Connectors

Abstract

A connector includes a terminal configured to be connected to an electric wire and a housing configured to accommodate the terminal. The housing includes a heat sink configured to absorb heat generated in the terminal. The heat sink is part of a frame member forming the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector including a terminal connected to an electric wire and a housing storing the terminal. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, a connector provided in a vehicle has been proposed for supplying (charging) power from outside the vehicle to a battery installed in the vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle) (see, for example, JP-A-2017-208247). This type of connector is also generally referred to as a charging port.

[0003] The above-mentioned connector (charging port) is generally required to have a structure and characteristics defined by various standards. For example, when the above-mentioned connector is actually used, the temperature of the terminal (the so-called operating temperature) rises due to the Joule heat generated in the terminal when power is applied. Here, from the perspective of quality maintenance, safety, etc. of the connector, the upper limit value of the operating temperature of the terminal is defined by a predetermined standard. In particular, when the battery is rapidly charged, etc., because a large current flows through the connector in a short time, the temperature rise of the terminal per unit time is higher than that in the case of normal charging. Therefore, it is possible that during rapid charging, it is difficult to keep the operating temperature of the terminal within the range defined by the above-mentioned standards only by natural heat dissipation. On the other hand, it is not advisable to easily assemble a heat dissipation member (for example, a metal plate, etc.) to the outside of the connector because the miniaturization of the connector is hindered and the installation space of the connector in the vehicle body is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a connector capable of preventing an excessive increase in the operating temperature of a terminal while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector according to the present disclosure is characterized as follows.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a connector is provided, comprising: a terminal configured to be connected to an electric wire; and a housing configured to accommodate the terminal, wherein the housing includes a heat sink configured to absorb heat generated in the terminal; and the heat sink is part of a skeleton component forming the housing.

[0007] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, a connector can be provided that is capable of preventing an excessive increase in the operating temperature of a terminal while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector.

[0008] The present disclosure has been briefly described above. By reading the configuration for implementing the present disclosure described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, the details of the present disclosure will be further clarified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to electric wires;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the connector shown.

[0011] Figure 3 is shown in which the Figure 1 A perspective view showing a state in which some of the components of the connector are disassembled is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 is shown in which the Figure 1 A perspective view of a state in which another component of the multiple components of the connector is disassembled is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of part B.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Front view of the heat transfer plate shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] <Example>

[0017] Hereinafter, a connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The connector 1 is installed in a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, and is connected to an electric wire extending from a battery mounted on the vehicle. The connector 1 is also called a charging port. By fitting a mating connector (so-called charging gun) into the mating recess 63 (see FIG. 1 ) of the connector 1, the mating recess 63 is connected to the charging port. Figure 1 etc.), power is supplied to the battery from outside the vehicle to charge the battery.

[0018] Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, “front-rear direction”, “width direction”, “upper-lower direction”, “lower”, “front” and “rear” are defined as follows: Figure 1 As shown. The "front-back direction," "width direction," and "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. The front-back direction coincides with the mating direction of connector 1 and a mating connector (not shown), and the front side (the side closer to the mating connector) in the mating direction as viewed from connector 1 is referred to as the "front side," and the mating direction release side (the side farther from the mating connector) in the mating direction as viewed from connector 1 is referred to as the "rear side."

[0019] like Figure 1 and 5The connector 1 includes a pair of terminals 10 and a housing 20 in which the pair of terminals 10 are housed. One end of a pair of wires 2 is connected to the pair of terminals 10, respectively. The other end of the pair of wires 2 is connected to a battery (not shown). The wires 2 include a conductor core 2a and a coating 2b (see FIG. 1 ) made of an insulating resin material and covering the conductor core 2a. Figure 5 ). Hereinafter, each component forming the connector 1 will be described in order.

[0020] First, a pair of terminals 10 will be described. In this example, the pair of terminals 10 have the same shape. The terminals 10 are made of a metal material and are Figure 5 As shown, there is a stepped columnar portion including a small diameter portion 11 and a large diameter portion 12 positioned on the rear side of the small diameter portion 11. An annular step portion 13 is formed at a boundary portion between the small diameter portion 11 and the large diameter portion 12 (see Figure 6 The step portion 13 is locked to the locking protrusion portion 37 of the base holder 30 (see Figure 6 ), the locking protrusion portion 37 will be described later.

