connector

Abstract

To provide a connector which avoids the increase of the size thereof, and furthermore in which excessive increase of operation temperature of a terminal can be suppressed.SOLUTION: A connector 1 comprises: an electric wire 2; a terminal 10 connected to the electric wire 2; a housing 20 which includes in the inside thereof, a housing space 31a housing a connection place of the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10; a sealing member 93 which seals an opening of a housing space 31a in such a manner that the connection place housed in the housing space 31a is separated from outside; and a cylindrical heat storage member 95 arranged in the housing space 31a in such a manner that the cylindrical heat storage member 95 surrounds the connection place. The heat storage member 95 includes a plurality of components each of which includes a first component 95z constituting a part of the heat storage member 95 in a peripheral direction of the heat storage member 95 and a second component 95z constituting the other portion, and the heat storage member 95 is constituted by assembling the plurality of components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector including an electric wire, a terminal, a housing that accommodates a connection point between the electric wire and the terminal, a sealing member that seals an opening of the accommodating space, and a heat storage member disposed within the accommodating space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed charging connectors that are installed in vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles in order to supply power from outside the vehicle (to charge the battery) to the battery mounted on the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). This type of connector is generally also called a charging inlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-192482 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-133278 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned types of connectors (charging inlets) are generally required to have structures and characteristics defined by various standards. For example, when the above-mentioned connectors are actually used, the temperature of the terminals (so-called operating temperature) rises due to Joule heat generated in the terminals when electricity is applied. Therefore, from the viewpoint of maintaining the quality and safety of the connectors, the upper limit of the operating temperature of the terminals is defined by a predetermined standard.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional connector, the connection point between the terminal and the electric wire is a place where a large amount of heat is generated due to the large contact resistance, but it is sealed with a packing or the like and isolated from the outside from the viewpoint of waterproofing. Furthermore, the air in such an isolated space also works as a heat insulator. Therefore, it is considered that it is very difficult to dissipate heat from the connection point between the terminal and the electric wire to the outside. In addition, for example, when a battery is rapidly charged, a large current passes through the connector in a short time, so that the degree of temperature rise of the terminal (especially the above-mentioned connection point) per unit time is higher than that in the case of normal charging. For these reasons, in the conventional connector, it may be difficult to keep the operating temperature of the terminal within the range specified by the above-mentioned standard only by natural heat dissipation.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a connector that can suppress an excessive increase in the operating temperature of the terminals while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector according to the present invention has the following features.

[0008] Electric wires and A terminal connected to the electric wire; a housing having an internal space for accommodating a connection portion between the electric wire and the terminal; a seal member that seals an opening portion of the accommodation space so as to isolate the connection portion accommodated in the accommodation space from the outside; a cylindrical heat storage member disposed in the accommodation space so as to surround the connection portion; A connector comprising: The heat storage member is A part of the heat storage member in the circumferential direction of the heat storage member is configured. No. 1 Consists of parts and other parts Second a plurality of parts including a The first part and the second part are engaged with each other. The plurality of parts are assembled together. It is a connector. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the connector of the present invention, the connection point between the electric wire and the terminal and the heat storage member are accommodated in the accommodation space in the housing. In other words, the heat storage member is arranged so as to reduce the gap around the connection point in the accommodation space. As a result, by absorbing the heat generated at the connection point between the electric wire and the terminal when current is applied by the heat storage member having a large heat capacity, even when the amount of heat generated at the connection point per unit time is large, such as during quick charging, the operating temperature of the terminal can be suppressed from rising suddenly and the operating temperature of the terminal can be increased gradually. Furthermore, the amount of air in the accommodation space that acts as a heat insulating material can be reduced by the amount of the heat storage member present in the accommodation space. Therefore, the connector of this configuration can suppress an excessive rise in the operating temperature of the terminal while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the connector having the above configuration, the heat storage member has a cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of parts including a part constituting a part in the circumferential direction and a part constituting another part, and is configured by assembling the plurality of parts. In other words, the cylindrical heat storage member is divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction, and the heat storage member is configured by assembling the plurality of divided parts. As a result, for example, a pre-process such as passing the electric wire through the tube of the heat storage member before connecting the electric wire to the terminal (for example, crimping the terminal) is not required, and the heat storage member can be arranged to surround the connection point by assembling the plurality of parts after connecting the electric wire to the terminal. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the manufacturing process of the connector is improved.

[0011] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the detailed description of the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an electric wire. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the connector shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of components constituting the connector shown in FIG. 1 are partially disassembled. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing another part of the components constituting the connector shown in FIG. 1 in an exploded state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies constituting the heat storage member and terminals connected to electric wires. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the heat storage member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the heat storage member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating a procedure for mounting a pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies to terminals. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] <Embodiment> A connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The connector 1 is installed in a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, and is connected to an electric wire extending from a battery mounted on the vehicle. The connector 1 is also called a charging inlet. By fitting a mating connector (a so-called charging gun) into a fitting recess 63 of the connector 1 (see FIG. 1, etc.), power is supplied to the battery from outside the vehicle, and the battery is charged.

