connector

Abstract

One aspect of this disclosure provides a connector capable of achieving good heat dissipation. The connector (11) according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises: a metal housing (13); a flat busbar (14) held in the housing (13); a first ceramic component (18) interposed between a flat surface (14a) of one side of the busbar (14) and a first contact portion (17) of the housing (13); a second ceramic component (20) interposed between a flat surface (14b) of the other side of the busbar (14) and a second contact portion (19) of the housing (13); bolts (21) and nuts (22) that secure the busbar (14), the first ceramic component (18), the second ceramic component (20), the first contact portion (17), and the second contact portion (19).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, existing connectors include a metal housing and a conductor held within the housing, with an intermediate insulating portion provided between the conductor and the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such connectors, if the intermediate insulating portion is made of a ceramic component with high thermal conductivity, the busbar has good heat dissipation.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-510462 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the connector described above, the configuration in which the ceramic component is only adjacent to the busbar and the housing has the following problems: due to dimensional errors, differences in linear expansion rates, etc., a small gap may be generated between the ceramic component and the busbar and the housing, resulting in increased contact thermal resistance and deteriorated heat dissipation.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector that can dissipate heat effectively.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The connector disclosed herein comprises: a metal housing; a flat busbar held in the housing; a first ceramic component interposed between a flat surface of one side of the busbar and a first contact portion of the housing; a second ceramic component interposed between a flat surface of the other side of the busbar and a second contact portion of the housing; and a fastening component that fastens the busbar, the first ceramic component, the second ceramic component, the first contact portion, and the second contact portion together.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The connector disclosed herein provides excellent heat dissipation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a front view of the connector in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0016] First, embodiments of this disclosure are listed.

[0017] The connector disclosed herein features:

[0018] [1] A metal housing; a flat busbar held in the housing; a first ceramic component inserted between a flat surface of one side of the busbar and a first contact portion of the housing; a second ceramic component inserted between a flat surface of the other side of the busbar and a second contact portion of the housing; and a fastening component that fastens the busbar, the first ceramic component, the second ceramic component, the first contact portion and the second contact portion together.

[0019] According to this configuration, the busbar, the first ceramic component, the second ceramic component, the first contact portion, and the second contact portion are all fastened together by fastening components. As a result, one flat surface of the busbar maintains a state of seamless contact with the first contact portion of the housing via the first ceramic component, which has high thermal conductivity, and the other flat surface of the busbar maintains a state of seamless contact with the second contact portion of the housing via the second ceramic component, which has high thermal conductivity, thus providing good heat dissipation for the busbar.

[0020] [2] Preferably, the fastening components are bolts and nuts.

[0021] According to this configuration, the fastening components are bolts and nuts, which can easily fasten the busbar, the first ceramic component, the second ceramic component, the first contact portion, and the second contact portion together. In addition, compared with cases where fastening components such as rivets are used, it is easier to manage the fastening torque.

[0022] [3] Preferably, the busbars are provided in pairs, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are each provided throughout the pair of busbars, and the fastening member fastens the first contact portion and the second contact portion between the pair of busbars.

[0023] According to this configuration, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are each provided across a pair of busbars, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are fastened between the pair of busbars by a fastening member. Thus, a single fastening member can be used to fasten each pair of busbars together with the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component. That is, compared to providing a fastening member on each busbar, the number of fastening member components can be reduced.

[0024] [4] Preferably, the busbars are provided in pairs, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are each provided throughout the pair of busbars, and the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component are each provided throughout the pair of busbars.

[0025] According to this configuration, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are each provided across a pair of busbars, and the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component are each provided across a pair of busbars. Therefore, compared to the case where, for example, the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component are provided on each busbar, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0026] [5] Preferably, the opposing surfaces of the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component that are opposite to the busbar are set such that they are longer than or equal to the length of the busbar in the width direction of the busbar.

[0027] According to this configuration, the opposing surfaces of the first and second ceramic components, which face the busbar, are set such that they extend beyond the length of the busbar in the width direction. Therefore, a state in which the busbar is stably sandwiched between the first and second ceramic components can be formed. Furthermore, the busbar can contact the first and second ceramic components throughout its width direction, resulting in good heat dissipation.

[0028] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0029] Specific examples of the connectors disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to or within the scope of the claims.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 11 has a housing 13 for connecting to electrical equipment 12 such as an inverter, and a flat busbar 14 held in the housing 13.

