG. And is formed in a symmetrical shape on the opposite side.

The locking part 12 on the power receiving unit 1 side acts to hold down the arc-forming surface of the locked part 23 of the power plug unit 2, and the locking part 12 and the locked part 23 hold down. In this state, the portion to be locked 23 and the space PS of the portion to be locked 23 on the plug electrode 21 side pass.
Therefore, in a state where the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 11 are connected, the locking portion 12 and the locked portion 23 act to hold down at both the left and right ends when viewed in the rotational direction.

With reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, a more detailed description will be given of the holding action of the locking portion 12 on the power receiving unit 1 side and the locked portion 23 on the power plug unit 2 side.
7 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 are connected to each other from the end face in the horizontal width direction (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3) of the locked portion 23 located on the back side in FIG. FIG. 6 schematically shows a slightly cut inward position.
7A is a state shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7B is a state where the power plug unit 2 is connected to the connecting member 11 in the posture shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. Shows a cross section of the state shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 7B, the locking portion 12 and the locked portion 23 are in a positional relationship that does not hold down , and the power plug unit 2 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. The inlet plug 22 of the power plug unit 2 can be inserted into the opening 11a, and the inlet plug 22 can be pulled out from the opening 11a.
The power plug unit 2 is inserted into the opening 11a so that the horizontal width direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 3 coincides with the axial direction of the rotational axis α of the connecting member 11.

When the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 are rotated around the rotation axis α to have the posture shown in FIG. 7A, the second locking portion 12b enters the space PS, and the locked portion 23 and a state acting stop pressing and the second locking portion 12b, even if pull out the power plug unit 2 from the connecting member 11 in this state, the movement of the second locking portion 12b is the removing direction of the power plug unit 2 Stop.

The curved surfaces where the locking portion 12 and the locked portion 23 are in contact with each other substantially have the rotation axis α as viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis α of the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2. Since it has a concentric circle at the center and substantially the same radius of curvature, when the power plug unit 2 is pulled out, the locking portion 12 receives the locked portion 23 as a “surface”. Become.
As a result, the power plug unit 2 can be accurately retained.

Similarly, when the connecting member 11 and the power plug unit 2 are rotated around the rotation axis α to have the posture shown in FIG. 7C, the first locking portion 12a enters the space PS, The locked portion 23 and the first locking portion 12a are in a state of holding down , and even if the power plug unit 2 is to be pulled out of the connecting member 11 in this state, the first locking portion 12a is connected to the power plug unit 2. Block movement in the direction of departure.

That is, a plurality of setting locations (more specifically, both ends of the rotation range of the power plug unit 2 and the connection member 11 within the rotation range of about 90 degrees of the connection member 11 in a state where the power plug unit 2 is connected. ) Is provided with a locking portion 12 so as to prevent the power plug unit 2 from moving in the direction of detachment by a holding-down action with the locked portion 23 provided in the power plug unit 2.
The lock mechanism LM described above is in a state that allows the relative rotation between the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 at the two positions where the separation preventing mechanism AD prevents the power plug unit 2 from moving in the direction of separation. It is possible to switch to a blocking state.
Further, one of the locking portion 12 and the locked portion 23 that move in conjunction with the rotation of the connecting member 11 in a state where the connecting member 11 and the inlet plug 22 are connected (in the first embodiment, The connecting member 11 and the inlet plug 22 are prevented from moving by the other of the locking portion 12 and the locked portion 23 (the locking portion 12 in the first embodiment). Are connected so that the distance from the rotation axis α differs between the installation position of the locking part 12 and the installation position of the locked part 23. As a result, the locking portion 12 allows the rotational movement of the locked portion 23 and does not hinder the rotation of the power plug unit 2.

As described above, in the charger BC, the posture for inserting / removing the power plug unit 2 in FIG. 7B and the locking portion 12 and the locked portion 23 function to hold down are illustrated in FIG. In addition, it is basically handled in a total of three postures at the time of use shown in FIG.
For this reason, the charger BC is provided with a mechanism for positioning and holding the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 11 in each of these three postures.
The positioning mechanism and the operation of this mechanism will be described with reference to the sectional view of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 showing the connecting member 11 in a perspective view.

