JP2022182821A - charging device - Google Patents

Abstract

To propose a charging device which is installed on the ground and performs charging of a vehicle from under the vehicle through a charging connector and can inhibit temperature rise of the charging connector.SOLUTION: A charging connector of a charging device according to the disclosure includes: a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting with a vehicle; and a second portion which is located on the ground side relative to the first portion and includes an electrode for electrically connecting with the electrode plug and transmitting electric power to the electrode plug. The second portion further includes: an insulation case which covers and holds the electrode; a metal plate which contacts with the insulation case at the ground side; and a heat conduction plate which contacts with the insulation case and the metal plate. The heat conduction plate has heat conductivity larger than that of the insulation case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from the underside of the vehicle via a charging connector.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been progress in development of a charging device for charging a vehicle provided with a charging connector connecting portion on the bottom surface thereof from below the vehicle via the charging connector. Such a charging device facilitates alignment when connecting the charging connector to the vehicle, compared to the currently mainstream device in which the connection portion is provided on the side of the vehicle. For this reason, it is expected as a technique for charging a vehicle without manpower.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a charging device that can be employed to charge the battery of an electric vehicle and that can be applied to perform charging from the underside of the vehicle. The charging device comprises a first component including a contact element and a second component including a coupling element. Here, the contact elements of the first component can be electrically connected with the coupling elements of the second component. The first component further includes a base and an arm positioned over the base. The arm is configured to move about or along multiple axes to guide the contact element to the coupling element.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0164758

In charging by a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges the vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector, the charging connector is positioned between the ground and the vehicle. In addition, since the connecting portion of the charging connector is the bottom surface of the vehicle, contact resistance may increase due to changes in the load of the vehicle, and Joule heat may increase.

Thus, the charging connector is placed in an environment where the temperature tends to rise. As a result, the charging connector may rise to an abnormal temperature at which the performance and reliability of the charging device cannot be ensured.

Conventionally, it has been considered to cool the charging device by additionally providing a cooling device. However, in the case of performing quick charging or charging in a bad environment, the size of the device is increased in order to provide a sufficient cooling function. Therefore, there is a demand for a further technique for suppressing the temperature rise of the charging connector.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging device capable of suppressing a temperature rise of a charging connector.

A charging device according to a first disclosure is a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector. A charging connector of this charging device includes a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting with a vehicle, and a ground side with respect to the first portion, electrically connecting with the electrode plug to supply power to the electrode plug. a second portion including electrodes for transmission. The second part further includes an insulating case covering and holding the electrodes, a metal plate in contact with the insulating case on the ground side, and a heat conducting plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate. Here, the thermally conductive plate has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating case.

The charging device according to the second disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the first disclosure.
The insulating case is made of resin, and the thermal conduction plate is made of metal.

The charging device according to the third disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the first or second disclosure.
The heat conduction plate is located in contact with the side surface of the insulating case.

The charging device according to the fourth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the first or second disclosure.
The heat conducting plate is press-fitted into the insulating case so as to be positioned near the electrodes. Also, the metal plate is arranged so as to block the press-fitting opening of the insulating case into which the heat-conducting plate is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat-conducting plate at the press-fitting opening.

The charging device according to the fifth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the fourth disclosure.
The heat conducting plate is a leaf spring that partially contacts the insulating case.

The charging device according to the sixth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the fifth disclosure.
The heat-conducting plate is a corrugated leaf spring.

The charging device according to the seventh disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the fifth disclosure.
The heat-conducting plate is an L-shaped leaf spring with a non-rectangular bending angle.

A charging device according to an eighth disclosure is a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector. A charging connector of this charging device includes a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting with a vehicle, and a ground side with respect to the first portion, electrically connecting with the electrode plug to supply power to the electrode plug. a second portion including electrodes for transmission. The first part further includes an insulating case covering and holding the electrode plug, a metal plate in contact with the insulating case on the vehicle side, and a heat conducting plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate. Here, the thermally conductive plate has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating case.

