阅读说明：本技术 用于充电口组件的端子的可替换插针 (Replaceable pin for terminal of charging port assembly ) 是由 Z.W.莱昂 于 2020-01-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于充电口组件(100)的端子(114),包括头部(202)、配合轴(204),以及可移除地联接到头部的可替换插针(200)。头部固定到充电口组件的外壳(110)的端子通道(132、134)中,其具有配置为端接到电源线缆(142)的端接端部(223)。配合轴具有螺纹。可替换插针具有外表面(214),其限定可分开的配合界面,用于与充电连接器的充电导体的配合接合。可替换插针在后部(212)具有包括传动齿(218)的传动基座(216),传动齿(218)配置为由插口工具(180)接合以相对于头部旋转可替换插针,用于安装或移除可替换插针。配合轴螺纹联接到头部或可替换插针中的至少一者,联接在头部或可替换插针的相应的螺纹孔(260)中。(A terminal (114) for a charging port assembly (100) includes a head (202), a mating shaft (204), and a replaceable pin (200) removably coupled to the head. The header is secured into a terminal passage (132, 134) of a housing (110) of the charging port assembly, which has a terminating end (223) configured to be terminated to a power cable (142). The mating shaft is threaded. The replaceable pins have outer surfaces (214) defining separable mating interfaces for mating engagement with charging conductors of the charging connector. The replaceable pin has a drive base (216) at a rear portion (212) including drive teeth (218), the drive teeth (218) configured to be engaged by a socket tool (180) to rotate the replaceable pin relative to the head for installation or removal of the replaceable pin. The mating shaft is threadably coupled to at least one of the head or the replaceable pin, in a respective threaded bore (260) of the head or the replaceable pin.)

1. A terminal (112) for a charging port assembly (100), comprising:

a head (202), the head (202) being located rearward of the terminal, the head having a latching surface (226), the latching surface (226) being configured to be engaged by a latching feature of a charging port assembly to secure the terminal in a terminal channel (134) of a housing (110) of the charging port assembly, the head having a terminating end (223) configured to be terminated to a power cable (142);

a mating shaft (204), the mating shaft (204) having threads (254); and

a replaceable pin (200), the replaceable pin (200) located at a front portion of the terminal, the replaceable pin removably coupled to the head, the replaceable pin having a front portion (210) and a rear portion (212), the replaceable pin having an outer surface (214), the outer surface (214) defining a separable mating interface for mating engagement with a charging conductor of a charging connector, the replaceable pin having a drive base (216) at the rear portion including a drive tooth (218), the drive tooth (218) configured to be engaged by a socket tool (180) to rotate the replaceable pin relative to the head for installation or removal of the replaceable pin;

wherein the mating shaft is threadably coupled to at least one of the head or the replaceable pin in a respective threaded bore (260) of the head or the replaceable pin.

2. The terminal (114) of claim 1, wherein the replaceable pin (200) is rotatable relative to the head portion (202) to install and remove the replaceable pin.

3. The terminal (114) of claim 1, wherein the replaceable pin (200) has a pin diameter along the outer surface (214) and the drive seat (216) has a seat diameter greater than the pin diameter.

4. The terminal (114) of claim 1, further comprising a spring (206) disposed between the rear portion (212) and the head portion (202) of the replaceable pin (200), the replaceable pin being biased forward by the spring.

5. The terminal (114) of claim 4, wherein the spring (206) is a wave spring surrounding the mating axis (204).

6. The terminal (114) of claim 1, further comprising a seal (108) between the replaceable pin (200) and at least one of the mating shaft (204) and the head.

7. The terminal (114) of claim 6, wherein the seal (208) is an O-ring.

8. The terminal (114) of claim 1, wherein the mating shaft (204) is integral with the head (202) and extends forward of the head, the mating shaft being received in a bore (260) of the replaceable pin (200) and threadably coupled to internal threads (264) in the bore of the replaceable pin.