[0014] For ease of explanation, the following definitions are used for "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" as shown in Fig. 1 etc. The "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are mutually perpendicular. The front-rear direction coincides with the mating direction of the connector 1 and the mating connector (not shown), and the front side of the mating direction (the side approaching the mating connector) as seen from the connector 1 is called the "front side," and the release side of the mating direction (the side moving away from the mating connector) as seen from the connector 1 is called the "rear side."

[0015] As shown in Figs. 1, 12, etc., the connector 1 includes a pair of terminals 10 and a housing 20 in which the pair of terminals 10 are stored. One end of a pair of electric wires 2 is connected to each of the pair of terminals 10. The other end of the pair of electric wires 2 is connected to a battery (not shown). The electric wires 2 are composed of a conductor core wire 2a and an insulating resin coating 2b that covers the conductor core wire 2a (see Fig. 12). Each of the components that make up the connector 1 will be described below in order.

[0016] First, the pair of terminals 10 will be described. In this embodiment, the pair of terminals 10 have the same shape. Each terminal 10 is made of metal, and has a stepped cylindrical portion consisting of a small diameter portion 11 and a large diameter portion 12 located behind the small diameter portion 11, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. An annular step portion 13 is formed at the boundary between the small diameter portion 11 and the large diameter portion 12. The step portion 13 is to be locked by a locking protrusion 37 (see Fig. 12) of the base holder 30 described later.

[0017] A cylindrical female terminal portion 14 is integrally provided on the small diameter portion 11 and protrudes forward from its front end face. Of the pair of terminals 10, the female terminal portion 14 of one terminal 10 functions as an anode terminal, and the female terminal portion 14 of the other terminal 10 functions as a cathode terminal. When the connector 1 is fitted to a mating connector, the female terminal portion 14 of one terminal 10 and the female terminal portion 14 of the other terminal 10 are connected to the anode side male terminal portion and the cathode side male terminal portion of the mating connector, respectively.

[0018] A recess 15 recessed forward is formed on the rear end surface of the large diameter portion 12 (see FIG. 12). The conductor core wire 2a exposed at one end of the electric wire 2 is inserted into the recess 15 and fixed by crimping. In this embodiment, by this crimping, concave crimping marks 12a are formed at multiple locations (six locations) in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 12 (see FIGS. 5 and 11). This electrically connects the terminal 10 to one end of the electric wire 2. The large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10 and the conductor core wire 2a of the electric wire 2 form a "connection point" between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 5, an annular groove 16 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 11 near the step portion 13, and an annular groove 17 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 12 near the step portion 13. A C-ring 94 (see Figs. 5 and 12) described later is to be fitted in the annular groove 16, and an O-ring 92 (see Figs. 5 and 12) described later is to be fitted in the annular groove 17. The pair of terminals 10 has been described above.

[0020] Next, the housing 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12, the housing 20 includes a base holder 30, a rear holder 40, an inner housing body 60, and an outer housing body 70. Each of the base holder 30, the rear holder 40, the inner housing body 60, and the outer housing body 70 is a skeletal component of the housing 20, and constitutes a part of the outer surface of the housing 20. Each component constituting the housing 20 will be described in order below. Note that the "skeletal component" of the housing 20 refers to a component having sufficient hardness and strength to maintain the shape of the housing 20 itself so as to hold the position of the terminal 10 against the external force applied to the terminal 10 when the terminal 10 is mated with a mating terminal (not shown). In other words, it refers to a component made of a material that does not soften or become brittle to such an extent that it is difficult to maintain the shape due to an increase in the operating temperature of the terminal 10.

[0021] First, the base holder 30 will be described. The base holder 30 serves to hold a pair of terminals 10 in a mutually insulated state with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction. The base holder 30 is a resin molded product, and as shown in Fig. 4, is integrally provided with a pair of terminal holding portions 31 aligned in the left-right direction and a connecting portion 32 connecting the pair of terminal holding portions 31 in the left-right direction.

[0022] 4, each terminal holding portion 31 has a stepped cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction and is composed of a small diameter portion 33 and a large diameter portion 35 located behind the small diameter portion 33. The connecting portion 32 connects the large diameter portions 35 of the pair of terminal holding portions 31. A pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the internal space 31a (see FIG. 12) of the pair of terminal holding portions 31 from the rear side.

[0023] An annular step 38 (see Figs. 4 and 12) is formed at the boundary between the small diameter portion 33 and the large diameter portion 35. An annular locking protrusion 37 is formed on the inner wall surface of the front end portion of the small diameter portion 33 in correspondence with the step 13 of the terminal 10, protruding radially inward of the small diameter portion 33 (see Fig. 12).

[0024] 3, 4 and 12, the base holder 30 further includes a pair of protruding parts 51 extending forward in the front-rear direction from the pair of large diameter parts 35. A pair of extending parts 52 extending outward in the left-right direction from both left-right sides of the front end parts and a pair of side wall parts 53 extending forward from the extending ends of the pair of extending parts 52 are integrally provided at the front end parts of the pair of protruding parts 51. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the pair of side wall parts 53 have a shape corresponding to a part of the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral shape (cylindrical shape) of a tubular part 61 (see also FIG. 3) described later of the inner housing main body 60, and can be attached to the tubular part 61 so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the rear end part of the tubular part 61.

