Temperature detector, connector, connector assembly and electrical connection system

Abstract

The invention discloses a temperature detector, a connector, a connector assembly and an electrical connection system. The temperature detector is used for detecting the temperature of a terminal of the connector. The temperature detector comprises a heat conduction member which comprises a cylindrical part and a connecting sheet connected with the cylindrical part; and a temperature sensor inserted into the cylindrical portion of the heat conducting member. The temperature sensor is in thermal contact with the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical part of the heat conducting piece or is in thermal connection with the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical part of the heat conducting piece through heat conducting glue; a through hole allowing a bolt to penetrate through is formed in the connecting piece of the heat conduction piece, so that the connecting piece of the heat conduction piece can be fastened to the terminal through the bolt so as to be in thermal contact with the terminal. According to the invention, the temperature detector is simple in structure, easy to install and small in size, and miniaturization of the connector can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature detector, including a connector for the temperature detector, a connector assembly including the connector, and an electrical connection system including the connector. Background Technology

[0002] Connector terminals generate heat during operation. To prevent overheating, temperature sensing devices are typically installed in the connector in existing technologies. However, existing temperature sensing devices are complex in structure, difficult to install, and bulky, which is detrimental to connector miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a temperature detector is provided for detecting the temperature of a connector terminal. The temperature detector includes: a thermally conductive element comprising a cylindrical portion and a connecting piece connected to the cylindrical portion; and a temperature sensor inserted into the cylindrical portion of the thermally conductive element. The temperature sensor is in thermal contact with the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the thermally conductive element or is thermally connected to the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the thermally conductive element via thermally conductive adhesive; a through hole is formed on the connecting piece of the thermally conductive element to allow a bolt to pass through, such that the connecting piece of the thermally conductive element can be fastened to the terminal by the bolt to achieve thermal contact with the terminal.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical portion of the heat-conducting member has two opposite ends in its axial direction, the connecting piece is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion, and the lead wire of the temperature sensor is led out from the other end of the cylindrical portion.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat-conducting component is a one-piece metal stamping part.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting piece of the heat-conducting element has a flat contact surface adapted to abut against one side of the terminal.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor is an NTC temperature sensor.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing; a pair of terminals inserted into the housing and having inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other; and at least two temperature sensors, the connecting tabs of which are respectively fastened to the outer sides of the pair of terminals, the at least two temperature sensors being used to detect the temperature of the pair of terminals respectively.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: at least two fastening components for fastening two cable connection plates to the inner side of the pair of terminals respectively, and the at least two fastening components are also used for fastening the connection pieces of the at least two temperature sensors to the outer side of the pair of terminals respectively.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connector includes four temperature detectors and four fastening components for fastening the four temperature detectors respectively, with two temperature detectors fastened to the outside of each terminal.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: two cables; and two cable connection plates electrically connected to the two cables respectively, the two cable connection plates being fastened to the inside of the pair of terminals by the at least two fastening components respectively.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening assembly includes a nut and a bolt, the bolt passing through the cable connection plate, the terminal and the connecting piece and being threadedly connected to the nut to simultaneously fasten the connecting terminal and the connecting piece to the terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening assembly further includes a rigid washer and a resilient washer, through which the bolt passes, and the rigid washer and the resilient washer are disposed between the nut and the connecting piece to ensure reliable thermal contact between the connecting piece and the terminal and to prevent the connecting piece from loosening.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rigid washer is pressed between the connecting piece and the elastic washer, and the elastic washer is pressed between the rigid washer and the nut.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal includes: a first terminal piece having a row of first elastic arms at its front end and a first connecting plate at its rear end; and a second terminal piece stacked on the outside of the first terminal piece, having a row of second elastic arms at its front end and a second connecting plate at its rear end, the row of second elastic arms abutting against the outside of the row of first elastic arms, the first elastic arms and the second elastic arms being used for simultaneous electrical contact with one side of a mating plug inserted between the front ends of the pair of terminals, the second connecting plate abutting against the outside of the first connecting plate, and the connecting piece of the thermally conductive member abutting against the outside of the second connecting plate for thermal contact with the outside of the second connecting plate.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first contact is formed at the end of the first elastic arm and a second contact is formed at the end of the second elastic arm. The first contact and the second contact are arranged in an alternating row for simultaneous electrical contact with one side of a mating plug inserted between the front ends of the pair of terminals.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal further includes: an auxiliary spring sheet, which is stacked on the outside of the second terminal piece, having a row of auxiliary elastic arms at its front end and an auxiliary connecting plate at its rear end, the auxiliary connecting plate abutting against the outside of the second connecting plate, and the first terminal piece, the second terminal piece and the auxiliary spring sheet are riveted together by rivet pins passing through them.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: a connector; and a mating connector for mating with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating plug for inserting between a pair of terminals of the connector and making electrical contact with the pair of terminals.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection system is provided. The electrical connection system includes: a load circuit; the aforementioned connector, a pair of terminals of which are electrically connected to the load circuit; and a control circuit connected to a temperature detector of the connector, for controlling the energization and de-energization of the load circuit based on the temperature of the terminals detected by the temperature detector, wherein when the temperature of the terminals detected by the temperature detector exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control circuit cuts off the power supply to the load circuit.

