JP5845368B2 - Electric connector, electric connector unit, and charger for electric vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connector, an electrical connector unit, and a charger for an electric vehicle using the electrical connector.

  In the fitting structure of the plug connector and the receptacle connector in the electrical connector, there may be provided a lock portion that prevents the connectors from coming off when reaching a predetermined fitting position.

  In such a structure, there is a case where a structure is provided in which the connectors do not conduct in the midway fitting state where the lock portion is not completely locked.

  This is because, for example, in an electrical connector that relays high-voltage, large-current power, such as a charging connector for an electric vehicle, leakage or the like may occur if conduction is started in an intermediate fitting state, that is, charging starts. This is because it is very dangerous.

  The structure described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is a structure that does not cause conduction between the connectors during the middle fitting.

  Specifically, in this structure, the plug connector has a micro switch and a seesaw type lock lever, and the lock lever has a locking portion for fitting at one end and a pressing portion that contacts the micro switch at the other end. Are each provided with a rotating shaft between the locking portion and the pressing portion.

  In the case of the above structure, in the midway fitting state, the locking portion rides on the front slope of the locking projection of the mating connector (receptacle connector), so the lock lever rotates in the direction of pressing the micro switch, The pressing portion presses the spring piece of the microswitch and interrupts conduction (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-161898 JP 2010-123521 A

  However, in the structures such as Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a structural restriction that the locking portion and the pressing portion must be provided on both sides of the lock lever with the rotation shaft interposed therebetween, and the micro switch is also provided on the lock lever. There is a structural restriction that it must be provided on the pressing portion side.

  For this reason, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in design is low and it is difficult to reduce the size and cost of the electrical connector.

  Furthermore, in the structure as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, due to the structure in which the locking portion and the pressing portion are integrated, if the pressing portion is abnormal in size or deformed due to dropping or the like during manufacture or use, Even if there is no problem in the dimension and shape of the stop portion side, it is not possible to detect midway fitting.

  For this reason, there is a problem that the detection accuracy of midway fitting is easily influenced by manufacturing conditions and use conditions, and it is difficult to maintain the detection accuracy at a high level.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector that can be easily reduced in size and cost as compared with the prior art, and has high detection accuracy of midway fitting.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, in an electrical connector having a rotatable lock lever that locks a fitting state with a mating connector, and a switch having a drive unit, The lock lever includes a rotation shaft that is a center of rotation, an engagement portion that engages with the mating connector, an operation portion that is provided between the engagement portion and the rotation shaft, and that can operate the drive portion. The electrical connector is characterized in that the operating portion operates the switch by rotating the lock lever when mated with the mating connector.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is obtained an electrical connector unit comprising the electrical connector according to the first aspect and a mating connector fitted to the electrical connector.

  According to the 3rd aspect of this invention, the electric vehicle charger characterized by having the electrical connector as described in a 1st aspect is obtained.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical connector that can be easily reduced in size and cost as compared with the prior art, and has high detection accuracy of midway fitting.

It is sectional drawing which shows the connector unit 100 (electrical connector unit) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the electric power feeding side connector 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the power receiving side connector 2 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view (partial sectional view) showing power feeding side connector 1 concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view (partial sectional view) showing power reception side connector 2 concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of fitting the power feeding side connector 1 and the power receiving side connector 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of fitting the power feeding side connector 1 and the power receiving side connector 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of fitting the power feeding side connector 1 and the power receiving side connector 2. FIG. It is a side view (partial sectional view) showing a power feeding side connector 1a according to the second embodiment, and the signal line 109 is not shown. It is a side view (partial sectional view) showing a power feeding side connector 1b according to the third embodiment, and a description of the micro switch 106 and the signal line 109 is omitted. It is a side view (partial sectional view) showing the power supply side connector 1b at the time of halfway fitting, and the microswitch 106 and the signal line 109 are not shown.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments suitable for the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, an outline of the connector unit 100 (electric connector unit) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, a connector unit for a (rapid) charger of an electric vehicle is illustrated as the connector unit 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connector unit 100 includes a power supply side connector 1 (plug connector) and a power reception side connector 2 (receptacle connector) as electrical connectors.

