connector

Abstract

To improve assemblability of a temperature sensor in a connector, thereby satisfactorily bringing a terminal into contact with the temperature sensor.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes a housing 20, a terminal 32, a holding component 31, and a temperature sensor 36. The holding component 31 includes: a terminal housing part 31A; and a temperature sensor housing part 31B which is continuous with the terminal housing part 31A in a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1. The temperature sensor housing part 31B has: a facing wall part 31B1; a pair of side wall parts 31B2; and an insertion port 31B3 which is opened in the first direction D1. The pair of side wall parts 31B2 each have an elastic piece 31B5. The elastic piece 31B5 includes a locking part 31B6 which prevents detachment of the temperature sensor 36 inside the temperature sensor housing part 31B. A pressing part 31B8 which protrudes to the inside of the temperature sensor housing part 31B is formed on the facing wall part 31B1. A minimum value L1 of a distance between the pressing part 31B8 and an outer surface of the terminal 32 in the second direction D2 is smaller than a dimension L2 of the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector. [[Background Art]]

[0002] As a high-voltage connector mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-190364 (Patent Document 1 below) is conventionally known. This connector includes a terminal, a housing that accommodates the terminal, and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the terminal, and can prevent overcurrent from a power source to an electric device based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-190364 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The connector described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that after the temperature sensor is assembled to the holding member, the terminal is assembled to the holding member. On the other hand, the aspect in which the temperature sensor is assembled to the holding member after the terminal is assembled to the holding member is not described in detail. Further, in the connector of Patent Document 1, the temperature sensor is pressed against the terminal by a protrusion formed on an elastically deformable pressing arm. For this reason, under a vibration environment such as in a vehicle, the pressing arm may elastically deform, which may make the contact state of the temperature sensor with the terminal unstable. As a result, there is a risk that the accuracy of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor may decrease.

[0005] This disclosure was completed based on the circumstances described above, and aims to improve the ease of assembly of temperature sensors in high-voltage connectors and to improve the accuracy of temperature measurement by ensuring good contact between the terminals and the temperature sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a housing, terminals, a retaining component for holding the terminals, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the terminals, wherein the housing has a housing body and a through hole penetrating the housing body in a first direction, the retaining component is inserted through the through hole while holding the terminals and can be assembled to the housing, the retaining component comprises a terminal housing portion for housing the terminals and a temperature sensor housing portion arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the terminal housing portion, the temperature sensor housing portion has a facing wall portion facing the temperature sensor in the second direction and the first direction The housing has a pair of side walls facing the temperature sensor in the direction and a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, and an insertion opening that opens in the first direction when the retaining component is assembled to the housing, the pair of side walls each having a flexible elastic piece at the edge of the insertion opening, the elastic piece having a locking portion to prevent the temperature sensor from coming out into the temperature sensor housing, the opposing wall has a pressing portion that protrudes toward the inside of the temperature sensor housing, and the minimum distance between the pressing portion and the outer surface of the terminal in the second direction is set to be smaller than the dimensions of the temperature sensor in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the connector can be designed to improve the ease of assembly of the temperature sensor and to ensure good contact between the terminal and the temperature sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a front view of the connector. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of Figure 3, showing a magnified view of the area around the retaining component. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how the temperature sensor is attached in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of Figure 6 and is an explanatory diagram showing the pressing portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 using the DD method. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the first terminal assembly, seen from diagonally downwards and in front. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the retaining component, seen from diagonally above and in front. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view of the retaining component. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of EE in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a terminal, a retaining component for holding the terminal, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the terminal, wherein the housing has a housing body and a through hole penetrating the housing body in a first direction, the retaining component is inserted through the through hole while holding the terminal and can be assembled to the housing, the retaining component comprises a terminal housing portion for housing the terminal and a temperature sensor housing portion arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the terminal housing portion, the temperature sensor housing portion comprises a facing wall portion facing the temperature sensor in the second direction, and the The housing has a pair of side walls facing the temperature sensor in a third direction perpendicular to one direction and the second direction, and an insertion opening that opens in the first direction when the retaining component is assembled to the housing, the pair of side walls each having a flexible elastic piece at the edge of the insertion opening, the elastic piece having a locking portion to prevent the temperature sensor from coming out into the temperature sensor housing, the opposing wall has a pressing portion that protrudes toward the inside of the temperature sensor housing, and the minimum distance between the pressing portion and the outer surface of the terminal in the second direction is set to be smaller than the dimensions of the temperature sensor in the second direction.

[0010] With this configuration, the retaining component that holds the terminals is assembled to the housing, and the temperature sensor can be inserted into the temperature sensor housing through the insertion opening. When inserting the temperature sensor into the insertion opening, the elastic piece is bent, and after housing the temperature sensor inside the temperature sensor housing, the elastic piece is returned to its natural state, thereby preventing the temperature sensor from coming out of the temperature sensor housing through the locking mechanism. Furthermore, since the opposing wall of the temperature sensor housing is equipped with a pressing portion that protrudes toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing, the temperature sensor can be pressed against the terminal in a second direction. This allows for accurate measurement of the terminal temperature.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], preferably, the pressing portion is formed in a rib shape extending in the first direction, and the amount of projection of the pressing portion into the interior of the temperature sensor accommodating portion increases as going from the insertion port toward the inner depth of the temperature sensor accommodating portion in the first direction.