9. The terminal (114) of claim 1, wherein the mating shaft (204) is integral with the replaceable pin (200) and extends rearward of the rear portion (212) of the replaceable pin, the mating shaft being received in a bore (260) of the head (202) and threadably coupled to internal threads (264) in the bore of the head.

10. The terminal (114) of claim 1, wherein the mating shaft (204) is separate and discrete from the head (202) and separate and discrete from the replaceable pin (200), the head having a bore (270) at a front (220) of the head, the bore (270) at the front (220) of the head having internal threads (274) that are threadably coupled to the mating shaft, the replaceable pin having a bore (260) at a rear (212) of the replaceable pin, the bore (260) at the rear (212) of the replaceable pin having internal threads (264) that are threadably coupled to the mating shaft.

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to charging port assemblies.

Background

To charge a battery of an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), the vehicle is provided with a charging port assembly. The charging connector is configured to mate with the charging port assembly. The terminal is held in a receptacle connector of a housing of the charging port assembly. The terminals extend through passages in the housing into cavities at the rear of the housing for connection to respective power cables. The terminals may be subject to long-term durability due to harsh operating and charging environments. For example, the terminals are disposed on the exterior of the vehicle and are therefore exposed to the environment, such as debris, moisture, and other contaminants. In addition, contaminants may be introduced when the charging connector is plugged onto the charging port assembly. The high currents experienced by the terminals during charging can result in severe wear of the terminals throughout their useful life, increasing contact resistance, power loss, and excessive heating. Corrosion or other damage to the terminals typically requires replacement of the entire cable harness, which is expensive. The charging port assembly needs to be removed from the vehicle to access the cable harness for replacement, which is time consuming and requires a specialized service technician.

A problem to be solved is to provide a charging port assembly that can be manufactured in a cost effective and reliable manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The problem is solved by a terminal for a charging port assembly that includes a head at a rear portion of the terminal. The head has a latching surface configured to be engaged by a latching feature of the charging port assembly to secure the terminal in the terminal passage of the housing of the charging port assembly. The header has a terminating end configured to be terminated to a power cable. The terminal includes a mating shaft having a thread. The terminal includes a replaceable pin at the front of the terminal. The replaceable pin is removably coupled to the head. The replaceable pin has a front and a rear. The replaceable pins have outer surfaces defining a separable mating interface for mating engagement with the charging conductors of the charging connector. The replaceable pin has a drive base at a rear portion including a drive tooth configured to be engaged by a socket tool to rotate the replaceable pin relative to the head for installation or removal of the replaceable pin. The mating shaft is threadably coupled to at least one of the head or the replaceable pin, in a respective threaded bore of the head or the replaceable pin.

Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a charging port assembly including a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a charging port assembly according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a charging port assembly showing a socket tool for removing and installing terminals according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a terminal according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the terminal in a partially assembled state.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a terminal according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a terminal according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a socket tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of a portion of a socket tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 12 shows a socket tool mated with a terminal portion according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of a portion of a charging port assembly showing a portion of a socket tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a charging port assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The charging port assembly 100 is used for a charging port of a vehicle, such as an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The charging port assembly 100 includes a receptacle connector 102 configured for mating receipt with a charging connector (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 102 is configured to mate with a dc quick charge connector, such as an SAE combination CCS charge connector, in addition to an ac charge connector, such as an SAE J1772 charge connector.

The charging port assembly 100 includes a housing 110, the housing 110 holding terminals 112 and 114. The housing 110 defines the receptacle connector 102. The terminals 112, 114 form a portion of the receptacle connector 102 and are configured to mate with a charging connector. In an exemplary embodiment, terminal 112 is an alternating current terminal and terminal 114 is a direct current terminal. The terminals 112 are disposed in a first connector port 116 of the receptacle connector 102 and the terminals 114 are disposed in a second connector port 118 of the receptacle connector 102.