[0025] 3 and 4, bolt insertion portions 54 are provided at a plurality of locations (four locations in this embodiment) on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces in the left-right direction) of the pair of side wall portions 53. A bolt insertion hole 55 penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in each bolt insertion portion 54. A bolt 91 (see FIG. 3) for assembling the housing 20 is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 55.

[0026] Next, the rear holder 40 will be described. The rear holder 40 is attached to the base holder 30 from the rear side, and serves to hold the pair of electric wires 2 extending rearward from the pair of terminals 10 with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction. The rear holder 40 is a resin molded product, and as shown in Fig. 4, has integrally a cylindrical portion 41 extending in the front-rear direction and a rear wall portion 42 closing a rear opening of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0027] The cylindrical portion 41 has an outer circumferential shape corresponding to the outer circumferential shape formed by the pair of large diameter portions 35 and the connecting portion 32 of the base holder 30, and can be attached to the rear end portion of the base holder 30 so as to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the rear end portions of the pair of large diameter portions 35 and the connecting portion 32. The rear wall portion 42 is formed with a pair of electric wire insertion holes 43 that are aligned in the left-right direction and penetrate in the front-rear direction, corresponding to the pair of large diameter portions 35. A pair of electric wires 2 are inserted into the pair of electric wire insertion holes 43 (see FIG. 12).

[0028] Next, the inner housing main body 60 will be described. The inner housing main body 60 is attached to the pair of side wall portions 53 of the base holder 30 from the front side, and functions to form a fitting recess 63 (see also FIG. 1) of the connector 1. The inner housing main body 60 is a resin molded product, and integrally includes a cylindrical tubular portion 61 extending in the front-rear direction, and a rear wall portion 62 that closes the rear opening of the tubular portion 61. The tubular portion 61 and the rear wall portion 62 define the fitting recess 63 that opens forward and is recessed backward.

[0029] A pair of cylindrical female terminal accommodating portions 64 are provided on the rear wall portion 62 so as to protrude forward in correspondence with the female terminal portions 14 of the pair of terminals 10 (see Figs. 3 and 12). Each female terminal accommodating portion 64 is located within the fitting recess 63 and has an internal space penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, an annular flange portion 65 that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 61 is provided at a position rearward of the center in the front-rear direction on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61. The flange portion 65 is provided with bolt insertion portions 66 at multiple locations in the circumferential direction (four locations in the first embodiment) corresponding to the multiple bolt insertion portions 54 of the base holder 30. Each bolt insertion portion 66 is formed with a bolt insertion hole 67 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. A bolt 91 (see Fig. 3) for assembling the housing 20 is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 67.

[0031] Next, the outer housing main body 70 will be described. The outer housing main body 70 is attached to the tubular portion 61 of the inner housing main body 60 from the front side, and serves to fix the entire housing 20 to an attachment target portion (not shown) of the connector 1 provided on a vehicle. The outer housing main body 70 is a resin molded product, and has a cylindrical tubular portion 71 that extends in the front-rear direction. The tubular portion 71 can be attached to the tubular portion 61 of the inner housing main body 60 from the front side so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61 (see FIG. 12).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, an annular flange portion 72 that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 71 is provided at a position rearward of the center in the front-to-rear direction on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 71. The flange portion 72 has a rectangular outer circumferential shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. A bolt insertion hole 73 that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction is formed in each of the four corners of the flange portion 72. A bolt (not shown) for fixing the connector 1 to the mounting target portion of the connector 1 is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 73.

[0033] Above, each part that constitutes the housing 20 has been described.

[0034] Next, a procedure for assembling the connector 1 will be described. First, a pair of terminals 10 to which one ends of a pair of electric wires 2 are connected are inserted into the base holder 30. To prepare for this, as shown in Figs. 4 and 12, the insulation 2b of the pair of electric wires 2 connected to the pair of terminals 10 is inserted into a pair of electric wire insertion holes 43 of the rear holder 40 from the front side, and then a cylindrical rubber packing 93 extending in the front-rear direction is inserted into each of the insulations 2b of the pair of electric wires from the front side so as to be adjacent to the front side of the rear wall portion 42 of the rear holder 40. Furthermore, a rubber O-ring 92 (see Figs. 5 and 12) is attached to each of the annular grooves 17 of the pair of terminals 10.

[0035] Next, a cylindrical heat storage member 95 extending in the front-rear direction is attached to the large diameter portion 12 of each terminal 10 so as to surround the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 12 (see Figs. 4, 7-9). A tapered portion 95a is provided at the front end of the cylindrical heat storage member 95, which is inclined along the inner circumferential surface of the step portion 38 (see Fig. 12) of the base holder 30. The heat storage member 95 is made of a metal material capable of storing sensible heat, and functions to absorb heat generated at the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 and to dissipate the heat to the outside (this will be described later).