[0012] According to such a configuration, since the pressing portion is formed in a rib shape, the contact area between the pressing portion and the temperature sensor can be reduced, and the insertion force for inserting the temperature sensor into the temperature sensor accommodating portion can be reduced. Further, since the amount of projection of the pressing portion increases as going from the insertion port toward the inner depth of the temperature sensor accommodating portion in the first direction, the temperature sensor can be sufficiently pressed against the terminal inside the temperature sensor accommodating portion while guiding the insertion of the temperature sensor.

[0013] [3] In the above [1] or [2], preferably, the terminal accommodating portion includes a bottom wall portion that contacts the terminal from a side opposite to the temperature sensor in the second direction.

[0014] According to such a configuration, the temperature sensor and the terminal can be arranged to be sandwiched between the pressing portion and the bottom wall portion in the second direction. Therefore, it becomes easy to ensure contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal.

[0015] [Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is defined by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may be different in each drawing. In this specification, the terms "parallel", "perpendicular", and "orthogonal" include not only the case of being strictly parallel, perpendicular, and orthogonal, but also the case of being substantially parallel, perpendicular, and orthogonal within the range where the functions and effects of the present embodiment can be achieved.

[0016] Each drawing shows three mutually perpendicular directions, designated as the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. That is, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are mutually perpendicular, the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 are mutually perpendicular, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are mutually perpendicular. By indicating arrows on both sides of the solid lines that show each direction, the direction indicated by the arrow on the side without a symbol is understood to be the same as the direction indicated by the arrow on the side without a symbol.

[0017] Furthermore, as used in this specification, the term "tubular" includes not only those with a continuous circumferential wall formed around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts, and those having a notch or other cutout in a part of the circumference, such as a C-shape. In addition, the shapes of "tubular" include circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners.

[0018] Furthermore, in this specification, "ring" refers to any closed shape whose outer edge shape is connected by straight or curved lines, including circular rings with a circular outer edge, elliptical or oblong rings with an elliptical or oblong outer edge, polygonal rings with a polygonal outer edge, and rounded polygonal rings. "Ring" includes those whose outer and inner edges are the same shape, and those whose outer and inner edges are different shapes. "Ring" includes those that have a predetermined length extending along the central axis, regardless of the magnitude of that length. Furthermore, in this specification, "annular" refers to anything that can be considered a ring as a whole, and includes those that have notches or slits in part, such as a C-shape.

[0019] Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" means that two surfaces or members are in a position where they face each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" includes both cases where a member other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts.

[0020] <Embodiment> (Configuration of connector 10) Connector 10 is a connector 10 that is connected to a mating device (not shown) for a vehicle. The mating device is, for example, a high-voltage battery or motor for driving. The mating device comprises a housing made of a conductive metal material, and a device-side housing and device-side terminals provided inside the housing.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 10 comprises a housing 20, two terminal assemblies 30 and 40 arranged side by side in a second direction D2 (vertical direction), and a temperature sensor 36. Of the two terminal assemblies 30 and 40, the lower one is designated as the first terminal assembly 30, and the upper one as the second terminal assembly 40. The first terminal assembly 30 is longer in the first direction D1 (front-to-back direction) than the second terminal assembly 40 and includes a temperature sensor housing 31B that the second terminal assembly 40 does not have. In other respects, the configuration of each terminal assembly 30 and 40 is almost the same, so in the following description, the first terminal assembly 30 will be used as a representative example.

[0022] (Housing 20 configuration) As shown in Figure 3, the housing 20 comprises a housing body portion 21, a mounting plate 22 protruding from the outer circumference of the housing body portion 21, two nut-holding walls 23 arranged in a second direction D2, a hood portion 24, and two terminal-accommodating walls 25 arranged in a second direction D2. The material for the housing 20 can be a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0023] (Configuration of the housing body 21) The housing body 21 has through holes 21A into which each terminal assembly 30, 40 is attached. The housing body 21 also has a fitting portion 21B which fits into the equipment-side housing. As shown in Figure 2, the housing body 21 is a roughly rectangular block shape that is elongated vertically when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, an annular first sealing member 21C is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B. The first sealing member 21C is an axial seal. When the fitting portion 21B is fitted into the equipment-side housing, the first sealing member 21C is compressed around its entire circumference by the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B and the inner circumferential surface of the equipment-side housing, thereby sealing the inside of the equipment-side housing.

