Connectors and Connector Assemblies

Abstract

To provide a high current connector that can avoid burning of an electrical device due to overheating.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes a housing 110 having an insertion hole 103, a terminal 120 provided in the housing 110, and a temperature sensor 30 that is inserted into the insertion hole 103 of the housing 110 and makes thermal contact with the terminal 120 to detect the temperature of the terminal 120. In the present invention, the connector 10 is provided with the temperature sensor 30, and the temperature sensor 30 is capable of timely detecting the temperature of the terminal 120 of the connector 10 in order to timely monitor the temperature of an electrical device connected to the terminal 120 of the connector 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202222110577.0, filed on August 11, 2022 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the connector. [Background technology]

[0003] With the rapid development of new energy, battery energy storage systems are being promoted in an all-round way, and the demand for high-current connectors for energy storage applications is increasing. Common high-current connectors for energy storage applications include receptacle connectors and plug connectors. The energy storage cabinet in the energy storage system is composed of multiple independent battery boxes connected in series through high-current connectors, so the heat generation of each battery box and the serial connector needs to be strictly controlled to less than 45 degrees.

[0004] At present, the development of energy storage battery systems is not yet mature. Due to high temperatures, fire and combustion accidents occur frequently. As the most important link for the interconnection of energy storage battery boxes, high current connectors play an important role. At present, existing high current connectors used in energy storage systems have the following disadvantages: That is, high-current connectors for energy storage applications do not have their own temperature sensors and cannot monitor the temperature of the connector where they are connected to the battery box in real time; it is inconvenient to unlock after the male and female terminals are mated; they do not have a quick-lock function or the quick-lock function is not reasonable, the unlocking is not flexible, they do not have a finger contact prevention function, they cannot meet the IP67 waterproof performance, they cannot be rotated 360 degrees before inter-mating occurs or can be rotated even after inter-mating, the structure is not compact and the operation is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising: a housing having an insertion hole, a terminal provided in the housing, and a temperature sensor inserted into the insertion hole of the housing and in thermal contact with the terminal for detecting a temperature of the terminal.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor includes a case having a receiving chamber, a temperature sensing element disposed in the receiving chamber of the case, two wires inserted into the receiving chamber of the case and electrically connected to two pins of the temperature sensing element, respectively, and a thermally conductive resin filled in the receiving chamber of the case. The case is in direct physical contact with the surface of the terminals such that the case is capable of transferring heat generated by the terminals to the temperature sensing element.