[0021] The small diameter portion 11 is integrally provided with a cylindrical female terminal portion 14 protruding forward from its front end surface. In a pair of terminals 10, the female terminal portion 14 of one terminal 10 serves as a positive terminal, and the female terminal portion 14 of the other terminal 10 serves as a negative terminal. When the connector 1 and the mating connector are mated with each other, the female terminal portion 14 of one terminal 10 and the female terminal portion 14 of the other terminal 10 are connected to the positive male terminal portion and the negative male terminal portion of the mating connector, respectively.

[0022] A recess 15 (see FIG. 1 ) that is recessed forward is formed in the rear end surface of the large diameter portion 12. Figure 5 ). The conductor core wire 2a exposed at one end of the electric wire 2 is inserted into the recess 15 and crimped and fixed. Thus, the terminal 10 and one end of the electric wire 2 are electrically connected to each other.

[0023] like Figure 6 As shown, an annular groove 16 is formed on the outer surface of the small diameter portion 11 near the step portion 13, and an annular groove 17 is formed on the outer surface of the large diameter portion 12 near the step portion 13. Figures 4 to 6 , which will be described later) is installed in the annular groove 16; and the O-ring 92 (see FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , which will be described later) is mounted in the annular groove 17. A pair of terminals 10 is described above.

[0024] Next, the housing 20 will be described. In this example, Figure 1and 5 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 20 includes a base holder 30, a rear holder 40, a heat sink 50, an inner housing body 60, and an outer housing body 70. Each of the base holder 30, the rear holder 40, the heat sink 50, the inner housing body 60, and the outer housing body 70 is a skeleton component of the housing 20 and forms a portion of the outer surface of the housing 20. Hereinafter, the components forming the connector 20 will be described in order.

[0025] First, the base holder 30 will be described. The base holder 30 has a function of holding a pair of terminals 10 in a state where the terminals 10 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and insulated from each other. The base holder 30 is a resin molded product and integrally includes a pair of terminal holding portions 31 provided in the width direction and a coupling portion 32 coupling the pair of terminal holding portions 31 in the width direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, the terminal holder 31 has a stepped cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-rear direction, including a small diameter portion 33, a medium diameter portion 34 positioned on the rear side of the small diameter portion 33, and a large diameter portion 35 positioned on the rear side of the medium diameter portion 34. The connecting portion 32 connects the medium diameter portion 34 and the large diameter portion 35 of the pair of terminal holding portions 31. The pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the pair of terminal holding portions 31 from the rear side.

[0027] An annular step portion 36 is formed at a boundary portion between the middle diameter portion 34 and the large diameter portion 35. A rear end surface of a tubular portion 51 of a heat sink 50 (to be described later) is locked to the step portion 36 (see FIG. Figure 5 An annular locking protrusion 37 is formed on the inner wall surface of the front end portion of the small diameter portion 33 so as to correspond to the step portion 13 of the terminal 10 and protrude inwardly in the radial direction of the small diameter portion 33 .

[0028] Next, the rear retainer 40 will be described. The rear retainer 40 is assembled to the base retainer 30 from the rear side and has the function of retaining the pair of wires 2 extending rearward from the pair of terminals 10 in a state spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The rear retainer 40 is a resin molded product and integrally includes a tubular portion 41 extending in the front-to-rear direction and a rear wall portion 42 that closes the rear opening of the tubular portion 41.

[0029] The tubular portion 41 has an outer shape corresponding to the outer shape formed by the pair of large diameter portions 35 and the coupling portion 32 of the base holder 30. The tubular portion 41 can be mounted on the rear end portion of the base holder 30 so as to cover the outer surface of the rear end portion of the pair of large diameter portions 35 and the coupling portion 32. The rear wall portion 42 is formed with a pair of wire through holes 43 corresponding to the pair of large diameter portions 35. The pair of wire through holes 43 are arranged in the width direction and penetrate in the front-to-back direction. The pair of wires 2 are inserted into the pair of wire through holes 43 (see Figure 5 ).