[0025] (Configuration of mounting plate 22) As shown in Figure 2, the mounting plate 22 is a portion that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the housing body 21 in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The mounting plate 22 is a roughly rectangular plate when viewed from the first direction D1. Metal collars 22A are fixed to the four corners of the mounting plate 22 by press-fitting or insert molding. The connector 10 is attached and fixed to the mating device by inserting bolts through the collars 22A and fastening them to the bolt holes of the housing.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, a second sealing member 22B is attached to the surface of the mounting plate 22 facing the housing. The second sealing member 22B is a surface seal. When the connector 10 is attached to the mating device, the second sealing member 22B is compressed by the housing and the mounting plate 22, sealing the inside of the housing.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, a metal shielding member 50 is installed between the housing body 21 and the mounting plate 22. The shielding member 50 has a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape when viewed from the first direction D1. The portion of the terminal 32 that is located outside the housing is positioned inside the shielding member 50. As shown in Figure 1, the shielding member 50 has a plurality of contact pieces 51 that come into contact with the housing when the connector 10 is attached to the mating device.

[0028] (Configuration of the nut retaining wall 23) As shown in Figure 10, the nut retaining wall 23 comprises a plate-shaped base portion 23A formed projecting in a first direction D1 from the bottom wall of the fitting portion 21B, and a pair of side plate portions 23B projecting inward (upward) from the upper surface of the base plate portion 23A in a second direction D2 through hole 21A and extending in the first direction D1. The pair of side plate portions 23B are arranged parallel to each other in a third direction D3. The tips of the side plate portions 23B are positioned between the opening edge of the fitting portion 21B and the tips of the base plate portion 23A. A pair of locking portions 23C are provided on the outer surfaces of the pair of side plate portions 23B. A support portion 23D is formed between the pair of side plate portions 23B in the third direction D3. The support portion 23D projects upward from the base plate portion 23A. The support portion 23D is positioned on the base plate portion 23A closer to the fitting portion 21B and extends in the first direction D1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, when the first terminal assembly 30 is attached to the housing body 21, the nut 35 is supported by the base plate portion 23A. The nut 35 fits and is housed between the base plate portion 23A and the terminal connection portion 32B of the terminal 32, and is therefore held in a position in the second direction D2. The nut 35, which is temporarily held by the retaining component 31, is held by the retaining component 31 by the base plate portion 23A, and its detachment from the retaining component 31 is prevented.

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, when the first terminal assembly 30 is attached to the housing body 21, the nut 35 is fitted and housed between the pair of side plates 23B. Even if the nut 35 attempts to rotate when fastening the equipment-side terminal and terminal 32, the pair of side plates 23B engage with the outer surface of the nut 35, suppressing rotation and displacement of the nut 35.

[0031] (Configuration of the hood section 24 and terminal housing wall 25) As shown in Figure 3, the hood portion 24 is formed to protrude from the mounting plate 22 on the side opposite to the fitting portion 21B. The hood portion 24 has a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape when viewed from the first direction D1. A pair of terminal housing walls 25 are housed inside the hood portion 24. The terminal housing walls 25 have a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape when viewed from the first direction D1. Each terminal housing wall 25 is positioned to correspond to a pair of upper and lower through holes 21A. The inside of the terminal housing wall 25 is in communication with the corresponding through holes 21A.

[0032] The end opening of the through-hole 21A on the terminal housing wall 25 side is formed to be sized to allow only the terminal 32 to pass through. Therefore, when the third sealing member 33, which will be described later, is inserted into the through-hole 21A together with the terminal 32, it is held inside the housing body 21 and does not protrude through the through-hole 21A to the terminal housing wall 25 side. Consequently, only the terminal 32 is positioned inside the terminal housing wall 25, protruding from the housing body 21.

[0033] (Configuration of the first terminal assembly 30) As shown in Figure 11, the first terminal assembly 30 comprises a retaining part 31, a terminal 32, a third sealing member 33, an insulating member 34, and a nut 35. The terminal 32 and the equipment-side terminal are connected by fastening a bolt to the nut 35. The third sealing member 33 is an annular shape that is horizontally elongated when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0034] (Configuration of terminal 32) The terminal 32 is a roughly rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the first direction D1. Examples of materials for the terminal 32 include metal materials such as iron-based, copper-based, or aluminum-based materials. A pair of seal member mounting portions 32A are formed in a groove shape on both side edges of the terminal 32. When the third seal member 33 is attached to the terminal 32 from the first direction D1, the inner lip of the third seal member 33 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the seal member mounting portion 32A and the upper and lower surfaces of the terminal 32.

[0035] As shown in Figure 10, a terminal connection portion 32B is formed at one end of the terminal 32 in the first direction D1. A bolt insertion hole 32C is formed in the terminal connection portion 32B, penetrating in the thickness direction of the plate. On the other hand, an insulating member 34 is attached to the other end of the terminal 32 in the first direction D1. The insulating member 34 is made of an insulating resin material. For example, the insulating member 34 and the terminal 32 may be provided with a shape that interlocks with each other. Alternatively, the insulating member 34 may be provided integrally with the terminal 32 by insert molding.

