The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 06, 1997
Filed:
Apr. 20, 1994
Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Yokkaichi, JP;
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.