[0036] In this embodiment, the heat storage member 95 is configured by assembling a pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape (see Figs. 5 and 7). The pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z have the same shape, and the upper heat storage division body 95z is obtained by turning the lower heat storage division body 95z upside down while maintaining its orientation in the front-to-rear direction (rotating it 180 degrees around an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction).

[0037] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, the inner peripheral surface of the approximately semi-cylindrical heat storage division 95z is provided with two protrusions 95b in the circumferential direction, which protrude radially inward and extend in the front-rear direction, corresponding to two adjacent crimping marks 12a of the multiple (six) crimping marks 12a of the large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10. Side walls 95d protruding in the vertical direction from a region on the same left-right side of the end face 95c (the left side in the lower heat storage division 95z) and extending in the front-rear direction are provided on both end faces 95c (planes perpendicular to the vertical direction) on the circumferential sides of the heat storage division 95z. Protrusions 95e protruding on the same left-right side (the right side in the lower heat storage division 95z) are provided on multiple positions in the front-rear direction (two positions in the front-rear direction in this embodiment, four positions in total) of the protruding ends of the pair of side walls 95d (see also Fig. 6).

[0038] In order to attach the heat storage member 95 to the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10, first, a pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z are arranged on the large diameter portion 12 so as to cover the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 12 from both the upper and lower sides, and then they are assembled to each other. More specifically, first, the two protrusions 95b of the upper heat storage division body 95z are accommodated (fitted) in the two crimping marks 12a located on the upper side of the large diameter portion 12 (see FIG. 11), and the two protrusions 95b of the lower heat storage division body 95z are accommodated (fitted) in the two crimping marks 12a located on the lower side of the large diameter portion 12 (see FIG. 11), and the protrusions 95e of the upper heat storage division body 95z and the lower heat storage division body The pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z are positioned on the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 12 so that the pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z are relatively shifted in the front-to-rear direction so that the protrusion portions 95e of the upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z do not overlap in the front-to-rear direction (see Figure 10), and so that the pair of end faces 95c and the protruding end faces of the pair of side walls 95d of the upper heat storage division body 95z abut the protruding end faces and the pair of end faces 95c of the pair of side walls 95d of the lower heat storage division body 95z, respectively (see Figure 11).

[0039] In this state, as shown in Fig. 10, the protrusion 95e of the upper heat storage division 95z is located lower than the protrusion 95e of the lower heat storage division 95z, and the protrusion 95e of the upper heat storage division 95z and the protrusion 95e of the lower heat storage division 95z overlap each other in the vertical direction by a slight overlap amount r. Next, as shown by the white arrow in Fig. 10, the pair of upper and lower heat storage divisions 95z are relatively moved in the front-to-rear direction in a direction in which the relative misalignment in the front-to-rear direction between the pair of upper and lower heat storage divisions 95z disappears. During this process, the protrusion 95e of the upper heat storage division 95z enters under the protrusion 95e of the lower heat storage division 95z while the minute overlap amount r is eliminated by elastic deformation around the protrusion 95e, and the upper surface of the protrusion 95e of the upper heat storage division 95z and the lower surface of the protrusion 95e of the lower heat storage division 95z slide against each other while being in pressing contact with each other due to the elastic restoring force around the protrusion 95e. Such relative movement of the pair of upper and lower heat storage divisions 95z continues until the pair of upper and lower heat storage divisions 95z are positioned at the same position in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 9). When the pair of upper and lower heat storage divisions 95z are positioned at the same position in the front-rear direction, the attachment of the heat storage member 95 to the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10 is completed.

[0040] In the completed state of mounting of the heat storage member 95, as shown in FIG. 11, the cylindrical heat storage member 95 consisting of a pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z is mounted on the large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10 so as to surround the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 12 with each protrusion 95b fitted into the corresponding crimping mark 12a. The above-mentioned elastic restoring force around the protrusions 95e keeps the upper and lower adjacent protrusions 95e in pressure contact with each other, so that the pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z are firmly held together. In other words, the upper and lower adjacent protrusions 95e engage with each other, so that the pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z are biased in a direction approaching each other. From the viewpoint of more efficient heat transfer, it is preferable to bring the recessed surface of the crimping mark 12a of the terminal 10 and the protrusions 95b of the heat storage member 95 into contact with each other. In this example, although not shown, at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical heat storage member 95 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10 .

[0041] Next, the pair of terminals 10 are inserted from the rear into the internal space 31a (see FIG. 12) of the pair of terminal holding parts 31 of the base holder 30. This insertion is continued until the small diameter part 11 and the female terminal part 14 of the pair of terminals 10 protrude forward from the front end of the pair of terminal holding parts 31 and the step part 13 of the pair of terminals 10 is locked by the locking protrusion 37 of the pair of terminal holding parts 31. When this insertion is completed (i.e., when the insertion of the pair of terminals 10 into the base holder 30 is completed), as shown in FIG. 12, the O-ring 92 attached to the terminal 10 is in pressing contact with the inner wall surface of the small diameter part 33 of the terminal holding part 31. Furthermore, each heat storage member 95 is located in the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter part 12 of the terminal 10 and the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter part 35 of the terminal holding part 31 (i.e., in the internal space 31a). At least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heat storage member 95 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 35 of the base holder 30 .

