Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Limited

Sinichi Yamada

Eiji Saijo

Hajime Okada

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.

Growing community of inventors

Yokkaichi, Japan

Sinichi Yamada