[0031] The housing 13 is made of metal, specifically aluminum in this embodiment. The housing 13 has: a large cylindrical portion 13a, generally square-shaped; a flange portion 13b extending in a flange-like manner from an opening at the end of the large cylindrical portion 13a; an inwardly extending portion 13c extending from the opening at the end of the large cylindrical portion 13a toward the side opposite to the flange portion 13b, i.e., the inner side; and a small cylindrical portion 13d extending in a generally square-shaped manner from the inner edge of the inwardly extending portion 13c. The busbar 14 is held in a state where it is inserted into the large cylindrical portion 13a and the small cylindrical portion 13d.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, a pair of busbars 14 are arranged along their width direction. Additionally, fixing holes 13e are provided at the four corners of the flange portion 13b in the housing 13. The connector 11 is fixed to the electrical device 12 by screws (not shown) that are threaded into the fixing holes 13e and thus engage with the electrical device 12. Furthermore, the housing 13 of this embodiment is composed of housing components 13f and 13g, which are formed in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the busbars 14. Figure 2 The shape is divided into vertical and horizontal directions.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, a connection terminal 16, which is fixed to the core wire 15a of the wire 15, is connected to the base end of the busbar 14. Furthermore, the end end of the busbar 14 protrudes from the small cylindrical portion 13d to the outside of the housing 13 and is connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the electrical device 12.

[0034] In this embodiment, the connector 11 includes: a first ceramic component 18, which is inserted between a flat surface 14a of one side of the busbar 14 and a first contact portion 17 of the housing 13; and a second ceramic component 20, which is inserted between a flat surface 14b of the other side of the busbar 14 and a second contact portion 19 of the housing 13. Furthermore, the connector 11 includes a bolt 21 and a nut 22 as fastening components to secure the busbar 14, the first ceramic component 18, the second ceramic component 20, the first contact portion 17, and the second contact portion 19 together.

[0035] In detail, the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are formed, for example, of alumina, which has insulation properties and a higher thermal conductivity than resin materials. The first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are formed in a flat plate shape. The first ceramic component 18 is inserted between a flat surface 14a of one side of the busbar 14 and a first contact portion 17, which is the upper wall of the small cylindrical portion 13d of the housing 13. The second ceramic component 20 is inserted between a flat surface 14b of the other side of the busbar 14 and a second contact portion 19, which is the lower wall of the small cylindrical portion 13d of the housing 13.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper wall of the small cylindrical portion 13d, i.e., the first contact portion 17, and the lower wall of the small cylindrical portion 13d, i.e., the second contact portion 19, are each provided with a pair of busbars 14. That is, the width of the small cylindrical portion 13d is set such that a pair of busbars 14 arranged along the width direction can be accommodated inside.

[0037] Furthermore, the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are each provided across a pair of busbars 14. That is, the first ceramic component 18 is provided along the entire width direction of the upper wall of the small cylindrical portion 13d, i.e., the inner surface of the first contact portion 17. Similarly, the second ceramic component 20 is provided along the entire width direction of the lower wall of the small cylindrical portion 13d, i.e., the inner surface of the second contact portion 19. With this configuration, the opposing surfaces of the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20, which face the busbars 14, are set such that they extend beyond the length of the busbars 14 along their width direction, and the entire width direction of the flat surfaces 14a and 14b of the busbars 14 contacts the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the bolt 21 and nut 22 fasten the first contact portion 17 and the second contact portion 19 between a pair of busbars 14, thereby fastening the busbars 14, the first ceramic component 18, the second ceramic component 20, the first contact portion 17, and the second contact portion 19 together. That is, the shaft portion 21a of the bolt 21 passes sequentially through the first contact portion 17, the first ceramic component 18, the second ceramic component 20, and the second contact portion 19 between a pair of busbars 14 and engages with the nut 22 threadedly. In addition, the tightening torque of the bolt 21 and nut 22 at this time is a torque that does not produce small gaps between the components due to differences in dimensional errors / linear expansion rates, etc., and is a torque that maintains the heat dissipation of the busbars 14.

[0039] Next, the function of the connector 11 configured as described above will be explained.

[0040] In connector 11, bolts 21 and nuts 22 maintain the flat surfaces 14a and 14b of busbar 14 in contact with the first contact portion 17 or the second contact portion 19 of housing 13 via the first ceramic component 18 or the second ceramic component 20. This, for example, suppresses minute gaps between components caused by dimensional errors or differences in linear expansion rates.