The charging device according to the ninth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the eighth disclosure.
The insulating case is made of resin, and the thermal conduction plate is made of metal.

The charging device according to the tenth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the eighth or ninth disclosure.
The heat conducting plate is press-fitted into the insulating case so as to be positioned near the electrode plug. Also, the metal plate is arranged so as to close the press-fitting opening of the insulating case into which the heat-conducting plate is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat-conducting plate at the press-fitting opening.

The charging device according to the eleventh disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the tenth disclosure.
The heat conducting plate is a leaf spring that partially contacts the insulating case.

The charging device according to the twelfth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the eleventh disclosure.
The heat-conducting plate is a corrugated leaf spring.

The charging device according to the thirteenth disclosure further includes the following features with respect to the charging device according to the eleventh disclosure.
The heat-conducting plate is an L-shaped leaf spring with a non-rectangular bending angle.

According to the charging device according to the present disclosure, the second part or the first part of the charging connector includes the heat-conducting plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate. Thereby, the heat of the electrode or the electrode plug can be transferred to the metal plate by the heat conduction plate through the insulating case. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the charging connector.

It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the charging device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the charging connector according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a case in which a corrugated leaf spring is used as a heat conduction plate in the charging connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a case in which the heat conducting plate is L-shaped with a non-right angle bending angle in the charging connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a fifth embodiment; 7 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of the charging connector during charging in a normal use environment between the charging device having the conventional charging connector and the charging device 100 according to the present embodiment. 7 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of the charging connector during charging in a bad environment between the charging device having the conventional charging connector and the charging device 100 according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, when referring to the number, quantity, amount, range, etc. of each element in the embodiments shown below, unless otherwise specified or the number is clearly specified in principle, the reference The idea according to the present disclosure is not limited to the number. In addition, the configurations and the like described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential to the concept of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or clearly specified in principle. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

1. Charging Device The charging device according to the present embodiment is a device that charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a charging device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a case where a charging device 100 charges a vehicle 200 . Here, (A) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which charging connector 110 is not connected to vehicle 200 , and (B) in FIG. 1 shows a state in which charging connector 110 is connected to vehicle 200 . .

The charging device 100 is installed on the ground 1 (ground). However, the charging device 100 may be configured to change its orientation and move on the ground 1 . For example, the charging device 100 includes a plurality of drive wheels, and changes direction and moves on the ground 1 by appropriately operating the drive wheels. In this case, the orientation change and movement on the ground 1 of the charging device 100 may be performed autonomously. In other words, the charging device 100 may include a control device, and the control device may change the direction of the charging device 100 and control movement on the ground 1 based on information acquired by sensors or communication.

Charging device 100 is connected to power supply device 2 via power cable 120 . A charging connector 110 is provided at one end of the power cable 120 .

The power cable 120 is a cable that transmits power supplied from the power supply device 2 . The power cable 120 may adopt an appropriate configuration according to the power expected. Charging connector 110 is a connector for electrically connecting charging device 100 and vehicle 200 . The details of the configuration of charging connector 110 will be described later.

The power supply device 2 is a device that supplies predetermined power. For example, it supplies DC power with a rated output of 50 kW and a maximum output voltage of 500 V, AC power with a rated output of 3.6 kW and a single-phase 200 V, and the like. The power supply device 2 typically has a configuration for controlling power to be supplied. For example, it includes a power conversion circuit, a control device, an HMI (Human Machine Interface), and the like. However, the power supply device 2 may be a power supply that outputs a constant voltage. For example, it may be a commercial power supply with an output voltage of 200V.

As shown in FIG. 1B , charging device 100 and vehicle 200 are electrically connected by connecting charging connector 110 to charging inlet 210 provided in vehicle 200 . Charging device 100 includes connection operation mechanism 130 for moving charging connector 110 and connecting charging inlet 210 .

