connector

Abstract

A connector includes a terminal member, a connector housing configured to hold the terminal member, a refrigerant containing body configured to be contained in the connector housing in a state of contact with the terminal member, and a refrigerant configured to circulate from the outside into the refrigerant containing body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, connectors (charging ports) installed in vehicles such as electric autonomous vehicles or plug-in hybrid autonomous vehicles are used to supply (charge) electricity from outside the vehicle to the battery installed in the vehicle.

[0003] In such connectors, a large current is required to increase the capacity of the installed energy storage device and shorten the charging time. However, when the current increases, the temperature rise of the connector increases due to the heat generated at the terminal connection portion of the connector by the current flow. Therefore, in connectors with terminal connection portions, such as charging sockets, a connector capable of suppressing temperature rise during power flow has been proposed (for example, see patent documents JP2020-113448A, JP2020-187920A, JP2021-19499A, JP2022-25813A and JP2022-7469A).

[0004] The connector disclosed in JP2020-113448A includes a vehicle-side terminal (terminal component), a connector housing that holds the vehicle-side terminal, and a heat storage element housed within the connector housing. The heat storage element includes a housing housed within the connector housing and a heat storage material housed within the housing. Therefore, the heat storage material of the heat storage element absorbs heat generated at the terminal, and thus can suppress sudden temperature rise of the terminal, etc.

[0005] The connector disclosed in JP2020-187920A includes terminals (terminal components) and a heat storage element. The terminal includes a retaining portion integrally formed with the terminal connection portion and the wire connection portion. The heat storage element is held by the retaining portion. The heat storage element includes a heat storage material (latent heat storage material) housed within a sealed space inside a housing held by the retaining portion. The heat storage material is capable of absorbing heat generated at the terminal. Therefore, it is able to suppress sudden temperature rise of the terminal.

[0006] In the liquid-cooled charging system for vehicles disclosed in JP2021-19499A, a fluid circuit extends along the components (contact terminals, housing, etc.) of the charging assembly. Therefore, refrigerant flows through the fluid circuit, and heat is dissipated from the components of the charging assembly during vehicle charging.

[0007] The cooling device for a vehicle charging port disclosed in JP2022-25813A includes a receiving terminal (terminal component), a housing holding the receiving terminal, and a charging port cooling circuit connected to a battery cooling circuit and supplied with refrigerant. A flow path for the refrigerant supplied from the charging port cooling circuit is formed in the housing. Therefore, during charging, the refrigerant flows through the flow path in the housing holding the receiving terminal, and is able to cool the receiving terminal held by the housing.

[0008] The connector disclosed in JP2022-7469A includes a refrigerant flow path within the terminals (terminal components). Therefore, during charging, refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path in the terminals, and the terminals can be cooled.

[0009] However, in the connectors disclosed in JP2020-113448A and JP2020-187920A, the temperature rise of the heating part becomes gradual and the temperature can be suppressed due to the heat storage material. However, when a large current flows, the temperature requirement cannot be met by heat storage alone.

[0010] In the cooling method disclosed in JP2022-25813A, the sudden temperature rise during energization can be suppressed by circulating refrigerant in the flow path. However, since the heat of the terminals is cooled through the housing, the thermal resistance is large and it is difficult to meet higher temperature requirements.

[0011] In the connectors disclosed in JP2021-19499A and JP2022-7469A, the refrigerant flow path is formed in the terminal, and the cable's wire conductor and cooling pipe must be connected to the terminal, which complicates the terminal structure. Therefore, this increases the manufacturing cost of the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a connector that can suppress the temperature rise of terminal components during energization and is easy to manufacture.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the connector features according to this disclosure are as follows.

[0014] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a connector is provided, comprising: a terminal component; a connector housing configured to hold the terminal component; a refrigerant reservoir configured to be housed within the connector housing in a state of contact with the terminal component; and a refrigerant configured to circulate from an external source into the refrigerant reservoir.

[0015] According to this disclosure, a connector can be provided that can suppress the temperature rise of terminal components during power-on and is easy to manufacture.

[0016] The present disclosure has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present disclosure will be elucidated by referring to the accompanying drawings and the following description of modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiments"). Attached Figure Description

[0017] This disclosure can be more fully understood from the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, and the detailed description given below, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II in the diagram;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the connector shown;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the refrigerant container shown;

[0022] Figure 5 Observation from the rear Figure 4 A partial sectional perspective view of the refrigerant container shown;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a partial sectional perspective view showing the refrigerant container fixed to the terminal component;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connector housing that houses the refrigerant reservoir, viewed from the rear.