[0041] The effects of the above implementation methods will be described below.

[0042] (1) Busbar 14, first ceramic component 18, second ceramic component 20, first contact portion 17, and second contact portion 19 are fastened together by bolts 21 and nuts 22. Thus, one flat surface 14a of busbar 14 maintains a state of seamless contact with the first contact portion 17 of housing 13 via the thermally conductive first ceramic component 18, and the other flat surface 14b of busbar 14 maintains a state of seamless contact with the second contact portion 19 of housing 13 via the thermally conductive second ceramic component 20. Therefore, busbar 14 has good heat dissipation.

[0043] (2) Since bolts 21 and nuts 22 are used as fastening components, the busbar 14, the first ceramic component 18, the second ceramic component 20, the first contact portion 17, and the second contact portion 19 can be easily fastened together. In addition, compared with the case where rivets or the like are used as fastening components, it is easier to manage the fastening torque.

[0044] (3) The first contact portion 17 and the second contact portion 19 are each provided across a pair of busbars 14, and the first contact portion 17 and the second contact portion 19 are fastened between the pair of busbars 14 by bolts 21 and nuts 22. Thus, each pair of busbars 14 can be fastened together with the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 by one bolt 21 and one nut 22 respectively. That is, compared with the case where bolts 21 and nuts 22 are provided on each busbar 14, the number of fastening components can be reduced.

[0045] (4) The first contact portion 17 and the second contact portion 19 are each provided throughout a pair of busbars 14, and the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are each provided throughout a pair of busbars 14. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are provided in each busbar 14, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0046] (5) The opposing surfaces of the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20, which face the busbar 14, are set to be longer than or equal to the length of the busbar 14 in the width direction. Therefore, it is possible to form a state in which the busbar 14 is stably clamped into the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20. In addition, the entire width direction of the busbar 14 is in contact with the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20, thus providing good heat dissipation.

[0047] This embodiment can be modified and implemented in the following ways. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined and implemented with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0048] • In the above embodiment, bolts 21 and nuts 22 are used as fastening components. However, it is not limited to this and may be replaced with other fastening components such as rivets.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the first contact portion 17 and the second contact portion 19 are each provided throughout a pair of busbars 14, but this is not limited to this. For example, it can be configured such that each busbar 14 is provided with its own first contact portion 17 and second contact portion 19.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the first contact portion 17 and the second contact portion 19 are fastened between a pair of busbars 14 by bolts 21 and nuts 22, but this is not a limitation. For example, bolts 21 and nuts 22 can be provided on each busbar 14 for fastening.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are each provided across a pair of busbars 14, but this is not a limitation. For example, the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component can be provided on each busbar 14. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the opposing surfaces of the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 opposite to the busbar 14 are set to be larger than the length of the busbar 14 in the width direction, but this is not a limitation. For example, they can be the same length as the busbar 14 or smaller than the length of the busbar 14.

[0052] • In the above embodiment, the connector 11 has a pair of busbars 14, but is not limited thereto; for example, it may have one or more busbars.

[0053] • In the above embodiment, the housing 13 is made of aluminum, but it is not limited to this and can be formed of other metal materials.

[0054] • In the above embodiment, the first ceramic component 18 and the second ceramic component 20 are formed of alumina, but are not limited thereto. They can be formed of other materials as long as they have insulation properties and a thermal conductivity higher than that of resin materials.

[0055] This disclosure includes the following practical examples. Reference numerals are used to illustrate the components of the embodiments for the purpose of aiding understanding, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0056] [Note 1] Preferably, the connector (11) according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0057] A metal housing (13) includes a first contact portion (17) and a second contact portion (19);

[0058] Flat busbar (14);

[0059] First ceramic component (18);

[0060] The second ceramic component (20); and

[0061] Fastening components (21, 22),

[0062] The first contact portion (17), the first ceramic component (18), the busbar (14), the second ceramic component (20), and the second contact portion (19) are stacked in sequence and fastened to each other by the fastening components (21, 22).

[0063] [Note 2] Preferably, the connector (11) according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0064] A metal housing (13) includes a first contact portion (17) and a second contact portion (19);

[0065] Two flat busbars (14) are arranged side by side along the width direction of the busbars (14);

[0066] First ceramic component (18);

[0067] The second ceramic component (20); and

[0068] Fastening components (21, 22),

[0069] The first contact portion (17), the first ceramic component (18), the two busbars (14), the second ceramic component (20), and the second contact portion (19) are stacked sequentially and fastened to each other by the fastening components (21, 22).