FIG. 1B shows an arm mechanism as the connection operation mechanism 130 . In this case, the arm connected to charging connector 110 is operated to connect charging connector 110 to charging inlet 210 . The connection operation mechanism 130 may be another mechanism. For example, it may be a mechanism that employs a telescopic structure. Note that the operation of connection operation mechanism 130 is typically controlled by a control device provided in charging device 100 .

When the vehicle 200 is charged by the charging device 100, first, the charging device 100 and the charging inlet 210 face each other as shown in FIG. 1A. However, the positional relationship between charging device 100 and charging inlet 210 is such that charging connector 110 can be connected to charging inlet 210 within the operating range of connection operation mechanism 130 . This is typically achieved by the charging device 100 changing its orientation and moving on the ground 1 according to the position of the parked vehicle 200 . Alternatively, it is realized by moving the vehicle 200 to a predetermined position and parking it.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1B , connection operation mechanism 130 is operated to connect charging connector 110 to charging inlet 210 . Electric power supplied from power supply device 2 is transmitted by power cable 120 , and charging device 100 charges vehicle 200 via charging connector 110 .

A series of operations of the charging device 100 may be autonomously performed by a control device included in the charging device 100 .

Vehicle 200 includes a charging inlet 210 , a charging control device 230 and a battery 240 . Vehicle 200 is typically an electric vehicle or a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). As shown in FIG. 1 , charging inlet 210 and charging control device 230 , and charging control device 230 and battery 240 are connected by power cable 220 . In addition, in FIG. 1 , symbols (a, b) are attached to the reference numerals of the respective power cables 220 in order to distinguish the respective power cables 220 .

Power cable 220 is a cable that transmits power supplied from charging device 100 . The power cable 220 may adopt an appropriate configuration depending on the power expected.

The charging control device 230 is a device that converts the power supplied from the charging device 100 into charging power for the battery 240 and outputs the charging power. Charging control device 230 is typically an OBC (On-Board Charger).

Battery 240 is a rechargeable secondary battery that stores electric power for driving vehicle 200 . Battery 240 is typically a lithium-ion battery. However, other secondary batteries such as all-solid batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries may also be used.

Electric power supplied from charging device 100 via charging connector 110 is transmitted to charging control device 230 via power cable 220a. Next, charging control device 230 converts the power supplied from charging device 100 into charging power for battery 240 and outputs the charging power. The charging power output from charging control device 230 is transmitted to battery 240 via power cable 220b, and battery 240 is charged.

The power supply device 2 and the charging device 100 may be configured for normal charging (for example, supplying single-phase AC power), but configured for rapid charging (for example, supplying high-output DC power). It's okay to be. In addition, vehicle 200 may include charging inlet 210 and power cable 220 separately for normal charging and rapid charging. In this case, in power transmission for quick charging, the charging control device 230 may be configured not to perform power conversion.

2. Charging Connector As shown in FIG. 1 , in charging device 100 according to the present embodiment, charging connector 110 is positioned between the bottom surface of vehicle 200 and ground 1 . Therefore, charging connector 110 is susceptible to heat generated by vehicle 200 and heat reflected from ground 1 . Also, if the vehicle height of vehicle 200 changes during charging due to a change in the load of vehicle 200 or the like, the contact resistance between charging connector 110 and charging inlet 210 increases, and Joule heat may increase. For this reason, charging connector 110 may rise to an abnormal temperature at which the performance and reliability of the charging device cannot be ensured.

The charging device 100 according to the present embodiment is characterized by the structure of the charging connector 110 in order to suppress the temperature rise of the charging connector 110 . Several embodiments of the configuration of charging connector 110 will be described below.

2-1. First Embodiment FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment. 2A shows a perspective view of charging connector 110, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of charging connector 110. FIG.

The charging connector 110 includes a first portion 111 including an electrode plug 111a and a second portion 112 on the ground side of the first portion 111 and including an electrode 112a.