The charging port assembly 100 includes a mounting flange 120 coupled to the housing 110. The mounting flange 120 is used to couple the charging port assembly 100 to a vehicle. The mounting flange 120 includes a mounting tab 122, the mounting tab 122 having an opening 124 that receives a fastener (not shown) for securing the charging port assembly 100 to a vehicle. Other kinds of mounting features may be used to secure the charging port assembly 100 to the vehicle. The mounting flange 120 may include a seal to seal the charging port assembly 100 to the vehicle.

The charging port assembly 100 includes a cover 126 hingedly coupled to the mounting flange 120 and/or the housing 110. Cover 126 is used to cover second connector port 118. Fig. 1 shows the cover 126 in an open position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 includes a receptacle 130 at a front of the housing 110 that receives a charging connector. Housing 110 includes upper terminal channels 132 that receive upper terminals 112 and lower terminal channels 134 that receive lower terminals 114. Terminal channels 132 are provided in the upper connector port 116. Terminal channels 134 are provided in the lower connector port 118.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a charging port assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the terminal 114 coupled to the housing 110. The terminals 114 are received in the terminal passages 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 114 is a multi-piece terminal, and the front or mating end of the terminal 114 is removable and replaceable without removing or replacing the rear or main portion of the terminal 114. As such, as part of the terminals 114 that may be mated with the charging connector, the separable mating interface may be replaced to enable long-term serviceability of the terminals 114, such as when the mating interface becomes worn, damaged, expired, or the like. For example, over time, the plating or surfaces on the mating interface may become worn or damaged, for example, due to many mating cycles, due to debris, moisture, or interaction with other contaminants. The mating ends of the terminals 114 are removable and replaceable without requiring the housing 110 to be removed from the vehicle. The mating ends of the terminals 114 may be removed from the front 150 of the housing 110 and replaced without contacting other portions of the charging port assembly 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, terminals 114 extend rearwardly from terminal channels 134 into cavities 140 at rear 152 of housing 110. The terminals 114 may be terminated to a power cable 142 in the cavity 140. For example, power cable 142 may be soldered to terminal 114. The power cable 142 may be ultrasonically welded to the terminal 114 (e.g., to a solder pad at the rear end of the terminal 114), creating a low impedance interface between the terminal 114 and the power cable 142. In other various embodiments, the terminal 114 may be crimped to the power cable 142 or terminated to the power cable 142 by other termination processes.

In an exemplary embodiment, secondary locking assembly 144 is used as a safety feature as a terminal position assurance device and locking device for terminal 114. The secondary locking assembly 144 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, secondary locking assembly 144 engages terminal 114 and blocks terminal 114 from exiting terminal passageway 134. However, if terminal 114 is not fully loaded into terminal channel 134 (e.g., only partially loaded into terminal channel 134), secondary locking assembly 144 cannot move to the locked position because terminal 114 would block secondary locking assembly 144 from sliding to the locked position. Thus, if the secondary locking assembly 144 is blocked from moving to the locked position, the secondary locking assembly 144 provides a visual indication to the assembler that the terminal 114 is not fully loaded. In various embodiments, the secondary locking assembly 144 may retain the terminal 114 and rotate in the terminal channel 134 against the fixed rear end of the terminal 114, e.g., to allow installation and removal of the threaded removable/replaceable front end of the terminal 114.

The terminal channels 134 extend between the front end 154 and the rear end 156. A middle wall 158 separates the front end 154 and the rear end 156 of the terminal passageway 134. The terminal channels 134 include an aperture 160 at the front end 154 of the terminal channels 134 forward of the middle wall 158 that is configured to receive a portion of a charging connector. The aperture 160 is oversized relative to the terminal 114 such that a space is defined around the terminal 114 that receives a charging conductor of the charging connector.