[0021] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the temperature detector has a simple structure, is easy to install, and is small in size, enabling miniaturization of the connector.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 A perspective view of two terminal assemblies of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 4A perspective view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside;

[0027] Figure 5 A perspective view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside.

[0028] Figure 6 Showing a longitudinal sectional view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 An exploded schematic diagram of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 A perspective view of a temperature detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 An exploded schematic diagram of a temperature detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0034] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a temperature detector is provided for detecting the temperature of a connector terminal. The temperature detector includes: a thermally conductive element comprising a cylindrical portion and a connecting piece connected to the cylindrical portion; and a temperature sensor inserted into the cylindrical portion of the thermally conductive element. The temperature sensor is in thermal contact with the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the thermally conductive element or is thermally connected to the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the thermally conductive element via thermally conductive adhesive; a through hole is formed on the connecting piece of the thermally conductive element to allow a bolt to pass through, such that the connecting piece of the thermally conductive element can be fastened to the terminal by the bolt to achieve thermal contact with the terminal.

[0035] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing; a pair of terminals inserted into the housing and having inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other; and at least two temperature sensors, the connecting tabs of which are respectively fastened to the outer sides of the pair of terminals, the at least two temperature sensors being used to detect the temperature of the pair of terminals respectively.

[0036] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: a connector; and a mating connector for mating with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating plug for inserting between a pair of terminals of the connector and making electrical contact with the pair of terminals.

[0037] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, an electrical connection system is provided. The electrical connection system includes: a load circuit; the aforementioned connector, a pair of terminals of which are electrically connected to the load circuit; and a control circuit connected to a temperature detector of the connector, for controlling the energization and de-energization of the load circuit based on the temperature of the terminals detected by the temperature detector, wherein when the temperature of the terminals detected by the temperature detector exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control circuit cuts off the power supply to the load circuit.