  Here, the power feeding side connector 1 is a connector provided on the quick charger side, and the power receiving side connector 2 is a connector provided on the electric vehicle side.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the power supply side connector 1 is provided at one end of the outer shell 101 as an outer peripheral cover and the outer shell 101, so that the user holds the power supply side connector 1 during charging. The grip 102 is provided inside the outer shell 101 so that the end portion is exposed, and is fixed to the inner housing 103 so that the signal contact 108 described later is accommodated, and the end portion is exposed to the outside. The signal contact 108 electrically connected to the power receiving side connector 2 is provided in the outer shell 101 and is provided inside the signal shell 109 and outer shell 101 connected to the signal contact 108. ) Is connected to the lock lever 104 and the signal line 109 for locking the power supply side connector 1 and the power reception side connector 2, and detecting the midway engagement of the lock lever 104 And a release lever 105 serving as releasing portion for releasing the locking by the microswitch 106, and the lock lever 104 after charging for blocking the conduction of the signal line 109 Te.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the power receiving side connector 2 is provided on the cylindrical housing 201 into which the power feeding side connector 1 is inserted, the inner periphery of the housing 201, and engages with the lock lever 104 when locked. A recess-like lock engaging portion 202, a signal contact 203 provided in the housing 201 so that the end portion is exposed and electrically connected to the signal contact 108 of the power supply side connector 1, and a signal connected to the signal contact 203 It has a line 204.

  Next, the structure and positional relationship of each component of the power supply connector 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  The outer shell 101 is a cover on the outer side of the power feeding connector 1 and is provided at the cylindrical large diameter portion 101c and one end of the large diameter portion 101c (the end opposite to the end where the grip 102 is provided). The cylindrical small-diameter portion 101b is smaller in diameter than the large-diameter portion 101c and has a central axis that coincides with the large-diameter portion 101c.

  The tip 101a of the small diameter portion 101b is chamfered.

  The inner housing 103 is a cylindrical insulating member corresponding to the inner peripheral shape of the small-diameter portion 101b, and is provided in the small-diameter portion 101b.

  Further, the end of the inner housing 103 is exposed to the outside, and a recess 103a is provided at the end. A signal contact 108 is fixed to the recess 103a.

  The lock lever 104 is a rod-like member provided on the large-diameter portion 101c so as to face the direction in which the power receiving side connector 2 is fitted (the direction along the central axis direction of the outer shell shell 101). 4 is provided so as to be rotatable in the directions of A1 and A2, that is, in the direction of the outer side and the inner side of the outer shell 101.

  The rotating shaft 104d is fixed to the inner wall of the large-diameter portion 101c of the outer shell shell 101 so as to face a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the outer shell shell 101 (here, a direction orthogonal thereto).

  The rotating shaft 104d is provided with a coil spring 104b, which applies a rotational force in the direction in which the lock lever 104 rotates to the outside of the power supply side connector 1 (direction A1 in FIG. 4).

  The lock lever 104 has a locking claw 104a provided at an end portion on the inner housing 103 side (small diameter portion 101b side).

  In FIG. 4, the locking claw 104 a is provided on the upper side of the lock lever 104, that is, protruding outward from the side surface of the outer shell 101 of the power supply side connector 1, and engages with the lock locking portion 202 of the power receiving side connector 2. It has a possible nail shape.

  The lock lever 104 is provided inside the large-diameter portion 101c of the outer shell 101, but at least the locking claw 104a is exposed to the outside.

  More specifically, the locking claw 104a is exposed to the outside so as to protrude from the opening 101d provided at the connecting portion of the large diameter portion 101c and the small diameter portion 101b to the small diameter portion 101b side.

  The portion of the lock lever 104 opposite to the locking claw 104a across the rotating shaft 104d forms an action portion 104c that contacts the release lever 105, and the action portion 104c is located inside the large diameter portion 101c. Is provided.