Electrode plug 111 a is a portion where charging connector 110 connects to charging inlet 210 . The electrode plug 111a may adopt an appropriate standard according to the configuration of the charging inlet 210. FIG. The electrode 112a is electrically connected to the electrode plug 111a and transmits power to the electrode plug 111a. The electrode plug 111a and the electrode 112a are typically made of a metal material such as copper or silver. The electrode plug 111a and the electrode 112a may be integrally formed.

The first portion 111 includes a first insulating case 111b and a first metal plate 111c.

The first insulating case 111b covers and holds the electrode plug 111a. Also, the electrode plug 111a is insulated from the surroundings. The first insulating case 111b is typically made of a resin material (including synthetic resin).

The first metal plate 111c is provided so as to be in contact with the first insulating case 111b on the vehicle side, and radiates the heat of the first portion 111 to the outside. The first metal plate 111c is typically made of copper, iron, aluminum, or alloys thereof.

The second portion 112 includes a second insulating case 112b, a second metal plate 112c, and a heat conducting plate 112d.

The second insulating case 112b covers and holds the electrode 112a. Also, the electrode 112a is insulated from the surroundings. Second insulating case 112b is typically made of a resin material (including synthetic resin). Note that the first insulating case 111b and the second insulating case 112b may be integrally formed.

The second metal plate 112c is provided so as to be in contact with the second insulating case 112b on the ground side, and radiates the heat of the second portion 112 to the outside. The second metal plate 112c may be formed in the same manner as the first metal plate 111c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heat conducting plate 112d is provided at a position contacting the side surface of the second insulating case 112b and the second metal plate 112c. The heat-conducting plate 112d may be provided so as to be in contact with all side surfaces of the second insulating case 112b, or may be provided so as to be in partial contact with the side surfaces of the second insulating case 112b. Moreover, a plurality of heat conducting plates 112d may be provided so as to be in contact with the side surface of the second insulating case 112b, and may be given an appropriate shape.

The thermally conductive plate 112d is configured to have a higher thermal conductivity than the second insulating case 112b. Typically, the second insulating case 112b is made of resin, and the thermal conduction plate 112d is made of metal (copper, iron, aluminum, alloys thereof, etc.).

The temperature of the second portion 112 rises mainly due to the heat generated by the electrode 112a. The heat generated by the electrode 112a is transferred to the second metal plate 112c through the second insulating case 112b and released to the outside. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the side surface of the second insulating case 112b is not in contact with the second metal plate 112c. Therefore, by providing the heat conduction plate 112d at a position in contact with the side surface of the second insulating case 112b and the second metal plate 112c, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can be efficiently transferred to the second metal plate 112c. . That is, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can also be transferred to the second metal plate 112c by the heat conduction plate 112d positioned in contact with the side surface of the second insulating case 112b. As a result, the temperature rise of second portion 112 and, by extension, the temperature rise of charging connector 110 can be suppressed.

2-2. Second Embodiment A charging connector 110 according to a second embodiment differs from the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment in the position of the thermal conduction plate 112d. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment. In the following, the matters explained in the above contents are omitted as appropriate.

In charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, heat conducting plate 112d is press-fitted into second insulating case 112b so as to be positioned near electrode 112a. In addition, the second metal plate 112c is arranged so as to block the press-fitting opening of the second insulating case 112b into which the heat-conducting plate 112d is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat-conducting plate 112d at the press-fitting opening.

Also in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the heat conductive plate 112d can efficiently transfer the heat generated by the electrode 112a to the second metal plate 112c. In other words, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can also be transferred to the second metal plate 112c by the heat conduction plate 112d positioned near the electrode 112a. As a result, similarly to the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the second portion 112 and thus the temperature rise of the charging connector 110 .

Furthermore, in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the thermal conduction plate 112d can be configured by press-fitting it into the second insulating case 112b. This eliminates the need for parts for fixing the heat conducting plate 112d, and facilitates assembly work during production. Further, since the press-in port is closed by the second metal plate 112c, sufficient assembly is possible even if the heat-conducting plate 112d is press-fitted lightly.