[0042] Next, a metal C-ring 94 is attached to the annular groove 16 of the small diameter portion 11 of the terminal 10 protruding forward from the front end of each terminal holding portion 31 of the base holder 30 (see Figs. 5 and 12). This prevents the terminal 10 from slipping out backward from the base holder 30 due to the engagement between the C-ring 94 and the locking projection 37 of the terminal holding portion 31.

[0043] Next, a predetermined amount of heat transfer member 96 is injected into the internal space 31a of the pair of terminal holding portions 31 of the base holder 30 (more specifically, the gap remaining between the outer peripheral surfaces of the electric wires 2 and terminals 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal holding portion 31 (large diameter portion 35), see FIG. 12). The heat transfer member 96 is formed by mixing a material for promoting heat transfer, such as alumina particles, into a base material having fluidity and viscosity, such as grease or silicone paste. The heat transfer member 96 functions to promote heat transfer from the connection points between the electric wires 2 and terminals 10 to the heat storage member 95 (i.e., heat absorption from the connection points) and heat transfer from the heat storage member 95 to the terminal holding portions 31 (and thus heat dissipation to the outside of the housing 20) (this will be described later).

[0044] Next, the rear holder 40 is attached to the base holder 30. For this purpose, the rear holder 40 is pressed forward, and the rear holder 40 and the pair of gaskets 93 located on the front side of the rear holder 40 are moved forward relative to the pair of electric wires 2, thereby attaching the cylindrical portion 41 of the rear holder 40 to the rear end portion of the base holder 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 12).

[0045] When the rear holder 40 is completely attached to the base holder 30, the heat transfer member 96 located in the internal space 31a of the terminal holding portion 31 is located in the internal space 31a so as to fill the gap H remaining around the heat storage member 95, as shown in Fig. 12. For example, the heat transfer member 96 fills the gap H generated between the heat storage member 95, the inner wall surface of the base holder 30, the outer wall surface of the terminal 10, and the electric wire 2. Furthermore, the heat transfer member 96 also fills the gap H generated between the crimping mark 12a of the large diameter portion 12 of the terminal 10 and the protrusion 95b of the heat storage member 95 fitted into the crimping mark 12a (see Fig. 11). The effect of the heat transfer member 96 filling the gap H will be described later.

[0046] Furthermore, each packing 93 is pressed and sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 35 of the terminal holding portion 31 and the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire 2 (coating 2b). Specifically, a plurality of ribs 93a of each packing 93 are pressed against the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 35 and the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire 2 (coating 2b). As a result, the pair of O-rings 92 and the pair of packings 93 exert a water-stopping function, and the internal space 31a of the pair of terminal holding portions 31 is isolated from the outside. As a result, the intrusion of water from the outside into the internal space 31a of the pair of terminal holding portions 31 (i.e., the connection portion between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10) is suppressed. Furthermore, the pair of terminals 10 are held by the base holder 30 in a state insulated from each other with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction, and the pair of electric wires 2 extending rearward from the pair of terminals 10 are held by the rear holder 40 with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction.

[0047] After the rear holder 40 is attached to the base holder 30, the inner housing main body 60 is then attached to the base holder 30 (see Figs. 3 and 12). For this purpose, the inner housing main body 60 is attached to the base holder 30 from the front side so that the pair of side wall portions 53 of the base holder 30 cover a part of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61 of the inner housing main body 60 and so that the female terminal portions 14 of the pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the pair of female terminal accommodating portions 64 of the inner housing main body 60 (see Fig. 12). When this attachment is completed, the front end surface of the pair of side wall portions 53 of the base holder 30 abuts against the rear end surface of the flange portion 65 of the inner housing main body 60, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0048] After the inner housing main body 60 has been attached to the base holder 30, the outer housing main body 70 is then attached to the inner housing main body 60 (see Figs. 3 and 12). For this purpose, the outer housing main body 70 is attached to the inner housing main body 60 from the front side so that the cylindrical portion 71 of the outer housing main body 70 covers the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 61 of the inner housing main body 60 (see Fig. 12). When this attachment is complete, the rear end surface of the cylindrical portion 71 of the outer housing main body 70 abuts against the front end surface of the flange portion 65 of the inner housing main body 60, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0049] After the attachment of the outer housing main body 70 to the inner housing main body 60 is completed, a plurality of bolts 91 (four in the first embodiment) are inserted from the rear side through the plurality of bolt insertion holes 55 of the base holder 30 and the plurality of bolt insertion holes 67 of the inner housing main body 60, and fastened to a plurality of fastening points (not shown) provided on the outer housing main body 70, as shown in Fig. 3. As a result, the base holder 30 and the inner housing main body 60 are fastened together to the outer housing main body 70, and the base holder 30, the rear holder 40, the inner housing main body 60, and the outer housing main body 70, which constitute the framework components of the housing 20, are integrated together. This completes the assembly of the connector 1, and the connector 1 shown in Fig. 1 is obtained.

