阅读说明：本技术 充电连接器 (Charging connector ) 是由 久乡和辉 于 2021-02-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种充电连接器,该充电连接器的按钮构件用于锁定充电连接器和入口的配合状态。操作调节机构调节按钮构件的操作并且释放该调节。按钮构件的操作部可操作为被按下。按钮构件的盖部位于操作部的下方。盖部的下表面设置有被调节部。操作调节机构设置有驱动部和可移动部,并且可移动部具有调节部。驱动部驱动可移动部以移动调节部。调节部调节或允许被调节部的向下移动。在该结构中,当在上下方向上从上方观看时,盖部覆盖调节部和被调节部。(The present invention relates to a charging connector whose button member is used to lock a mating state of the charging connector and an inlet. Operating the adjustment mechanism adjusts the operation of the button member and releases the adjustment. The operating portion of the button member is operable to be depressed. The cover portion of the button member is located below the operation portion. The lower surface of the cover part is provided with an adjusted part. The operation adjustment mechanism is provided with a drive portion and a movable portion, and the movable portion has an adjustment portion. The driving part drives the movable part to move the regulating part. The adjusting portion adjusts or allows downward movement of the adjusted portion. In this structure, the cover covers the adjusting portion and the adjusted portion when viewed from above in the up-down direction.)

1. A charging connector mateable with an inlet having a locked portion along a front-rear direction, wherein:

the charging connector includes a locking portion, a button member, and an operation adjustment mechanism;

the locking portion and the to-be-locked portion are designed to lock a mating state of the inlet and the charging connector;

the button member has an operating portion, a lid portion, and an adjusted portion;

the operation portion is operable to be depressed in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction;

the cover portion is located below the operation portion in the up-down direction;

the cover portion has a lower surface;

the regulated portion is provided on a lower surface of the cover portion;

the operation adjustment mechanism includes a movable portion and a driving portion;

the driving part drives the movable part between an adjustment position and a release position;

the movable portion has an adjustment portion;

the adjusting portion adjusts downward movement of the adjusted portion to adjust downward movement of the operating portion when the movable portion is in the adjustment position;

the adjusting portion allows downward movement of the adjusted portion to allow downward movement of the operating portion when the movable portion is in the release position; and is

The cover portion covers the adjustment portion and the adjusted portion when viewed from above in the up-down direction.

2. The charging connector of claim 1, wherein:

the cover part is provided with an upper part and a protection part;

the protection portion extends downward from the upper portion in the up-down direction;

the operating portion is formed on the upper portion;

the upper portion and the protection portion form a protection chamber;

the lower surface of the cover part is the lower surface of the upper part;

the regulated portion extends downward from a lower surface of the upper portion.

3. The charging connector according to claim 2, wherein the regulating portion and the regulated portion are opposed to each other in the protection chamber when the movable portion is in the regulating position.

4. The charging connector of claim 3, wherein:

the charging connector has a fitting portion to be fitted with the inlet;

the fitting portion is located at a front end of the charging connector in the front-rear direction;

the operation adjusting mechanism is provided with an additional protection chamber;

the additional protection chamber is located rearward of the driving part in the front-rear direction and partially accommodates the movable part;

the upper part of the additional protection chamber is provided with an opening part; and is

When the movable portion is in the adjustment position, the adjustment portion and the adjusted portion are opposed to each other through the opening portion.

5. The charging connector of claim 4, wherein:

a baffle part is arranged around the opening part; and is

The baffle portion extends in a direction intersecting a transverse direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein the shutter portion is located in an area formed by a lower edge of the protection portion when viewed from above in the up-down direction.

7. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein the shutter portion overlaps with the protection portion when viewed in the lateral direction.

8. The charging connector of claim 4, wherein:

the operation adjustment mechanism includes a solenoid;

the solenoid includes a coil and a plunger;

the coil at least partially forms the drive;

the plunger at least partially forms the movable portion; and is

The plunger extends from the drive portion into the additional protection chamber.

9. The charging connector of claim 8, wherein:

the operation adjustment mechanism includes a lock plate that moves together with the plunger; and is

The adjusting portion is provided on the lock plate.

10. The charging connector of claim 9, wherein:

the operation adjustment mechanism further comprises a spring and a housing;

the spring applies a force directed toward the solenoid to the locking plate;

the housing contains the solenoid, the locking plate, and the spring; and is

The housing forms the additional protection chamber.