8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C each show a schematic cross-section when cut at the center position of the power plug unit 2 in the lateral width direction (direction indicated by arrow B). Each state shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C corresponds to each state shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, respectively.
The basic concept of the positioning mechanism of the connecting member 11 is that the convex member and the concave member are arranged separately on the connecting member 11 and the power receiving unit 1, and the convex member and the concave member are on the side where the pressing member acts to hold down. A so-called detent type positioning in which the operation resistance of the rotation operation is changed before and after the convex member and the concave member that move relative to each other (relative rotation in this case) act to hold down by being biased by the biasing means. It is a mechanism.

In the first embodiment, the above-described convex member is provided on the connecting member 11 side, and as shown in FIG. 9, a roughly triangular prism-shaped convex portion 11d is formed on the central surface in the axial direction of the rotational axis α. It corresponds to the convex member.
The three convex portions 11d are arranged side by side at an angular interval of approximately 45 degrees on the same circumference around the rotation axis α with the posture in which the height direction of the triangular prism is the axis direction of the rotation axis α. Yes.

The concave member is provided on the power receiving unit 1 side, and is a substantially V-shaped groove as shown in FIG. 8 showing a state in which the convex portion 11d is pressed down and FIG. The lock member 13 having the groove-like recess 13a to be configured has the function.
The lock member 13 is attached in a state in which a slight amount of sliding movement is permitted in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 8A in the wall member 1c of the power receiving unit 1, and the presence of the groove-shaped recess 13a. A position restricting pin 13b located at the end opposite to the side passes through the wall member 1c and restricts the position variation of the lock member 13 other than the direction indicated by the arrow D.
A coil spring 14 is arranged around the large-diameter portion 13c on the groove-like recess 13a side of the pin 13b in the lock member 13, and biases the lock member 13 to the side where the groove-like recess 13a and the convex portion 11d act to hold down. And it functions as the urging means.

In the state of FIG. 8B in which the power plug unit 2 can be connected to the connection member 11 and released from the connection, the central protrusion 11d of the three protrusions 11d is pressed against the opening 11a of the connection member 11. In this state, when the swing operation (rotation operation) of the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 11 is started upward in FIG. 8, the convex portion 11 d resists the biasing force of the coil spring 14 and lock member 13. 8 is once pushed to the left side in FIG. 8 and the rotation operation to the posture of FIG. 8A is completed, the lock member 13 returns to the original position by the urging force of the coil spring 14, and the groove-like recess 13a and FIG. by the urging force of the pressing stop and the coil spring 14 between the projection 11d on the upper side in the 8, a state that imparts relatively high operational resistance to the pivoting movement operation such as a power plug unit 2, the power supply The positioning of the attitude of such lag unit 2.

On the other hand, when the power plug unit 2 and the like are swung downward from the state of FIG. 8B in FIG. 8, the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 11 are swung (rotated). When starting, the convex portion 11d once pushes the lock member 13 to the left in FIG. 8 against the urging force of the coil spring 14, and when the rotation operation to the posture of FIG. The urging force of the power plug unit 2 and the like is returned to the original position by the pressing force of the coil spring 14 and the pressing force of the groove-like concave portion 13a and the convex portion 11d positioned on the lower side in FIG. Thus, a relatively high operating resistance is applied, and the power plug unit 2 and the like are positioned.

The charger BC is normally used by inserting the plug electrode 21 into an outlet of a commercial power supply in the state shown in FIG. 7A or 7C. Even when the user performs the operation of pulling out the charger BC from the outlet while holding the power receiving unit 1 in the use state in the posture shown in FIG. 7A or FIG. 7C, the power plug unit The power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 are maintained connected to each other without the 2 remaining on the outlet side.