  The micro switch 106 is a switch having a normally closed contact (not shown), and is connected so as to relay the signal line 109.

  The micro switch 106 has a spring piece 106a as a drive unit. When the spring piece 106a is pressed, a normally closed contact (not shown) is opened and the conduction of the signal line 109 is cut off. Yes.

  That is, the micro switch 106 is a so-called push type micro switch.

  In FIG. 4, the micro switch 106 is provided below the lock lever 104 inside the large-diameter portion 101 c, that is, inside the outer shell 101 than the lock lever 104.

  Further, the micro switch 106 is disposed at a position where the spring piece 106a can come into contact with the intermediate portion 104e that is a portion between the locking claw 104a and the rotating shaft 104d. That is, the intermediate portion 104e is arranged at a position where the spring piece 106a can be pressed.

  The release lever 105 is a rod-like member arranged on an extension line (on the grip 102 side) of the lock lever 104 so that the projection lever partially overlaps with the lock lever 104 (same as the lock lever 104 by the rotation shaft 105c). It is rotatably provided in the direction, that is, the direction of A1 and A2 in FIG.

  That is, in FIG. 4, the release lever 105 is also arranged along the axial direction of the outer shell shell 101, similarly to the lock lever 104, and the rotation shaft 105 c that rotatably holds the release lever 105 is the outer shell shell 101. 101 is fixed to the inner wall of the large-diameter portion 101c of the outer shell 101 so as to intersect (in this case, orthogonal) to the axial direction of 101.

  The release lever 105 is provided in the large-diameter portion 101 c of the outer shell 101, and forms a lock lever side end portion 105 b where an end portion on the side close to the lock lever 104 overlaps with the action portion 104 c of the lock lever 104. Yes.

  The lock lever side end portion 105b is provided so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the action portion 104c.

  Further, the end of the release lever 105 on the side far from the lock lever 104 is exposed to the outside of the large-diameter portion 101c, and is a button shape that can be pressed in the direction of B1 in FIG. The release lever pressing portion 105a is formed.

  Specifically, the release lever pressing portion 105 a reaches the grip 102 beyond the large-diameter portion 101 c and is exposed to the outside from the opening 102 a provided in the grip 102.

  The rotating shaft 105c is provided with a coil spring 105d, which applies a rotational force to the lock lever 104 in the direction in which the lock lever side end portion 105b is separated from the action portion 104c (direction A2 in FIG. 3).

  Next, operations of the lock lever 104, the micro switch 106, and the release lever 105 when the connector unit 100 is engaged will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the lock lever 104, the microswitch 106, and the release lever 105 are in the state shown in FIG. 4 in a state before the start of fitting, that is, in a state where the power supply side connector 1 and the power reception side connector 2 are not in contact at all.

  Specifically, the intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104 does not press the spring piece 106a of the micro switch 106, and the lock lever side end portion 105b of the release lever 105 also presses the action portion 104c of the lock lever 104. Not.

  The lock lever 104 and the release lever 105 are held in the state described above by the coil spring 104b and the coil spring 105d, respectively.

  More specifically, the lock lever 104 is given a rotational force in the direction of A1 by the coil spring 104b. However, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the lock lever 104 abuts against the opening 101d, and thus the rotation shaft 104d and the opening 101d. Are supported in two places and held in this state.

  On the other hand, the release lever 105 is given a rotational force in the direction of A2 by the coil spring 105d, but in the state shown in FIG. 4, it abuts against the opening 102a, so it is supported at two places, the rotation shaft 105c and the opening 102a. And is held in this state.

  Next, from the state shown in FIG. 4, the small diameter portion 101 b of the outer shell 101 of the power supply side connector 1 is inserted into the housing 201 of the power reception side connector 2.

  Specifically, the user holds the grip 102 of the power feeding side connector 1 and inserts the small diameter portion 101b of the outer shell shell 101 into the housing 201 of the power receiving side connector 2 using the tip 101a as a guide.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking claw 104a of the lock lever 104 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 201, rotates against the elastic force of the coil spring 104b in the direction of A2 around the rotation shaft 104d, and moves downward. It is pushed down (inside).
This state is a halfway fitting state.