[0008] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the case includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, and an end wall, the receiving chamber being defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, the pair of side walls, and the end wall, and a bottom surface of the bottom wall of the case directly abuts a surface of the terminal so as to be in direct physical contact with the terminal.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion is formed on the outer wall surface of the top wall of the case, and the protrusion forms an interference fit with the hole wall of the insertion hole of the housing to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor to ensure that the bottom wall of the case is in reliable thermal contact with the surface of the terminal.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion is formed on the hole wall of the insertion hole of the housing, and the protrusion fits tightly with the top wall of the case to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor to ensure that the bottom wall of the case is in reliable thermal contact with the surface of the terminal.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cavity is formed in the top wall of the case, the cavity being disposed between an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface of the top wall to allow the top wall of the case to elastically deform when pressed.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insertion hole is an axially extending blind hole formed in the case, and an outer wall surface of the end wall of the case contacts a bottom surface of the insertion hole of the housing.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal comprises a columnar end adapted to be inserted into a mating terminal and a plate-like end for electrical connection with the busbar, and a bottom surface of the insertion hole is close to the columnar end of the terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor further comprises two crimping rings for crimping the two wire conductors to the two pins of the temperature sensing element.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensing element is an NTC thermistor.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly comprising the connector as described above, a mating connector suitable for mating with the connector, and a locking device removably mounted on the mating connector and configured to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mated state. The locking device comprises an elastic ring and a locking member fixed to the elastic ring. When the elastic ring is radially pressed from both sides, the elastic ring elastically deforms from an initial state to a pressed state, and when the elastic ring is in the initial state, the locking member is in a locked position where it engages with the connector so as to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mated state, and when the elastic ring is in the pressed state, the locking member is in an unlocked position where it separates from the connector so as to allow the connector to be separated from the mating connector.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking device comprises two locking members diametrically opposite one another of the elastic ring.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking device further comprises two pressing members, the two pressing members being fixed to the elastic ring and located opposite each other in another diametric direction of the elastic ring perpendicular to one diametric direction, and when the two pressing members are pressed in a direction toward each other, the elastic ring elastically deforms from an initial state to a pressed state.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the connector has a front end and a number of key teeth formed on an outer peripheral surface of the front end. The mating connector includes a mating housing having an insertion chamber and a number of key grooves formed on an inner peripheral wall of the insertion chamber, and mating terminals provided in the mating housing. When the front end of the housing is inserted into the insertion chamber of the mating housing, the key teeth engage with the key grooves and the terminals are electrically connected to the mating terminals.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is movable between a pre-installation position and a final installation position relative to the mating housing, and when the housing is in the pre-installation position, the key teeth do not engage with the key groove to allow the housing to rotate relative to the mating housing, and when the housing is in the final installation position, the key teeth engage with the key groove to prevent the housing from rotating relative to the mating housing.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member abuts against the rear end faces of the key teeth to lock the connector to the mating housing, and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member disengages from the key teeth to allow the connector to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the housing is in a pre-installation position, the locking member is in an unlocked position to allow the connector to be pulled out of the mating housing, and when the housing is in a final installation position, the locking member is in a locked position to lock the connector to the mating housing.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a circumferential groove is formed in an outer wall of the mating housing, the locking device is embedded in the circumferential groove of the mating housing, a through hole corresponding to the locking member is also formed in the outer wall of the mating housing, and the locking member extends through the through hole into the mating housing so as to be able to engage with a housing inserted into the mating housing.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking device further includes a sealing element exteriorly mounted on the mating housing to seal against the circumferential groove in the mating housing.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element comprises a cylindrical elastic body, the elastic body having a pressing portion corresponding to the pressing member such that the pressing member can be pressed by the pressing portion.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an unlocking mark is formed on the pressed portion of the sealing element, such that the pressed portion can be visually identified according to the unlocking mark.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminals include a post end adapted for insertion into a mating terminal and a plate end for electrical connection to the bus bar, and the connector further includes an insulating cap attached to the post end of the terminal to prevent a human finger from contacting an end face of the post end of the terminal.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a through hole is formed in the insulating cap so that a probe of a detection device can pass through the through hole to electrically contact the terminal, and the size of the through hole is formed to allow the probe of the detection device to pass through but prevent the insertion of a human finger.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mounting hole is formed in the end face of the post end of the terminal, and an insulating cap is embedded in the mounting hole.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating terminal includes a cylindrical end suitable for mating with the post end of the terminal and a crimp end adapted to be crimped to a conductor of the cable, and the mating connector further includes a resilient electrical contact element received in the cylindrical end of the mating terminal and pressed between the terminal and the mating terminal to electrically connect the terminal and the mating terminal.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating housing includes a barrel column disposed in the insertion chamber, the cylindrical end and the resilient electrical contact element of the mating terminal are stored in an internal cavity of the barrel column, and the barrel column is inserted into the housing.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes a first seal ring that is sheathed on the barrel-shaped column and compressed between the barrel-shaped column and the housing to seal a gap between the barrel-shaped column and the housing.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating housing is L-shaped and includes a first end and a second end perpendicular to the first end, the cylindrical end and the crimp end of the mating terminal are disposed at the first end and the second end of the mating housing, respectively, and the mating connector further includes a connection sleeve that threads onto the second end of the mating housing to secure a cable to the mating housing.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes a second seal ring that is sheathed on the second end of the mating housing and compressed between the second end of the mating housing and the connection sleeve so as to seal a gap between the second end of the mating housing and the connection sleeve.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes a sealing sleeve housed in the connection sleeve and covering the crimp end of the mating terminal and the cable, the sealing sleeve being compressed between the cable and the connection sleeve to seal a gap between the cable and the connection sleeve.