[0025] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 9 It is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant container based on the modified example;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 11 This shows the view from the rear. Figure 10 A perspective view showing the refrigerant container fixed to the terminal component;

[0029] Figure 12 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector based on the reference example; and

[0030] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The diagram shows a perspective view of the heat storage component being fixed to the terminal component. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Specific embodiments according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] (First embodiment)

[0033] A charging socket 1, as a connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, is provided in a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or an electric electric vehicle, and is connected to a wire extending from a battery installed in the vehicle. A mating connector (so-called a charging gun) is engaged with the mating recess 63 of the charging socket 1 (see...). Figure 1 In (etc.), power is supplied to the battery from outside the vehicle, and the battery is charged.

[0034] For ease of description, the following text will be as follows: Figure 1 As shown, "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are defined. These directions are orthogonal to each other. The front-back direction corresponds to the mating direction between the charging port 1 and the mating connector (not shown). The front side (closer to the mating connector) in the mating direction when viewed from the charging port 1 is called the "front side," and the disengagement side (away from the mating connector) in the mating direction when viewed from the charging port 1 is called the "rear side."

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the charging socket 1 according to the first embodiment includes a pair of terminal components 70, a pair of refrigerant reservoirs 80, and a connector housing 20. Each of the pair of terminal components 70 is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding one of a pair of wires 3. The pair of refrigerant reservoirs 80 are respectively fixed in contact with the terminal components 70, and the connector housing 20 houses the pair of terminal components 70 and the pair of refrigerant reservoirs 80. The other end of each of the pair of wires 3 is connected to a battery (not shown). Each of the wires 3 includes a core wire 4 and a sheath 2 made of insulating resin and covering the core wire 4 (see...). Figure 2 The components constituting the charging port 1 will be described in sequence below.

[0036] First, the connector housing 20 will be described.

[0037] In this example, such as Figure 1 , 2As shown, the connector housing 20 includes a retainer 50, a housing body 60, and a cover 30. The retainer 50 and the housing body 60 are frame components of the connector housing 20 and form part of the outer surface of the connector housing 20. Of course, the connector housing according to this disclosure is not limited thereto and can take various forms based on the spirit of this disclosure.

[0038] The “frame component” of the connector housing 20 refers to a component that has sufficient rigidity and strength to maintain the shape of the connector housing 20 itself, thereby holding the terminal component 70 in position against external forces applied to the terminal component 70, for example, when the terminal component 70 and the mating terminal (not shown) are engaged. In other words, the frame component refers to a component made of a material that will not soften or become brittle due to increased operating temperature of the terminal component 70, making it difficult to maintain its shape.

[0039] The components that make up the connector housing 20 will be described in sequence below.

[0040] The retainer 50 is used to hold a pair of terminal components 70 in a state where they are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and insulated from each other. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 50 integrally comprises: a pair of terminal holding portions 51 arranged in the left-right direction; a pair of receiving recesses 53 formed in the rear portion opposite to the terminal holding portions 51; and a pair of wire introduction portions 55 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, each terminal holding portion 51 of the retainer 50 is cylindrical, extending in the front-rear direction. The power terminals 10 of a pair of terminal components 70 are respectively inserted into the internal space of the pair of terminal holding portions 51 from the front side.

[0042] The receiving recess 53 is formed in the following concave shape: the rear portion, opposite to the terminal holding portion 51, is opened by an opening 56 having an elliptical cross-section. A partition wall 53a extending rearward from the terminal holding portion 51 (see...) Figure 7 The openings 56 of the separated retainers 50 are sealed by the cover 30, which will be described later, thereby forming receiving spaces for accommodating refrigerant containers 80, in which the refrigerant 100 is liquid-sealed. Each receiving recess 53 communicates with the internal space of a corresponding terminal retainer 51.

[0043] The wire introduction portion 55 extends downward in a direction intersecting the mating direction of the retainer 50 to the mating connector. Wire through holes 57 communicating with receiving recesses 53 are formed in the wire introduction portion 55. The LA terminals 40 of a pair of terminal members 70 are inserted into the wire through holes 57 from below.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of extensions 54 and a pair of sidewalls 59 are integrally provided at the front end of the retainer 50. The pair of extensions 54 extend outward in the left-right direction from both sides of the front end of the retainer 50, and the pair of sidewalls 59 extend forward from the extension ends of the extensions 54. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the shape of the pair of sidewalls 59 corresponds to a portion of the circumferential shape (cylindrical) of the outer periphery of the tubular portion 61 of the housing body 60, which will be described later, and can be mounted on the tubular portion 61 to cover the outer periphery surface of the rear end of the tubular portion 61.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, screw insertion portions 58 are provided at multiple locations (four locations in this embodiment) on the outer peripheral surfaces (outer surfaces in the left-right direction) of a pair of sidewall portions 59. Screw through holes 58a extending in the front-rear direction are formed in each screw insertion portion 58. Screws (not shown) used for assembling the housing body 60 are inserted into the screw through holes 58a.