11. The charging connector of claim 10, wherein:

the charging connector further comprises a main body;

the main body is provided with a mark window;

the locking plate is provided with a locking mark;

the housing of the operation adjustment mechanism covers the lock flag; and is

The locking flag is visible through the housing and the flag window when the movable portion is in the adjustment position.

12. The charging connector according to claim 8, wherein a movable direction of the plunger is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

13. The charging connector of claim 4, wherein:

the operation adjusting mechanism is provided with a bearing part;

the button member is swingable up and down about a shaft pivotably supported by the bearing portion; and is

The bearing portion is located forward of the opening portion in the front-rear direction and has a dimension larger than a dimension of the opening portion in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

14. The charging connector of claim 1, wherein:

the charging connector includes a locking lever;

the locking part is arranged on the locking rod;

the lock lever has a rear end portion separated from the lock portion in the front-rear direction;

the operation adjusting mechanism is provided with a bearing part;

the button member is swingable up and down about a shaft pivotably supported by the bearing portion;

the button member having a lower extension and an upper extension;

the lower extension and the upper extension are separated from each other in the up-down direction and are opposite to each other;

the rear end of the locking rod is located between the lower extension and the upper extension;

when the locking portion moves downward, the rear end portion of the locking lever pushes the upper extending portion of the button member upward, thereby moving the operating portion of the button member downward;

when the operating portion is depressed, the lower extension of the button member pushes the rear end portion of the locking lever upward, thereby moving the lock portion downward; and is

The lower extension is located apart from the rear end of the locking lever when the locking lever is in an initial position.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a charging connector, and more particularly, to a charging connector used outdoors.

Background

There is a charging connector that can be used outdoors. For example, a charging connector for charging an electric vehicle may be used outdoors. An example of this type of charging connector is disclosed in JP 2017-.

As shown in fig. 14, the charging connector 90 of patent document 1 is provided with a main body 901, a lock lever 903, a release mechanism 905, and a release adjustment mechanism 907. The locking lever 903 has a locking portion 913. When the charging connector 90 is mated with the inlet 95, the locking portion 913 engages with the locked portion 951 and locks the mated state of the charging connector 90 and the inlet 95. The release mechanism 905 has a release button 915. When the release button 915 is operated, the release mechanism 905 releases the lock of the fitting state of the charging connector 90 and the inlet 95. The release adjustment mechanism 907 adjusts the locking of the release fitting state performed by the release mechanism 905 under a predetermined condition.

As can be seen from fig. 14, each of the lock lever 903 and the release button 915 is provided to extend from the inside to the outside of the main body 901. Further, each of the lock lever 903 and the release button 915 is attached to the main body 901 so as to be movable relative to the main body 901. Therefore, there is inevitably a gap between the main body 901 and each of the lock lever 903 and the release button 915. Also, the gap may be an inlet for water, such as rain water. In order to drain the water entering the main body 901, the charging connector 90 is provided with a drain hole (not shown).

Disclosure of Invention

In the charging connector 90 of patent document 1, all water that enters the main body 901 is not always drained through the drain hole. In addition, water remaining in the main body 901 may freeze due to a drop in external temperature. The water frozen in the main body 901 may prevent the movable portion provided in the main body 901 from operating.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging connector in which even if water entering the charging connector is frozen, movement of the movable portion is not affected by the frozen water.

One aspect of the present invention provides a charging connector mateable with an inlet having a locked portion in a front-rear direction. The charging connector includes a locking portion, a button member, and an operation adjustment mechanism. The locking portion and the to-be-locked portion are designed to lock a mating state of the inlet and the charging connector. The button member has an operation portion, a lid portion, and an adjusted portion. The operation portion is operable to be pressed in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The cover portion is located below the operation portion in the vertical direction. The cover portion has a lower surface. The regulated portion is provided on the lower surface of the cover portion. The operation adjustment mechanism includes a movable portion and a driving portion. The drive section drives the movable section between the adjustment position and the release position. The movable portion has an adjustment portion. When the movable portion is at the adjustment position, the adjustment portion adjusts the downward movement of the adjusted portion to adjust the downward movement of the operation portion. When the movable portion is in the release position, the adjustment portion allows downward movement of the adjusted portion to allow downward movement of the operating portion. The cover portion covers the adjusting portion and the adjusted portion when viewed from above in the up-down direction.