[0036] In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector is provided with a temperature sensor that can detect the temperature of the terminal of the connector in time to monitor the temperature of the electrical equipment connected to the terminal of the connector in time, thereby preventing the electrical equipment from burning out due to overheating.

[0037] In the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the two mated connectors can be quickly locked by the locking device and quickly unlocked by operating the locking device, which is very convenient to use.

[0038] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a temperature sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a case for a temperature sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, without showing a temperature sensor. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, without showing a temperature sensor. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector and locking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the locking device in a locked position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a sealing sleeve of a locking device separated from the mating housing. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0041] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0042] In accordance with a general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising a housing having an insertion hole, a terminal provided in the housing, and a temperature sensor inserted into the insertion hole of the housing and in thermal contact with the terminal for detecting a temperature of the terminal.

[0043] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly comprising the connector as described above, a mating connector suitable for mating with the connector, and a locking device removably mounted on the mating connector and configured to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mated state. The locking device comprises an elastic ring and a locking member fixed to the elastic ring. When the elastic ring is radially pressed from both sides, the elastic ring elastically deforms from an initial state to a pressed state, and when the elastic ring is in the initial state, the locking member is in a locked position where it engages with the connector so as to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mated state, and when the elastic ring is in the pressed state, the locking member is in an unlocked position where it separates from the connector so as to allow the connector to be separated from the mating connector.

[0044] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector including a housing and a locking device removably mounted to the housing to lock the connector to a mating connector. The locking device includes an elastic ring and a locking member fixed to the elastic ring. When the elastic ring is radially pressed from both sides, the elastic ring elastically deforms from an initial state to a pressed state, and when the elastic ring is in the initial state, the locking member is in a locked position where it engages with the mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mated state, and when the elastic ring is in the pressed state, the locking member is in an unlocked position where it separates from the mating connector to allow the connector to be separated from the mating connector.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensor 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an illustrative perspective view of a case 31 of the temperature sensor 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a connector 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 10 is disclosed. The connector 10 includes a housing 110, a terminal 120, and a temperature sensor 30. The housing 110 has an insertion hole 103. The terminal 120 is provided in the housing 110. The temperature sensor 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 103 of the housing 110 and is in thermal contact with the terminal 120 to detect the temperature of the terminal 120.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 30 includes a case 31, a temperature detection element 32, two wires 33, and a thermally conductive resin 35. The case 31 has a receiving chamber 301. The temperature detection element 32 is provided in the receiving chamber 301 of the case 31. The two wires 33 extend into the receiving chamber 301 of the case 31 and are electrically connected to two pins 32a of the temperature detection element 32, respectively. The thermally conductive resin 35 is filled in the receiving chamber 301 of the case 31. The case 31 is in direct and physical contact with the surface of the terminal 120 so that the case 31 can transfer heat generated by the terminal 120 to the temperature detection element 32.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, in order to improve the thermal conductivity, the thermally conductive resin 35 and the case 31 should be made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0049] 1 to 6 , in the illustrated embodiment, the case 31 includes a top wall 311, a bottom wall 312, a pair of side walls 313, and an end wall 315. The receiving chamber 301 is defined by the top wall 311, the bottom wall 312, the pair of side walls 313, and the end wall 315. The bottom surface of the bottom wall 312 of the case 31 directly abuts on the surface of the terminal 120 and is in direct physical contact with the terminal 120.