[0046] Next, the main body 60 of the housing will be described.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the housing body 60 is assembled to the retainer 50 from the front and serves to form a mating recess 63 for the charging socket 1. The housing body 60 is a resin molded article and integrally includes a tubular portion 61 extending in the front-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 mating recess 63 that opens forward and is recessed rearward.

[0048] The rear wall portion 62 is provided with a pair of cylindrical female terminal receiving portions 64 that correspond to the terminal connection portions 21 of a pair of power terminals 10 in a forward-protruding manner. Each of the female terminal receiving portions 64 is located in a mating recess 63 and has an internal space that extends through in the front-rear direction.

[0049] The rear wall portion 62 is provided with a pair of cylindrical retainer mating portions 69 that correspond to a pair of female terminal receiving portions 64 in a rearwardly projecting manner. When assembled to the retainer 50 from the front, the retainer mating portions 69 are externally mated to the front end of the terminal holding portion 51 of the retainer 50.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, an annular flange 65 protruding radially outward from the tubular portion 61 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61 at a position behind the center in the front-rear direction. In the flange 65, screw through holes 67 are formed at multiple circumferential positions (four positions in this embodiment) corresponding to the plurality of screw through holes 58a of the retainer 50, respectively, and extending in the front-rear direction. Screws for assembling the housing body 60 are respectively inserted into the screw through holes 67.

[0051] Next, we will describe cover 30.

[0052] The cover 30 is formed in the shape of an elliptical plate and is assembled from the rear side to a pair of receiving recesses 53 of the retainer 50 via an annular sealing member 33 (see Figure 3 Therefore, the openings of the pair of receiving recesses 53 of the retainer 50 that respectively accommodate the refrigerant container 80 are sealed by the cover 30.

[0053] A plurality of locking tabs 35, each having a locking hole 34, are formed in the periphery of the cover 30. By assembling the cover 30 to the retainer 50, locking claws 32 formed on the retainer 50 respectively enter the locking holes 34 of the locking tabs 35. Therefore, the locking tabs 35 are locked by the locking claws 32, and the cover 30 is held in the assembled state relative to the retainer 50.

[0054] The ends of a pair of connecting pipes 83 of each refrigerant container 80, which are respectively housed in a pair of receiving recesses 53, pass through two pairs of openings 31 formed in the cover 30 via rubber plugs 39.

[0055] Next, the refrigerant container 80 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0056] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the refrigerant container 80, and Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the refrigerant container 80 when viewed from the rear.

[0057] In this embodiment, the pair of refrigerant containers 80 have the same shape. Figure 4 As shown, each of the refrigerant containers 80 includes a tubular outer casing 82, a pair of ends 84a and 84b, and a cylindrical bolt insertion portion 81. The outer casing 82 has a generally semi-circular cross-section and is configured such that its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the receiving recess 53. The pair of ends 84a and 84b close the openings at both ends of the outer casing 82. The bolt insertion portion 81 liquid-tightly connects the openings formed in the pair of ends 84a and 84b.

[0058] As will be described later, the bolt 48 that secures the LA terminal 40 to the rear end of the power terminal 10 is from one end 84a side ( Figure 4 The right side of the refrigerant container 80 is inserted into the bolt insertion part 81, and the other end 84b of the refrigerant container 80 is inserted into the bolt insertion part 81. Figure 4 The left side) is integrally fixed in a manner that makes contact with the terminal component 70.

[0059] At one end 84a, a pair of connecting pipes 83 communicating with the internal space of the refrigerant container 80 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the figure. The pair of connecting pipes 83 are respectively connected to refrigerant path 37a and refrigerant circuit 37b, which are refrigerant paths communicating with a cooling device (not shown) for cooling refrigerant 100.

[0060] For example, in a pair of connecting pipes 83, the connecting pipe 83 located on the lower side is connected to the refrigerant outlet 37a, and the connecting pipe 83 located on the upper side is connected to the refrigerant circuit 37b. Therefore, the refrigerant 100 filled in the refrigerant container 80 can circulate between the refrigerant container 80 and the cooling device through the refrigerant outlet 37a and the refrigerant circuit 37b.

[0061] That is, the refrigerant 100 cooled by the cooling device is supplied to the refrigerant container 80 contained in the receiving recess 53 through the refrigerant outlet 37a, and is discharged from the refrigerant container 80 to the cooling device through the refrigerant circuit 37b.

[0062] Therefore, the refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80 circulates continuously through the refrigerant outlet 37a and the refrigerant circuit 37b, thereby generating a temperature difference with the heating element, effectively transferring and dissipating heat, and suppressing temperature rise.