In the charging connector of one aspect of the present invention, the cover portion of the button member covers the adjustment portion of the button member and the adjusted portion that operates the adjustment mechanism when viewed from above. Therefore, water entering the charging connector from around the button member is blocked by the cover portion and does not substantially reach the regulating portion and the regulated portion. Therefore, even if the water entering the charging connector is frozen, the regulating portion and the regulated portion are kept in the movable state. In other words, even if water entering the charging connector is frozen, the movement of the movable portion of the charging connector is not affected by the frozen water, but is allowed.

The objects of the invention will be appreciated and a fuller understanding of the structure of the invention may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The charging connector is connected to the end of the cable.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the charging connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating the charging connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the charging connector of fig. 3 taken along line a-a. However, the plug included in the charging connector is drawn as a side view. Furthermore, the charging connector is not attached to the cable.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a locking mechanism assembly included in the charging connector of fig. 4. The locking bar and the button member included in the locking mechanism assembly are each located at an initial position. The movable portion included in the lock mechanism assembly that operates the adjustment mechanism is located at the release position.

Fig. 6 is another sectional view showing a locking mechanism assembly included in the charging connector of fig. 4. The locking lever and the button member are respectively located at initial positions. The movable portion that operates the adjustment mechanism is located at the adjustment position.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a locking mechanism assembly included in the charging connector of fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is another exploded perspective view illustrating a locking mechanism assembly included in the charging connector of fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a housing included in the lock mechanism assembly of fig. 7 or 8.

Fig. 10 is a rear view showing the case of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a plan view illustrating a locking mechanism assembly included in the charging connector of fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is a side view showing the locking mechanism assembly of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a rear view showing the locking mechanism assembly of fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view showing the charging connector and the inlet disclosed in patent document 1.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a charging connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to an end of a cable 80. The charging connector 10 is a connector mateable with an inlet (not shown) having a locked portion (not shown) in the front-rear direction. The charging connector 10 has a fitting portion 12 at a front end thereof in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the front-rear direction is the Y direction. The negative Y direction faces forward and the positive Y direction faces backward.

As shown in fig. 2, the charging connector 10 is provided with a main body 20, a plug 30, and a locking mechanism assembly 40. The main body 20 is composed of a pair of shells 201 and 203 and has a trunk portion 22 and a grip portion 24. The body 20 houses the plug 30 and the locking mechanism assembly 40.

As can be seen from fig. 1, the trunk portion 22 of the main body 20 extends in the front-rear direction. The trunk portion 22 partially forms a portion of the mating portion 12. The grip portion 24 extends obliquely rearward and downward from the trunk portion 22. The trunk portion 22 is provided with a lock hole portion 221 and a button hole portion 223. Further, the grip portion 24 is provided with a logo window 241. Each of the locking hole portion 221, the button hole portion 223, and the logo window 241 may be an inlet port of water such as rainwater. In the present embodiment, the up-down direction is a Z direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The positive Z direction is up and the negative Z direction is down.

As shown in fig. 2, the plug 30 is provided as a front portion of the trunk 22. The locking mechanism assembly 40 is configured to extend from the trunk portion 22 to the grip portion 24. The stem 22 is provided with a locking spring 227 that acts on the locking mechanism assembly 40. The cable 80 is connected to the plug 30. The cable 80 extends from the rear of the grip portion 24 to the outside of the grip portion 24.

As can be seen in fig. 3 and 4, the plug 30 partially projects forward from the trunk 22 of the main body 20. In the front-rear direction, the front end 32 of the plug 30 forms the front end of the charging connector 10. The protruding portion of the plug 30 forms the remainder of the mating portion 12. Since the plug 30 is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description of the plug 30 will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the locking mechanism assembly 40 is provided with a base 42, a housing 48, a solenoid 52, a locking plate 54, a button member 56, a locking lever 60, springs 621 and 623, fixing screws 641, 643 and 645, and pivot shafts 661, 663, 665 and 667.