[0030] Next, the heat sink 50 will be described. Of the multiple components forming the skeleton of the housing 20, only the heat sink 50 is made of a metal material. The heat sink 50 is assembled to the base holder 30 from the front side and has the function of absorbing and dissipating the heat generated in the pair of terminals 10. This point will be described in detail later.

[0031] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the heat sink 50 includes a tubular portion 51 extending in the front-to-rear direction. The tubular portion 51 has an outer peripheral shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape formed by the pair of middle diameter portions 34 and the coupling portion 32 of the base holder 30, and can be mounted on the base holder 30 so as to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of middle diameter portions 34 and the coupling portion 32.

[0032] At the front end portion of the tubular portion 51, a pair of extension portions 52 extending outward in the width direction from both side portions in the width direction of the front end portion of the tubular portion 51 and a pair of side wall portions 53 extending forward from the extended end portions of the pair of extension portions 52 are integrally provided. The pair of side wall portions 53 has a shape that corresponds to the tubular portion 61 of the inner case body 60 in the circumferential direction when viewed in the front-rear direction (see also FIG. Figure 3 ) (to be described later), and the pair of side wall portions can be mounted on the tubular portion 61 so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the tubular portion 61.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the bolt insertion portions 54 are provided at a plurality of positions (four positions in this example) on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer sides in the width direction) of the pair of side wall portions 53. A bolt through hole 55 is formed in each bolt insertion portion 54 so as to penetrate the bolt insertion portion 54 in the front-rear direction. The bolts 91 (see FIG. 1 ) for assembling the housing 20 are provided at a plurality of positions (four positions in this example) on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer sides in the width direction) of the pair of side wall portions 53. Figure 3 ) is inserted into the bolt through hole 55.

[0034] Next, the inner housing body 60 will be described. The inner housing body 60 is assembled to the tubular portion 51 of the heat sink 50 from the front side and has a fitting recess 63 (see also FIG. 1 ) forming the connector 1. Figure 1 ) function. The inner case body 60 is a resin molded product and integrally includes a tubular portion 61 extending in the front-to-rear direction and a rear wall portion 62 that closes the rear opening of the tubular portion 61. The tubular portion 61 and the rear wall portion 62 define a fitting recess 63 that is open forward and recessed rearward.

[0035] The rear wall portion 62 is provided with a pair of cylindrical female terminal accommodating portions 64 corresponding to the female terminal portions 14 of the pair of terminals 10 so as to protrude forward (see FIG. Figure 3 and 5 ). Each female terminal accommodating portion 64 is positioned in the fitting recess 63 and has an internal space penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, an annular flange portion 65 protruding outward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 61 is provided at a position on the rear side of the center in the front-rear direction on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61. The flange portion 65 is provided with bolt insertion portions 66 at a plurality of positions (four positions in this example) in the circumferential direction, which correspond to the plurality of bolt insertion portions 54 of the radiator 50. A bolt through-hole 67 is formed in each bolt insertion portion 66 so as to penetrate the bolt insertion portion 66 in the front-rear direction. Bolts 91 (see FIG. 1 ) for assembling the housing 20 are provided. Figure 3 ) is inserted into the bolt through hole 67.

[0037] Next, the outer housing body 70 will be described. The outer housing body 70 is assembled to the tubular portion 61 of the inner housing body 60 from the front side, and has a function of fixing the entire housing 20 to the attachment target portion (not shown) of the connector 1 provided in the vehicle. The outer housing body 70 is a resin molded product and includes the tubular portion 71 extending in the front-rear direction. The tubular portion 71 can be mounted on the tubular portion 61 from the front side so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61 of the inner housing body 60 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 ).

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, an annular flange portion 72 protruding outward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 71 is provided at a position on the rear side of the center in the front-to-rear direction on the outer surface of the tubular portion 71. When viewed in the front-to-rear direction, the flange portion 72 has a rectangular outer shape. Bolt through-holes 73 penetrating in the front-to-rear direction are formed in the four corners of the flange portion 72. Bolts (not shown) for fixing the connector 1 to the aforementioned attachment target portion of the connector 1 are inserted into the bolt through-holes 73.

