Electrical connector assembly with modular cooling features

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly (10) includes a connector housing (16) defining a cavity (18) in which at least two electrical terminals (12) are interconnected. The connector housing (16) defines an opening configured to receive a cover (100) configured to protect the at least two electrical terminals (12) and thermally manage heat within the cavity (18). The connector housing (16) can be configured to receive one of a plurality of different cover configurations (100). A first cover configuration (100) of the plurality of different cover configurations (100) provides a different mechanism to thermally manage heat within the cavity (18) as compared to a second cover configuration (200) of the plurality of different cover configurations (100).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 807,267, filed February 19, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 827,425, filed April 1, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 897,571, filed September 9, 2019; and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 792,929, filed February 18, 2020, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to electrical connector assemblies, and in particular to electrical connector assemblies configured to accommodate a variety of different modular cooling features. Technical Field

[0005] This invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors configured to accommodate a variety of different modular cooling features. Background Technology

[0006] High-power electrical connector assemblies, such as those used in fast-charging systems for electric vehicles, must be designed to handle 90 kilowatts or more of power. Contact resistance between the electrical terminal elements within the connector assembly can cause power loss, which is converted into heat within the assembly. This heat can cause the temperature inside the connector assembly to rise, potentially damaging the assembly if it exceeds its thermal limits.

[0007] The topics discussed in the background section should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned there. Similarly, problems mentioned in or related to the topics in the background section should not be assumed to have been previously discovered in the prior art. The topics in the background section represent different solutions, which may themselves be inventions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly is provided. The electrical connector assembly includes a connector housing defining a cavity in which at least two electrical terminals are interconnected. The connector housing defines an opening in the cavity configured to receive a cover configured to enclose the cavity, thereby protecting the at least two electrical terminals and thermally managing heat within the cavity.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the connector housing is also configured to receive one cover configuration selected from a plurality of different cover configurations. The first cover configuration among the plurality of different cover configurations provides a different mechanism for thermally managing heat within the cavity compared to a second cover configuration among the plurality of different cover configurations.

[0010] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, a first cover configuration of the plurality of different cover configurations is configured to passively manage heat within the cavity, a second cover configuration of the plurality of different cover configurations is configured to actively manage heat within the cavity.

[0011] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, a first cover configuration of the plurality of different cover configurations is configured to manage heat within the cavity with an airflow, a second cover configuration of the plurality of different cover configurations is configured to manage heat within the cavity with a fluid flow.

[0012] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, the cover includes at least one heat management mechanism selected from the group consisting of one or more cooling fins, one or more thermoelectric cooling plates, one or more airflow ports configured to receive an airflow, and one or more liquid ports configured to receive a flow of liquid coolant.

[0013] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, the cover includes a coolant tube configured to carry a flow of liquid coolant therethrough. The coolant tube has a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port.

[0014] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, the coolant tube is characterized by a serpentine path through the cover.

[0015] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, the electrical connector assembly further includes an electrically insulating member in thermal communication with one of the at least two electrical terminals. The electrically insulating member includes a coolant channel configured to carry a flow of liquid coolant therethrough. The coolant channel has a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port. The cover defines an aperture through which the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port exit the cavity.

[0016] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port are interconnected with a liquid cooling system of the electric vehicle.

[0017] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, an inner surface of the cover defines a baffle configured to direct an airflow within the cavity.

[0018] In example embodiments having one or more features of the electrical connector assembly of the previous paragraph, the airflow inlet port is interconnected with an airflow generating device of the electric vehicle.

[0019] In example embodiments of the electrical connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the cover is formed of a thermally conductive material.

[0020] In example embodiments of the electrical connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the cavity is filled with a thermally conductive potting material in thermal communication with the cover.

[0021] In example embodiments of the electrical connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the cavity is filled with a phase change material in thermal communication with the cover.

[0022] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly is provided. The electrical connector assembly includes a connector housing defining a cavity in which at least two electrical terminals are interconnected. The connector housing defines an opening of the cavity. The electrical connector assembly further includes a means for enclosing the cavity, thereby protecting the at least two electrical terminals and a means for thermally managing heat within the cavity.