The housing 110 includes primary latches 162 that extend into the terminal channels 134 to engage and retain the terminals 114 in the terminal channels 134. The primary latch 162 may be a deflectable latch. The primary latch 162 may be integral with the housing 110, such as co-molded with the housing 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary latch 162 is located at the middle wall 158. Primary latch 162 axially secures terminal 114 in terminal channel 134. The primary latch 162 resists the rearward pull of the terminal 114 from the terminal channel 134. Optionally, the terminal 114 is rotatable in the terminal channel 134. In various embodiments, the primary latch 162 may retain the terminal 114 and rotate in the terminal channel 134 against the fixed rear end of the terminal 114, e.g., to allow installation and removal of the threaded removable/replaceable front end of the terminal 114.

Housing 110 includes a locating shoulder 164 that extends into terminal passageway 134 to interface and locate terminal 114 within terminal passageway 134. The terminals 114 bottom out against the locating shoulders 164. For example, the locating shoulder 164 may prevent the terminal 114 from advancing further into the terminal channel 134. The positioning shoulder 164 may be a step, rib, tab, or other raised feature. The locating shoulder 164 may extend circumferentially around the terminal passage 134 or partially circumferentially around the terminal passage 134. In various embodiments, the locating shoulder 164 may retain the terminal 114 and resist rotation of the fixed rear end of the terminal 114 in the terminal passageway 134, e.g., to allow installation and removal of the threaded removable/replaceable front end of the terminal 114. For example, the positioning shoulders 164 may include planar surfaces configured to engage corresponding planar surfaces of the terminals 114.

The terminal channels 134 include an inner surface 166 along the rear end 156. The inner surface 166 engages the outer surface of the terminal 114, such as by an interference fit, to securely retain the terminal 114 in the terminal passageway 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 114 may be sealed to the inner surface 166. In various embodiments, the inner surface 166 may retain the terminal 114 and rotate in the terminal passageway 134 against the fixed rear end of the terminal 114, e.g., to allow installation and removal of a threaded removable/replaceable front end of the terminal 114. For example, the inner surface 166 may include a planar surface configured to engage a corresponding planar surface of the terminal 114.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the charging port assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the terminal 114 as a separate component disposed relative to the housing 110 of the charging port assembly 100. Fig. 3 shows a socket tool 180 configured for installing and removing an alternative portion of the terminal 114. Socket tool 180 includes a socket wrench 182 and a socket tool body 184 coupled to socket wrench 182. Socket wrench 182 is used to rotate socket tool body 184 to tighten or loosen the replaceable portion of terminal 114.

The terminal 114 includes a replaceable pin 200, a head 202, and a mating shaft 204 threadably coupled to at least one of the head 202 or the replaceable pin 200. The head 202 is configured to be secured to the housing 110 in the terminal passage 134. The replaceable pin 200 is configured to be received in the terminal channel 134 and may be mated to the charging connector in the terminal channel 134. The replaceable pin 200 is configured to be removably coupled to the head 202 and may be removed from the front 150 of the housing 110 by using the socket tool 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 114 includes a spring 206 disposed between the replaceable pin 200 and the head 202. The spring 206 is used to spring bias the replaceable pin 200 in a forward direction, for example, to mechanically and/or electrically and/or thermally couple the replaceable pin 200 and/or the mating shaft 204 and/or the head 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 114 includes a seal 208 disposed between the replaceable pin 200 and the head 202 and/or the mating shaft 204. The seal 208 may be an O-ring, gasket, or the like. In alternative embodiments, the seal 208 may be grease or another type of sealant.

Fig. 4 is a side view of terminal 114 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of terminal 114 according to an exemplary embodiment. The terminal 114 includes a replaceable pin 200 and a head 202 electrically coupled to the replaceable pin 200. The replaceable pins 200 are configured to mate with a charging connector. The header 202 is configured to be terminated to the power cable 142 (shown in fig. 3). The replaceable pin 200 is separate and discrete from the header 202.