[0063] The refrigerant path 37a and refrigerant circuit 37b are formed by insulating resin tubing to prevent short circuits due to the connecting pipe 83. Insulation can also be achieved not through the refrigerant path itself using resin tubing, but through a pipe fitting located in the middle of the refrigerant path.

[0064] As a cooling device, it is possible to use a cooling device for an on-board battery installed in a vehicle, a cooling device for a charger located outside the vehicle, etc.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, in the refrigerant containment 80 made of metal according to the first embodiment, an insulating layer 85 is disposed on the entire inner surface in contact with the refrigerant 100 to prevent short circuits due to the refrigerant 100. The insulating layer 85 is formed by an insulating treatment, such as an insulating coating (epoxy / vinyl chloride coating, polyurethane coating, or acrylic coating), an insulating sheet (such as a polyethylene terephthalate resin sheet), a TIM (thermally conductive and heat-dissipating material: silicone / insulating material), or an alumina treatment.

[0066] Therefore, as refrigerant 100, water, coolant (LLC), oil, etc., which are relatively cheaper than insulating oil, can be used.

[0067] The refrigerant container 80 has a structure in which a portion of the outer casing 82, the ends 84a and 84b, the bolt insertion portion 81, and the connecting pipe 83 are separately constructed as individual components, and the individual components can be joined together in a watertight state by welding or adhesive.

[0068] The material of the refrigerant container 80 is not limited to metallic materials with electrical and good thermal conductivity, such as copper alloys and aluminum alloys, and resin materials can be used in certain parts. In this case, the metal parts and the resin parts can be joined by vibration welding, ultrasonic welding, laser bonding, adhesives, etc., or they can be joined by insert molding.

[0069] Next, the terminal component 70 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state in which the refrigerant container 80 is fixed to the terminal component 70.

[0071] In this embodiment, a pair of terminal components 70 have the same shape. Each terminal component 70 is integrally formed by a power terminal 10 that mates with the mating terminal, an LA terminal 40 that is crimped to the core wire 4 of the wire 3, and a bolt 48 that secures the LA terminal 40 to the rear end of the power terminal 10 after the bolt insertion portion 81 of the refrigerant container 80 is inserted.

[0072] The power terminal 10 is made of metal, and as... Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes a terminal connection portion 21 electrically connected to a mating terminal (male terminal) on the front end side and a retaining portion 22 held by a retainer 50 of the connector housing 20 on the rear end side.

[0073] The terminal connection portion 21 is a female terminal portion having a plurality of elastic contact pieces 14. The plurality of elastic contact pieces 14 are generally cylindrical, and mating terminals (male terminals) are inserted into them. The terminal connection portion 21 according to the first embodiment is not limited to a female terminal portion, and can be constructed as a male terminal portion.

[0074] The retaining part 22 is formed as a short solid column, and the O-ring 45 is installed in an annular groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the retaining part 22. A screw hole 23 is drilled on the rear end surface of the retaining part 22 for the bolt 48 to be screwed into.

[0075] Next, the assembly process of the charging socket 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connector housing 20 that houses the refrigerant container 80, viewed from the rear.

[0076] First, such as Figure 2As shown, the power terminal 10 is inserted from the front into the internal space of the terminal holding portion 51 of the connector housing 20. The O-ring 45 mounted to the power terminal 10 is pressed to contact the inner wall surface of the terminal holding portion 51, thereby sealing the space between the terminal holding portion 51 and the power terminal 10.

[0077] Then, the wire 3 with the LA terminal 40 connected to its end is passed through the wire inlet 55 of the retainer 50, and the LA terminal 40 is positioned at the rear end of the power terminal 10. After the refrigerant container 80 is inserted into the receiving recess 53, the LA terminal 40 is fastened to the power terminal 10 by the bolt 48 inserted from the rear into the bolt insertion portion 81.

[0078] Therefore, the terminal component 70, whose power terminal 10 is held by the terminal holding part 51, is housed in the connector housing 20. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant containment 80 is contained in the connector housing 20 with its other end 84b in contact with the terminal component 70.

[0079] That is, the power terminal 10, LA terminal 40 and refrigerant container 80, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together by bolts 48, thereby stably ensuring the surface pressure between the components, reducing the interface resistance, and improving the thermal conductivity from the terminal component 70, which is a heat source, to the refrigerant container 80.

[0080] A rubber plug 41 is installed on the wire 3, and the space between the wire end of the wire 3 and the wire through hole 57 of the wire inlet 55 is sealed by the rubber plug 41. The rubber plug 41 is held by a rear retainer 43 installed at the lower end of the wire inlet 55.