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of two terminal assemblies of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A perspective view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside; Figure 5 A perspective view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside. Figure 6 Showing a longitudinal sectional view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 An exploded schematic diagram of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 A perspective view of a temperature detector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 An exploded schematic diagram of a temperature detector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 9As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a temperature detector is disclosed. This temperature detector is used to detect the temperature of terminal 2 of a connector. The temperature detector 1 includes a heat-conducting element 10 and a temperature sensor 13. The heat-conducting element 10 includes a cylindrical portion 11 and a connecting piece 12 connected to the cylindrical portion 11. The temperature sensor 13 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 11 of the heat-conducting element 10. The temperature sensor 13 is in thermal contact with the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the heat-conducting element 10 or is thermally connected to the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the heat-conducting element 10 by thermally conductive adhesive. A through hole 101 is formed on the connecting piece 12 of the heat-conducting element 10, allowing a bolt 51 to pass through, so that the connecting piece 12 of the heat-conducting element 10 can be fastened to the terminal 2 by the bolt 51 to achieve thermal contact with the terminal 2.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical portion 11 of the heat-conducting member 10 has two opposite ends in its axial direction, the connecting piece 12 is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 11, and the lead 13a of the temperature sensor 13 is led out from the other end of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the heat-conducting element 10 is a one-piece metal stamping part. For example, the heat-conducting element 10 can be a copper component or an aluminum component.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting piece 12 of the heat-conducting element 10 has a flat contact surface adapted to abut against one side of the terminal 2.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 13 can be an NTC (negative temperature coefficient thermistor) temperature sensor.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 3, a pair of terminals 2, and at least two temperature detectors 1. The pair of terminals 2 are inserted into the housing 3 and have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other. Connecting tabs 12 of the at least two temperature detectors 1 are respectively fastened to the outer sides of the pair of terminals 2. At least two temperature sensors 13 are used to detect the temperature of the pair of terminals 2 respectively.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes at least two fastening components 5 for fastening the two cable connecting plates 4 to the inner sides of a pair of terminals 2, respectively. The at least two fastening components 5 are also used to fasten the connecting pieces 12 of the at least two temperature sensors 13 to the outer sides of the pair of terminals 2, respectively.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 9As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector includes four temperature detectors 1 and four fastening components 5 for fastening the four temperature detectors 1 respectively, with two temperature detectors 1 fastened to the outside of each terminal 2.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes two cables (not shown) and two cable connection plates 4. The two cables are electrically connected to the two cable connection plates 4 respectively. The two cable connection plates 4 are respectively fastened to the inside of a pair of terminals 2 by at least two fastening components 5.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the fastening assembly 5 includes a nut and a bolt 51. The bolt 51 passes through the cable connection plate 4, the terminal 2 and the connecting piece 12 and is threadedly connected to the nut to simultaneously fasten the connecting terminal 2 and the connecting piece 12 to the terminal 2.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the fastening assembly 5 further includes a rigid washer 53 and an elastic washer 54. The bolt 51 passes through the rigid washer 53 and the elastic washer 54, and the rigid washer 53 and the elastic washer 54 are disposed between the nut and the connecting piece 12 to ensure reliable thermal contact between the connecting piece 12 and the terminal 2 and to prevent the connecting piece 12 from loosening.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the rigid washer 53 is pressed between the connecting piece 12 and the elastic washer 54, and the elastic washer 54 is pressed between the rigid washer 53 and the nut.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, terminal 2 includes a first terminal piece 21 and a second terminal piece 22. The first terminal piece 21 has a row of first elastic arms 211 at its front end and a first connecting plate 212 at its rear end. The second terminal piece 22 is stacked on the outside of the first terminal piece 21, and the second terminal piece 22 has a row of second elastic arms 221 at its front end and a second connecting plate 222 at its rear end. The row of second elastic arms 221 abuts against the outside of the row of first elastic arms 211, and the first elastic arms 211 and second elastic arms 221 are used to simultaneously make electrical contact with one side of a mating plug inserted between the front ends of a pair of terminals 2. The second connecting plate 222 abuts against the outside of the first connecting plate 212, and the connecting piece 12 of the heat-conducting member 10 abuts against the outside of the second connecting plate 222 for thermal contact with the outside of the second connecting plate 222.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 9As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first contact 21a is formed at the end of the first elastic arm 211, and a second contact 22a is formed at the end of the second elastic arm 221. The first contact 21a and the second contact 22a are arranged in an alternating row for simultaneous electrical contact with one side of the mating plug inserted between the front ends of a pair of terminals 2.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, terminal 2 further includes an auxiliary spring 23, which is stacked on the outside of the second terminal piece 22 and has a row of auxiliary elastic arms 231 at its front end and an auxiliary connecting plate 232 at its rear end. The auxiliary connecting plate 232 abuts against the outside of the second connecting plate 222, and the first terminal piece 21, the second terminal piece 22, and the auxiliary spring 23 are riveted together by rivet pins 6 passing through them.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: a connector; and a mating connector that mates with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating plug that inserts between a pair of terminals 2 of the connector and makes electrical contact with the pair of terminals 2.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection system is also disclosed. This electrical connection system includes a load circuit (not shown), a connector, and a control circuit (not shown). A pair of terminals 2 of the connector are electrically connected to the load circuit. The control circuit is connected to a temperature detector 1 of the connector and is used to control the energization and de-energization of the load circuit based on the temperature of the terminals 2 detected by the temperature detector 1. When the temperature of the terminals 2 detected by the temperature detector 1 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control circuit cuts off the power supply to the load circuit. This avoids various accidents caused by high terminal temperatures.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0057] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0058] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0059] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of a terminal (2) of a connector, characterized by, The temperature detector (1) comprises: a heat conducting member (10) including a cylindrical portion (11) and a connecting piece (12) connected to the cylindrical portion (11); and a temperature sensor (13) inserted into the cylindrical portion (11) of the heat conducting member (10), the temperature sensor (13) is in thermal contact with or thermally connected to the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion (11) of the heat conducting member (10) by a thermally conductive adhesive, a through hole (101) is formed in the connecting piece (12) of the heat conducting member (10) to allow a bolt (51) to pass therethrough, so that the connecting piece (12) of the heat conducting member (10) can be fastened to the terminal (2) by the bolt (51) to be in thermal contact with the terminal (2).

2. The temperature detector according to claim 1, wherein: the cylindrical portion (11) of the heat conducting member (10) has two ends opposite in the axial direction thereof, the connecting piece (12) is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion (11), and a lead wire (13a) of the temperature sensor (13) is drawn out from the other end of the cylindrical portion (11).