[0050] 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, two protrusions 303 are formed on the outer wall surface of the top wall 311 of the case 31. The protrusions 303 are tightly fitted into the hole wall of the insertion hole 103 of the housing 110 to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor 30 to ensure reliable thermal contact between the bottom wall 312 of the case 31 and the surface of the terminal 120.

[0051] However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion may be formed on the hole wall of the insertion hole 103 of the housing 110. The protrusion fits tightly with the top wall 311 of the case 31 to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor 30 to ensure reliable thermal contact between the bottom wall 312 of the case 31 and the surface of the terminal 120.

[0052] 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, a cavity 302 is formed in the top wall 311 of the case 31. The cavity 302 is disposed between an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface of the top wall 311 to allow the top wall 311 of the case 31 to be elastically deformed when pressed.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the insertion hole 103 is an axially extending blind hole formed in the case 31, and the outer wall surface of the end wall 315 of the case 31 contacts the bottom surface of the insertion hole 103 of the housing 110.

[0054] 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, terminal 120 includes a columnar end 121 adapted to be inserted into mating terminal 220, and a plate-like end 122 for electrical connection with a bus bar (not shown). The bottom surface of insertion hole 103 is close to columnar end 121 of terminal 120.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 30 further includes two crimping rings 34 used to crimp the conductors 33a of the two wires 33 to the two pins 32a of the temperature sensing element 32, respectively.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensing element 32 may be an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, without showing the temperature sensor 30. Figure 8 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, without showing the temperature sensor 30. Figure 9 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly mainly includes a connector 10, a mating connector 20, and a locking device 30. 0 The mating connector 20 is suitable for mating with the connector 10. 0 is removably mounted to the mating connector 20 to lock the connector 10 and the mating connector 20 in a mated state.

[0059] FIG. 10 shows the locking device 30 0 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connector 10 and a locking device 30 in a locked position. 0 FIG. 11 shows an explanatory perspective view of a locking device 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 0 FIG. 12 is an explanatory perspective view of the lock device 30. 0 13 shows an illustrative perspective view of the mating connector 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the sealing element 340 separated from the mating housing 210. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the mating connector 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 7-13, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 30 0The connector 10 includes an elastic ring 310 and a locking member 320. The locking member 320 is fixed to the elastic ring 310. When the elastic ring 310 is pressed radially from both sides of the elastic ring 310, the elastic ring 310 can be elastically deformed from an initial state to a pressed state. When the elastic ring 310 is in the initial state, the locking member 320 is in a locking position where it engages with the connector 10 so as to lock the connector 10 and the mating connector 20 in a mated state. When the elastic ring 310 is in a pressed state, the locking member 320 is in an unlocking position where it separates from the connector 10 so as to allow the connector 10 to be separated from the mating connector 20.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 7-13, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 30 0 The elastic ring 310 includes two locking members 320. The two locking members 320 are located opposite each other in one diametrical direction of the elastic ring 310.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 7-13, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 30 0 further includes two pressing members 330 fixed to the elastic ring 310 and opposite each other in another diameter direction of the elastic ring 310 perpendicular to the one diameter direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressing members 330 and adjacent locking members 320 are 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the elastic ring 310.

[0063] 7 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, when the two pressing members 330 are pressed toward each other, the elastic ring 310 can be elastically deformed from an initial state to a pressed state. When the elastic ring 310 is elastically deformed to the pressed state, the two locking members 320 move in directions away from each other, thereby moving them to an unlocked position where they are separated from the connector 10.

[0064] 7 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 10 includes a housing 110 having a front end 111 and a plurality of key teeth 112 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the front end 111, and a terminal 120 provided on the housing 110. The mating connector 20 includes a mating housing 210, an insertion chamber 201, a plurality of key grooves 212 formed on the inner circumferential wall of the insertion chamber 201, and a mating terminal 220 provided on the mating housing 210. When the front end 111 of the housing 110 is inserted into the insertion chamber 201 of the mating housing 210, the key teeth 112 are connected to the key grooves 212, and the terminal 120 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 220.