[0070] In the width direction, the fastening components (21, 22) are disposed between the two busbars (14).

[0071] [Note 3] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, each of the busbars (14) has a first flat surface (14a) and a second flat surface (14b) on the side opposite to the first flat surface (14a).

[0072] The first flat surface (14a) is in contact with the surface of the first ceramic component (18), and the second flat surface (14b) is in contact with the surface of the second ceramic component (20).

[0073] [Note 4] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first contact portion (17) is in surface contact with the first ceramic component (18).

[0074] [Note 5] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the second contact portion (19) is in surface contact with the second ceramic component (20).

[0075] [Note 6] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the fastening member (21) has a shaft portion (21a) that passes through the first contact portion (17), the first ceramic component (18), the second ceramic component (20), and the second contact portion (19).

[0076] [Note 7] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the shaft portion (21a) is in a position separated from the two busbars (14).

[0077] [Note 8] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the busbar (14) or the two busbars (14) along the long side direction is longer than the length of the first and second contact portions (17, 19) along the long side direction.

[0078] [Note 9] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the first and second ceramic components (18, 20) along the long side direction is longer than the length of the first and second contact portions (17, 19) along the long side direction.

[0079] [Note 10] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the housing (13) includes first and second housing components (13f, 13g) that divide the housing (13) into two parts.

[0080] The first housing component (13f) has the first contact portion (17), and the second housing component (13g) has the second contact portion (19).

[0081] [Note 11] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first and second housing components (13f, 13g) are partition bodies formed by dividing surfaces extending along both the width direction and the long side direction of the generatrix (14) or the two generatrixes (14).

[0082] [Note 12] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first and second housing components (13f, 13g) each have a flange (13b) configured to be fixed to other components, such as electrical equipment (12).

[0083] [Note 13] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first and second ceramic components (18, 20) protrude in the width direction at both ends of the busbar (14) or the two busbars (14) in the width direction.

[0084] [Note 14] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the first and second contact portions (17, 19) along the width direction is longer than the length of the first and second ceramic components (18, 20) along the width direction.

[0085] For those skilled in the art, the present invention can certainly be embodied in other unique ways without departing from its technical concept. For example, some of the components described in the embodiments (or one or more embodiments) may be omitted, or several components may be combined. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents in the granted claims.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0087] 11 Connectors

[0088] 12 Electrical equipment

[0089] 13. Shell

[0090] 13a Large cylindrical section

[0091] 13b Flange

[0092] 13c Inward extension

[0093] 13d small tube section

[0094] 13e fixing hole

[0095] 13f, 13g shell components

[0096] 14 busbars

[0097] 14a A flat surface on one side

[0098] 14b The flat surface of the other side

[0099] 15. Electrical wires

[0100] 15a core wire

[0101] 16 Connecting terminals

[0102] 17 First Contact Section

[0103] 18. First Ceramic Component

[0104] 19 Second Contact Section

[0105] 20. Second ceramic component

[0106] 21 Bolts (fastening components)

[0107] 21a Shaft

[0108] 22 Nuts (fastening components)

Claims

1. A connector comprising: Metal casing; A flat busbar is held inside the housing; A first ceramic component is located inside the housing and intersects between a flat surface of one side of the busbar and a first contact portion of the housing; A second ceramic component, located inside the housing, intersects between the flat surface of the busbar on the other side and the second contact portion of the housing; and The fastening component secures the busbar, the first ceramic component, the second ceramic component, the first contact portion, and the second contact portion together. The lengths of the first and second ceramic components along the long side of the generatrix are longer than the lengths of the first and second contact portions along the long side of the generatrix. The lengths of the first and second contact portions along the width direction of the generatrix are longer than the lengths of the first and second ceramic components along the width direction of the generatrix.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening components are bolts and nuts.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The busbars are provided in pairs. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are each provided across a pair of busbars. The fastening component fastens the first contact portion to the second contact portion between a pair of busbars.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The busbars are provided in pairs. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are each provided across a pair of busbars. The first ceramic component and the second ceramic component are each disposed across a pair of the busbars.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The opposing surfaces of the first ceramic component and the second ceramic component, which are opposite to the busbar, are configured such that, in the width direction of the busbar, the length of the opposing surface is greater than or equal to the length of the busbar.

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