By the way, the second insulating case 112b and the heat conducting plate 112d are made of different materials and have different coefficients of linear expansion. Typically, the coefficient of linear expansion of the second insulating case 112b made of resin is greater than the coefficient of linear expansion of the thermally conductive plate 112d made of metal.

Therefore, in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, when the temperature of the charging connector 110 is high and the amount of expansion of the second insulating case 112b is larger than the amount of expansion of the thermal conduction plate 112d by a certain amount or more, the second insulating A gap may occur between the case 112b and the heat conductive plate 112d. As a result, the heat transfer effect of the heat conduction plate 112d may be reduced.

On the other hand, when the temperature of charging connector 110 is low and the amount of contraction of second insulating case 112b is greater than the amount of contraction of heat conducting plate 112d by a certain amount or more, the contact pressure of heat conducting plate 112d causes second insulating case 112b to contract. Cracks may occur.

Therefore, in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the thermal conduction plate 112d may be a leaf spring that partially contacts the second insulating case 112b. 4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams showing an example in which the heat conduction plate 112d is a plate spring. 4 and 5 show the portion around one electrode 112a of the charging connector 110. FIG. FIG. 4 shows a case where the heat conduction plate 112d is a corrugated leaf spring, and FIG. 5 shows a case where the heat conduction plate 112d is an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not right.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heat conducting plate 112d is partially in contact with the second insulating case 112b. Therefore, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can be transferred to the second metal plate 112c through the second insulating case 112b and the heat conduction plate 112d. Furthermore, the heat conducting plate 112d is a plate spring, and has springiness at the point of contact with the second insulating case 112b.

As a result, even if the amount of expansion of the second insulating case 112b increases, the heat conducting plate 112d can maintain contact with the second insulating case 112b. In addition, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the heat transfer effect of the heat conduction plate 112d due to the expansion of the second insulating case 112b. Further, when the amount of contraction of the second insulating case 112b increases, the thermal conduction plate 112d is deformed due to the springiness at the point of contact with the second insulating case 112b. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the contact pressure of the heat conducting plate 112d and suppress the occurrence of cracks in the second insulating case 112b.

Note that the heat conducting plate 112d may be a leaf spring that partially contacts the second insulating case 112b by other shapes.

2-3. Third Embodiment A charging connector 110 according to a third embodiment includes a heat conducting plate in the first portion 111 . FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment. In the following, the matters explained in the above contents are omitted as appropriate.

In charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment, heat conducting plate 111d provided in first portion 111 is press-fitted into first insulating case 111b so as to be positioned near electrode plug 111a. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of heat conduction plates 111d are provided so as to be positioned near each electrode plug 111a. Further, the first metal plate 111c is arranged so as to close the press-fitting opening of the first insulating case 111b into which the heat-conducting plate 111d is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat-conducting plate 111d at the press-fitting opening.

The temperature of the first portion 111 rises mainly due to heat generated by the electrode plug 111a. The heat generated by the electrode plug 111a is transferred to the first metal plate 111c through the first insulating case 111b and released to the outside. Heat generated by the electrode plug 111a can be efficiently transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conduction plate 111d. That is, the heat generated by the electrode plug 111a can also be transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conduction plate 111d positioned near the electrode plug 111a. As a result, the temperature rise of first portion 111 and, by extension, the temperature rise of charging connector 110 can be suppressed.

Here, charging connector 110 may be configured such that first metal plate 111c contacts charging inlet 210 or the bottom surface of vehicle 200 during charging. A portion of the bottom surface of charging inlet 210 or vehicle 200 with which first metal plate 111c is in contact may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal. As a result, heat can be radiated from charging inlet 210 or the bottom surface of vehicle 200 , thereby further suppressing the temperature rise of first portion 111 and thus the temperature rise of charging connector 110 .