[0065] 7-13, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 can be moved between a pre-installation position and a final installation position relative to the mating housing 210. When the housing 110 is in the pre-installation position, the key teeth 112 are not engaged with the key groove 212 to allow the housing 110 to rotate relative to the mating housing 210. When the housing 110 is in the final installation position, the key teeth 112 are engaged with the key groove 212 to prevent the housing 110 from rotating relative to the mating housing 210.

[0066] 7-13, in the illustrated embodiment, when the locking member 320 is in the locked position, the locking member 320 abuts against the rear end surface 112a of the key teeth 112 to lock the connector 10 to the mating housing 210. When the locking member 320 is in the unlocked position, the locking member 320 disengages from the key teeth 112 to allow the connector 10 to be withdrawn from the mating housing 210.

[0067] As shown in Figures 7 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end surface 112a of the key tooth 112 is a vertical surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector 10, and the front end surface 112b of the key tooth 112 is an inclined guide surface inclined in the axial direction of the connector 10 to guide the key tooth 112 to insert and pass through the locking member 320.

[0068] 7-13, in the illustrated embodiment, when the housing 110 is in the pre-installation position, the locking member 320 is in an unlocked position to allow the connector 10 to be withdrawn from the mating housing 210. When the housing 110 is in the final installed position, the locking member 320 is in a locked position to lock the connector 10 relative to the mating housing 210.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 7-13, in the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential groove 202 is formed in the outer wall of the mating housing 210, and the locking device 30 0 is embedded in the circumferential groove 202 of the mating housing 210. A through hole corresponding to the locking member 320 is also formed in the outer wall of the mating housing 210, and the locking member 320 extends through the through hole into the mating housing 210 so as to be able to engage with the housing 110 inserted into the mating housing 210.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 7-13, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 30 0 further includes a sealing element 340 exteriorly mounted on the mating housing 210 to seal the circumferential groove 202 in the mating housing 210, in order to prevent water vapor and dust from entering the mating housing 210 through the circumferential groove 202 and the above-mentioned through hole.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 13, in the exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 340 includes a cylindrical elastic body 341. The elastic body 341 has a pressing portion 342 corresponding to the pressing member 330 so that the pressing member 330 can be pressed by the pressing portion 342. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elasticity of the pressing portion 342 of the sealing element 340 is higher than the elasticity of the other portion of the sealing element 340. This allows the elastic ring 310 to be easily deformed by pressing the two pressing portions 342 from both sides.

[0072] 7 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, an unlocking mark 343 is formed on the pressing portion 342 of the sealing element 340, so that the pressing portion 342 can be visually identified according to the unlocking mark 343. This is convenient for an operator to perform an unlocking operation.

[0073] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative perspective view of a terminal 120 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] 7 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, terminal 120 includes a columnar end 121 adapted to be inserted into mating terminal 220, and a plate-like end 122 for electrical connection. Plate-like end 122 may be connected to a bus bar, for example. Connector 10 further includes an insulating cap 130 attached to columnar end 121 of terminal 120 to prevent a human finger from touching an end face of columnar end 121 of terminal 120.

[0075] 7-14, in an exemplary embodiment, a through hole 131 is formed in the insulating cap 130, and the size of the through hole 131 is formed to allow a probe of a detection device to pass through but to prevent a human finger from entering. The probe of the detection device can pass through the through hole 131 and make electrical contact with the terminal 120.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounting hole 1211 is formed in the end face of the columnar end 121 of the terminal 120, and the insulating cap 130 is embedded in the mounting hole 1211.

[0077] 7-14, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating terminal 220 includes a cylindrical end 221 suitable for mating with the columnar end 121 of the terminal 120, and a crimp end 222 adapted to be crimped to a conductor of a cable (not shown). The mating connector 20 further includes a resilient electrical contact element 223 that is received in the cylindrical end 221 of the mating terminal 220 and pressed between the terminal 120 and the mating terminal 220 to electrically connect the terminal 120 and the mating terminal 220.

