Electric vehicle charging connector assembly
US5627448A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 6, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S30/14
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrical connector assembly used for charging an electric vehicle includes a power source side connector and a vehicle side connector. The power source side connector is detachably connected to the vehicle side connector mounted on the body of an electric vehicle. A locking device disposed in the power source side connector is turned to a locking state with an ignition key of the electric vehicle so that the connectors are locked in the mating engagement. Since the power source side connector cannot be disconnected from the vehicle side connector, charging can be prevented from being inadvertently interrupted. The charging can be initiated only when the connectors are locked in the mating engagement. Alternatively, the locking device can be used to lock a switch of a charging circuit in a closed position which allows charging to take place.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.