[0039] The components forming the skeleton member of the housing 20 are as described above.

[0040] Next, the assembly procedure of the connector 1 will be described. First, a pair of terminals 10 to which one end portion of a pair of electric wires 2 is connected are inserted into the base holder 30. Therefore, as a preparation for this, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the pair of wire through holes 43 of the rear holder 40 are inserted from the front side into the coating 2b of the pair of wires 2, which are connected to the pair of terminals 10. Next, the annular rubber packing 93 is inserted from the front side into the coating 2b of the pair of wires so as to be adjacent to the front side of the rear wall portion 42 of the rear holder 40. In addition, the O-ring 92 (see Figure 6 ) is installed in each annular groove 17 of a pair of terminals 10.

[0041] Next, the pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the pair of terminal holding portions 31 of the base holder 30 from the rear side. This insertion continues until the small diameter portion 11 and the female terminal portion 14 of the pair of terminals 10 protrude forward from the front end of the pair of terminal holding portions 31, and the step portion 13 of the pair of terminals 10 is locked to the locking protrusion portion 37 of the pair of terminal holding portions 31. In the state where the insertion is completed (i.e., the state where the pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the base holder 30 is completed), as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the O-ring 92 mounted on the terminal 10 is in pressure contact with the inner wall surface of the small diameter portion 33 of the terminal holding portion 31 .

[0042] When the pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the base holder 30, the rear holder 40 is then mounted to the base holder 30. Thus, by pressing the rear holder 40 forward and moving the rear holder 40 and the pair of fillers 93 positioned on the front side of the rear holder 40 forward relative to the pair of wires 2, the tubular portion 41 of the rear holder 40 is mounted on the rear end portion of the base holder 30 (see FIG. Figure 4 and 5 ).

[0043] like Figure 5As shown, after the rear retainer 40 is mounted on the base retainer 30, each filler 93 is pressed and sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 35 of the terminal retaining portion 31 and the outer peripheral surface (coating 2b) of the wire 2. Thus, the pair of O-rings 92 and the pair of fillers 93 exhibit a water-stopping function, thereby preventing water from entering the interior space of the pair of terminal retaining portions 31 (i.e., the connection between the terminals 10 and the conductor core 2a of the wire 2). Furthermore, the pair of terminals 10 are maintained insulated and spaced apart from each other in the width direction by the base retainer 30, and the pair of wires 2 extending rearward from the pair of terminals 10 are maintained insulated and spaced apart from each other in the width direction by the rear retainer 40.

[0044] When the mounting of the rear holder 40 on the base holder 30 is completed, the heat sink 50 is then mounted on the base holder 30 (see FIG. Figure 4 ). Therefore, the tubular portion 51 of the heat sink 50 is mounted on the base holder 30 from the front side so as to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of middle diameter portions 34 and the coupling portion 32 of the base holder 30 (see Figure 5 ). Figure 5 As shown, in the state in which the installation is completed, the rear end surface of the tubular portion 51 contacts the step portion 36 of the base holder 30. In this state, the positions of the front end surfaces of the pair of extension portions 52 of the heat sink 50 in the front-to-back direction coincide with the positions of the front end surfaces of the pair of terminal holding portions 31 in the front-to-back direction.

[0045] When the installation of the heat sink 50 on the base holder 30 is completed, as shown in FIG. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the heat transfer plate 80 is then mounted on each of the annular grooves 16 of the pair of terminals 10. The annular grooves 16 are positioned and exposed on the front side of the front end of the terminal holding portion 31 (i.e., the front end of the small diameter portion 33). Next, a pair of upper and lower locking members 94 are mounted adjacent to the front side of the heat transfer plate 80.

[0046] The heat transfer sheet 80 is made of a material having insulation properties and excellent heat transfer properties, and has a function of transferring heat from the terminal 10 to the heat sink 50 (which will be described later). Figure 4 and Figure 7 The heat transfer sheet 80 includes an annular main body portion 82 positioned around the through hole 81, and an extension portion 83 extending circumferentially from one side of the main body portion 82 away from the through hole 81. A slit 84 connecting the through hole 81 and the outer periphery of the main body portion 82 is formed at a position on the side of the main body portion 82 opposite to the extension portion 83 in the circumferential direction.