[0078] 7-14 , in the illustrated embodiment, the mating housing 220 includes a barrel-shaped column 211 disposed in the insertion chamber 201. The cylindrical end 221 and the resilient electrical contact element 223 of the mating terminal 220 are received in an internal cavity of the barrel-shaped column 211. The barrel-shaped column 211 is inserted into the housing 110.

[0079] 7 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 20 further includes a first seal ring 251. The first seal ring 251 is exteriorly fitted to the barrel-shaped column 211 and compressed between the barrel-shaped column 211 and the housing 110 so as to seal a gap between the barrel-shaped column 211 and the housing 110.

[0080] 7-14, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating housing 210 is L-shaped and includes a first end and a second end perpendicular to the first end. The cylindrical end 221 and the crimp end 222 of the mating terminal 220 are disposed at the first end and the second end of the mating housing 210, respectively. The mating connector 20 further includes a connection sleeve 230 that screws into the second end of the mating housing 210 to secure a cable to the mating housing 210.

[0081] As shown in Figures 7 to 14, in the exemplary embodiment, the mating connector 20 further includes a second seal ring 252 that is sheathed on the second end of the mating housing 210 and compressed between the second end of the mating housing 210 and the connection sleeve 230 so as to seal the gap between the second end of the mating housing 210 and the connection sleeve 230.

[0082] 7 to 14, in the exemplary embodiment, the mating connector 20 further includes a sealing sleeve 240 that is received in the connection sleeve 230 and covers the crimp end 222 of the mating terminal 220 and the cable. The sealing sleeve 240 is compressed between the cable and the connector 230 to seal a gap between the cable and the connector 230.

[0083] As shown in Figures 7-14, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 20 is also disclosed. The connector 20 includes a housing 210 and a locking device 30 removably mounted to the housing 210 to lock the connector 20 to a mating connector 10. 0 Includes locking device 30 0 The connector 20 includes an elastic ring 310 and a locking member 320 fixed to the elastic ring 310. When the elastic ring 310 is pressed radially from both sides of the elastic ring 310, the elastic ring 310 can be elastically deformed from an initial state to a pressed state. When the elastic ring 310 is in the initial state, the locking member 320 is in a locking position where it engages with the mating connector 10 so as to lock the connector 20 and the mating connector 10 in a mated state. When the elastic ring 310 is in a compressed state, the locking member 320 is in an unlocked position in which it separates from the mating connector 10 to allow the connector 20 to be separated from the mating connector 10 .

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 7-14, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 30 0includes two locking members 320 , which are opposite each other in a diametrical direction of one of the elastic rings 310 .

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 7-14, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 30 0 further includes two pressing members 330 fixed to the elastic ring 310 and opposite each other in another diametric direction of the elastic ring 310 perpendicular to the one diametric direction. When the two pressing members 330 are pressed toward each other, the elastic ring 310 can be elastically deformed from an initial state to a pressed state.

[0086] 7-14, in an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 may be a unitary injection molded part that is formed to the terminals 120 by injection molding. Similarly, the mating housing 210 may be a unitary injection molded part that is formed to the mating terminals 220 by injection molding.

[0087] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0088] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0089] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A housing (110) having an insertion hole (103); A terminal (120) provided on the housing (110); a temperature sensor (30) inserted into the insertion hole (103) of the housing (110) and in thermal contact with the terminal (120) to detect a temperature of the terminal (120); A connector comprising: The insertion hole (103) is an axially extending blind hole formed inside the housing (110), At least a portion of the terminal (120) is disposed in an internal space of the housing (110) that communicates with the insertion hole (103) of the housing (110); The temperature sensor (30) a case (31) having a receiving chamber (301); a temperature detection element (32) provided in the receiving chamber (301) of the case (31); the case (31) is in direct physical contact with a surface extending along the length of the terminals (120) so as to be capable of transferring heat generated by the terminals (120) to the temperature sensing element (32); connector.

