1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more specifically, a charging connector.
2. Discussion of Background Information
A connector includes a coupler socket connected to a flexible cable and a connector outlet integral to a utilization apparatus. The coupler socket is connected by its cable to a power supply source. In order to be a charging connector, the outlet should be connected to or form part of the apparatus to be charged. The apparatus to be charged can, for example, be an accumulator battery for vehicles or other electric systems. Moreover, the expression charging connector must be understood as a connector, such as previously defined, except that the outlet connected to accumulators can also be current-carrying.
The known connectors are often impractical to use and require difficult coupling maneuvers with translational and/or coaxial rotational movements of the socket in the outlet. In addition, it is often necessary to exert substantial forces, which complicate the maneuvers.
These difficulties are major disadvantages for the above mentioned charging application of an electrical vehicle, since it must be capable of being accomplished by the user himself. In addition, if one can provide slow charging connectors in order to ensure charging at the user's residence, for example, one must also envision connectors capable of supporting a quick charging, undertaken, for example, at a special supply station.
Generally, a charging connector is provided with pilot contacts intended to control a disconnection apparatus located upstream from the connector outlet and/or the coupler socket so as to control an interrupter. Indeed, in addition to any problem in protecting the contacts, it is advantageous that the connection and separation of the power contacts be undertaken when idle. For that, it suffices that the pilot contacts act upon the interrupter such that the latter closes the circuit after the connection of the power contacts, and inversely, opens the circuit after the separation of the contacts. Such a measure is not simple to obtain.
When seeking to improve an aspect of a connector, the solution adopted often presents disadvantages for the other aspects to be treated. This is why the inventor has sought a device which is entirely practical and safe.
Certain connection devices are also known, which comprise two connection elements of which one is mobile, and which are arranged to enable mutual coupling and uncoupling and connect, or reciprocally separate, the opposing contacts with which they are provided. The contacts of at least the non-mobile element having contact pieces that extend parallel to one another and define a connection direction, whereas the coupling and uncoupling are undertaken by rotation of the mobile element in the other element about an axis arranged geometrically in a manner perpendicular to the connection direction.
This is for example, at least partially, the case of the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,605. However, these devices are neither provided nor arranged to include a connector such as defined hereinabove, and even less a charging connector.