As can be seen from fig. 7, the base portion 42 includes a substrate 44 and a sensor portion 46. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the base plate 44 has a front portion 441, a middle portion 443, and a rear portion 445, each of the front portion 441, the middle portion 443, and the rear portion 445 extending in the first predetermined direction D1. A step is provided between the front portion 441 and the middle portion 443. Also, another step is provided between the middle portion 443 and the rear portion 445. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The substrate 44 may have a simple shape without steps. The sensor portion 46 is mounted on the front portion 441 of the substrate 44. In the present embodiment, the first predetermined direction D1 is a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. The first predetermined direction D1 is also a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, which is perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, the lateral direction is the X direction. Since the sensor portion 46 is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description of the sensor portion 46 will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 7-9, the shell 48 has a front portion 481, a middle portion 483, and a rear portion 485. In the present embodiment, the shell 48 is made of a transparent material. As can be seen from fig. 5 and 6, the front portion 481 extends in the first predetermined direction D1 obliquely upward in the forward direction from the front upper portion of the middle portion 483. The rear portion 485 extends rearward and obliquely downward from a rear lower portion of the middle portion 483 in the first predetermined direction D1.

As seen in fig. 7-10, middle portion 483 of shell 48 has an upper portion 491, a pair of side walls 493, and a rear wall 495. Side walls 493 are laterally positioned on either side of upper portion 491 and extend downwardly in an up-down direction. Specifically, the side wall 493 extends obliquely downward in a second predetermined direction D2 perpendicular to the first predetermined direction D1. A posterior wall 495 extends downwardly in an up-down direction from a posterior edge of upper portion 491. Specifically, the rear wall 495 extends obliquely downward in the second predetermined direction D2. Further, the rear wall 495 laterally couples the rear edges of the side walls 493 to one another.

As shown in fig. 9, upper portion 491 of case 48 is provided with opening 501 and bearing 503. Bearing 503 is located forward of opening 501 in the front-rear direction. As can be seen from fig. 10, the bearing 503 has a larger dimension in the lateral direction than the opening 501. Although the opening 501 may be a passage for water, the bearing part 503 prevents water from flowing to the opening 501. Specifically, bearing portion 503 blocks water flowing obliquely downward rearward on the surface of upper portion 491 of case 48 along first predetermined direction D1 and prevents the water from entering opening portion 501.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, a pair of baffle portions 505 extending in a direction intersecting the lateral direction are provided around the opening 501. In the present embodiment, the baffle portion 505 is a portion of the side wall 493 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. The upper edge of each of the baffle portions 505 is provided with a step. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The baffle portion 505 may be provided independently of the side walls 493 or in place of the side walls 493. Further, the baffle portions 505 may be provided to extend in directions intersecting each other. In this case, the baffle portions 505 may be disposed such that the spacing therebetween increases with increasing distance from the opening portion 501. In addition, the upper edge of the baffle portion 505 may be straight or curved.

As can be seen from fig. 7 and 8, the case 48 is fixed to the base plate 44 of the base 42 using fixing screws 641 and 643. The shell 48 and the base plate 44 form a housing 403. The housing 403 houses the solenoid 52, the lock plate 54, and the springs 621 and 623. The housing 403, the solenoid 52, the lock plate 54, and the springs 621 and 623 form an operation adjustment mechanism 401. Therefore, the charging connector 10 is provided with the operation adjustment mechanism 401, and the operation adjustment mechanism 401 is provided with the housing 403, the solenoid 52, the lock plate 54, and the springs 621 and 623.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the solenoid 52 is mounted on the middle portion 443 of the base plate 44 and is housed inside the housing 403. Inside the housing 403, behind the solenoid 52, there is an additional protective chamber 405. Thus, housing 403 forms an additional protection chamber 405. In other words, the operation adjustment mechanism 401 has an additional protection chamber 405.

As shown in fig. 5 to 8, the solenoid 52 is provided with a frame 521, a coil 523, a fixed core 525, a plunger 527, and a return spring 529. The frame 521 is fixed to the case 48 using fixing screws 643 and 645. The coil 523 is disposed inside the frame 521. The fixed core 525 is disposed inside the coil 523. The plunger 527 is partially inserted inside the coil 523. The rear end of the plunger 527 protrudes obliquely downward rearward from the coil 523 in the first predetermined direction D1. The front end of the plunger 527 is provided with a push pin 531. The push pin 531 passes through the fixed core 525 and the frame 521 and protrudes obliquely upward in the forward direction in the first predetermined direction D1. The return spring 529 applies a rearward and obliquely downward force to the plunger 527 in the first predetermined direction D1.