[0036] (Nut 35 configuration) As shown in Figure 11, the nut 35 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular prism. The nut 35 has a through hole 35A that penetrates the nut 35 in the thickness direction. The through hole 35A is formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface of the nut 35. The shape of the through hole 35A, for example, when viewed from the direction of penetration of the through hole 35A (here, the second direction D2), is formed to be circular. The through hole 35A is formed, for example, in the center of the planes of the top surface and the bottom surface. The through hole 35A is arranged coaxially with the bolt insertion hole 32C of the terminal connection part 32B when the terminal 32 and the nut 35 are attached to the retaining part 31. The planar shape of the nut 35, for example, when viewed from the direction of penetration of the through hole 35A, is formed to be rectangular. The outer circumferential surface of the nut 35 is composed of four flat outer circumferential sides.

[0037] (Configuration of the holding component 31) As shown in Figure 5, the retaining component 31 includes a terminal housing portion 31A in which the terminal 32 is housed, a temperature sensor housing portion 31B in which the temperature sensor 36 is housed, a nut housing portion 31C in which the nut 35 is housed, and a plate-shaped flange portion 31D arranged perpendicular to the terminal 32. As shown in Figure 12, the temperature sensor housing portion 31B is provided in connection with the terminal housing portion 31A. The nut housing portion 31C is provided in connection with the terminal housing portion 31A. The retaining component 31 is made of a resin material that is softer than the housing 20.

[0038] (Configuration of terminal housing section 31A) As shown in Figure 12, the terminal housing portion 31A is provided in an arrangement that penetrates the flange portion 31D in the first direction D1. The terminal housing portion 31A comprises a front housing portion 31A1 formed integrally with the nut housing portion 31C, and a rear housing portion 31A2 formed on the opposite side of the front housing portion 31A1 with the flange portion 31D as the center.

[0039] The front housing portion 31A1 is formed in a roughly rectangular frame shape. The front housing portion 31A1 has a bottom wall portion 31A3, a peripheral wall portion 31A4 extending upward from the bottom wall portion 31A3, and a communication hole 31A5 that penetrates the front portion of the bottom wall portion 31A3 in the vertical direction. The communication hole 31A5 connects the inside of the terminal housing portion 31A and the inside of the nut housing portion 31C. The peripheral wall portion 31A4 includes a pair of first wall portions 31A6 extending in a first direction D1 and facing a third direction D3, and a second wall portion 31A7 that connects the ends (front ends) of the pair of first wall portions 31A6 opposite to the flange portion 31D to the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 5, the front housing portion 31A1 houses the front half portion of the terminal 32, including the terminal connection portion 32B. Terminal 32 is positioned in the second direction D2 by being supported by the bottom wall portion 31A3. As shown in Figure 4, terminal 32 is positioned in the third direction D3 by contacting a pair of first wall portions 31A6. Furthermore, terminal 32 is positioned in the first direction D1 by contacting and stopping against the second wall portion 31A7.

[0040] As shown in Figure 12, the rear housing portion 31A2 is a horizontally elongated cylindrical shape and has a terminal insertion hole 31A8 that penetrates in the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a terminal 32 is inserted through the terminal insertion hole 31A8. The terminal 32 is in contact with the peripheral wall of the terminal insertion hole 31A8, thereby positioning it in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0041] (Configuration of temperature sensor housing 31B) As shown in Figure 14, the temperature sensor housing 31B is formed by penetrating the flange portion 31D in the first direction D1. The temperature sensor housing 31B is arranged in conjunction with the terminal housing 31A in the second direction D2. As shown in Figure 12, the temperature sensor housing 31B comprises an opposing wall portion 31B1 and a pair of side wall portions 31B2 extending from the opposing wall portion 31B1 toward the terminal housing 31A side (downward side) in the second direction D2. The pair of side wall portions 31B2 face each other in the third direction D3. The temperature sensor housing 31B also has an insertion opening 31B3 that opens toward the nut housing 31C side (front side) in the first direction D1. The insertion opening 31B3 is composed of the opposing wall portion 31B1 and the pair of side wall portions 31B2. As shown in Figure 7, the temperature sensor housing 31B is located on the opposite side (rear side) from the insertion opening 31B3 and includes a contact wall portion 31B4 that extends downward from the opposing wall portion 31B1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 12, a pair of slits S1 are formed in the region of the pair of side wall portions 31B2 extending from the flange portion 31D to the opening edge of the insertion port 31B3, extending in a first direction D1. The slits S1 open forward. The slits S1 are formed at the end (upper end) of the pair of side wall portions 31B2 on the side of the opposing wall portion 31B1. As a result, each side wall portion 31B2 is provided with an elastic piece 31B5 separated from the opposing wall portion 31B1. The elastic piece 31B5 is formed to be flexibly deformable in a third direction D3, with the flange portion 31D side as the base end. The pair of elastic pieces 31B5 are arranged to face each other in the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 8, a pair of locking portions 31B6 are formed at the opposing free ends of the pair of elastic pieces 31B5. Each elastic piece 31B5 is provided with a guide surface 31B7 that is positioned so as it moves from the insertion opening 31B3 towards the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B in the first direction D1, and then toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B in the third direction D3.