Furthermore, in the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment, the thermal conduction plate 111d can be constructed by press-fitting it into the first insulating case 111b. This eliminates the need for parts for fixing the heat conducting plate 111d, and facilitates assembly work during production. In addition, since the press-in port is closed by the first metal plate 111c, even if the heat-conducting plate 111d is lightly press-fitted, sufficient assembly is possible.

In the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 111d may be a plate spring partially in contact with the first insulating case 111b. For example, as described for the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, a corrugated leaf spring or an L-shaped leaf spring with a non-right bending angle may be used.

As a result, even if the amount of expansion of the first insulating case 111b increases, the heat conducting plate 111d can maintain contact with the first insulating case 111b. In addition, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the heat transfer effect of the heat conduction plate 111d due to the expansion of the first insulating case 111b. Further, when the amount of contraction of the first insulating case 111b increases, the thermal conduction plate 111d is deformed due to the springiness at the point of contact with the first insulating case 111b. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the contact pressure of the heat conducting plate 111d and suppress the occurrence of cracks in the first insulating case 111b.

2-4. Fourth Embodiment A charging connector 110 according to a fourth embodiment is configured by press-fitting one heat-conducting plate 111d into a first insulating case 111b. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment. In the following, the matters explained in the above contents are omitted as appropriate.

In the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, one heat conduction plate 111d is press-fitted so that specific portions are positioned near the respective electrode plugs 111a.

Also in the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment, the heat conductive plate 111d can efficiently transfer the heat generated by the electrode plug 111a to the first metal plate 111c. That is, the heat generated by each electrode plug 111a can be transferred to the first metal plate 111c also by the heat conduction plate 111d having a specific portion near the electrode plug 111a. As a result, the temperature rise of first portion 111 and, by extension, the temperature rise of charging connector 110 can be suppressed.

2-5. Fifth Embodiment A charging connector 110 according to a fifth embodiment includes a heat conduction plate 111d and a heat conduction plate 112d in the first portion 111 and the second portion 112, respectively. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment. In the following, the matters explained in the above contents are omitted as appropriate.

In the charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a heat conducting plate 111d is press-fitted into the first insulating case 111b, and a heat conducting plate 112d is press-fitted into the second insulating case 112b. there is Here, the configuration of the first portion 111 is the same as that of the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and the configuration of the second portion 112 is the same as that of the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Equivalent to connector 110 .

With this configuration, heat generated by the electrode plug 111a can be efficiently transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conduction plate 111d, and the electrode 112a is generated by the heat conduction plate 112d. Heat can be efficiently transferred to the second metal plate 112c. Thereby, the temperature rise of the 1st part 111 and the 2nd part 112 can be reduced. As a result, the temperature rise of charging connector 110 can be further suppressed as compared with the case where either first portion 111 or second portion 112 is provided with heat conduction plate 111d or heat conduction plate 112d.

The configurations of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 may be replaced with those of any of the above-described embodiments. For example, the first part 111 is equivalent to the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2, and the second part 112 is equivalent to the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment described in FIG. as good. Alternatively, it may be a combination of other embodiments.

3. Effects As described above, the charging connector 110 of the charging device 100 according to this embodiment includes the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 . The first portion 111 includes a thermally conductive plate 111d in contact with the first insulating case 111b and the first metal plate 111c, or the second portion includes the thermally conductive plate 112d in contact with the second insulating case 112b and the second metal plate 112c. contains. Thereby, the temperature rise of charging connector 110 can be suppressed. Also, the cooling function of charging connector 110 is enhanced by the configuration of charging connector 110 itself that does not depend on additional devices. Therefore, when a conventional cooling device or the like is additionally provided, it is possible to achieve effects such as an improvement in the cooling function, an accompanying improvement in charging power, and a reduction in the size of the device.

FIG. 9 shows a charging device including a conventional charging connector 110 that does not include a heat conduction plate, and a charging device 100 according to the present embodiment (charging connectors according to the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments). 110 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of the charging connector 110 at the time of charging in a normal use environment for the charging device 100 equipped with each of the charging connectors 110. FIG. In addition, FIG. 9 has shown the comparison result in the outside temperature of 25 degreeC.