As can be seen from fig. 5 and 6, the plunger 527 of the solenoid 52 is movable relative to the frame 521, the coil 523, and the stationary core 525. The plunger 527 at least partially forms the movable portion 407 in the operation adjustment mechanism 401. In the present embodiment, the plunger 527 partially forms the movable portion 407. The plunger 527 is movable in a first predetermined direction D1 intersecting the front-to-rear direction. Since the moving direction of the plunger 527 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, the size of the charging connector 10 can be reduced in the front-rear direction.

As can be seen from fig. 5 and 6, the coil 523 of the solenoid 52 at least partially forms a driving portion 409, and the driving portion 409 drives the movable portion 407 in the operation adjustment mechanism 401. In the present embodiment, the coil 523 partially forms the driving section 409. Specifically, the coil 523 forms the driving part 409 together with the fixed iron core 525 and the return spring 529. Therefore, the operation adjustment mechanism 401 is provided with the driving portion 409. The driving portion 409 drives the movable portion 407 between the adjustment position and the release position.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the additional protection chamber 405 is located behind the driving part 409 in the front-rear direction and partially accommodates the movable part 407. The plunger 527 extends from the driving part 409 into the additional protection chamber 405. Further, an opening 501 of the case 48 is provided in an upper portion of the additional protection chamber 405.

As shown in fig. 5 to 8, the lock plate 54 has a slide portion 541 and a driven portion 543. The sliding portion 541 extends in the first predetermined direction D1. The driven portion 543 is located at the front end of the sliding portion 541 in the front-rear direction. The driven portion 543 extends from the slide portion 541 in the second predetermined direction D2. The locking plate 54 is generally L-shaped when viewed in the lateral direction. An upper end of the driven portion 543 forms an adjusting portion 545. In other words, the adjustment section 545 is provided on the lock plate 54. The driven portion 543 is partially housed in the additional protection chamber 405 and protrudes outside the case 48 through the opening portion 501. In the present embodiment, the adjustment portion 545 is located outside the case 48. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The adjustment 545 may be located inside the additional protection chamber 405.

As shown in fig. 4 to 7, the lock plate 54 is provided with a lock flag 547. The locking flag 547 may be formed by means of a resin plate, a label, or a coating. When the driving part 409 is located at the adjustment position, the lock flag 547 is set at a position visible through the flag window 241. In the present embodiment, the lock flag 547 is provided on the upper surface of the sliding portion 541. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The position of the lock flag 547 may be changed according to the shape of the lock plate 54 and the position of the flag window 241. Further, a release flag may be provided in place of the lock flag 547 so that the release flag is visible through the flag window 241 when the driving part 409 is located at the release position.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the lock plate 54 is disposed above the base plate 44 and behind the solenoid 52. The driven portion 543 of the lock plate 54 faces the rear end of the plunger 527 of the solenoid 52 in the first predetermined direction D1. Between the lock plate 54 and the base plate 44, pivot shafts 661 and 663 are provided. The locking plate 54 is movable in a first predetermined direction D1 on pivot shafts 661 and 663. In the present embodiment, the lock plate 54 is movable together with the plunger 527 in the predetermined direction D1. In other words, the lock plate 54 forms the movable portion 407 of the operation adjustment mechanism 401 together with the plunger 527. Therefore, the operation adjustment mechanism 401 is provided with the movable portion 407, and the movable portion 407 has the adjustment portion 545.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the button member 56 has a button portion 561, a cover portion 563, and an adjusted portion 565. The upper surface of the button portion 561 serves as an operation portion 567. In other words, the button member 56 has the operating portion 567. In the present embodiment, the operating portion 567 has two flat surfaces and a curved surface between the two flat surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the operating portion 567 may be changed as desired.