[0023] In example embodiments of the electrical connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the means for thermally managing heat within the cavity is an active means for managing heat within the cavity.

[0024] In example embodiments of the electrical connector assembly having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the means for thermally managing heat within the cavity is a passive means for managing heat within the cavity. According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a method of assembling an electrical connector assembly is provided. The method includes the step of providing a connector housing defining a cavity in which at least two electrical terminals are interconnected. The connector housing defines an opening of the cavity configured to receive a cover configured to enclose the cavity, thereby protecting the at least two electrical terminals and thermally managing heat within the cavity. The method further provides the step of selecting one cover configuration from a plurality of different cover configurations. The first cover configuration of the plurality of different cover configurations provides a different mechanism to thermally manage heat within the cavity as compared to a second cover configuration of the plurality of different cover configurations. The method further provides the step of configuring the one cover configuration within the opening of the connector housing.

[0025] In example embodiments of the method having one or more features of the preceding paragraph, the plurality of different cover configurations includes at least one heat management mechanism selected from the group consisting of cooling fins, a thermoelectric cooling plate, an airflow port configured to receive an airflow, and a liquid port configured to receive a flow of liquid coolant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1is a front perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective rear view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0029] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged perspective rear view of an opening in a connector housing of the electrical connector assembly of

[0030] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a perspective left view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0031] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a perspective right view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0032] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a perspective rear view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0033] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a perspective bottom view of the cover of

[0034] Figure 8 is Figure 4 a schematic view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0035] Figure 9 is Figure 4 an exploded view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0036] Figure 10 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0037] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a perspective left view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0038] Figure 12 is Figure 1perspective right view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 12

[0040] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 12

[0041] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 1

[0042] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 15

[0043] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of

[0044] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 17

[0045] Figure 19 is an exploded view of the liquid cooling plate of Figure 18

[0046] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 17

[0047] Figure 21 is a temperature map of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 17

[0048] Figure 22 is a temperature map of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 17

[0049] Figure 23 is a temperature map of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 17 ​​​​​​​​​​

[0050] Figure 24A This is according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 A top view of the temperature gradient of the liquid cooling plate; and

[0051] Figure 24B This is according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 A top view of the temperature gradient of the liquid cooling plate. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0053] Figures 1-16 A non-limiting example of an electrical connector assembly embodying the features of the present invention is shown. The illustrated example of the electrical connector assembly (hereinafter referred to as Assembly 10) serves as a charging port for an electric vehicle. As used herein, the term "electric vehicle" can refer to a purely electric vehicle driven solely by an electric motor or a hybrid vehicle driven by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. As shown, Assembly 10 conforms to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) specification J1772 Combined Charging System. Figure 1 As shown, component 10 has a combination of electrical terminals 12 for low-power alternating current (AC) charging of the vehicle battery and a pair of DC terminals 14 for high-power direct current (DC) charging of the vehicle battery. Other charging port standards, such as those published by the Japan Electric Vehicle Charging Association (CHAdeMO), use a similar pair of DC terminals.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the assembly includes a connector housing (hereinafter referred to as housing 16) that defines a cavity 18 in which a DC terminal 14 is disposed. (See reference...) Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 16 It is understood that the DC terminal 14 is interconnected with the cable terminal 20 of the insulated wires and cables that connect the assembly 10 to the battery pack 22 of the vehicle. The DC terminal 14 carries a power level of 90 kW or higher, which can cause the temperature inside the cavity 18 to rise during battery charging operation. The assembly 10 also includes a cover configured to enclose the cavity 18, thereby protecting the DC terminal 14 and the cable terminal 20. The cover is also configured to thermally manage the heat inside the cavity 18 by removing heat energy from the cavity 18.