[0047] The heat transfer fin 80 is installed in the annular groove 16 by allowing the peripheral edge portion of the through-hole 81 in the main body portion 82 to enter the annular groove 16 in an orientation in which the extension portion 83 is positioned on the outside in the width direction relative to the through-hole 81. At this time, the main body portion 82 is temporarily deformed, causing the slit 84 to widen, and the peripheral edge portion of the through-hole 81 in the main body portion 82 to enter the annular groove 16 through the slit 84. Therefore, the operation of installing the heat transfer fin 80 in the annular groove 16 is facilitated.

[0048] The pair of upper and lower locking pieces 94 has a function of preventing the heat sink 50 mounted on the base holder 30 from falling off (separating) forward from the base holder 30. The pair of upper and lower locking pieces 94 are plates made of resin material and can be vertically connected and separated. Figure 4 As shown, a pair of upper and lower locking pieces 94 have a shape corresponding to the heat transfer sheet 80 in the vertically coupled state. At a position corresponding to the through hole 81 of the heat transfer sheet 80, each of the pair of upper and lower locking pieces 94 is formed with a semicircular arc-shaped recess 94a.

[0049] A pair of upper and lower locking members 94 are installed in the annular recess 16 by allowing the peripheral edge portion of the recess 94a of the upper locking member 94 to enter the upper side portion of the annular recess 16 and allowing the peripheral edge portion of the recess 94a of the lower locking member 94 to enter the lower side portion of the annular recess 16 and vertically coupling the two in an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the heat transfer sheet 80.

[0050] Therefore, by installing the heat transfer plate 80 and a pair of upper and lower locking members 94 in each of the annular grooves 16 of the pair of terminals 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the main body portion 82 of the heat transfer plate 80 is clamped in the front-to-back direction by the groove side surface on the rear side of the annular groove 16 of the terminal 10 and the peripheral edge portion of the recess 94a of a pair of upper and lower locking members 94, and the extension portion 83 of the heat transfer plate 80 is clamped in the front-to-back direction by the front end surface of the extension portion 52 of the heat sink 50 and the outer end portion in the width direction of the pair of upper and lower locking members 94.

[0051] Therefore, the main portion 82 of the heat transfer sheet 80 is in close contact with (the annular groove 16 of) the terminal 10, and the extended portion 83 of the heat transfer sheet 80 is in close contact with (the extended portion 52 of) the heat sink 50, so that the heat transfer sheet 80 enters a state in which it can transfer heat from the terminal 10 to the heat sink 50. In addition, the peripheral edge portions of the recessed portions 94a of the pair of upper and lower locking members 94 are fitted into the annular groove 16 of the terminal 10, and the outer end portions in the width direction of the pair of upper and lower locking members 94 are locked to the front end surface of the extended portion 52 of the heat sink 50 by the extended portion 83 of the heat transfer sheet 80, so that the heat sink 50 mounted on the base holder 30 is prevented from falling off (separating) forward from the base holder 30.

[0052] Furthermore, a pair of thermistors 95 are mounted on the outer peripheral surfaces of the small diameter portions 11 of the pair of terminals 10 (see Figure 4 and 6 ). Therefore, the temperature of the pair of terminals 10 can be measured, so that the transition of the temperature of the pair of terminals 10 when the connector 1 is used (when the battery is charged) can be monitored. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the thermistor 95 is mounted on only one of the pair of terminals 10 , but the thermistor 95 is actually mounted on both pairs of terminals 10 .

[0053] When the heat transfer sheet 80 and the pair of upper and lower locking pieces 94 are installed in each of the annular grooves 16 of the pair of terminals 10, the inner housing body 60 is then installed on the heat sink 50 (see FIG. Figure 3 and 5 ). Therefore, the inner housing body 60 is mounted on the heat sink 50 from the front side so that the pair of side wall portions 53 of the heat sink 50 cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61 of the inner housing body 60, and the female terminal portions 14 of the pair of terminals 10 are inserted into the pair of female terminal accommodating portions 64 of the inner housing body 60 (see Figure 5 ).like Figure 5 As shown, in the state where the mounting is completed, the front end surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 53 of the heat sink 50 contact the rear end surface of the flange portion 65 of the inner case body 60 .