[0081] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, the cover 30 is assembled to the connector housing 20, and the locking claw 32 of the connector housing 20 is locked to the locking piece 35 of the cover 30. Thus, in the connector housing 20, by assembling the cover 30, the opening 56 of the retainer 50 is covered by the cover 30, which is also an assembly operation hole for the terminal component 70 and the refrigerant container 80.

[0082] At this time, as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the opening 56 of the retainer 50 is sealed by the sealing member 33 of the cover 30. The space between the terminal retaining part 51, which communicates with the receiving recess 53, and the power terminal 10 is sealed by an O-ring 45, and the space between the wire inlet part 55, which communicates with the receiving recess 53, and the wire 3 is sealed by a rubber plug 41.

[0083] Next, the operation of the charging port 1 according to the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0084] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII.

[0085] When the charging gun is used Figure 1 When the charging port 1 is shown, the charging current is supplied from the charger outside the vehicle to the battery installed in the vehicle through the charging gun and the charging port 1. In particular, when a large charging current is supplied to the battery from the charger outside the vehicle in order to shorten the charging time, the contact between the mating terminal of the charging gun and the power terminal 10 of the terminal component 70 of the charging port 1 is prone to heat generation.

[0086] At this time, in the charging port 1 according to the first embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, the refrigerant container 80 is housed in the receiving recess 53 in a state of contact with the terminal component 70 held by the terminal holding portion 51 of the connector housing 20, and the refrigerant 100 circulates within the refrigerant container 80. That is, the refrigerant container 80, in which the refrigerant 100 is internally circulated and cooled, is housed in the receiving recess 53 and is configured to be in direct contact with the heated terminal component 70.

[0087] Therefore, according to the charging socket 1 of the first embodiment, since the heated terminal component 70 can directly contact the refrigerant container 80 cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulating from the outside, the thermal resistance is reduced and high cooling performance can be obtained. The refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80 circulates continuously, thereby generating a temperature difference with the heated part, heat is effectively transferred and discharged, and temperature rise can be suppressed.

[0088] Since the receiving recess 53 for accommodating the refrigerant reservoir 80 can be easily formed in the retainer 50 of the connector housing 20, and there is no need to form a refrigerant flow path in the terminal component 70, the increase in manufacturing cost of the charging socket 1 can be suppressed.

[0089] In the charging socket 1 according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant container 80 includes a bolt insertion portion 81, and the terminal component 70 includes a power terminal 10 that mates with a mating terminal and an LA terminal 40 that is fastened to the power terminal 10 by a bolt 48 inserted into the bolt insertion portion 81.

[0090] Therefore, when assembling the charging socket 1, by inserting the power terminal 10 into the terminal holding part 51, allowing the wire 3 with the LA terminal 40 connected to its end to pass through the wire introduction part 55 of the holder 50, and then fastening the LA terminal 40 to the rear end of the power terminal 10 by the bolt 48 inserted into the bolt insertion part 81, the refrigerant container 80 can be easily accommodated in the connector housing 20 in a state of direct contact with the terminal component 70. The power terminal 10, LA terminal 40, and refrigerant container 80, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together by the bolt 48, thereby stably ensuring the surface pressure between the components, reducing the interface resistance, and improving the thermal conductivity from the terminal component 70, which is a heat source, to the refrigerant container 80.

[0091] In the charging socket 1 according to the first embodiment, an insulating layer 85 is provided on the entire inner surface in contact with the refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80, which is made of metal and has conductivity.

[0092] Therefore, the refrigerant container 80, which is in direct contact with the terminal component 70 to reduce thermal resistance, is prevented from short-circuiting due to the conductive refrigerant 100.

[0093] Variations

[0094] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant container 80A according to the modified example.

[0095] like Figure 9 As shown, the refrigerant container 80A according to a modified example includes a bottom cylindrical outer shell body 86, a cover 88, and a cylindrical bolt insertion portion 89. The outer shell body 86 has a generally semi-circular cross-section and is formed such that its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the receiving recess 53. The cover 88 closes the open end of the outer shell body 86. The bolt insertion portion 89 connects the opening formed in the bottom of the outer shell body 86 with the opening formed in the cover 88. At the bottom of the outer shell body 86, a pair of connecting pipes 83 communicating with the internal space of the refrigerant container 80A are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the figure.

[0096] Multiple heat dissipation protrusions 87 are provided on the inner side of the main body 86. These protrusions increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation. Each of the heat dissipation protrusions 87 is a rectangular flat fin extending from the bottom toward the opening end along the inner circumferential surface of the main body 86. An insulating layer 85 (not shown) is provided on the entire inner surface of the main body 86 and the cover 88.