  In this state, the inner housing 103 (small diameter portion 101b) of the power supply side connector 1 is mostly in the housing 201 of the power reception side connector 2, but the signal contact 108 of the power supply side connector 1 is the signal contact of the power reception side connector 2. It is only in contact with 203, is not locked and is not completely fitted.

  For this reason, if charging is started in this state, electric leakage may occur, and an extremely dangerous state such as electric shock to the user may occur.

  However, in this state, the intermediate portion 104e of the pressed lock lever 104 presses the spring piece 106a of the micro switch 106, so that the normally closed contact (not shown) of the micro switch 106 is opened.

  The microswitch 106 whose normally closed contact (not shown) is opened blocks the conduction of the signal line 109.

  Therefore, the signal line 109 is not conducted during the midway fitting, and charging is not started.

  Next, when the insertion of the power supply side connector 1 is further advanced from the state of FIG. 6 and the locking claw 104a gets over the inner wall of the housing 201 and reaches the lock locking portion 202, as shown in FIG. The locking claw 104a is engaged with the lock locking portion 202 by rotating in the direction A1 by the elastic force of the coil spring 104b.

  In this state, the pressure on the spring piece 106a of the intermediate portion 104e is released, so that the normally closed contact (not shown) of the micro switch 106 is closed again, and the signal line 109 becomes conductive.

  That is, since charging is possible, a current flows from the power supply side connector 1 to the power reception side connector 2 and charging is performed.

  Further, in this state, as described above, since the locking claw 104a is engaged with the lock locking portion 202, the power receiving side connector 2 and the power feeding side connector 1 are locked with each other and may be unexpectedly detached. There is no.

  When charging is completed, the user now presses the release lever pressing portion 105a of the release lever 105 in the direction of B1.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the release lever 105 rotates in the direction of A1 around the rotation shaft 105c against the elastic force of the coil spring 105d, and the lock lever side end portion 105b comes into contact with the action portion 104c. Is pressed upward (outside).

  When the action portion 104c is pressed upward (outside), the lock lever 104 rotates in the direction of A2 around the rotation shaft 104d against the elastic force of the coil spring 104b, and the intermediate portion 104e and the locking claw 104a are lowered. It is pushed down to the side (inside).

  Since the pressed intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104 presses the spring piece 106a of the microswitch 106, the normally closed contact (not shown) of the microswitch 106 is opened.

  The microswitch 106 whose normally closed contact (not shown) is opened blocks the conduction of the signal line 109.

  Further, the depressed latching claw 104a is separated from the lock latching portion 202, and the engagement is released.

  In this state, since the power supply side connector 1 and the power reception side connector 2 are not conductive and are not locked, the power supply side connector 1 can be pulled out from the power reception side connector 2 without fear of leakage.

  When the power supply side connector 1 is pulled out from the power reception side connector 2 and the pressing to the release lever 105 is released, the lock lever 104 and the release lever 105 are moved in the directions of A1 and A2 by the elastic force of the coil spring 104b and the coil spring 105d, respectively. It rotates and returns to the state before fitting shown in FIG.

  The above is the operation of the lock lever 104, the micro switch 106, and the release lever 105 when the connector unit 100 is fitted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the power supply side connector 1 detects the midway fitting of the lock lever 104 that locks the fitting state with the power receiving side connector 2 and the lock lever 104, and the micro that cuts off the conduction. In the mid-fitting state, the operation unit (intermediate unit 104e) between the rotation shaft 104d of the lock lever 104 and the locking claw 104a presses the micro switch 106 and the power supply side connector 1 is in the middle-fitted state. Cut off continuity.