7A or 7C, the power received from the outlet is applied to the plug electrode 21, the electrode pin 11b, and the electrode of the supported shaft 11c (not shown). Then, power is supplied to the charging circuit in the power receiving unit 1 and a charging operation is performed on the secondary battery set in the housing of the power receiving unit 1.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the electric device according to the present invention will be described.
The second embodiment also exemplifies a charger BC that charges a secondary battery as an electric device, and the one having the same function as the first embodiment is appropriately the same as the first embodiment. A description will be given with reference numerals.
As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the charger BC of the second embodiment is also provided with a power plug unit 2 as a connection tool for electrically connecting to an outlet of a power source (commercial power source) that is a connection target portion. In addition, the power receiving unit 1 is provided as a main body of the electric device separately from the power plug unit 2. The power plug unit 2 and the power receiving unit 1 are electrically connected, and the power plug unit 2 is mechanically attached to the power receiving unit 1.
Compared with the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a skeleton as an electric device in common with the first embodiment, and connects the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 by an inlet and an inlet plug. However, the specific configuration of the lock mechanism LM, the specific configuration of the detachment prevention mechanism AD, and the insertion / extraction mode of the power plug unit 2 are different from those of the first embodiment.
Details will be described below.

The mechanical connection and electrical connection between the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 are performed by the connecting member 31 and a detachable part that can be attached to and detached from the connecting member 31, and the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit are connected thereto. 2 and are arranged.
The connecting member 31 has substantially the same function and shape as the connecting member 11 of the first embodiment, but the detailed shape is different from that of the first embodiment in relation to the lock mechanism LM. . Also in the second embodiment, the connecting member 31 is disposed in the power receiving unit 1, and the inlet plug 42 (see FIG. 13) that is an attaching / detaching portion is disposed in the power plug unit 2.

Similar to the first embodiment, the outline outer shape of the casing of the power receiving unit 1 has a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing, and the casing is made of resin.
As shown in FIG. 15 in which only the power receiving unit 1 is shown in a perspective view, the connecting member 31 provided in the power receiving unit 1 is also of a so-called inlet type as in the first embodiment. By inserting the inlet plug 42 of the power plug unit 2 into the opening 31 a of the member 31, the power plug unit 2 is mounted while being connected to the power receiving unit 1. In this mounted state, the plug electrode 21 and the pair of electrode pins 31b in the connecting member 31 are electrically connected.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 14, the connecting member 31 includes a columnar supported shaft 31 c having a low height on both sides with the surface on which the opening 31 a is formed as the front surface. The member on the side is supported so as to be rotatable (more precisely, swingable) in the direction indicated by the arrow A around the rotation axis α (the axis passing through the center of the circle formed by the supported shaft 31c).
The rotation range of the connection member 31 is also the same as the rotation range of the connection member 11 of the above embodiment. When expressed in the direction in which the opening 31 a of the connection member 31 faces, that is, the insertion direction of the power plug unit 2, In two adjacent orthogonal surfaces on the housing surface, the opening 31a of the connecting member 31 is in a range from a posture facing the normal direction of one surface to a posture facing the normal direction of the other surface, and the power receiving unit 1 It is approximately 90 degrees from a posture (see FIG. 15) facing in a direction parallel to the flat surface 1 a to a posture facing upward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the flat surface 1 a of the power receiving unit 1. The casing of the power receiving unit 1 is cut away so as to allow the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2 to rotate within this range.

In a state where the inlet plug 42 is inserted into the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2 is connected to the power receiving unit 1, the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2 are integrally rotated, so that the plug electrode 21 is connected to the power receiving unit 1. 11 is a state shown in FIG. 11, and a state in which the plug electrode 21 is substantially orthogonal to the flat surface 1a of the power receiving unit 1 is a state shown in FIG.
The charger BC has a posture shown in FIG. 11 in which the inlet plug 42 of the power plug unit 2 is inserted into and removed from the connecting member 31, and the plug of the power plug unit 2 in the state shown in FIG. The electrode 21 is inserted into a commercial power outlet.