As is apparent from fig. 7 and 8, the cap 563 has an upper part 571 and a protection part 573. In the present embodiment, the upper portion 571 is formed in a stepped shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper part 571 may be formed in the shape of a single plane. The operation portion 567 is provided on the upper portion 571 of the cap portion 563. In other words, the cover 563 is located below the operation portion 567 in the vertical direction.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the protecting portion 573 of the lid portion 563 extends downward from the upper portion 571 in the up-down direction. The protecting portion 573 is formed with a shaft hole 575 passing through the protecting portion 573 in a lateral direction. Upper portion 571 and guard portion 573 form guard chamber 577. The upper part 571 has a lower surface 579 that partially defines a protection chamber 577. The lower surface 579 of the upper part 571 is the lower surface 579 of the cap 563. The lower surface 579 is formed with a hollow 581 corresponding to the pivot shaft 665. In addition, the lower surface 579 is provided with an adjusted portion 565. The adjusted portion 565 extends downward from a lower surface 579 of the cover portion 563.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the button member 56 further has an upper extension 583, a lower extension 585 and a guide 587. The guide portion 587 is formed on the cover portion 563. The guide portion 587 is located near the middle of the button member 56 in the front-rear direction. The upper extension 583 protrudes forward from the guide portion 587 of the cap 563. The lower extension 585 extends forward from the upper portion 571 of the cap portion 563. However, there is no clear boundary between the lower extension 585 and the upper portion 571 of the cap portion 563. The upper extension 583 and the lower extension 585 are separated from each other in an up-down direction and are opposite to each other. In the present embodiment, the upper extension 583 and the lower extension 585 are coupled to each other by a support wall 589.

As can be seen from fig. 5 and 6, the button member 56 is attached to a bearing portion 503 provided in the operation adjustment mechanism 401 by means of a pivot shaft 665. The pivot shaft 665 is pivotably (pivotably) supported by the bearing portion 503, and the button member 56 can rock up and down about the pivot shaft 665. As shown in fig. 1 and 4, when in an unloaded state, the button part 561 partially protrudes from the button hole part 223 to the outside of the main body 20. Further, the operation portion 567 is located outside the main body 20.

As is apparent from fig. 5, 6, and 11 to 13, the lid 563 covers the opening 501 of the case 48 from above in the vertical direction. Specifically, the opening portion 501 of the case 48 is located in the protection chamber 577 formed by the cover portion 563. Further, protection chamber 577 accommodates bearing portion 503. Guard chamber 577 at least partially houses each of baffle portion 505 and rear wall 495. With this structure, the cover portion 563 covers the adjusting portion 545 and the adjusted portion 565 when viewed from above in the up-down direction. Further, the baffle portion 505 is located in a region formed by the lower edge 591 of the protecting portion 573 when viewed from above in the up-down direction. Further, the baffle portion 505 overlaps with the guard portion 573 when viewed in the lateral direction. In this structure, water entering the main body 20 from the button hole portion 223 does not enter the housing 403 through the opening portion 501 if it follows gravity. The water does not even reach the regulating portion 545 and the regulated portion 565 located inside or near the opening portion 501. Therefore, the movable portion 407 does not stop operating due to the water entering the main body 20 through the button hole portion 223.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the lock lever 60 has a lock lug 601, an arm portion 603, and an operated portion 605. The locking lug 601 is disposed near the front end of the arm portion 603. The rear surface 607 of the locking lug 601 serves as a locking portion 607. In other words, the charging connector 10 is provided with the locking lever 60 and the locking portion 607, and the locking portion 607 is provided to the locking lever 60. The locking portion 607 locks the mating state of the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown). In other words, when the charging connector 10 is mated with the inlet, the locking portion 607 is engaged with the locked portion (not shown). The operated portion 605 is provided to the rear end of the arm portion 603. A rear end 609 of the operated portion 605 overlaps the rear end 609 of the lock lever 60. The rear end portion 609 is separated from the locking portion 607 in the front-rear direction. The arm portion 603 is provided with a shaft hole 611 at the middle.

As can be seen from fig. 5 to 8, the locking lever 60 is attached to the housing 48 by means of a pivot 667. The lock lever 60 can rock back and forth up and down about a pivot 667. With this structure, the locking lug 601 is movable relative to the main body 20 at least in the up-down direction. As shown in fig. 1 and 4, when the lock lever 60 is in the initial position, the lock lug 601 protrudes at least partially outside the fitting portion 12 through the lock hole portion 221. The initial position of the locking lever 60 is a locking position that locks the mating state of the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown). Here, the lock hole portion 221 is separated from the lock mechanism assembly 40 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the water entering the main body 20 through the locking hole portion 221 does not substantially affect the movement of the movable portion 407.