The replaceable pin 200 is electrically conductive. For example, the replaceable pin 200 may be made of a metal material, such as a copper material. In various embodiments, the replaceable pin 200 is plated, such as silver plated. The replaceable pin 200 extends between a front 210 and a back 212. The replaceable prong 200 includes an outer surface 214 at the front 210 configured to mate to a charging connector. The outer surface 214 may be defined by a plating. In an exemplary embodiment, the replaceable pin 200 is cylindrical.

The replaceable pin 200 includes a drive base 216 at the rear 212. The drive base 216 includes drive teeth 218, the drive teeth 218 configured to be engaged by the socket tool 180 (shown in fig. 3) to rotate the replaceable pin 200 relative to the head 202 for installation or removal of the replaceable pin 200. The drive teeth 218 extend circumferentially around the perimeter of the drive base 216. The drive teeth 218 extend radially outward. Optionally, the drive base 216 and the drive teeth 218 define a drive gear configured to be rotated by the socket tool 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the drive base 216 and the drive teeth 218 is greater than the diameter of the outer surface 214 of the replaceable pin 200. Optionally, the spring 206 engages the drive base 216. Optionally, the seal 208 may engage the forward flange 238.

The head 202 is located behind the replaceable pin 200. The head 202 extends between a front 220 and a rear 222. In the exemplary embodiment, head portion 202 has a terminating end 223 at rear portion 222. The terminating end 223 is configured to be terminated to the power cable 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 114 includes a solder cap 224 at a terminating end 223 that is coupled to the rear portion 222 of the head 202. Optionally, the weld cap 224 may be separate and discrete from the head 202 and define an interface for terminating to the power cable 142. For example, the power cable 142 may be soldered to the welding cap 224. Alternatively, the weld cap 224 may be integral with the head 202, such as formed or machined at the rear portion 222. In various embodiments, the solder caps 224 may retain the terminals 114 and resist rotation of the heads 202, for example, in the terminal channels 134 to allow installation and removal of the replaceable pins 200. For example, when the replaceable pin 200 is threadably coupled to the head 202, the solder cap 224 aligns or secures the head 202 to prevent the head 202 from rotating.

In the exemplary embodiment, head 202 includes a latch slot 226 formed circumferentially around head 202, e.g., proximate front portion 220 of head 202. In the exemplary embodiment, head 202 includes a locating shoulder 228 formed circumferentially about head 202. The locating shoulder 228 is used to locate the replaceable pin 200 in the terminal channel 134. In various embodiments, the positioning shoulder 228 may include features, such as one or more planar surfaces, points, posts, or other features, that engage the housing 110 to prevent rotation of the head 202 when the replaceable pin 200 is threadably coupled to the head 202.

The head 202 includes a rear flange 230 at the rear 222. The rear flange 230 includes a slot 232 (shown in fig. 2) that receives the secondary locking assembly 144. The head 202 includes a rear mounting post 236 (shown in phantom) extending rearwardly from the rear flange 230. The weld cap 224 may be press fit onto the rear mounting post 236. The rear mounting post 236 may be cylindrical, for example, to allow the weld cap 224 to be rotatably positioned on the head 202. The head 202 includes a front flange 238 at the front 220. The replaceable pin 200 extends forward of the front flange 238. Optionally, the spring 206 engages the front flange 238. Optionally, the seal 208 may engage the forward flange 238.

In an exemplary embodiment, the replaceable pin 200 includes a cap 240 at an end 242 of the replaceable pin 200. The cap 240 is fabricated from a dielectric material, such as a plastic material. Cap 240 makes terminal 114 touch safe at the front of housing 110.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of terminal 114 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a mating shaft 204 extending from the head 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating shaft 204 is integral with the head 202. For example, the mating shaft 204 and the head 202 are a single, unitary structure. The mating shaft 204 is separate and distinct from the replaceable pin 200.

The mating shaft 204 extends forward of the front flange 238. The mating shaft 204 extends to a front end 250. The mating shaft 204 has external threads 254 along the mating shaft 204. In the exemplary embodiment, threads 254 extend over a substantial portion of the length of mating shaft 204. Alternatively, the threads 254 may extend substantially the entire length of the mating shaft 204.