[0097] It goes without saying that the shape of the heat dissipation protrusion according to this disclosure can take various forms based on the spirit of this disclosure.

[0098] The refrigerant 100 cooled by the cooling device is supplied to the refrigerant container 80A contained in the receiving recess 53 through the refrigerant outlet 37a, and is discharged from the refrigerant container 80A to the cooling device through the refrigerant circuit 37b.

[0099] At this time, in the refrigerant container 80A, since multiple heat dissipation protrusions 87 are provided on the inner surface of the outer casing 86 to increase the surface area and improve heat dissipation, the thermal resistance between the refrigerant 100 and the outer casing 86 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the charging port 1 including the refrigerant container 80A, heat is effectively transferred and dissipated, and temperature rise can be suppressed.

[0100] The main body 86 of the housing is integrally molded using insulating resin, which allows for the easy formation of multiple heat dissipation protrusions 87. The cover 88 is made of conductive metal, which suppresses the reduction in thermal conductivity when the cover 88 is in direct contact with the terminal component 70. The main body 86 of the housing and the cover 88 are joined by vibration welding or the like.

[0101] (Second Embodiment)

[0102] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the charging socket 1A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This shows the view from the rear. Figure 10 The diagram shows a perspective view of the refrigerant reservoir 80B fixed to the terminal component 70. The charging socket 1A according to the second embodiment has a configuration where the refrigerant reservoir 80 in the charging socket 1 according to the first embodiment is replaced by a refrigerant reservoir 80B, and therefore the same components are identified by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown, the charging port 1A according to the second embodiment includes a pair of terminal components 70, a pair of refrigerant containers 80B and a connector housing 20. Each of the pair of terminal components 70 is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding one of a pair of wires 3. The pair of refrigerant containers 80B are fixed in contact with the terminal components 70, and the connector housing 20 houses the pair of terminal components 70 and the pair of refrigerant containers 80B.

[0104] like Figure 11As shown, each of the refrigerant containers 80B includes a cylindrical outer casing body 82, a pair of ends 84a and 84b, and a cylindrical bolt insertion portion 81 (not shown). The outer casing body 82 has a generally semi-circular cross-section and is configured such that its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the receiving recess 53. The pair of ends 84a and 84b close the openings at both ends of the outer casing body 82. The bolt insertion portion 81 liquid-tightly connects the openings formed in the pair of ends 84a and 84b.

[0105] In the refrigerant container 80B made of metal according to the second embodiment, an insulating layer 85 is provided on the entire outer surface to prevent short circuits due to the refrigerant 100.

[0106] According to the second embodiment, the insulating layer 85 is not necessarily provided on the entire outer surface of the refrigerant container 80B, but can be provided on the outer surface including at least the fastening surface of the refrigerant container 80B. Here, the fastening surface includes: a portion of one end 84a that contacts the seat surface of the bolt 48 when the LA terminal 40 is fastened to the power terminal 10 by the bolt 48 inserted into the bolt insertion portion 81 of the refrigerant container 80B, a portion of the other end 84b that contacts the LA terminal 40 of the terminal member 70, and the inner peripheral surface of the bolt insertion portion 81.

[0107] Therefore, according to the charging socket 1A of the second embodiment, similar to the charging socket 1 of the first embodiment, since the heated terminal component 70 can directly contact the refrigerant container 80B cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulating from the outside, the thermal resistance is reduced and high cooling performance can be obtained. The refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80B continuously circulates, thereby generating a temperature difference with the heated part, effectively transferring and dissipating heat, and suppressing temperature rise.

[0108] When assembling the charging socket 1A, the power terminal 10 is inserted into the terminal holding part 51, the wire 3 with the LA terminal 40 connected to its end is passed through the wire lead-in part 55 of the holder 50, and then the LA terminal 40 is fastened to the rear end of the power terminal 10 by the bolt 48 inserted into the bolt insertion part 81. The refrigerant container 80B can be easily accommodated in the connector housing 20 in a state of direct contact with the terminal component 70. The power terminal 10, LA terminal 40 and refrigerant container 80B, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together by the bolt 48, thereby stably ensuring the surface pressure between the components, reducing the interface resistance, and improving the thermal conductivity from the terminal component 70, which is a heat source, to the refrigerant container 80B.

[0109] In the charging socket 1A according to the second embodiment, an insulating layer 85 is provided on the entire outer surface of the refrigerant container 80B in which the refrigerant 100, which is made of metal and has conductivity, circulates internally.

[0110] Therefore, the refrigerant container 80B, which is in direct contact with the terminal component 70 to reduce thermal resistance, is prevented from short-circuiting due to the refrigerant 100.

[0111] Similar to the refrigerant container 80A according to the above-described modified example, a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions 87 can be provided on the inner side of the refrigerant container 80B to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation.