As can be seen in fig. 4, locking spring 227 is used to place locking lever 60 in an initial position. The locking lever 60 is supported by a locking spring 227 and is located at an initial position when in an unloaded state. When the charging connector 10 is mated with the inlet (not shown), the primary locking lug 601 is pushed down in the up-down direction. At this time, the lock spring 227 is elastically deformed. Then, when the fitting of the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown) is completed, the lock spring 227 returns the lock lever 60 to the initial position by its reaction force.

As can be seen from fig. 5 and 6, the rear end portion 609 of the operated portion 605 of the locking lever 60 is located between the upper extension 583 of the button member 56 and the lower extension 585 of the button member 56. In the up-down direction, the thickness dimension of the operated portion 605 is smaller than the dimension of the space between the upper extension 583 and the lower extension 585. With this structure, the operated portion 605 is always separated from at least one of the upper extension 583 and the lower extension 585. In the present embodiment, when the lock lever 60 is located at the initial position, the operated portion 605 is located closer to the upper extension 583 than the lower extension 585. At this time, the operated portion 605 may contact the upper extension portion 583.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the locking mechanism assembly 40 is received by the body 20 so as to be immovable. Specifically, the pivot shafts 661 and 663 are accommodated by the shaft supporting part 225 of the main body 20 so as to be immovable. Thus, the shell 48 cannot move relative to the body 20. On the other hand, each of the lock lever 60 and the button member 56 is attached to the case 48 so as to be able to rock back and forth up and down. Thus, the locking lug 601 of the locking lever 60 is movable relative to the body 20. In addition, the operating portion 567 of the button member 56 is movable relative to the main body 20. Specifically, the operating portion 567 is movable at least in the up-down direction with respect to the main body 20.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, a spring 621 is provided between a lower surface 579 of the button member 56 and a rear wall 495 of the case 48. The spring 621 supports the button portion 561 of the button member 56 from below. The button portion 561 of the button member 56 is operable to be depressed in the up-down direction. In other words, the operation portion 567 is operable to be pressed in the up-down direction. When the operating portion 567 of the button member 56 is pressed down in the up-down direction, the spring 621 serves to push back the button portion 561 upward. When in the unloaded state, the button member 56 is in the initial position due to the action of the spring 621.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, a spring 623 is provided between the driven portion 543 of the lock plate 54 and the rear wall 495 of the case 48. The spring 623 applies a force directed toward the solenoid 52 to the driven portion 543 of the lock plate 54. The force of the spring 623 is weaker than the force of the return spring 529.

As can be seen from fig. 6, when the solenoid 52 is in the return state, the return spring 529 of the solenoid 52 moves the plunger 527 obliquely rearward and downward in the predetermined direction D1. At this time, the rear end of the plunger 527 pushes the driven portion 543 of the lock plate 54 rearward and obliquely downward in the predetermined direction D1. The lock plate 54 moves obliquely rearward and downward in the predetermined direction D1 against the force of the spring 623. Therefore, the plunger 527 and the lock plate 54 move together so that the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position.

As shown in fig. 5, when the solenoid 52 is in the pulled state, the coil 523 and the fixed core 525 move the plunger 527 in the forward inclined direction in the predetermined direction D1. This movement of the plunger 527 is performed against the force of the return spring 529. Therefore, the lock plate 54 does not receive the rearward-inclined downward thrust in the predetermined direction D1. Further, at this time, the plunger 527 functions as an electromagnet and attracts the driven portion 543 of the lock plate 54. Therefore, the lock plate 54 is moved obliquely upward in the forward direction in the predetermined direction D1 by the action of the spring 623. In this way, the plunger 527 and the locking plate 54 cooperate with each other such that the movable portion 407 is in the release position.

As shown in fig. 5, when the movable portion 407 is located at the release position, the adjusting portion 545 and the adjusted portion 565 do not face each other. In this state, the operating portion 567 of the button member 56 is allowed to move downward in the up-down direction. This means that when locking lug 601 is moved downwardly in an up-down direction, rear end 609 of locking lever 60 can push up on upper extension 583 of button member 56. Thus, the charging connector 10 can be mated with an inlet (not shown).