2. The temperature sensor (30) two wires (33) inserted into the receiving chamber (301) of the case (31) and electrically connected to two pins (32a) of the temperature sensing element (32), respectively; a thermally conductive resin (35) filled in the receiving chamber (301) of the case (31); Further comprising: The connector of claim 1 .

3. The case (31) has a top wall (311), a bottom wall (312), a pair of side walls (313), and an end wall (315), and the receiving chamber (301) is defined by the top wall (311), the bottom wall (312), the pair of side walls (313), and the end wall (315); A bottom surface of the bottom wall (312) of the case (31) directly contacts a surface of the terminal (120) so as to be in direct and physical contact with the terminal (120). The connector according to claim 2.

4. A protrusion (303) is formed on the outer wall surface of the top wall (311) of the case (31); The protrusion (303) fits tightly with the hole wall of the insertion hole (103) of the housing (110) to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (30) to ensure that the bottom wall (312) of the case (31) is in reliable thermal contact with the surface of the terminal (120). The connector according to claim 3.

5. A protrusion is formed on a hole wall of the insertion hole (103) of the housing (110), the projections fit snugly with the top wall (311) of the case (31) to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (30) to ensure that the bottom wall (312) of the case (31) is in reliable thermal contact with the surface of the terminal (120); The connector according to claim 3.

6. A cavity (302) is formed in the top wall (311) of the case (31); The cavity (302) is disposed between an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface of the top wall (311) of the case (31) so as to enable elastic deformation when the top wall (311) is pressed. The connector according to claim 4.

7. An outer wall surface of the end wall (315) of the case (31) contacts a bottom surface of the insertion hole (103) of the housing (110). The connector according to claim 3.

8. The terminal (120) has a columnar end (121) adapted to be inserted into a mating terminal (220) and a plate-shaped end (122) for electrical connection with a busbar; The bottom surface of the insertion hole (103) is close to the columnar end (121) of the terminal (120). The connector according to claim 7.

9. The temperature sensor (30) further comprises two crimping rings (34) for crimping the conductors (33a) of the two wires (33) to the two pins (32a) of the temperature sensing element (32). The connector according to claim 2.

10. The temperature sensing element (32) is an NTC thermistor. The connector according to claim 2.

11. 1. A connector assembly comprising: The connector assembly includes: - a connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - a mating connector (20) suitable for mating with said connector (10); - a locking device (300) removably attached to the mating connector (20) and configured to lock the connector (10) and the mating connector (20) in a mated state; Equipped with The locking device (300) comprises: an elastic ring (310); - a locking member (320) fixed to said elastic ring (310); Equipped with When the elastic ring (310) is pressed radially from both sides, the elastic ring (310) is elastically deformed from an initial state to a pressed state, When the elastic ring (310) is in the initial state, the locking member (320) is in a locking position in which it engages with the connector (10) so as to lock the connector (10) and the mating connector (20) in a mated state; When the elastic ring (310) is in the pressed state, the locking member (320) is in an unlocked position in which it is separated from the connector (10) to allow the connector (10) to be separated from the mating connector (20). Connector assembly.

12. The locking device (300) comprises two locking members (320) diametrically opposite one of the elastic rings (310), The locking device (300) further comprises two pressing members (330), the two pressing members (330) being fixed to the elastic ring (310) and located opposite each other in another diametric direction of the elastic ring (310) perpendicular to the one diametric direction; When the two pressing members (330) are pressed in a direction toward each other, the elastic ring (310) elastically deforms from the initial state to the pressed state. The connector assembly of claim 11.