[0043] As shown in Figure 14, the temperature sensor housing 31B has a pressing portion 31B8 that protrudes from the opposing wall portion 31B1 toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B in the second direction D2. The pressing portion 31B8 in this embodiment is rib-shaped and extends in the first direction D1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the pressing portion 31B8 has an inclined portion 31B9 toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B in the second direction D2, with the amount of protrusion toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B increasing as it moves toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B from the insertion opening 31B3 toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing 31B in the first direction D1. The minimum value L1 of the distance between the pressing portion 31B8 and the outer surface (upper surface) of the terminal 32 in the terminal housing 31A in the second direction D2 is set to be smaller than the dimension L2 of the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2. Here, the dimension L2 of the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2 specifically refers to the dimension in the second direction D2 of the portion of the temperature sensor 36 that is housed within the temperature sensor housing 31B (sensor body 36A) and contacts the pressing portion 31B8.

[0044] (Configuration of temperature sensor 36) As shown in Figure 8, the temperature sensor 36 has a sensor body 36A and lead wires 36B extending from the sensor body 36A. The sensor body 36A is, for example, roughly rectangular in shape. The sensor body 36A is constructed by embedding a sensor element (not shown) connected to the lead wires 36B in a protective part made of, for example, resin. The sensor element outputs a signal corresponding to temperature changes via the lead wires 36B. The lead wires 36B are electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) that controls battery charging based on the signal from the sensor element. For example, an NTC thermistor, a PTC thermistor, or a PT sensor can be used as the temperature sensor 36.

[0045] The sensor body 36A of the temperature sensor 36 is housed inside the temperature sensor housing 31B, and the lead wires 36B are routed out from the insertion opening 31B3. The sensor body 36A is contacted from the rear by the contact wall portion 31B4 and locked from the front by a pair of locking portions 31B6. As a result, the sensor body 36A is positioned in the first direction D1. The sensor body 36A is also positioned in the third direction D3 by a pair of side wall portions 31B2.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the temperature sensor housing 31B is connected to the terminal housing 31A in the second direction D2, and when the terminal 32 is housed in the terminal housing 31A, the upper surface of the terminal 32 is in contact with the lower surface of the sensor body 36A. On the other hand, the upper surface of the sensor body 36A is in contact with the pressing portion 31B8. Here, as shown in Figure 7, the minimum distance L1 between the pressing portion 31B8 and the terminal 32 in the terminal housing 31A in the second direction D2 is set to be smaller than the dimension L2 of the sensor body 36A in the second direction D2, so that the sensor body 36A is pressed against the terminal 32 by the pressing portion 31B8. Therefore, the sensor body 36A and the terminal 32 can be brought into sufficient contact, and the temperature of the terminal 32 can be accurately measured by the temperature sensor 36.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, below the temperature sensor housing 31B, the terminal 32 is supported by the bottom wall 31A3 of the terminal housing 31A. Therefore, the temperature sensor 36 and the terminal 32 can be positioned between the pressing portion 31B8 and the bottom wall 31A3 in the second direction D2, making it easier to ensure contact between the temperature sensor 36 and the terminal 32.

[0048] Furthermore, below the temperature sensor housing 31B, the bottom wall 31A3 is supported from below by the support portion 23D of the housing 20, and the opposing wall 31B1 is in contact with the fitting portion 21B of the housing 20 from above. Therefore, the housing 20 can more firmly clamp the temperature sensor 36 and the terminal 32 between the pressing portion 31B8 and the bottom wall 31A3 in the second direction D2.

[0049] (Configuration of the nut housing section 31C) As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the nut housing portion 31C is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular frame opening in the second direction D2. On the peripheral wall of the nut housing portion 31C, the wall portion facing the first direction D1 has a plurality of rib-shaped temporary holding ribs 31C1 extending in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, one temporary holding rib 31C1 is arranged on the front wall portion of the nut housing portion 31C (the wall portion opposite to the flange portion 31D), and three temporary holding ribs 31C1 are arranged on the rear wall portion (the wall portion on the flange portion 31D side).

[0050] A pair of positioning ribs 31C2 are formed on the front wall of the nut housing portion 31C. The pair of positioning ribs 31C2 are rib-shaped and extend in the second direction D2, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the temporary holding rib 31C1 on the front wall. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the pair of positioning ribs 31C2 can contact the nut 35, thereby positioning the nut 35 in the third direction D3. The nut 35 is positioned and temporarily held in the third direction D3 by the pair of positioning ribs 31C2, and is also positioned and temporarily held in the first direction D1 by a plurality of temporary holding ribs 31C1.