[0055] The housing 16 is designed to receive and accommodate multiple different cover structures 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. Each cover structure 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 uses a different thermal management mechanism to thermally manage the heat within the cavity 18. The cover structures 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 include: active thermal management (processing) mechanisms, such as one or more liquid port ports configured to receive a flow of liquid coolant within the cavity 18, one or more thermoelectric cooling plates, and / or one or more airflow ports configured to receive an airflow within the cavity 18; and / or passive thermal management (processing) mechanisms, such as one or more cooling fins 502 extending from the cover 500.

[0056] In such Figures 4-8 In the first cover configuration 100 shown with an active thermal management mechanism, the cover 100 includes an active thermal management system characterized as an enclosed coolant pipe 102 configured to carry liquid coolant flowing through the cover 100. The coolant pipe has a liquid inlet 104 and a liquid outlet 106 interconnected with a vehicle cooling system 24, such as a liquid cooling system for cooling a vehicle battery pack 22 and / or vehicle power electronics equipment. Figure 8 As shown. The vehicle's cooling system 24 includes a pump or other fluid movement device that directs liquid coolant through coolant lines. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the coolant pipe passes through the cover in a serpentine path, thereby increasing the length of the coolant pipe and increasing the amount of heat energy that the coolant flowing through the cover can absorb from the cavity 18. The cover can preferably be formed on a material with high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum or copper-based material, to provide sufficient heat transfer between the cavity 18 and the liquid coolant. Alternatively, the cover can be formed from a thermally conductive polymer.

[0057] according to Figure 9 The second cover configuration 200 shown has an active thermal management mechanism. Cover 200 includes a thermoelectric device 202 that actively cools the cavity 18 using the Peltier effect. A voltage is applied to the thermoelectric device 202, causing the side 204 facing inwards from the cavity 18 to be cooled, while the other side 206 facing outwards is heated due to the heat removed from the cooled side 204. The thermoelectric device 202 can serve as the sole thermal management mechanism in assembly 10, or in combination with any of the described cover configurations 100, 300, 400, and 500.

[0058] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11In the third cover configuration 300 shown with active thermal management provisions, the assembly 10 further includes an electrically insulating terminal position assurance (TPA) member 302 that encloses a portion of the DC terminal 14 and is in thermal communication with the DC terminal 14. The TPA member 302 includes a coolant channel configured to carry liquid coolant flowing through the TPA member 302. The TPA member 302 provides the benefit of removing thermal energy directly from the DC terminal 14, which is one of the primary heat sources within the cavity 18. The coolant channel has a liquid inlet port 304 and a liquid outlet port 306 that are interconnected with a vehicle cooling system 24, such as a liquid cooling system that cools the vehicle battery pack 22 and / or vehicle power electronics, similar to that shown in Figure 8 The cooling system 24 of the vehicle includes a pump that causes the liquid coolant to flow through the coolant tube. The cover 300 defines an aperture 308 through which the liquid inlet port 304 and the liquid outlet port 306 exit the cavity 18. In alternative embodiments, the liquid inlet port 304 and the liquid outlet port 306 can be interconnected with a cooling system that is dedicated to cooling the assembly 10.

[0059] Figures 12-14 A fourth cover configuration 400 with active thermal management provisions is shown in FIG. 4. The cover 400 is in pneumatic and thermal communication with the cavity 18. The cover 400 includes an airflow inlet port 402 through which airflow at the ambient temperature of the vehicle enters the cavity 18, and an airflow outlet port 404 through which airflow exits the cavity 18. The airflow inlet port 402 is interconnected with an airflow generating device of the vehicle, such as a ducted fan. The airflow through the cavity 18 removes some thermal energy from the cavity 18, thereby reducing the temperature within the cavity 18. An inner surface of the cover 400 defines a baffle 406 that is configured to direct the airflow within the cavity 18. The baffle 406 further includes an arcuate surface 408 that helps to create turbulent airflow within the cavity 18. The cover 400 and the baffle 406 can preferably be formed of a dielectric polymer material to avoid any shorts between any terminals within the cavity 18 and the baffle 406.