In the exemplary embodiment, spring 206 extends over mating shaft 204 and seats against forward flange 238. The spring 206 may be a wave spring. The spring 206 may be a belleville spring. The spring 206 includes an opening 256 that receives the mating shaft 204. The spring 206 is compressed between the head 202 and the replaceable pin 200. The spring 206 biases the replaceable pin 200 forward, e.g., against the threads 254 of the mating shaft 204. In the exemplary embodiment, a seal 208 extends over mating shaft 204. The seal 208 may seal against the forward flange 238 and/or the drive base 216 and/or the mating shaft 204.

In an exemplary embodiment, the replaceable pin 200 includes an aperture 260 at the rear portion 212. The bore 260 has an opening 262 at the rear 212 that receives the mating shaft 204. The bore 260 includes internal threads 264 that interface with the external threads 254 of the mating shaft 204. The replaceable pin 200 is threadably coupled to the mating shaft 204. The replaceable pin 200 is rotated to mount the replaceable pin 200 onto the mating shaft 204 or the replaceable pin 200 is removed from the mating shaft 204, for example using the socket tool 180 (shown in fig. 3). The spring 206 biases the replaceable pin 200 forward to press the threads 264 of the replaceable pin 200 against the threads 254 of the mating shaft 204 to maintain the mechanical, electrical, and thermal coupling between the replaceable pin 200 and the mating shaft 204. The spring 206 maintains a positive force between the threads 254, 264 during thermal expansion and contraction of the replaceable pin 200 and the mating shaft 204.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the terminal 114 in a partially assembled state. Fig. 7 shows an alternative pin 200 partially threaded onto the threads 254 of the mating shaft 204. The seal 208 and spring 206 are disposed between the front edge 238 of the head 202 and the drive seat 216 of the replaceable pin 200.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of terminal 114 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 8 shows the mating shaft 204 extending from the interchangeable pin 200 rather than from the head 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating shaft 204 is integral with the replaceable pin 200. For example, the mating shaft 204 and the replaceable pin 200 are a single unitary structure. The mating shaft 204 is separate and discrete from the head 202.

The mating shaft 204 extends rearward of the drive base 216. The mating shaft 204 extends to a rear end 251. The mating shaft 204 has external threads 254 along the mating shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of springs 206 extend between the front flange 238 of the head 202 and the drive seat 216 of the replaceable pin 200 in a stacked arrangement on the mating shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the springs 206 are arranged in a front-to-back juxtaposition and nested within one another. The provision of a plurality of springs 206 increases the spring force acting between the replaceable pin 200 and the head 202.

In the exemplary embodiment, head 202 includes an aperture 270 at front 220. The bore 270 has an opening 272 at the front 220 that receives the mating shaft 204. The bore 270 includes internal threads 274 that interface with the external threads 254 of the mating shaft 204. The head 202 is threadably coupled to the mating shaft 204. The replaceable pin 200 and the mating shaft 204 are rotated to mount the replaceable pin 200 to the head 202 or to remove the replaceable pin 200 from the head 202, for example using the socket tool 180 (shown in fig. 3). The spring 206 biases the replaceable pin 200 forward to press the threads 254 of the mating shaft 254 against the threads 274 of the head 202 to maintain the mechanical, electrical, and thermal coupling between the mating shaft 204 and the head 202. The spring 206 maintains a positive force between the threads 254, 274 during thermal expansion and contraction of the mating shaft 204 and the head 202.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of terminal 114 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 9 shows the mating shaft 204 extending between the replaceable pin 200 and the head 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating shaft 204 is separate and discrete from the replaceable pin 200 and separate and discrete from the head 202. For example, the mating shaft 204 is a threaded rod having threads along substantially the entire length of the mating shaft 204 (e.g., at both ends of the mating shaft 204). The top of the mating shaft 204 is received in the bore 270 of the head 202 and threadably coupled to the head 202, and the bottom of the mating shaft 204 is received in the bore 260 of the replaceable pin 200 and threadably coupled to the replaceable pin 200. The threads 254 of the mating shaft 204 threadably engage the threads 264 of the replaceable pin 200 and threadably engage the threads 274 of the head 202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of springs 206 extend between the front flange 238 of the head 202 and the drive seat 216 of the replaceable pin 200 in a stacked arrangement on the mating shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the springs 206 are arranged back-to-back such that the springs face in opposite directions, thus increasing the spring gap between the front flange 238 and the drive base 216 (fig. 8) as compared to a tandem arrangement.

Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a socket tool 180 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of a portion of a socket tool 180 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 10 and 11 show socket tool body 184 (shown in fig. 3) for tightening or loosening an alternative pin 200 of a terminal.

The socket tool body 184 extends between a front 186 and a rear 188. The socket tool body 184 includes a drive opening 189 (fig. 11), such as a square drive opening at the front 186. In various embodiments, the drive opening 189 may be an 1/4 "square drive opening. Drive opening 189 receives socket wrench 182 (shown in fig. 2).

The socket tool body 184 includes a bore 190 extending between the front 186 and rear 188. The holes 190 receive replaceable pins 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the bore 190 has an inner layer 192 of thermoplastic to protect the outer surface 214 of the replaceable pin 200 from damage or breakage during insertion, removal, rotation, or other manipulation. The thermoplastic inner layer 192 may be a polypropylene inner layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the bore 190 has a bore diameter that is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer surface 214, thereby tightly retaining the replaceable pin 200 in the bore 190, for example, to limit wobble or movement between the socket tool body 184 and the replaceable pin 200 during tightening or loosening.

Socket tool body 184 includes a pin opening 194 (fig. 10) at rear portion 188. The pin opening 194 receives the drive base 216 of the replaceable pin 200 and is used to drive and rotate the replaceable pin 200. The pin opening 194 includes a drive wall 196 separated by a receptacle 198. The receiving portion 198 receives the drive teeth 218 of the drive base 216 of the replaceable pin 200. The receiving portion 198 is sized and shaped to receive the gear teeth 218. The pocket 198 defines a point of the socket tool body 184. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket tool body 184 is a sixteen (16) point socket tool body having sixteen (16) receptacles 198 and sixteen (16) drive walls 196; however, in alternative embodiments, the socket tool body 184 may have more or fewer points. Alternatively, the end of the receiving portion 198 may be planar. However, in alternative embodiments, the ends of the receptacle 198 may be curved or angled. A transmission wall 196 extends between the receptacles 198. In various embodiments, the transmission wall 196 is curved, e.g., U-shaped. However, the drive wall 196 may be an angled wall, such as a V-shaped wall, or may have other shapes, such as a section that includes a flat surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket tool body 184 has a pin opening diameter in the pin opening 194 that is greater than the bore diameter. For example, the transmission wall 196 and the receptacle 198 are stepped outward as compared to the aperture 190.

Fig. 12 shows socket tool 180 partially mated with terminal 114, showing socket tool body 184 positioned relative to drive base 216 of replaceable pin 200. The socket tool body 184 is configured to couple to the drive base 216 to engage and rotate the replaceable pin 200 to install and remove the replaceable pin 200 relative to the head 202. The pin opening 194 of the socket tool body 184 receives the drive base 216 and engages the drive tooth 218 to rotate the replaceable pin 200.

Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of a portion of charging port assembly 100 showing a socket tool body 184 loaded into housing 110 onto a corresponding terminal 114 for removal of terminal 114. The socket tool body 184 is loaded into the terminal channel 134 to engage the replaceable pin 200 and remove the replaceable pin 200 without removing the entire terminal 114 from the housing 110 and without removing the housing 110 from the vehicle.