[0051] When the nut 35 is temporarily held in place by the retaining part 31, the nut 35 is installed inside the nut housing portion 31C of the retaining part 31 from the second direction D2. However, since the retaining part 31 is made of a resin material that is softer than the housing 20, a press-fitting machine is not required, and it can be installed manually. Furthermore, the nut 35 is positioned from the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 by the temporary holding rib 31C1 and the positioning rib 31C2, so that problems such as misalignment during press-fitting can be prevented.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, a slit S2 is formed in the peripheral wall of the nut housing portion 31C facing the third direction D3, and a flexible piece 31C3 is provided, separated from the front housing portion 31A1 by this slit S2. The flexible piece 31C3 is formed in a cantilever shape, with the positioning rib 31C2 side of the nut housing portion 31C as its base end and projecting toward the flange portion 31D side. A pair of flexible pieces 31C3 are provided, arranged to face the third direction D3. A pair of locking projections 31C4 are formed on the opposing free ends of the pair of flexible pieces 31C3.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, when the first terminal assembly 30 is attached to the housing 20, the pair of locking projections 31C4 engage with the pair of locking portions 23C, thereby holding the first terminal assembly 30 in place in the housing 20. During the process of attaching the first terminal assembly 30 to the housing 20, the flexible piece 31C3 bends and deforms so that the locking projections 31C4 ride up onto the locking portions 23C, and as the locking projections 31C4 overcome the locking portions 23C, the flexible piece 31C3 returns to its original shape. Therefore, the first terminal assembly 30 can be attached to the housing 20 by hand.

[0054] (Configuration of flange portion 31D) As shown in Figure 12, the flange portion 31D is a roughly rectangular plate shape when viewed from the first direction D1, and is formed to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the terminal housing portion 31A. The flange portion 31D has a base wall 31D1, a peripheral wall 31D2 (see Figure 11) extending rearward from the outer circumferential edge of the base wall 31D1, and an assembly opening 31D3 that penetrates the base wall 31D1 in the first direction D1. The assembly opening 31D3 is located below the bottom wall portion 31A3 of the terminal housing portion 31A.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the nut retaining wall 23 is inserted through the assembly opening 31D3. The peripheral wall 31D2 fits onto the outer surface of the fitting portion 21B and the outer surface of the nut retaining wall 23. By fitting the peripheral wall 31D2 onto the fitting portion 21B and the nut retaining wall 23 in this way, the retaining component 31 is positioned relative to the housing 20 in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In addition, the tip of the fitting portion 21B abuts against the base wall 31D1, thereby positioning the first terminal assembly 30 relative to the housing body 21 in the first direction D1.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the peripheral wall 31D2 has a positioning function for the first sealing member 21C fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B. When the first sealing member 21C is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B and the first terminal assembly 30 is attached to the housing body portion 21, the peripheral wall 31D2 fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B, preventing the first sealing member 21C from detaching from the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B, and positioning and holding it on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 21B.

[0057] (Assembly method for the first terminal assembly 30) Next, the method for assembling the first terminal assembly 30 will be described. First, the third sealing member 33 and the insulating member 34 are attached to the terminal 32.

[0058] Next, the terminal 32 is attached to the retaining part 31 from the first direction D1. The terminal 32 is positioned and mounted inside the terminal housing part 31A. Since the nut housing part 31C is covered from above by the terminal connection part 32B, the nut 35 is mounted inside the nut housing part 31C from the second direction D2 (opposite the terminal connection part 32B).

[0059] As shown in Figure 11, when the nut 35 is installed inside the nut housing 31C, the nut 35 is temporarily held in a position by being sandwiched from the first direction D1 by the multiple temporary holding ribs 31C1, and the nut 35 is positioned in the third direction D3 by contacting the pair of positioning ribs 31C2. In addition, the nut 35 is positioned in the second direction D2 by the upper surface of the nut 35 contacting the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 32B. With this, the assembly of the first terminal assembly 30 is completed.

[0060] When the first terminal assembly 30 is assembled, the relative positional relationship between the terminal 32, the third sealing member 33, and the nut 35 is determined by a single component, the retaining part 31. From this state, as shown in Figure 10, the first terminal assembly 30 is inserted into the fitting portion 21B of the housing 20 from the first direction D1. During insertion, the tip of the terminal 32 enters the through hole 21A, and the nut retaining wall 23 enters the assembly opening 31D3 of the flange portion 31D. Also, the locking projection 31C4 of the retaining part 31 rides up onto the locked portion 23C of the housing 20, causing the bending piece 31C3 to bend and deform (see Figure 9).

[0061] When the first terminal assembly 30 is properly attached to the housing body 21, as shown in Figure 3, the peripheral wall 31D2 of the retaining part 31 fits onto the fitting part 21B, and the tip of the fitting part 21B abuts against the flange part 31D, thereby positioning the first terminal assembly 30 in the first direction D1 relative to the housing body 21. Here, since the terminal 32 is positioned by the retaining part 31, the third sealing member 33 is evenly compressed between the terminal 32 and the inner wall of the through hole 21A, and its original waterproofing performance is achieved. As a result, the through hole 21A is sealed, and water is prevented from entering between the terminal housing wall 25 and the fitting part 21B.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the nut 35 fits tightly between the pair of side plate portions 23B, and the outer surface of the nut 35 engages with the pair of side plate portions 23B. Here, since the housing 20 constituting the side plate portion 23B is made of a resin material that is harder and stronger than the retaining component 31, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the nut 35, which is positioned by the retaining component 31, when the bolt is fastened.