  For this reason, the lock lever 104 has a structure that is compact because the members related to the midway fitting detection are gathered between the rotating shaft 104d of the lock lever 104 and the locking claw 104a.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since the operation part (intermediate part 104e) only needs to be between the rotary shaft 104d and the locking claw 104a, the design restrictions on the operation part are small, and the connector can be downsized. Cost reduction is easy.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the lock lever 104 can be fitted halfway regardless of the size and shape of the release lever 105 if there is no abnormality in the size and shape between the rotating shaft 104d and the locking claw 104a. Since it can be detected, it is possible to detect midway fitting more reliably than in the past.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, a release button 107 as a release portion is provided at a position facing the intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104 so as to be exposed to the outside.

  In the second embodiment, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the power supply side connector 1a according to the second embodiment, the surface of the outer shell 101 (large diameter portion 101c) facing the intermediate portion 104e is opened to form a release opening 120. In the release opening 120, a release button 107 is provided as an operation unit.

  The release button 107 has an L-shaped side surface, one end faces the upper surface (outer surface) of the intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104, and the other end is a rotating shaft 107a. The outer shell 101 is held so as to be rotatable in the directions of A1 and A2 in FIG.

  In addition, a coil spring (not shown) that urges the release button 107 in the direction of A1 is provided so that the release button 107 does not press the lock lever 104 in the state shown in FIG. , A rotational force is applied in the direction of A1.

  Although the release button 107 is exposed to the outside of the outer shell 101, the end of the release button 107 facing the intermediate portion 104e is wider than the release opening 120, and the release button 107 is Even if it rotates in the direction of A1, it does not come out of the opening 120 for release.

  In addition, since the structure of the power receiving side connector 2a (not shown) is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, operations of the lock lever 104, the micro switch 106, and the release button 107 when the connector unit 100a is fitted will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the state before fitting, that is, the state shown in FIG. 9, the lock lever 104 receives a rotational force in the direction of A1 by the elastic force of the coil spring 104b, and is in a state of abutting against the opening 101d. The spring piece 106a of 106 is not pressed.

  Further, the release button 107 receives a rotational force in the direction A1 by the elastic force of a coil spring (not shown) and is in contact with the release opening 120, and does not press the lock lever 104.

  Next, from the state shown in FIG. 9, the small-diameter portion 101b of the power supply side connector 1a is inserted into the housing 201 of the power reception side connector 2a.

Then, the locking claw 104a of the lock lever 104 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 201, rotates against the elastic force of the coil spring 104b in the direction of A2 around the rotating shaft 104d, and is pushed down (inward) ( (See FIG. 6).
This state is a halfway fitting state.

  In this state, the intermediate portion 104e of the depressed lock lever 104 comes into contact with and presses the spring piece 106a of the micro switch 106, so that the normally closed contact of the micro switch 106 is opened.

  The micro switch 106 whose normally closed contact is opened blocks the conduction of the signal line 109.

  Next, when the feeding connector 1 is further inserted and the locking claw 104a gets over the inner wall of the housing 201 and reaches the lock locking portion 202, the lock lever 104 rotates in the direction of A1 by the force of the coil spring 104b. The locking claw 104a engages with the lock locking portion 202 (see FIG. 7).

  In this state, since the intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104 is separated from the spring piece 106a of the micro switch 106, the normally closed contact of the micro switch 106 is closed again, and the signal line 109 becomes conductive.

That is, since charging is possible, a current flows from the power supply side connector 1 to the power reception side connector 2 and charging is performed.
The process up to this point is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When charging is completed, the user now presses the release button 107 in the direction of A2.

  Then, the release button 107 rotates in the direction A2 against the elastic force of a coil spring (not shown), contacts the intermediate portion 104e, and presses it downward (inward).

  When the intermediate portion 104e is pressed, the lock lever 104 rotates in the direction of A2 around the rotation shaft 104d against the elastic force of the coil spring 104b, and the intermediate portion 104e and the locking claw 104a are moved downward (inward). Pushed down.

  Since the depressed intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104 pushes the spring piece 106a of the micro switch 106, the normally closed contact (not shown) of the micro switch 106 is opened.

  The microswitch 106 whose normally closed contact (not shown) is opened blocks the conduction of the signal line 109.

  Further, the depressed latching claw 104a is separated from the lock latching portion 202, and the engagement is released.