The charger BC is provided with a lock mechanism LM for switching between a state in which the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 31 are allowed to rotate and a state in which the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 31 are prevented. 12), and the posture shown in FIG. 11 in which the power plug unit 2 is inserted into and removed from the connecting member 31 of the power receiving unit 1. The rotation of 2 etc. can be prevented.
The lock mechanism LM is provided on the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 on the side including the connecting member 31, that is, on the power receiving unit 1 side.
In the lock mechanism LM of the second embodiment, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 18 and the perspective view of FIG. 14, the protrusion 31d extending around the rotation axis of the connecting member 31 is interlocked with the connecting member 31. The power receiving unit 1 including the connecting member 31 has a posture in which the protruding portion 31d is pressed against the casing to prevent the connecting member 31 from rotating, and the protruding portion 31d is held down. A holding-down operation member 51 that is released and is switched to a posture that allows rotation of the connecting member 31 is provided.

In the second embodiment, the ridge portion 31d is directly formed in the center in the width direction on the surface of the connecting member 31, as shown in FIG.
Pressing stop operating member 51 is exposed, as shown in FIG. 18, a presser stopper projection 51a to the end section and pressing stop action of convex portions 31d, and the base portion 51b, on the surface of the receiving unit 1 at the upper end of the base portion 51b The operated portion 51c (see FIG. 16), and a guided portion 51d that protrudes from both sides of the base portion 51b and is held and guided by the casing of the power receiving unit 1 are provided.
The guided portion 51 d of the holding-down operation member 51 is formed in a shape extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the connecting member 31, and the holding-down operation member 51 is slidably movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the connection member 31. The power receiving unit 1 is supported by the housing.
Moving range of the pressing stop operation member 51 by the sliding movement, the direction showing the retainer stop projection 51a from the position indicated by two-dot chain line in FIG. 14, pressing retaining projection 51a is an arrow F in FIG. 14 ( This is a range from the movement trajectory of the protrusion 31d accompanying the rotation of the connecting member 31 to the position where it is completely retracted.
The hold-down operation member 51 that slides and moves within the above movement range is urged toward the position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14 by a coil spring 52 shown in FIG.

The operation of the locking mechanism LM will be further described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 (a), pressing retaining projection 51a of the pressing stop operating member 51, connecting member 31 acts a pressing stopper convex portion 31d of the connecting member 31 and the power supply plug unit 2 in rotation (Fig. 18 (Clockwise rotation in FIG. 5) is being prevented.
In this state, against the urging force of the coil spring 52, the holding operation member 51 is pressed by a finger or the like in the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 16 (showing the same direction as the arrow F in FIG. 14). When the operation portion 51c is moved, the press-down projection 51a is completely retracted from the movement locus of the protruding portion 31d of the connecting member 31.
As a result, the lock mechanism LM has shifted from a state in which the power plug unit 2 or the like is prevented from rotating to a state in which the lock mechanism LM is allowed to rotate, and the power plug unit 2 is rotated in this state. When the power plug unit 2 is rotated, it is not necessary to push the operated portion 51 c of the presser holding operation member 51.
When the power plug unit 2 is rotated to the posture shown in FIG. 18B, the protruding portion 31d of the connecting member 31 is retracted from the range of movement of the presser protrusion 51a, and the biasing force of the coil spring 52 The holding-down protrusion 51a enters the movement locus of the ridge 31d.
Accordingly, the lock mechanism LM enters a state in which the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2 are prevented from rotating (counterclockwise in FIG. 18).
As described above, the lock mechanism LM, one of the rotating direction both end portions of the convex portion 31d acts stop pressing on one of the two sides of each holding stop projection 51a, the rotation of such power plug unit 2 Is prevented, and the presser-holding projection 51a is moved to allow rotation.

Further, the charger BC includes a detachment prevention mechanism AD that prevents the power plug unit 2 from being detached from the connection member 31 when the connection member 31 and the power plug unit 2 are in the posture shown in FIG. It has been.
That is, the separation preventing mechanism AD of the second embodiment has the same function as the separation prevention mechanism AD in the first embodiment, but the connection member 31 in the relative rotation range of the power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 The position (posture) for preventing separation from the power plug unit 2 is different.
The basic configuration for the separation preventing mechanism AD in the second embodiment to prevent the coupling member 31 and the power plug unit 2 from detaching is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the coupling member is operated by the mutual holding action. The locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 that prevent the inlet plug 42 from being detached from the power distribution unit 31 are arranged separately on the power plug unit 2 side and the power receiving unit 1 side, and more specifically. The locking portion 32 is provided on the power receiving unit 1 side, and the locked portion 43 is provided on the power plug unit 2 side.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, the locking portion 32 of the power receiving unit 1 is formed in the vicinity of the attachment location of the connecting member 31 using the housing of the power receiving unit 1.
Unlike the locking portion 12 of the first embodiment, the locking portion 32 is formed only on the flat surface 1 a on the upper surface side in FIG. 15, and the vicinity of the housing surface of the power receiving unit 1 is used as the rotation space of the connecting member 31. A pair is projected from both sides. The surface on the inner side of the housing of the locking portion 32 is formed as a curved concave surface adapted to the movement locus of the locked portion 43.