[0063] (How to install temperature sensor 36) Next, the method for installing the temperature sensor 36 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, with the terminal 32 housed in the terminal housing 31A, the temperature sensor 36 is inserted from the insertion opening 31B3 in the first direction D1. The temperature sensor 36 slides against the guide surfaces 31B7 of the pair of elastic pieces 31B5, guiding the sensor body 36A into the insertion opening 31B3. As the pair of elastic pieces 31B5 bend, the sensor body 36A is inserted into the temperature sensor housing 31B. When the front end of the sensor body 36A overcomes the pair of locking parts 31B6, the pair of elastic pieces 31B5 deform back, and the pair of locking parts 31B6 lock onto the sensor body 36A from the front (see Figure 8). In addition, the contact wall 31B4 contacts the sensor body 36A from the rear. As a result, the temperature sensor 36 is housed inside the temperature sensor housing 31B.

[0064] Since a pressing portion 31B8 is formed in the temperature sensor housing 31B, an insertion force is applied when inserting the sensor body 36A into the temperature sensor housing 31B. However, because the pressing portion 31B8 is rib-shaped, the insertion force can be reduced compared to, for example, a case where the pressing portion 31B8 is formed with a width (dimension in the third direction D3) similar to that of the opposing wall portion 31B1. Furthermore, since the pressing portion 31B8 has an inclined portion 31B9 and its protrusion is larger towards the back of the temperature sensor housing 31B, the insertion force can be reduced near the insertion opening 31B3. In addition, the sensor body 36A can be guided towards the back of the temperature sensor housing 31B.

[0065] The insertion opening 31B3 of the temperature sensor housing 31B opens in the first direction D1 when the retaining component 31 is assembled to the housing 20, so that the temperature sensor 36 can be installed after the first terminal assembly 30 has been assembled to the housing 20. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 36 can be installed before the first terminal assembly 30 has been assembled to the housing 20.

[0066] (Effects of this embodiment) (1) The connector 10 comprises a housing 20, a terminal 32, a retaining part 31 for holding the terminal 32, and a temperature sensor 36 for measuring the temperature of the terminal 32. The housing 20 has a housing body 21 and a through hole 21A that penetrates the housing body 21 in a first direction D1. The retaining part 31 is inserted through the through hole 21A while holding the terminal 32 and can be assembled to the housing 20. The retaining part 31 comprises a terminal housing part 31A in which the terminal 32 is housed, and a temperature sensor housing part 31B arranged in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and connected to the terminal housing part 31A. The temperature sensor housing part 31B has a facing wall part 31B1 that faces the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2, and the first direction D1 and the second direction The housing 31B has a pair of side walls 31B2 facing the temperature sensor 36 in a third direction D3 perpendicular to direction D2, and an insertion opening 31B3 that opens in the first direction D1 when the holding component 31 is assembled to the housing 20. The pair of side walls 31B2 are each provided with a flexible elastic piece 31B5 at the edge of the insertion opening 31B3, and the elastic piece 31B5 is provided with a locking portion 31B6 that prevents the temperature sensor 36 from coming out into the temperature sensor housing 31B. The opposing wall 31B1 has a pressing portion 31B8 that protrudes toward the inside of the temperature sensor housing 31B, and the minimum value L1 of the distance between the pressing portion 31B8 and the outer surface (top surface) of the terminal 32 in the second direction D2 is set to be smaller than the dimension L2 of the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2.

[0067] With this configuration, the temperature sensor 36 can be inserted into the temperature sensor housing 31B from the insertion opening 31B3 while the retaining part 31 that holds the terminal 32 is assembled to the housing 20. When inserting the temperature sensor 36 into the insertion opening 31B3, the elastic piece 31B5 is bent, and after housing the temperature sensor 36 inside the temperature sensor housing 31B, the elastic piece 31B5 is returned to its natural state, thereby preventing the temperature sensor 36 from coming out of the temperature sensor housing 31B by the locking part 31B6. Furthermore, since the opposing wall portion 31B1 of the temperature sensor housing portion 31B is equipped with a pressing portion 31B8 that protrudes toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing portion 31B, the temperature sensor 36 can be pressed against the terminal 32 in the second direction D2. This allows for accurate measurement of the temperature of the terminal 32.

[0068] (2) The pressing portion 31B8 is rib-shaped and extends in the first direction D1, and the amount of the pressing portion 31B8 protruding into the temperature sensor housing portion 31B increases as it moves from the insertion opening 31B3 towards the back of the temperature sensor housing portion 31B in the first direction D1.