[0112] Therefore, according to the charging socket 1A of the second embodiment, heat is effectively transferred and dissipated, and temperature rise is suppressed. The charging socket 1A can be provided, which can suppress the temperature rise of the terminal component 70 during power-on and is easy to manufacture.

[0113] (Example for reference)

[0114] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the charging port 1B according to the reference example. Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The diagram shows a perspective view of the state in which the heat storage component 90 is fixed to the terminal component 70. According to the reference example, the charging socket 1B has a structure in which the heat storage component 90 replaces the refrigerant container 80 in which the refrigerant 100 circulates internally, and therefore the same components as those in the charging socket 1 are identified by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0115] like Figure 12 As shown, the charging port 1B according to the reference example includes a pair of terminal components 70, a pair of heat storage components 90 and a connector housing 20. Each of the pair of terminal components 70 is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding one of a pair of wires 3. The pair of heat storage components 90 are fixed in contact with the terminal components 70, and the connector housing 20 accommodates the pair of terminal components 70 and the pair of heat storage components 90.

[0116] In this embodiment, a pair of heat storage components 90 have the same shape. Each of the heat storage components 90 is formed as a column with a generally semi-circular cross-section, such that its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the receiving recess 53 (see...). Figure 13 A bolt insertion portion 91 is formed between a pair of ends 90a and 90b, the bolt insertion portion 91 having a circular cross section and for inserting a bolt 48.

[0117] like Figure 13As shown, the bolt 48 that secures the LA terminal 40 to the rear end of the power terminal 10 is inserted into the bolt insertion portion 91 from one end 90a side, and the other end 90b of the heat storage component 90 is integrally fixed in contact with the terminal component 70.

[0118] Therefore, according to the charging port 1B of the reference example, since the heated terminal component 70 can make direct contact with the heat storage component 90, the thermal resistance is reduced and high cooling performance can be obtained.

[0119] Since the receiving recess 53 for accommodating the heat storage component 90 can be easily formed in the retainer 50 of the connector housing 20, and there is no need to form a refrigerant flow path in the terminal component 70, the increase in manufacturing cost of the charging socket 1B can be suppressed.

[0120] In the charging socket 1B according to the reference example, the LA terminal 40 is fastened to the rear end of the power terminal 10 by a bolt 48 inserted into the bolt insertion part 91, and the heat storage component 90 can be easily accommodated in the connector housing 20 in a state of direct contact with the terminal component 70. The power terminal 10, LA terminal 40 and heat storage component 90, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together by bolt 48, thereby stably ensuring the surface pressure between the components, reducing the interface resistance, and improving the thermal conductivity from the terminal component 70, which is a heat source, to the heat storage component 90.

[0121] However, when a large current flows, the heat storage of the heat storage component 90 alone is insufficient to meet the temperature requirements. In contrast, according to the charging ports 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above, since the heated terminal component 70 can directly contact the refrigerant containers 80, 80A, and 80B cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulating from the outside, the thermal resistance is reduced, and high cooling performance can be obtained. The refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant containers 80, 80A, and 80B continuously circulates, thereby generating a temperature difference with the heated part, heat is effectively transferred and discharged, and temperature rise can be suppressed.

[0122] This disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and improved. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, and arrangement positions of the components in the above embodiments are freely selectable, and are not limited as long as this disclosure can be implemented.

[0123] For example, in the aforementioned charging ports 1 and 1A, relatively inexpensive refrigerants 100, such as water, coolant (LLC), or oil, are used. Conversely, when insulating oil, insulating coolant, or the like is used as the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant container, it is not necessary to provide an insulating layer 85 within the refrigerant container as is done in the aforementioned refrigerant containers 80, 80A, and 80B.

[0124] In the aforementioned charging ports 1 and 1A, the terminal component 70 is integrally formed by fastening the power terminal 10 and the LA terminal 40 with bolts 48. However, the terminal component according to this disclosure is not limited to this, and it is self-evident that it can be adopted in various forms according to the spirit of this disclosure.

[0125] Hereinafter, the features of the above-described embodiments of the connector according to the present disclosure are briefly summarized and listed in [1] to [5].

[0126] [1] A connector (charging port 1, 1A) includes: Terminal component (70); Connector housing (20), which is configured to retain terminal component (70); Refrigerant containment bodies (80, 80A, 80B) are configured to be contained within connector housing (20) in a state of contact with terminal component (70); and A refrigerant (100) is configured to circulate from the outside into a refrigerant container (80, 80A, 80B).

[0127] According to the connector (charging socket 1, 1A) having the structure described above[1], the refrigerant container (80, 80A, 80B) in which refrigerant (100) is circulated internally and cooled can directly contact the heated terminal component (70).