As shown in FIG. 9, in a normal usage environment, the charging device 100 according to the present embodiment can suppress the temperature rise of the charging connector 110 as compared with the conventional charging device.

FIG. 10 shows a charging device including a conventional charging connector 110 that does not include a heat conduction plate, and a charging device 100 according to this embodiment (a charging device 100 including each charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment). 4 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of charging connector 110 during charging in the environment. In addition, FIG. 10 has shown the comparison result in the outside temperature of 25 degreeC.

As shown in FIG. 10, during charging in a bad environment, the conventional charging device has an abnormal temperature exceeding 70° C., whereas the charging device 100 according to the present embodiment has a temperature of up to about 50° C. It is possible to suppress the temperature rise.

1 Ground 100 Charger 110 Charging Connector 111 First Part 111a Electrode Plug 111b First Insulating Case 111c First Metal Plate 111d Heat Conducting Plate 112 Second Part 112a Electrode 112b Second Insulating Case 112c Second Metal Plate 112d Heat Conducting Plate 200 vehicle

Claims (13)

A charging device that is installed on the ground and charges the vehicle from the bottom side of the vehicle through a charging connector,
The charging connector
a first portion including an electrode plug for electrical connection with the vehicle;
a second portion that is on the ground side with respect to the first portion and includes an electrode for electrically connecting to and transmitting power to the electrode plug;
with
The second part is
an insulating case covering and holding the electrodes;
a metal plate in contact with the insulating case on the ground side;
a thermally conductive plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate;
further comprising
The heat conduction plate is
A charging device having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the insulating case. The charging device according to claim 1,
The insulating case is
Made of resin,
The heat conduction plate is
A charging device characterized by using a metal as a material. The charging device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The heat conduction plate is
A charging device, wherein the charging device is positioned in contact with a side surface of the insulating case. The charging device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The heat conduction plate is
is press-fitted into the insulating case so as to be positioned near the electrode,
The metal plate is
A charging device, wherein the heat conducting plate is arranged so as to close a press-fitting opening of the insulating case into which the heat conducting plate is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat conducting plate at the press-fitting opening. The charging device according to claim 4,
The charging device, wherein the thermally conductive plate is a plate spring that partially contacts the insulating case. The charging device according to claim 5,
The charging device, wherein the thermal conduction plate is a corrugated leaf spring. The charging device according to claim 5,
The charging device, wherein the thermally conductive plate is an L-shaped leaf spring with a non-right bending angle. A charging device that is installed on the ground and charges the vehicle from the bottom side of the vehicle through a charging connector,
The charging connector
a first portion including an electrode plug for electrical connection with the vehicle;
a second portion that is on the ground side with respect to the first portion and includes an electrode for electrically connecting to and transmitting power to the electrode plug;
with
The first portion comprises
an insulating case covering and holding the electrode plug;
a metal plate in contact with the insulating case on the vehicle side;
a thermally conductive plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate;
further comprising
The heat conduction plate is
A charging device having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the insulating case. The charging device according to claim 8,
The insulating case is
Made of resin,
The heat conduction plate is
A charging device characterized by using a metal as a material. The charging device according to claim 8 or 9,
The heat conduction plate is
is press-fitted into the insulating case so as to be positioned near the electrode plug,
The metal plate is
A charging device, wherein the heat conducting plate is arranged so as to close a press-fitting opening of the insulating case into which the heat conducting plate is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat conducting plate at the press-fitting opening. The charging device according to claim 10,
The charging device, wherein the thermally conductive plate is a plate spring that partially contacts the insulating case. The charging device according to claim 11,
The charging device, wherein the thermal conduction plate is a corrugated leaf spring. The charging device according to claim 11,
The charging device, wherein the thermally conductive plate is an L-shaped leaf spring with a non-right bending angle.

Images