[0060] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A fifth cover configuration 500 with passive thermal management provisions is shown. The cover 500 is formed of a thermally conductive material, such as an aluminum or copper-based material, and has a plurality of parallel cooling fins 502 that extend from the cover 500. Alternatively, the cover 500 can be formed of a thermally conductive polymer. In this configuration, the cavity 18 is filled with a dielectric thermally conductive potting material 504, such as an epoxy or silicone-based material that is in thermal communication with the cover 500. Silicone thermal grease can be applied between an inner surface 506 of the cover 500 and the potting material 504.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the cavity 18 can be filled with a dielectric phase change material (PCM). The PCM is a substance with a high heat of fusion, such as paraffin or lipids. The PCM melts and solidifies at almost constant temperature, and can store and release large amounts of heat energy. As electrical power flows through the terminals 14, 20, heat is absorbed in the cavity 18 as the PCM gradually changes from a solid to a liquid, and then gradually released through the cover 500 as the PCM changes from a liquid back to a solid when electrical power is no longer flowing through the terminals 14, 20.

[0062] The potting material 504 and phase change material used must have a breakdown voltage higher than the charging voltage of the vehicle charging system to which the assembly 10 is connected.

[0063] Alternative embodiments of the assembly 10 combining various elements described above can be contemplated. For example, the thermal potting material 504 or PCM of the fifth cover configuration 500 can be incorporated into the first cover configuration 100, the second cover configuration 200, or the third cover configuration 300. In alternative embodiments, the cooling fins 502 of the fifth cover configuration 500 can be integrated into the first cover configuration 100, the second cover configuration 200, the third cover configuration 300, or the fourth cover configuration 400.

[0064] In Figures 17-24B The sixth cover configuration 600 shown has an active thermal management mechanism, in which the cover 600 is in intimate contact with the DC terminal 14 and in thermal communication with the DC terminal 14 within the cavity 18. As shown, Figure 18 The cover 600 includes a top cover 626 having a liquid inlet port 604 and a liquid outlet port 606 that are interconnected with a vehicle cooling system 24, such as a liquid cooling system that cools the vehicle battery pack 22 and / or vehicle power electronics, similar to that shown in Figure 8 The vehicle cooling system 24 includes a pump that causes liquid coolant to flow through the coolant tubes. In alternative embodiments, the liquid inlet port 604 and the liquid outlet port 606 can be interconnected with a cooling system that is dedicated to cooling the assembly 10. The top cover 626 can advantageously be formed of a polymeric material to reduce the weight of the top cover 626 and can provide better electrical isolation compared to a metallic top cover 626.

[0065] As shown, Figure 19 The cover 600 also includes a bottom cover 628 that defines a coolant channel having a plurality of cooling fins 630 that define a plurality of coolant channels 632, as shown best. Figure 20 The liquid coolant flows through the channels 632 from the liquid inlet port 604 to the liquid outlet port 606. The bottom cover 628 can advantageously be formed of a metallic material to optimize heat transfer between the cooling fins 630 and the liquid coolant. As shown, Figure 20As shown, the bottom cover 628 is in intimate contact with the DC terminal 14. The bottom cover 628 also includes a layer of dielectric thermal interface material 634 in direct contact with the DC terminal 14, and an additional layer of dielectric material 636 intermediate the layer of dielectric thermal interface material 634 and the coolant channel 632. The layer of dielectric thermal interface material 634 and the additional layer of dielectric material 636 provide stable electrical isolation between the DC terminal 14 and the metallic bottom cover 628.

[0066] The cover 600 also includes a primary coolant seal 638 between the top cover 626 and the bottom cover 628, and a secondary seal 640 between the cover 600 and the cavity 18 to ensure that liquid coolant does not enter the cavity 18. Entry of liquid coolant into the cavity 18 can result in a short circuit between the DC terminals 14.