3. The temperature detector of claim 1, wherein: the heat conducting member (10) is an integral metal press-formed member.

4. The temperature detector according to claim 1, wherein: the connecting piece (12) of the heat conducting member (10) has a flat contact surface adapted to abut against one side of the terminal (2).

5. The temperature detector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by: the temperature sensor (13) is an NTC temperature sensor.

6. A connector characterized by comprising: comprises: a housing (3); a pair of terminals (2) inserted into the housing (3) and having inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other; and at least two temperature detectors (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the connecting pieces (12) of which are fastened to the outer sides of the pair of terminals (2), respectively, the at least two temperature sensors (13) are used to detect the temperatures of the pair of terminals (2), respectively. further comprises:

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein at least two fastening assemblies (5) for fastening two cable connection plates (4) to the inner sides of the pair of terminals (2), respectively, the at least two fastening assemblies (5) are also used to fasten the connecting pieces (12) of the at least two temperature sensors (13) to the outer sides of the pair of terminals (2), respectively.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: the connector comprises four temperature detectors (1) and four fastening assemblies (5) for fastening the four temperature detectors (1), respectively, two temperature detectors (1) being fastened to the outer side of each terminal (2). further comprises:

9. The connector of claim 7, wherein, two cables; and two cable connection plates (4) electrically connected to the two cables, respectively, the two cable connection plates (4) are fastened to the inner sides of the pair of terminals (2) by the at least two fastening assemblies (5), respectively.

10. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: ​ ​ The fastening assembly (5) includes a nut and a bolt (51) which passes through the cable connecting plate (4), the terminal (2) and the connecting piece (12) and is screwed with the nut to fasten the connecting terminal (2) and the connecting piece (12) to the terminal (2) at the same time.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein: The fastening assembly (5) further includes a rigid washer (53) and an elastic washer (54), the bolt (51) passes through the rigid washer (53) and the elastic washer (54), and the rigid washer (53) and the elastic washer (54) are arranged between the nut and the connecting piece (12) to ensure reliable thermal contact of the connecting piece (12) with the terminal (2) and prevent the connecting piece (12) from loosening.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein: The rigid washer (53) is pressed between the connecting piece (12) and the elastic washer (54), and the elastic washer (54) is pressed between the rigid washer (53) and the nut.

13. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: The terminal (2) includes: a first terminal piece (21) having a row of first elastic arms (211) at a front end thereof and a first connecting plate (212) at a rear end thereof; and a second terminal piece (22) being stacked on an outer side of the first terminal piece (21) and having a row of second elastic arms (221) at a front end thereof and a second connecting plate (222) at a rear end thereof, the row of second elastic arms (221) abutting on an outer side of the row of first elastic arms (211), the first elastic arms (211) and the second elastic arms (221) being used for electrical contact with one side of a mating plug inserted between front ends of the pair of terminals (2) at the same time, and the second connecting plate (222) abutting on an outer side of the first connecting plate (212), the connecting piece (12) of the heat conducting member (10) abutting on an outer side of the second connecting plate (222) to be in thermal contact with the outer side of the second connecting plate (222).

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein: first contact points (21a) are formed at ends of the first elastic arms (211), and second contact points (22a) are formed at ends of the second elastic arms (221), the first contact points (21a) and the second contact points (22a) being arranged in a row in an alternating manner for electrical contact with one side of a mating plug inserted between front ends of the pair of terminals (2) at the same time.

15. The connector according to claim 13, wherein: The terminal (2) further includes: an auxiliary elastic piece (23) being stacked on an outer side of the second terminal piece (22) and having a row of auxiliary elastic arms (231) at a front end thereof and an auxiliary connecting plate (232) at a rear end thereof, The auxiliary connecting plate (232) is abutted against the outer side of the second connecting plate (222), and the first terminal sheet (21), the second terminal sheet (22) and the auxiliary elastic sheet (23) are riveted together through their riveting pins (6).

16. A connector assembly comprising: Comprising: The connector according to any one of claims 6-15; And The mating connector is mated with the connector, The mating connector comprises: The mating plug is inserted between and in electrical contact with the pair of terminals (2) of the connector.

17. An electrical connection system, characterized by Comprising: A load circuit; The connector according to any one of claims 6-15, wherein the pair of terminals (2) is electrically connected to a load circuit; And A control circuit connected to the temperature detector (1) of the connector for controlling the power-on and power-off of the load circuit according to the temperature of the terminal (2) detected by the temperature detector (1), When the temperature of the terminal (2) detected by the temperature detector (1) exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control circuit cuts off the power supply of the load circuit.

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