The shape of the locked portion 43 on the power plug unit 2 side corresponding to the locking portion 32 is the same shape as the locked portion 23 of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. The pedestal portion of the plug 42 is formed in a shape protruding in the lateral width direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 13) in a state having an arc-shaped cross section.
On the plug electrode 21 side of the locked portion 43, there is a narrow portion 44 whose length in the lateral width direction (the direction of arrow B) is shorter than the portion where the locked portion 43 is present.
Corresponding to the fact that the locking portions 32 are formed as a pair on the left and right sides, the equivalent of the locked portion 43 on the front side in FIG. 13 is formed symmetrically on the opposite side across the inlet plug 42. ing.

The locking portion 32 on the power receiving unit 1 side acts to hold down the arc-forming surface of the locked portion 43 of the power plug unit 2, and the locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 act to hold down. In such a state, the portion to be locked 43 and the space PS of the portion to be locked 43 on the plug electrode 21 side pass.
Therefore, in a state where the power plug unit 2 and the connecting member 31 are connected, the locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 act to hold down at the left and right ends of the rotation direction view.

The holding-down action of the locking portion 12 on the power receiving unit 1 side and the locked portion 43 on the power plug unit 2 side will be described in more detail with reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG.
17 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2 are connected to each other from the end surface in the lateral width direction (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 13) of the locked portion 43 located on the back side in FIG. FIG. 6 schematically shows a slightly cut inward position.
Although the top and bottom are reversed, FIG. 17A shows a cross section of the state shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 17B shows a cross section of the state shown in FIG. As is clear from the saving with FIG. 18, in both the state shown in FIG. 17A and the state shown in FIG. 17B, the locking mechanism LM prevents the power plug unit 2 and the like from rotating. It is a state that has been.

In the state shown in FIG. 17A, the locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 are in a positional relationship that does not hold down , and the power plug unit 2 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG. The inlet plug 42 of the power plug unit 2 can be inserted into the opening 31a, and the inlet plug 42 can be pulled out from the opening 31a.
The power plug unit 2 is inserted into the opening 31a so that the horizontal width direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 13 coincides with the axial direction of the rotational axis α of the connecting member 31.

When the operated portion 51c of the lock mechanism LM is operated as described above, the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2 are rotated around the rotation axis α to obtain the posture shown in FIG. The locking portion 32 enters the space PS, and the locked portion 43 and the locking portion 32 act to hold down . Even if the power plug unit 2 is pulled out from the connecting member 31 in this state, the locking portion 32 is used. Prevents the power plug unit 2 from moving in the direction of detachment.

The curved surfaces where the locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 are in contact with each other substantially have the rotation axis α as viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis α of the connecting member 31 and the power plug unit 2. Since it has a concentric circle at the center and substantially the same radius of curvature, when the power plug unit 2 is pulled out, the locking portion 32 receives the locked portion 43 as a “surface”. Become.
As a result, the power plug unit 2 can be accurately retained.

One of the locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the connecting member 31 in a state where the connecting member 31 and the inlet plug 42 are connected (in the second embodiment, The connecting member 31 and the inlet plug 42 are prevented from moving by the other of the locking portion 32 and the locked portion 43 (the locking portion 32 in the second embodiment). Are connected to each other so that the distance from the rotational axis α differs between the installation position of the locking part 32 and the installation position of the locked part 43.