[0054] When the installation of the inner housing body 60 on the radiator 50 is completed, the outer housing body 70 is then installed on the inner housing body 60 (see Figure 3 and 5 ). Therefore, the outer shell body 70 is mounted on the inner shell body 60 from the front side so that the tubular portion 71 of the outer shell body 70 covers the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61 of the inner shell body 60 (see Figure 5 ).like Figure 5 As shown, in the state where the installation is completed, the rear end surface of the tubular portion 71 of the outer housing body 70 contacts the front end surface of the flange portion 65 of the inner housing body 60.

[0055] When the outer shell body 70 is mounted on the inner shell body 60, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, a plurality of bolts 91 (four in this example) are then inserted from the rear side into the plurality of bolt through holes 55 of the heat sink 50 and the plurality of bolt through holes 67 of the inner housing body 60, and fastened to a plurality of fastening portions (not shown) provided in the outer housing body 70. Thus, the heat sink 50 and the inner housing body 60 are fastened together to the outer housing body 70, so that the base holder 30, the rear holder 40, the heat sink 50, the inner housing body 60, and the outer housing body 70 forming the skeleton components of the housing 20 are integrated. Thus, the assembly of the connector 1 is completed, and the connector 1 is obtained. Figure 1 Connector 1 shown.

[0056] The assembled connector 1 is fastened and fixed to an attachment target portion (not shown) of a connector 1 provided in a vehicle using a plurality of bolts (not shown) inserted into the plurality of bolt holes 73 of the outer housing main body 70 .

[0057] When charging a battery (not shown) mounted on a vehicle, a mating connector (so-called charging gun) is fitted into the fitting recess 63 of the connector 1 fixed to the attachment target portion of the vehicle. Thus, power is supplied from outside the vehicle to the battery via the mating connector, the connector 1, and the pair of wires 2 in this order, and the battery is charged.

[0058] Next, we will describe the process of providing the metal heat sink 50 and the heat transfer sheet 80 on the connector 1. As described above, when a battery is charged using the connector 1, the temperature of the pair of terminals 10 in the connector 1 rises due to Joule heat caused by the energization. Specifically, when the battery is rapidly charged, a large current flows through the pair of terminals 10 in a short period of time, and thus the degree of temperature rise per unit time of the pair of terminals 10 may increase.

[0059] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the heat generated in the terminal 10 is mainly transferred to the heat sink 50 via the heat transfer sheet 80 and absorbed by the heat sink 50. The heat absorbed by the heat sink 50 is dissipated to the outside through the outer surface (surface exposed to the outside) of the heat sink 50. Therefore, the temperature rise of the terminal 10 is prevented.

[0060] Furthermore, the heat sink 50 is made of a metal material rather than a resin material. Generally speaking, when a metal component and a resin component are compared with each other at the same volume, the heat capacity of the metal component is greater than that of the resin component due to the higher density of the metal than the resin. Therefore, the heat capacity of the metal heat sink 50 is greater than that of a resin heat sink having the same shape as the heat sink 50. In other words, when the heat sink 50 is made of a metal material rather than a resin material, the heat capacity of the heat sink 50 can be further increased. The material of the heat sink 50 is not necessarily limited to metal and can be any other material as long as the heat sink 50 has an appropriate heat capacity as described above.

[0061] As the heat capacity of the heat sink 50 increases, the temperature rise of the heat sink 50 that absorbs the heat generated in the terminal 10 becomes moderate. Therefore, for example, even when the Joule heat generated in the terminal 10 is large, as in the case of fast charging, by using a metal heat sink 50 having a large heat capacity, the temperature rise of the heat sink 50 can be moderated, and thus the temperature rise of the terminal 10 can also be moderated.