  In this state, the continuity between the power supply side connector 1a and the power reception side connector 2a is interrupted and the engagement is also released, so that the power supply side connector 1a can be pulled out from the power reception side connector 2a without fear of leakage.

  The above is the operation of the lock lever 104, the micro switch 106, and the release button 107 when the connector unit 100a is engaged.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the power supply side connector 1a detects the midway fitting of the lock lever 104 that locks the fitting state with the power receiving side connector 2a and the lock lever 104, and cuts off the conduction. In the mid-fitted state, the intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104 presses the micro switch 106 to cut off the conduction of the power supply connector 1a.
Accordingly, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the power supply side connector 1a is provided so as to be exposed to the outside so that the release button 107 faces the intermediate portion 104e of the lock lever 104, and the release button 107 is provided in the intermediate portion 104e. The lock is released by directly pressing.

  Therefore, the release lever 105 is not required as compared with the first embodiment, and not only the member related to the midway fitting detection but also the member related to the release of the engagement is provided between the rotating shaft 104d of the lock lever 104 and the locking claw 104a. They are put together, and the structure is more compact, making it easier to reduce the size and cost.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the third embodiment, the fitting detection unit 110 is provided in the action unit 104c in the first embodiment.

  Note that in the third embodiment, elements that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the power supply side connector 1 b according to the third embodiment visually recognizes the midway fitting provided on the action portion 104 c so as to protrude toward the outside of the large diameter portion 101 c of the outer shell 101. It has the fitting detection part 110 for doing.

  The fitting detection unit 110 may be colored with a color that enhances the visibility as needed, or a colored member that enhances the visibility may be attached.

  Further, the surface of the outer shell 101 (the large diameter portion 101 c) facing the fitting detection unit 110 is opened in a shape corresponding to the fitting detection unit 110 to form a fitting detection window 111. .

  Thus, since the power supply side connector 1a can freely use the action part 104c in design, the fitting detection part 110 as described above can be provided.

  Next, operation | movement of the fitting detection part 110 at the time of engagement of the connector unit 100b which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG.

  Note that the operation of other members is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 10, that is, in a state before the power feeding side connector 1b is fitted to the power receiving side connector 2b (not shown), the fitting detection unit 110 is located inside the outer shell 101 (large diameter portion 101c). And is not exposed from the outer shell 101.

  Next, in the halfway fitting state shown in FIG. 11, that is, in a state where the locking claw 104a of the lock lever 104 contacts the inner wall of the housing 201 and rotates in the direction of A2, and is pushed downward (inside), Since the action part 104c is pushed upward (outside), the fitting detection part 110 is also pushed up (outside) and exposed from the fitting detection window 111 to the outside of the outer shell 101 (large diameter part 101c). .

  In this state, the user can visually recognize the exposed fitting detection unit 110, thereby visually indicating that the power supply side connector 1b is in a halfway fitting state, that is, charging should not be started. Can be recognized.

  Therefore, the safety (for example, prevention of electric shock) in use of the power supply side connector 1b can be further enhanced.

  When the insertion of the power supply side connector 1b is further advanced from the state of FIG. 11 and the locking claw 104a gets over the inner wall of the housing 201 and reaches the lock locking portion 202, the lock lever 104 is moved by the elastic force of the coil spring 104b. It rotates to the direction of A1, and the latching claw 104a engages with the lock latching | locking part 202 (refer FIG. 7).

  In this state, the action part 104c is pushed down (inner side) from the state of FIG. 11, so the fitting detection part 110 is also pushed down (inner side), and as shown in FIG. Return to the inside of the large diameter portion 101c).

  In this state, since the user cannot visually recognize the fitting detection unit 110, it is visually determined that the power supply side connector 1b is not in the halfway fitting state, that is, charging may be started. Can be recognized.