[0128] Therefore, since the heated terminal component (70) can directly contact the refrigerant container (80, 80A, 80B) cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulating from the outside, the thermal resistance is reduced and high cooling performance is achieved. The refrigerant (100) in the refrigerant container (80, 80A, 80B) circulates continuously, thereby generating a temperature difference with the heated part, heat is effectively transferred and discharged, and temperature rise is suppressed.

[0129] Since the receiving recess (53) for accommodating the refrigerant reservoir (80, 80A, 80B) can be easily formed in the connector housing (20) and there is no need to form a refrigerant flow path in the terminal component (70), the increase in manufacturing cost of the connector (charging socket 1, 1A) can be suppressed.

[0130] [2] According to the connector (charging port 1) described in [1] above, wherein, The refrigerant container (80, 80A) is made of metal and has a conductive refrigerant (100) circulating inside it. An insulating layer (85) is provided on the entire inner surface of the refrigerant container (80, 80A) that is in contact with the refrigerant (100).

[0131] According to the connector (charging socket 1) having the structure described above [2], the refrigerant container (80, 80A) that is in direct contact with the terminal component (70) to reduce thermal resistance is prevented from short-circuiting due to the conductive refrigerant (100).

[0132] [3] According to the connector (charging port 1) described in 2 above, wherein, The refrigerant containment (80, 80A) includes a bolt insertion portion (81) for inserting a bolt (48), and The terminal component (70) includes a power terminal (10) and an LA terminal (40), the power terminal (10) being configured to be mated to a mating terminal, and the LA terminal (40) being configured to be fastened to the power terminal (10) by a bolt (48) inserted into a bolt insert (81).

[0133] According to the connector (charging socket 1) having the structure described above [3], when assembling the connector (charging socket 1), by inserting the power terminal (10) into the terminal holding part, passing the wire (3) with the LA terminal (40) connected to the end of the wire through the wire introduction part of the connector housing (20), and then after the bolt (48) is inserted into the bolt insertion part (81) of the refrigerant containment (80, 80A), the LA terminal (40) is fastened to the rear end of the power terminal (10) by the bolt (48), so that the terminal component (70) can be easily accommodated in the connector housing (20).

[0134] [4] According to the connector (charging port 1A) described in 1 above, wherein, The refrigerant container (80B) made of metal includes a bolt insertion part (81) for inserting a bolt (48). The terminal component (70) includes a power terminal (10) and an LA terminal (40), the power terminal (10) being configured to mate with a mating terminal, and the LA terminal (40) being configured to be fastened to the power terminal (10) by a bolt (48) inserted into a bolt insert (81). An insulating layer (85) is disposed on the outer surface of a fastening surface including at least a refrigerant container (80B), within which a conductive refrigerant (100) circulates.

[0135] According to the connector (charging socket 1A) having the structure described above [4], since the insulating layer (85) is provided on the outer surface of the fastening surface of the refrigerant container (80B) which is at least made of metal and has conductivity, the refrigerant container (80B) which is in direct contact with the terminal component (70) to reduce thermal resistance is prevented from short-circuiting due to the refrigerant (100).

[0136] [5] The connector (charging port 1) according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein, A heat dissipation protrusion (87) is provided on the inside of the refrigerant container (80A) to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation.

[0137] According to the connector (charging port 1) having the structure described above [5], the thermal resistance between the refrigerant (100) and the refrigerant container (80A) can be reduced. Therefore, according to the charging port (1) including the refrigerant container (80A), heat is effectively transferred and discharged, and temperature rise can be suppressed.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: Terminal components; A connector housing configured to retain the terminal component; A refrigerant containment, configured to be housed in the connector housing in a state of contact with the terminal component; as well as A refrigerant configured to circulate from the outside into the refrigerant container.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant container is made of metal and circulates a conductive refrigerant inside. An insulating layer is provided on the entire inner surface of the refrigerant container that is in contact with the refrigerant.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The refrigerant container includes a bolt insertion portion for bolt insertion, and The terminal component includes a power terminal and an LA terminal, the power terminal being configured to mate with a mating terminal, and the LA terminal being configured to be fastened to the power terminal by a bolt inserted into the bolt insert.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant container, made of metal, includes a bolt insertion portion for inserting bolts. The terminal component includes a power terminal and an LA terminal, the power terminal being configured to mate with a mating terminal, and the LA terminal being configured to be fastened to the power terminal by a bolt inserted into the bolt insert. An insulating layer is disposed on the outer surface of at least the fastening surface of the refrigerant container, wherein a conductive refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant container.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, A heat dissipation protrusion is provided on the inner side of the refrigerant container to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation.

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