[0069] With this configuration, since the pressing portion 31B8 is rib-shaped, the contact area between the pressing portion 31B8 and the temperature sensor 36 can be reduced, thereby reducing the insertion force of the temperature sensor 36 into the temperature sensor housing 31B. Furthermore, since the amount of protrusion of the pressing portion 31B8 increases as it moves from the insertion opening 31B3 towards the back of the temperature sensor housing 31B in the first direction D1, it can guide the insertion of the temperature sensor 36 while sufficiently pressing the temperature sensor 36 against the terminal 32 inside the temperature sensor housing 31B.

[0070] (3) The terminal housing section 31A includes a bottom wall section 31A3 that contacts the terminal 32 from the opposite side of the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2.

[0071] With this configuration, the temperature sensor 36 and the terminal 32 can be positioned between the pressing portion 31B8 and the bottom wall portion 31A3 in the second direction D2. This makes it easier to ensure contact between the temperature sensor 36 and the terminal 32.

[0072] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a connector 10 comprising a first terminal assembly 30 and a second terminal assembly 40 was illustrated, but a connector comprising only the first terminal assembly 30 may also be used.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the retaining part 31 was provided with a nut housing portion 31C and a flange portion 31D, but the nut housing portion and flange portion may be omitted in the retaining part.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the pressing portion 31B8 was rib-shaped, but the pressing portion does not have to be rib-shaped; for example, it may be planar with a width similar to that of the opposing wall portion.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the pressing portion 31B8 had an inclined portion 31B9, but the amount of protrusion of the pressing portion from the opposing wall portion may be constant. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10: Connector 20: Housing 21: Housing main body 21A: Through hole 21B: Fitting part 21C: First sealing member 22: Mounting plate 22A: Color 22B: Second sealing member 23: Nut retaining wall 23A: Board part 23B: Side plate part 23C: Locked part 23D: Support part 24: Food Department 25: Terminal housing wall 30: First terminal assembly 31: Retaining parts 31A: Terminal housing section 31A1: Front storage compartment 31A2: Rear storage compartment 31A3: Bottom wall part 31A4: Peripheral wall part 31A5: Communication hole 31A6: 1st wall section 31A7: 2nd wall section 31A8: Terminal insertion hole 31B: Temperature sensor housing 31B1: Opposing wall 31B2: Side wall part 31B3: Insertion port 31B4: Contact wall part 31B5: Elastic piece 31B6: Locking part 31B7: Guide surface 31B8: Pressing part 31B9: Inclined section 31C: Nut housing 31C1: Temporary holding rib 31C2: Positioning rib 31C3: Flexible piece 31C4: Locking protrusion 31D: Flange section 31D1: Base wall 31D2: Peripheral wall 31D3: Assembly opening 32: Terminal 32A: Sealing member mounting section 32B: Terminal connection section 32C: Bolt insertion hole 33: Third sealing member 34: Insulating material 35: Nut 35A: Through hole 36: Temperature sensor 36A: Sensor body 36B: Lead wire 40: Second terminal assembly 50: Shielding member 51: Contact piece D1: 1st direction D2: Second direction D3: Third direction L1: Minimum distance between the pressing portion 31B8 and the terminal 32 in the second direction D2. L2: Dimensions of the temperature sensor 36 in the second direction D2 S1: Slit S2: Slit

Claims

1. Housing and Terminals and A retaining component for holding the terminals, The system includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the terminals, The housing comprises a housing body and a through hole that penetrates the housing body in a first direction. The retaining component is inserted into the through hole while holding the terminal and can be assembled to the housing. The retaining component comprises a terminal housing portion in which the terminal is housed, and a temperature sensor housing portion arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the terminal housing portion, wherein the interior of the terminal housing portion and the interior of the temperature sensor housing portion are in communication, and the outer surface of the terminal housed in the terminal housing portion and the outer surface of the temperature sensor housed in the temperature sensor housing portion are in direct contact. The temperature sensor housing has a facing wall portion that faces the temperature sensor in the second direction, a pair of side wall portions that face the temperature sensor in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and an insertion opening that opens in the first direction when the holding component is assembled to the housing. The pair of side wall portions are each provided with a flexible elastic piece at the rim of the insertion opening, The elastic piece is provided with a locking portion that prevents the temperature sensor from coming out of the temperature sensor housing, The opposing wall portion has a pressing portion that protrudes toward the interior of the temperature sensor housing portion. A connector in which the minimum distance between the pressing portion and the outer surface of the terminal in the second direction is set to be smaller than the dimensions of the temperature sensor in the second direction.

2. The pressing portion has a rib shape extending in the first direction, The connector according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to the first direction, the amount of the pressing portion protruding into the temperature sensor housing increases as it moves from the insertion opening towards the back of the temperature sensor housing.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the terminal housing portion includes a bottom wall portion that contacts the terminal from the side opposite to the temperature sensor in the second direction.

Images