As described above, the charger BC is used by inserting the plug electrode 21 into the outlet of the commercial power supply in the state shown in FIG. Even when the user performs the operation of pulling out the charger BC from the outlet while holding the power receiving unit 1 in the use state in the posture shown in FIG. 17B, the power plug unit 2 remains on the outlet side. The power receiving unit 1 and the power plug unit 2 are maintained in a connected state. Further, the posture shown in FIG. 17B is stably held by the lock mechanism LM.
The electric power received from the outlet in the state shown in FIG. 17B is connected to the outlet through the plug electrode 21, the electrode pin 31b, and the electrode of the supported shaft 31c (not shown). Power is supplied to the charging circuit, and a charging operation is performed on the secondary battery set in the housing of the power receiving unit 1.

<Other embodiments>
Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be listed.
(1) In the second embodiment, the power receiving unit 1 includes the lock mechanism LM. However, such a configuration can be realized by using the configuration of the first embodiment.
Specifically, using the lock member 13 (see FIG. 8) that positions the connecting member 11 in the second embodiment, the pin is in contact with the tip end side of the pin 13b in the direction indicated by the arrow D. A member for preventing the movement of 13b may be arranged to prevent the rotation of the connecting member 11, and a mechanism for allowing the connecting member 11 to rotate by moving the member may be provided.
(2) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the charger BC is exemplified as the electric device. However, the present invention can be applied to various electric devices such as a so-called AC adapter.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power receiving unit 2 Connector 11,31 Connecting member 22,42 Detachable part 25 Locking holding member 25a Main body part 25b Operated part 31d Projection part 51 Holding- down operation member AD Detachment prevention mechanism LM Lock mechanism

Claims (8)

An electrical device including a connection tool including an electrode for electrically connecting to a connection target part, and a power reception unit electrically connected to the connection tool, the connection tool and the power reception unit Is an electrical device that is coupled so as to be capable of relative rotation and includes a lock mechanism that can be switched between a state that allows relative rotation between the power receiving unit and the connection tool and a state that prevents the connection unit and the connection tool. And the power receiving unit are configured separately, and in order to connect and electrically connect the connector and the power receiving unit, a connecting member and a detachable part detachably attached to the connecting member are connected to the connecting member and the power receiving unit. And the connecting member is rotatably supported by one of the connecting tool or the power receiving unit, and the locking mechanism includes the detachable portion. Said contact It is configured provided on jig or the power receiving unit, the connecting member and arranged the power receiving unit and the by distributing the convex member and the recessed member, the side where the the convex member and the recessed member acts engaged Electrical equipment that is energized by the energizing means .   The lock mechanism includes a rotation preventing posture in which the power receiving unit or the connector housing provided with the connecting member acts to hold down and prevent relative rotation between the power receiving unit and the connector; The electric device according to claim 1, further comprising: a locking pressing member that releases the pressing action and switches to a rotation-permissible posture that allows the relative rotation.   The connection member is provided in the power receiving unit, the attachment / detachment portion is provided in the connection tool, and the lock mechanism is provided in the rotation prevention posture. The electrical device according to claim 2, wherein the electric device is configured to hold down a flat surface portion of the power receiving unit housing and to release the hold-down operation in the rotation allowable posture.   The electric device according to claim 3, wherein the locking holding member is configured to be switched between the rotation-permitting posture and the rotation-preventing posture by moving back and forth with respect to the plane of the holding action target.   The holding member for locking includes a main body portion that fits within a general outline of the outer shape of the connection tool and an operated portion that protrudes from the outline in the rotation prevention posture, and the rotation permission posture. The electric device according to claim 4, wherein the main body portion and the operated portion are configured to fit within the contour.   An electrical device provided with a detachment prevention mechanism that prevents detachment of the connection tool and the power receiving unit at a set position within a relative rotation range of the connection tool and the power reception unit, and protrudes toward the power reception unit side The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein separation is prevented by providing a portion.   7. The protruding portion on the power receiving unit side in the separation preventing mechanism is disposed in a direction that suppresses separation in a direction of approximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the power receiving unit of the connector to which the power plug is attached. Electrical equipment as described in.   The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the electric device is a charger or an adapter.

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