[0067] Experimental results for the cooling performance of the cover 600 are shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. Figures 21-2 4A-4D. Figure 21 One of the electrical terminals 12, one of the terminals 14, and the inlet coolant temperature 646 are shown when the assembly 10 is operated at a current of 500 amperes. Figure 22 One of the electrical terminals 12, one of the terminals 14, and the inlet coolant temperature 646 are shown when the assembly 10 is operated at a current of 500 amperes. Figure 23 One of the electrical terminals 12, one of the terminals 14, and the inlet coolant temperature 646 are shown when the assembly 10 is operated at a current of 500 amperes. Figure 24A The thermal gradient between the liquid outlet port 606 and the liquid inlet port 604 of the top cover 626 is shown when the dissipated power is 100 watts. Figure 24B The thermal gradient between the terminals 14 and the top cover 626 is shown when the dissipated power is 100 watts.

[0068] Alternative embodiments including features of several embodiments as described above can be contemplated. Table 1 below describes at least some possible combinations.

[0069] Table 1 - Cover Configurations

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Although the example of the electrical connector assembly 10 shown is a vehicle charging port, other embodiments of the present invention can contemplate use in many other types of electrical connector assemblies.

[0073] Accordingly, an electrical connector assembly 10 is provided. The assembly 10 provides the benefit of temperature management of the assembly 10. The assembly 10 also provides a common housing 16 that accepts a number of cover configurations 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 having different thermal management mechanisms, allowing the assembly 10 to be customized for a particular application of the assembly 10 based on thermal load and cooling infrastructure, e.g., liquid coolant availability, airflow availability.

[0074] While the application has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not to be limited to the preferred embodiments described, but is to be given the full scope defined by the claims recited below. For example, the embodiments described above (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Additionally, various modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the application without departing from the central scope of the application. The dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components as described herein are intended to define parameters of particular embodiments and are by no means limiting and are for the prototype embodiments only.

[0075] Various other embodiments and variations of what is described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description. Accordingly, the scope of the application is to be limited only by the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

[0076] As used herein, "one or more" includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element in a distributed manner, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or a combination of the above.

[0077] It should also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0078] The terminology used in the description of the various implementations herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in various implementations described herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0079] As used herein, the term "if' can be construed to mean "when" or "if," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or the phrase "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" can be construed to mean "upon it being determined" or "upon detecting [a stated condition or event]," depending on the context. As used herein, the term "plurality" can be construed to mean "two or more" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0080] Also, while terms could be used in the description and the claims to connote different embodiments or implementations, these terms do not exclude one from the other. Unless otherwise noted, all technical and scientific terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In addition, as used unless otherwise indicated, the use of relative terms, such as "about," "approximately," "substantially" and the like, are intended to mean that the term so modified is not meant in an absolute sense, but is intended to allow for variations and / or change in certain parameters.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly (10), comprising: a connector housing (16) defining a cavity (18) in which at least two electrical terminals (12) are interconnected, and one of a cover (300) configured to enclose the cavity (18) so as to protect the at least two electrical terminals (12) and thermally manage heat within the cavity (18) by removing thermal energy from the cavity (18), and an electrically insulative member (302) in thermal communication with one of the at least two electrical terminals (12), wherein the electrically insulative member (302) includes a coolant channel configured to carry a flow of liquid coolant therethrough, the coolant channel having a liquid inlet port (304) and a liquid outlet port (306), and wherein the cover (300) defines an aperture (308) through which the liquid inlet port (304) and the liquid outlet port (306) exit the cavity (18).

2. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein, the cover (300) includes at least one thermal management mechanism selected from the group consisting of: one or more cooling fins; one or more thermoelectric cooling panels; one or more airflow ports configured to admit airflow; and one or more liquid ports configured to admit a flow of liquid coolant.

3. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein, the cover includes a coolant tube (102) configured to carry the liquid coolant therethrough, the coolant tube (102) having a liquid inlet port (104) and a liquid outlet port (106).

4. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein, the coolant tube (102) follows a serpentine path through the cover (100).

5. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein, the liquid inlet port (304) and the liquid outlet port (306) are interconnected with a liquid cooling system of an electric vehicle.

6. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein, the cover is formed of a thermally conductive material.

7. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein, the cavity (18) is filled with a thermally conductive potting material (504) in thermal communication with the cover.

8. The electrical connector assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein, the cavity (18) is filled with a phase change material in thermal communication with the cover.

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