[0050] Once assembled, the connector 1 is fastened to a mounting portion (not shown) of the connector 1 provided on the vehicle using a plurality of bolts (not shown) inserted through a plurality of bolt insertion holes 73 in the outer housing body 70.

[0051] When charging a battery (not shown) mounted on a vehicle, a mating connector (a so-called charging gun) is fitted into the fitting recess 63 of the connector 1 fixed to an attachment target portion of the vehicle. This causes power to be supplied from outside the vehicle to the battery via the mating connector, the connector 1, and the pair of electric wires 2 in that order, thereby charging the battery.

[0052] Next, the effect of providing the heat storage member 95 and the heat transfer member 96 in the connector 1 will be described. As described above, when charging a battery using the connector 1, the temperature of the pair of terminals 10 in the connector 1 rises due to Joule heat caused by current flow. In particular, the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 is a location where a large amount of heat is generated due to the large contact resistance, but it is a location where it is difficult to dissipate heat to the outside because it is sealed by the O-ring 92 and the packing 93 in the internal space 31a of the terminal holding part 31 and isolated from the outside, and the air in the isolated internal space 31a acts as a heat insulating material. Therefore, in order to slow down the temperature rise of the terminal 10, it is important to efficiently absorb the heat generated at the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10.

[0053] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the heat storage member 95 in contact with the connection portion between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 is accommodated in the internal space 31a of the terminal holding portion 31. In other words, the heat storage member 95 is arranged so as to reduce the gap H (see FIGS. 11 and 12) around the connection portion between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 in the internal space 31a.

[0054] Furthermore, the heat storage member 95 is made of metal. In general, when a metal member and air are compared in the same volume, the heat capacity of the metal member is larger than that of the air due to the fact that the density of the metal is higher than that of the air. Therefore, the heat capacity of the metal heat storage member 95 is larger than that of the air having the same volume as the heat storage member 95. That is, by accommodating the metal heat storage member 95 in the internal space 31a of the terminal holding part 31, the substantial heat capacity of the entire internal space 31a can be increased. Furthermore, the amount of air in the internal space 31a that acts as a heat insulating material can be reduced by the amount of the heat storage member 95 in the internal space 31a. Note that the material constituting the heat storage member 95 is not necessarily limited to metal, and may be other materials as long as they have a heat capacity that can increase the substantial heat capacity of the entire internal space 31a compared to the case where the heat storage member 95 is not provided, as described above.

[0055] From the above, by absorbing the heat generated at the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 when current is applied by the heat storage member 95 with large heat capacity, even when the amount of heat generated at the connection point per unit time is large, such as during rapid charging, a sudden increase in the temperature of the terminal 10 can be suppressed and the temperature of the terminal 10 can be increased gradually.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical heat storage member 95 is configured by assembling a pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z. As a result, for example, a pre-process such as passing the electric wire 2 through the cylindrical heat storage member 95 before connecting the electric wire 2 to the terminal 10 (i.e., crimping the terminal 10) is not required, and by assembling the pair of upper and lower heat storage division bodies 95z after connecting the electric wire 2 to the terminal 10, the heat storage member 95 can be arranged to surround the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 95b of the heat storage member 95 is fitted into the crimping mark 12a of the terminal 10, thereby increasing the volume of the heat storage member 95 by the amount of the protrusion 95b, thereby improving the heat storage performance. Furthermore, the protrusion 95b of the heat storage member 95 fits into the recess of the crimping mark 12a, thereby increasing the surface area contributing to heat transfer between the two, and thus making it possible to more efficiently absorb heat from the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 and release heat to the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a heat transfer member 96 made of a material having fluidity and viscosity is disposed in the internal space 31a of the terminal holding portion 31 so as to fill a gap H (see FIG. 12) remaining around the heat storage member 95. This allows for more efficient heat transfer from the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 to the heat storage member 95 (i.e., heat absorption from the connection point) and more efficient heat transfer from the heat storage member 95 to the terminal holding portion 31 (i.e., housing 20) (i.e., heat dissipation to the outside).

[0059] <Actions and Effects> As described above, according to the connector 1 of this embodiment, the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 and the heat storage member 95 are accommodated in the internal space 31a of the terminal holding portion 31 in the housing 20. In other words, the heat storage member 95 is arranged so as to reduce the gap H (see FIG. 12) around the connection point in the internal space 31a. As a result, even when the amount of heat generated at the connection point per unit time is large, such as during rapid charging, by absorbing heat generated at the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 by the heat storage member 95 having a large heat capacity, a sudden increase in the operating temperature of the terminal 10 can be suppressed and the operating temperature of the terminal 10 can be increased gradually. Therefore, the connector 1 of this embodiment can suppress an excessive increase in the operating temperature of the terminal 10 while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the heat storage member 95 has a cylindrical shape, and is configured by assembling together an upper heat storage division 95z constituting a part of the heat storage member 95 in the circumferential direction and a lower heat storage division 95z constituting the other part of the heat storage member 95 in the circumferential direction. This eliminates the need for a pre-process such as passing the electric wire 2 through the tube of the heat storage member 95 before connecting the electric wire 2 to the terminal 10 (for example, crimping the terminal 10), and allows the heat storage member 95 to be disposed so as to surround the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 by assembling a pair of upper and lower heat storage divisions 95z after connecting the electric wire 2 to the terminal 10. This improves the degree of freedom in the manufacturing process of the connector 1.