[0062] After the quick charge is completed, the temperature of the radiator 50, which has risen due to the quick charge, drops due to natural heat dissipation. At this time, as the heat capacity of the radiator 50 increases, the temperature drop of the radiator 50 becomes moderate (that is, it takes a relatively long time before the temperature of the radiator 50 returns to normal). However, the connector 1 is not used for purposes other than battery charging, and it is difficult to assume a situation where the quick charge is started again in a short time after the quick charge is completed. Therefore, even if the temperature drop of the radiator 50 becomes moderate after the quick charge (even if it takes a relatively long time before the temperature of the radiator 50 returns to normal), there is no problem from the perspective of the function of the connector 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the heat sink 50 forms a part of the skeleton member of the housing 20. Therefore, compared with assembling a heat sink for absorbing and dissipating heat generated in the terminal 10 outside the housing 20 (connector 1), an increase in the size of the connector 1 can be prevented.

[0064] <Operations and Effects>

[0065] As described above, according to the connector 1 of the present embodiment, a portion of the skeleton component of the housing 20 storing the terminal 10 includes the heat sink 50. Since the heat generated in the terminal 10 is absorbed by the heat sink 50 having a large heat capacity, even if the Joule heat generated per unit time in the terminal 10 is large, for example, during fast charging, the temperature rise of the terminal 10 can be mitigated. In addition, since the heat sink 50 itself acts as a skeleton component of the housing 20, the size of the connector 1 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, the connector 1 according to the present embodiment can prevent the operating temperature of the terminal 10 from excessively increasing during use while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector 1.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the heat transfer sheet 80 provided in the housing 20 directly contacts the terminal 10 and the heat sink 50. Therefore, the heat generated in the terminal 10 is effectively transferred to the heat sink 50 through the heat transfer sheet 80, and thus the rise in the operating temperature of the terminal 10 can be more appropriately prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the connector 1 of this embodiment, the heat transfer sheet 80 has a sheet-like shape and includes a through-hole 81 for inserting the terminal 10, and a slit 84 connecting the through-hole 81 and the peripheral portion of the heat transfer sheet 80. Thus, the terminal 10 can be inserted into the through-hole 81 through the slit 84, thereby facilitating the installation of the heat transfer sheet 80 on the terminal 10. Furthermore, by appropriately designing the diameter of the through-hole 81 according to the thickness of the terminal 10, the heat transfer sheet 80 can easily come into close contact with the terminal 10. Consequently, the heat transfer sheet 80 can more effectively absorb heat from the terminal 10.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the heat sink 50 forms a portion of the outer surface of the housing 20. Therefore, the heat absorbed from the terminal 10 by the heat sink 50 is dissipated to the outside of the connector 1 through the outer surface of the heat sink 50. Therefore, the temperature rise of the terminal 10 during use can be more reliably prevented.

[0069] <Other aspects>

[0070] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be employed within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements may be made as appropriate. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, and arrangement positions of each component in the above-described embodiments are optional and not limited, as long as the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, a heat transfer member (heat transfer sheet 80) is provided to transfer heat from the terminal 10 to the heat sink 50. On the contrary, such a heat transfer member may not be provided. In this case, the heat generated in the terminal 10 is transferred to the heat sink 50 through the base holder 30 and the like forming the housing 20.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pair of heat transfer sheets 80 provided corresponding to the pair of terminals 10 are separated from each other. In contrast, a single heat transfer sheet in which the pair of heat transfer sheets 80 are connected may be used as long as the single heat transfer sheet has insulation properties.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the slits 84 are provided in the heat transfer sheet 80. Conversely, such slits may not be provided in the heat transfer sheet 80. In this case, the heat transfer sheet 80 can be mounted in the annular groove 16 by inserting the through-hole 81 of the heat transfer sheet 80 into the terminal 10 (small diameter portion 11) and allowing the peripheral edge portion of the through-hole 81 of the heat transfer sheet 80 to enter the annular groove 16.

[0074] Here, the features of the embodiments of the connector according to the present disclosure described above are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [7].

[0075] [1] A connector (1), comprising:

[0076] a terminal (10) configured to be connected to an electrical wire; and

[0077] A housing (20) configured to accommodate the terminal (10), wherein

[0078] The housing (20) includes a heat sink (50) configured to absorb heat generated in the terminal (10); and

[0079] The heat sink (50) is part of the skeleton member forming the housing (20).