As shown in fig. 6, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, the adjusting portion 545 and the adjusted portion 565 are opposed to each other in the protection chamber 577. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The adjusting part 545 and the adjusted part 565 may be opposite to each other outside the protection chamber 577. In this case, "outside of protection chamber 577" is an area lower than protection chamber 577 in the up-down direction and inside housing 403. In any case, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, the adjusting portion 545 and the adjusted portion 565 oppose each other through the opening portion 501.

As can be seen from fig. 6, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, if the operation portion 567 is pressed in the up-down direction, the adjusted portion 565 is brought into abutment with the adjustment portion 545. Therefore, the operating portion 567 cannot move downward in the up-down direction. In other words, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, the adjusting portion 545 adjusts the downward movement of the adjusted portion 565 to adjust the downward movement of the operating portion 567.

As can be seen from fig. 6, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, if an unexpected downward force acts on the locking lug 601 in the up-down direction, the operated portion 605 attempts to move in the up-down direction. Then, the rear end 609 of the operated portion 605 is brought into abutment with the upper extension 583. When the upper extension portion 583 receives an upward force, the button portion 561 attempts to move downward in the up-down direction. This movement of the button part 561 is regulated by the functions of the regulated part 565 and the regulating part 545. Therefore, in the event that an unexpected force acts on the locking lug 601, when the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown) are fitted to each other and in the locked state, the locked state is maintained.

As can be seen from fig. 4, when the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown) are fitted to each other, the locking lug 601 is regulated by the inlet to move upward in the up-down direction. Further, as described above, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, the adjustment lock lug 601 is moved downward in the up-down direction. Therefore, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, the locking lever 60 is located at the initial position.

As shown in fig. 6, when the locking lever 60 is located at the initial position, the lower extension 585 of the button member 56 is located at a position separated from the rear end portion 609 of the operated portion 605 of the locking lever 60. Therefore, even if the operating portion 567 is pressed in the up-down direction to move the button member 56, the lower extension 585 never pushes the rear end portion 609 of the operated portion 605. In other words, since the rear end 609 of the locking lever 60 is spaced apart from the lower extension 585 of the button member 56, the button member 56 cannot move the locking lever 60 accidentally even if the button member 56 is moved slightly in the case of the locked fitting state. Therefore, the lock lug 601 never moves downward in the up-down direction. Therefore, when the charging connector 10 and the inlet are fitted to each other and in the locked state, the locked state is maintained.

As shown in fig. 5, when the movable portion 407 is located at the release position, the adjusting portion 545 and the adjusted portion 565 do not face each other. Therefore, the adjusting portion 545 allows the adjusted portion 565 to move downward to allow the operating portion 567 to move downward. In other words, the operating portion 567 can move downward in the up-down direction. Then, when the operating portion 567 is pressed, the lower extension 585 of the button member 56 pushes the rear end portion 609 of the operated portion 605 of the lock lever 60 upward in the up-down direction, so that the lock lug 601 moves downward in the up-down direction. Therefore, the locking lug 601 does not protrude from the fitting portion 12, thereby releasing the locked state to the unlocked state.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the housing 403 of the operation adjustment mechanism 401 covers the lock flag 547. In order to make the locking flag 547 visible through the housing 403, the shell 48 forming the housing 403 is made of a transparent material. As shown in fig. 4, when the movable portion 407 is located at the release position, the lock flag 547 is separated from the flag window 241 in the first predetermined direction D1. Thus, the lock flag 547 is not visible through the flag window 241. On the other hand, when the movable portion 407 is located at the adjustment position, the lock flag 547 overlaps the flag window 241 in the predetermined direction D1. Thus, the locking logo 547 is visible through the logo window 241 and the housing 403.

As can be seen from fig. 4, water entering from the logo window 241 is blocked by the housing 48 and never reaches the locking plate 54. The logo window 241 is located below the opening 501 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the water entering from the marker window 241 does not enter the housing 403 from the opening portion 501 nor reaches the adjusting portion 545 and the adjusted portion 565. Therefore, the water entering the charging connector 10 from the logo window 241 never hinders the movement of the movable portion 407.

Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, but various modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the concept of the present invention. For example, although the locking lug 601 protrudes upward in the up-down direction in the above-described embodiment, it may also protrude downward. In this case, the button member 56 will be appropriately modified. Further, although the charging connector 10 does not have the drain hole in the above-described embodiment, the charging connector 10 may have the drain hole.

While there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.