[0061] Furthermore, the heat transfer member 96 is disposed in the internal space 31a so as to fill the gap H (see FIG. 12) remaining around the heat storage member 95. As a result, by disposing the heat transfer member 96 between the heat storage member 95 and the connection portion between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10, heat transfer from the connection portion to the heat storage member 95 (i.e., heat absorption from the connection portion) can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, by disposing the heat transfer member 96 between the heat storage member 95 and the housing 20 (base holder 30), heat transfer from the heat storage member 95 to the housing 20 (i.e., heat dissipation to the outside) can be performed more efficiently.

[0062] Furthermore, by fitting the protrusion 95b of the heat storage member 95 into the crimping mark 12a of the terminal 10, the volume of the heat storage member 95 can be increased by the amount of the protrusion 95b, thereby improving the heat storage performance. Furthermore, by fitting the protrusion 95b of the heat storage member 95 into the depression of the crimping mark 12a, the surface area contributing to heat transfer between them is increased, and heat absorption from the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10 and heat dissipation to the outside can be performed more efficiently. Note that, from the viewpoint of more efficient heat transfer, it is preferable to bring the recessed surface of the crimping mark 12a of the terminal 10 and the protrusion 95b of the heat storage member 95 into close contact with each other.

[0063] Furthermore, when the two parts 95z constituting the heat storage member 95 are assembled, the protrusions 95e of one of the parts 95z engage with each other, urging the pair of parts 95z in a direction toward each other. This causes the heat storage member 95 to be pressed against the connection point between the electric wire 2 and the terminal 10, or reduces the gap between the heat storage member 95 and the connection point. This increases the surface area that contributes to heat transfer between the two, and allows for more efficient absorption of heat from the connection point and release of heat to the outside.

[0064] <Other aspects> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications, improvements, etc. are possible. In addition, the material, shape, size, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, a fluid member in which a substance for promoting heat transfer, such as alumina particles, is mixed into a fluid and viscous base material, such as grease or silicone paste, is used as the heat transfer member 96. Alternatively, a cylindrical member made of a metal mesh may be used as the heat transfer member 96.

[0066] Here, the features of the above-described embodiment of the connector 1 according to the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [4].

[0067] [1] An electric wire (2); A terminal (10) to be connected to the electric wire (2); a housing (20) having an accommodating space (31a) therein for accommodating a connection portion between the electric wire (2) and the terminal (10); a seal member (93) that seals an opening of the accommodation space (31a) so as to isolate the connection portion accommodated in the accommodation space (31a) from the outside; a cylindrical heat storage member (95) disposed in the accommodation space (31a) so as to surround the connection portion; A connector (1) comprising: The heat storage member (95) is a plurality of parts including a part (95z) constituting a part of the heat storage member (95) in the circumferential direction of the heat storage member (95) and a part (95z) constituting another part, and the plurality of parts are assembled together; Connector(1).

[0068] According to the connector of the configuration [1] above, the connection point between the electric wire and the terminal and the heat storage member are accommodated in the accommodation space in the housing. In other words, the heat storage member is arranged so as to reduce the gap around the connection point in the accommodation space. As a result, by absorbing the heat generated at the connection point between the electric wire and the terminal when current is applied by the heat storage member having a large heat capacity, even when the amount of heat generated at the connection point per unit time is large, such as during quick charging, the operating temperature of the terminal can be suppressed from rising suddenly and the operating temperature of the terminal can be increased gradually. Furthermore, the amount of air in the accommodation space that acts as a heat insulating material can be reduced by the amount of the heat storage member present in the accommodation space. Therefore, the connector of this configuration can suppress an excessive rise in the operating temperature of the terminal while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the connector having the above configuration, the heat storage member has a cylindrical shape and includes a plurality of parts including a first part constituting a part in the circumferential direction and a second part constituting the other part, and is configured by assembling the plurality of parts. As a result, for example, a pre-process such as passing the electric wire through the tube of the heat storage member before connecting the electric wire to the terminal (for example, crimping the terminal) is not required, and the heat storage member can be arranged to surround the connection point by assembling the plurality of parts after connecting the electric wire to the terminal. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the manufacturing process of the connector is improved.

[0070] [2] The connector (1) according to the above [1], a heat transfer member (96) that is arranged in the storage space (31a) so as to fill at least a part of a gap (H) remaining around the heat storage member (95) in the storage space (31a), Connector(1).