[0080] [2] A connector (1) according to [1], wherein

[0081] The housing (20) includes a heat-insulating heat-conducting member (80) having a hole (81) into which the terminal (10) is inserted; and

[0082] The heat transfer member (80) is arranged so that when the terminal (10) is inserted into the hole (81), at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the hole (81) of the heat transfer member (80) contacts the terminal (10), and another portion (83) of the heat transfer member (80) contacts the heat sink (50).

[0083] [3] A connector according to [2], wherein

[0084] The heat transfer member (80) has a sheet-like shape and has a slit (84) extending from the hole to a peripheral portion of the heat transfer member (80).

[0085] [4] The connector according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein

[0086] The heat sink (50) forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing (20).

[0087] [5] The connector according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein

[0088] The radiator (50) is made of metal material.

[0089] [6] The connector according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein

[0090] The radiator (50) has a tubular portion (51).

[0091] [7] The connector according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein

[0092] Another portion of the frame member is made of a resin material.

[0093] According to the connector having the configuration of [1] above, the structural member including the heat sink forms a part of the skeleton component of the housing that stores the terminal. Therefore, by absorbing the heat generated in the terminal when power is applied with a heat sink having a large heat capacity, even when the amount of heat generated per unit time in the terminal is large, as in the case of fast charging, it is possible to prevent the operating temperature of the terminal from rising rapidly and to increase the operating temperature of the terminal gently. In addition, because the structural member including the heat sink itself is part of the skeleton component of the housing, it is possible to prevent the size of the connector from increasing compared to a case where a separate heat sink or the like is assembled to the outside of the connector. Therefore, the connector according to this configuration can prevent the operating temperature of the terminal from increasing excessively while avoiding an increase in the size of the connector.

[0094] The "frame member" of the housing refers to a member having sufficient hardness and strength, for example, to maintain the shape of the housing itself and to hold the terminal in position against external forces applied to the terminal when the terminal and the mating terminal are mated with each other. In other words, the frame member refers to a member made of a material that does not soften, become brittle, or otherwise become difficult to maintain due to an increase in the operating temperature of the terminal.

[0095] According to the connector having the configuration of [2] above, the heat transfer member provided in the housing surrounds the terminal and directly contacts the terminal, and contacts the structural member including the heat sink. Therefore, the heat generated in the terminal is effectively transferred to the structural member including the heat sink through the heat transfer member, and thus, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the operating temperature of the terminal from increasing excessively.

[0096] According to the connector having the configuration described above [3], the heat transfer member has a sheet-like shape and includes a slit connecting the hole into which the terminal is inserted and the peripheral portion of the heat transfer member. Therefore, the terminal can be positioned in the hole through the slit, thereby facilitating the operation of mounting the heat transfer member on the terminal. Furthermore, by appropriately designing the diameter of the hole according to the thickness of the terminal, the heat transfer member can easily come into close contact with the terminal so as to surround the terminal. Therefore, heat generated in the terminal can be more efficiently transferred to the structural member including the heat sink via the heat transfer member.

[0097] In the connector having the configuration described above [4], the structural member including the heat sink forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. Therefore, heat absorbed from the terminal by the structural member including the heat sink is easily dissipated from the structural member to the exterior of the connector. Consequently, excessive increases in the operating temperature of the terminal can be more effectively prevented.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: a terminal configured to connect to an electrical wire; as well as a housing configured to accommodate the terminals, wherein The housing includes a heat sink configured to absorb heat generated in the terminal and an insulating heat transfer member having a hole into which the terminal is inserted; as well as The heat sink is part of the frame member forming the housing, The heat transfer member is arranged so that when the terminal is inserted into the hole, at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the hole of the heat transfer member contacts the terminal, and another portion of the heat transfer member contacts the heat sink. The heat transfer member has a sheet shape and has a slit extending from the hole to a peripheral portion of the heat transfer member.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The heat sink forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the housing.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat sink is made of metal material.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The radiator has a tubular portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Another portion of the frame member is made of a resin material.

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