Thus, according to the third embodiment, the power supply side connector 1b detects the midway fitting of the lock lever 104 that locks the fitting state with the power receiving side connector 2b and the lock lever 104, and cuts off the conduction. The switch 106 (the micro switch 106 is omitted in FIGS. 10 and 11) is provided. In the mid-fitting state, the intermediate portion 104e between the rotating shaft 104d of the lock lever 104 and the locking claw 104a is micro. The switch 106 is pressed to cut off the electrical connection of the power supply side connector 1b.
Accordingly, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

  In addition, according to the third embodiment, the power supply side connector 1b has the fitting detection unit 110 that is provided on the action portion 104c so as to protrude toward the outer shell 101 and visually recognizes the midway fitting. In the mid-fitting state, the fitting detection unit 110 is exposed to the outside.

  Therefore, it is possible to detect the midway fitting both electrically and visually, and the safety in use can be further enhanced as compared with the first embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

  It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are conceived within the technical scope of the present invention, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in this embodiment, the structure using the spring piece 106a is illustrated as the microswitch 106. However, if the microswitch has a structure in which the normally closed contact is opened by pressing, the structure using the spring piece 106a is not necessarily used. Is not limited.

  In the present embodiment, the micro switch 106 is a micro switch having a structure in which the normally closed contact is opened by pressing the spring piece 106 a to push down, but the spring piece 106 a is moved by the intermediate portion 104 e of the lock lever 104. It may be a micro switch having a structure in which the normally closed contact is opened by pulling up.

1 Power supply connector (electrical connector)
1a Power supply connector (electric connector)
1b Power supply side connector (electrical connector)
2 Power receiving connector (mating connector)
2a Power receiving connector (not shown, mating connector)
2b Power receiving connector (not shown, mating connector)
100 connector unit (electrical connector unit)
100a connector unit (not shown, electrical connector unit)
100b connector unit (not shown, electrical connector unit)
101 outer shell 101a tip 101b small diameter portion 101c large diameter portion 101d opening 102 grip 102a opening 103 inner housing 103a recess 104 lock lever 104a locking claw (engaging portion)
104b Coil spring 104c Action part 104d Rotating shaft 104e Intermediate part (operation part)
105 Release lever (release part)
105a Release lever pressing part 105b Lock lever side end part 105c Rotating shaft 105d Coil spring 106 Micro switch (switch)
106a Spring piece (drive part)
107 Release button (release part)
107a Rotating shaft 108 Signal contact 109 Signal line 110 Fitting detection part 111 Fitting detection window 120 Opening for release 201 Housing 202 Lock locking part 203 Signal contact 204 Signal line

Claims (5)

A cylindrical outer shell that is an outer peripheral cover;
A rotatable lock lever that locks the mating state with the mating connector;
A release portion for releasing the lock by the lock lever;
A switch having a drive unit;
In an electrical connector having
The lock lever is
A rotation axis that is the center of rotation;
An engaging portion that is a claw-like member that is engaged with the mating connector and is exposed so as to protrude from the cylindrical surface of the outer shell shell to the outside of the outer shell shell;
An operation portion that forms a portion between the engagement portion and the rotation shaft in the lock lever, and that can operate the drive portion;
Have
The drive unit is provided to face the operation unit,
When the mating connector is mated, the lock lever rotates, and the operation unit operates the drive unit to cut off the conduction of the switch.
further,
The release unit is
It is exposed to the outside so as to face the operation part, and has a release button that can contact the operation part,
When the release button presses the operation unit, the lock lever is rotated to release the lock, and the pressed operation unit operates the drive unit. An inner housing provided at one end of the outer shell;
A signal contact provided in the inner housing and electrically connected to the signal line and the counterpart connector;
Have
The outer shell has the signal line disposed therein,
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the switch is connected so as to relay the signal line. The rotation axis is fixed to the inner wall of the outer shell in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the outer shell,
The lock lever is supported by the rotating shaft along the axial direction of the outer shell,
3. The switch according to claim 2, wherein at least the drive unit is disposed so as to face the operation unit and to be positioned inside the outer shell shell with respect to the operation unit. Electrical connector. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The mating connector mated with the electrical connector;
An electrical connector unit comprising:   An electric vehicle charger comprising the electric connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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