[0071] According to the connector having the configuration of [2] above, the heat transfer member is disposed in the housing space so as to fill at least a part of the gap remaining around the heat storage member. As a result, for example, if the heat transfer member is disposed between the connection point between the electric wire and the terminal and the heat storage member, heat transfer from the connection point to the heat storage member (i.e., heat absorption from the connection point) can be performed more efficiently. Also, for example, if the heat transfer member is disposed between the heat storage member and the housing, heat transfer from the heat storage member to the housing (i.e., heat dissipation to the outside) can be performed more efficiently.

[0072] [3] In the connector (1) described in the above [1], The terminal (10) is The terminal (10) is connected to the electric wire (2) by crimping the terminal (10), and has a recessed crimp mark (12a) on the surface of the terminal (10); The heat storage member (95) is The tube has a protrusion (95b) on an inner surface thereof that protrudes toward the crimp mark (12a), and the protrusion (95b) is disposed so as to be fitted into the crimp mark (12a). Connector(1).

[0073] According to the connector having the configuration of [3] above, the protrusion of the heat storage member is fitted into the crimped mark of the terminal, thereby increasing the volume of the heat storage member by the amount of the protrusion, thereby improving the heat storage performance. Furthermore, the protrusion of the heat storage member fits into the depression of the crimped mark, increasing the surface area contributing to heat transfer between the two, and allowing for more efficient absorption of heat from the connection point and release of heat to the outside. From the viewpoint of more efficient heat transfer, it is preferable to bring the two into close contact so that the depression surface of the crimped mark of the terminal and the protrusion of the heat storage member are in contact with each other.

[0074] [4] In the connector according to the above [1], The plurality of parts (95z) the first component (95z) having a first engagement portion (95e) and a second component (95z) having a second engagement portion (95e), and the first component (95z) and the second component (95z) are biased in a direction in which they approach each other by the engagement between the first engagement portion (95e) and the second engagement portion (95e), Connector(1).

[0075] According to the connector having the configuration of [4] above, when the multiple parts constituting the heat storage member are assembled, the first engaging portion of the first part engages with the second engaging portion of the second part, and the first part and the second part are biased in a direction to approach each other. This causes the heat storage member to be pressed against the connection portion between the electric wire and the terminal, or reduces the gap between the heat storage member and the connection portion. This increases the surface area that contributes to heat transfer between the two, and allows for more efficient absorption of heat from the connection portion and release of heat to the outside. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Connector 2 electric wire 10 Terminals 12a Caulking marks 20. Housing 31a Internal space (containment space) 93 Packing (sealing material) 95 Heat storage material 95b Protrusion 95e Protrusion (first engagement portion, second engagement portion) 95z Heat storage division (multiple parts) 96 Heat transfer materials H Gap

Claims

1. Electric wires and A terminal connected to the electric wire; a housing having an internal space for accommodating a connection portion between the electric wire and the terminal; a seal member that seals an opening portion of the accommodation space so as to isolate the connection portion accommodated in the accommodation space from the outside; a cylindrical heat storage member disposed in the accommodation space so as to surround the connection portion; A connector comprising: The heat storage member is The heat storage member has a plurality of components including a first component constituting a part of the heat storage member in a circumferential direction of the heat storage member and a second component constituting another part of the heat storage member, and the plurality of components are assembled so that the first component and the second component are engaged with each other. connector.

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, The housing further includes a heat transfer member disposed in the housing space so as to fill at least a portion of a gap remaining around the heat storage member in the housing space. connector.

3. An electric wire, A terminal connected to the electric wire; a housing having an internal space for accommodating a connection portion between the electric wire and the terminal; a seal member that seals an opening portion of the accommodation space so as to isolate the connection portion accommodated in the accommodation space from the outside; a cylindrical heat storage member disposed in the accommodation space so as to surround the connection portion; A connector comprising: The heat storage member is The heat storage member has a plurality of components including a component constituting a part of the heat storage member in a circumferential direction of the heat storage member and a component constituting another part of the heat storage member, and the plurality of components are assembled together, The terminal is The terminal is connected to the electric wire by crimping the terminal to the electric wire, and has a recessed crimp mark on a surface of the terminal; The heat storage member is A protrusion protruding toward the crimp mark is provided on the inner surface of the tube, and the protrusion is disposed so as to be fitted into the crimp mark. connector.

4. An electric wire, A terminal connected to the electric wire; a housing having an internal space for accommodating a connection portion between the electric wire and the terminal; a seal member that seals an opening portion of the accommodation space so as to isolate the connection portion accommodated in the accommodation space from the outside; a cylindrical heat storage member disposed in the accommodation space so as to surround the connection portion; A connector comprising: The heat storage member is The heat storage member has a plurality of components including a component constituting a part of the heat storage member in a circumferential direction of the heat storage member and a component constituting another part of the heat storage member, and the plurality of components are assembled together, The plurality of parts include: The device includes a first component having a first engagement portion and a second component having a second engagement portion, and is configured such that the first component and the second component are biased in a direction in which they approach each other by the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. connector.

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