13. The housing (110) of the connector (10) has a front end (111) and a plurality of key teeth (112) formed on an outer circumferential surface of the front end (111), The mating connector (20) is - a mating housing (210) having an insertion chamber (201) and a plurality of key grooves (212) formed in an inner peripheral wall of the insertion chamber (201); - a mating terminal (220) provided in the mating housing (210); Equipped with When the front end (111) of the housing (110) is inserted into the insertion chamber (201) of the mating housing (210), the key teeth (112) engage with the key grooves (212), and the terminals (120) are electrically connected to the mating terminals (220). The connector assembly of claim 12.

14. The housing (110) is movable relative to the mating housing (210) between a pre-installation position and a final installation position; When the housing (110) is in the pre-installation position, the key teeth (112) do not engage the key grooves (212) to allow the housing (110) to rotate relative to the mating housing (210); When the housing (110) is in the final installed position, the key teeth (112) engage the key grooves (212) to prevent the housing (110) from rotating relative to the mating housing (210).

14. The connector assembly of claim 13.

15. When the locking member (320) is in the locked position, the locking member (320) abuts against a rear end surface (112a) of the key teeth (112) to lock the connector (10) to the mating housing (210); When the locking member (320) is in the unlocked position, the locking member (320) disengages from the key teeth (112) to allow the connector (10) to be withdrawn from the mating housing (210).

15. The connector assembly of claim 14.

16. A circumferential groove (202) is formed in an outer wall of the mating housing (210), and the locking device (300) is embedded in the circumferential groove (202) of the mating housing (210); A through hole corresponding to the locking member (320) is also formed in the outer wall of the mating housing (210), and the locking member (320) extends through the through hole into the mating housing (210) so as to be able to engage with the housing (110) inserted into the mating housing (210).

14. The connector assembly of claim 13.

17. The locking device (300) further includes a sealing element (340) exteriorly mounted on the mating housing (210) so as to seal the circumferential groove (202) in the mating housing (210); The sealing element (340) includes a cylindrical elastic body (341), and the cylindrical elastic body (341) has a pressing portion (342) corresponding to the pressing member (330) so that the pressing member (330) can be pressed by the pressing portion (342).

17. The connector assembly of claim 16.

18. The terminal (120) has a columnar end (121) adapted to be inserted into the mating terminal (220) and a plate-shaped end (122) for electrical connection with a busbar; The connector (10) further includes an insulating cap (130) attached to the columnar end (121) of the terminal (120) to prevent a human finger from contacting an end face of the columnar end (121) of the terminal (120); a through hole (131) is formed in the insulating cap (130) so that a probe of a detection device can pass through the through hole (131) and make electrical contact with the terminal (120); the size of the through hole (131) is formed to allow the probe of the detection device to pass through but to prevent the insertion of a human finger; A mounting hole (1211) is formed in the end face of the columnar end (121) of the terminal (120), and the insulating cap (130) is embedded in the mounting hole (1211); 14. The connector assembly of claim 13.

19. The mating terminal (220) has a cylindrical end (221) suitable for mating with the columnar end (121) of the terminal (120) and is adapted to be crimped onto a conductor of a cable. a crimped end (222) The mating connector (20) further includes a resilient electrical contact element (223), the resilient electrical contact element (223) being received in the cylindrical end (221) of the mating terminal (220) and pressed between the terminal (120) and the mating terminal (220) to electrically connect the terminal (120) and the mating terminal (220); the mating housing (210) includes a barrel-shaped column (211) disposed in the insertion chamber (201), the cylindrical end (221) and the resilient electrical contact element (223) of the mating terminal (220) are housed in an internal cavity of the barrel-shaped column (211), and the barrel-shaped column (211) is inserted into the housing (110); 20. The connector assembly of claim 18.

20. The mating connector (20) further includes a first seal ring (251) that is exteriorly attached to the barrel-shaped column (211), the first seal ring (251) is compressed between the barrel column (211) and the housing (110) to seal a gap between the barrel column (211) and the housing (110); 20. The connector assembly of claim 19.

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