Connector with temperature sensing mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a connector with a temperature sensing mechanism, which comprises a shell, terminals and the temperature sensing mechanism. The temperature sensing mechanism comprises a sensing terminal fixedly arranged in the shell, a temperature sensing circuit board detachably mounted in the shell and a temperature sensor integrated on the temperature sensing circuit board; one end of the sensing terminal is electrically connected with the output end of the temperature sensor, the other end of the sensing terminal extends to the outside of the shell to be electrically connected with an external control system, a plug hole is formed in the temperature sensing circuit board, and a conductive connecting piece electrically connected with the output end of the temperature sensor is embedded in the plug hole. And one end of the induction terminal is partially inserted into the insertion hole and is electrically connected with the conductive connecting piece. The utility model has the advantages of high integration degree, simple assembly, and reduced transportation and assembly cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, and more specifically, to a connector with a temperature sensing mechanism. Background Art

[0002] In connectors applicable to high-voltage and high-current occasions, in order to obtain the temperature condition of the connector in real time, a temperature sensing mechanism is usually provided on the connector, such as a temperature sensor is provided on the housing or the terminal of the connector, and the temperature sensor is connected to a control system.

[0003] In the existing connectors, for the temperature sensor, it is necessary to separately prepare and assemble an adapted wire and a low-voltage connector connected to the control system. There are many loose parts and low integration level, and the assembly process is cumbersome, which is not conducive to reducing the transportation and assembly costs. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The utility model provides a connector with a temperature sensing mechanism to solve the problem of low integration level in the prior art.

[0005] A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism provided by the utility model includes a housing and terminals installed in the housing. A temperature sensing mechanism for monitoring the temperature change in the connector is further provided in the housing. The temperature sensing mechanism includes an induction terminal fixedly arranged in the housing, a temperature sensing circuit board detachably installed in the housing, and a temperature sensor integrated on the temperature sensing circuit board. One end of the induction terminal is electrically connected to the output end of the temperature sensor, and the other end extends to the outside of the housing to be electrically connected to an external control system; a plug hole is provided on the temperature sensing circuit board, and a conductive connector electrically connected to the output end of the temperature sensor is embedded in the plug hole. One end of the induction terminal is partially inserted into the plug hole and electrically connected to the conductive connector to realize the electrical connection between the output end of the temperature sensor and the induction terminal.

[0006] Optionally, a low-voltage interface for connecting an external control system is provided on the housing, and the other end of the induction terminal extends into the low-voltage interface.

[0007] Optionally, at least a part of the middle of the induction terminal is embedded and injection-molded in the housing.

[0008] Optionally, both ends of the induction terminal are PIN pins integrally formed by stamping.

[0009] Optionally, a bearing seat is detachably arranged at one end of the housing where the low-pressure interface is not provided. An installation groove is formed at one end of the bearing seat facing the housing. The temperature-sensing circuit board is fixedly installed in the installation groove. The temperature-sensing circuit board is loaded into the housing along with the bearing seat. After the bearing seat is loaded into the housing, one end of the induction terminal is partially inserted into the insertion hole and electrically connected to the conductive connection member.

[0010] Optionally, positioning posts are arranged on the bottom wall of the installation groove along the direction in which the bearing seat is loaded into the housing. Positioning grooves adapted to be inserted and guided by the positioning posts are provided on the temperature-sensing circuit board.

[0011] Optionally, a through-installation groove is arranged in the bearing seat. The terminal is installed in the through-installation groove. One side of the installation groove close to the through-installation groove is communicated with the through-installation groove. The input end of the temperature sensor is connected with a heat-conducting connection member. The end of the heat-conducting connection member far away from the temperature sensor extends into the through-installation groove and abuts against the terminal.

[0012] Optionally, the heat-conducting connection member includes a heat-conducting layer laid on the temperature-sensing circuit board and a heat-conducting sheet fixedly arranged at one end of the temperature-sensing circuit board. The heat-conducting layer is respectively connected with the input end of the temperature sensor and the heat-conducting sheet. The other end of the heat-conducting sheet extends into the through-installation groove and abuts against the terminal.

[0013] Optionally, the other end of the heat-conducting sheet extends along the direction of the terminal installation. The other end of the heat-conducting sheet has a heat-conducting surface and is arranged in a fitting manner with the surface of the terminal.

[0014] Optionally, the conductive connection member includes an annular conductive contact ring and a plurality of contact elastic pieces arranged on the inner wall of the conductive contact ring along the circumferential direction. The conductive contact ring is arranged on the temperature-sensing circuit board. The free ends of the plurality of contact elastic pieces extend into the insertion hole and clamp and electrically connect one end of the induction terminal.

[0015] The utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] In the utility model, the induction terminal is integrally arranged in the housing. When assembling the connector, only the temperature-sensing circuit board needs to be installed. During installation, the induction terminal is directly electrically connected to the conductive connection member on the temperature-sensing circuit board. Compared with the prior art, there is no need to separately prepare and assemble the adapter wires. There are fewer loose parts, the integration degree is high, the assembly is simple, and the transportation and assembly costs are reduced.

[0017] Through the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the utility model will become clear. Description of the Drawings

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present utility model and, together with the description thereof, are used to explain the principles of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of one perspective of the connector;

[0020] Figure 2 Schematic structural diagram of another perspective of the connector;

[0021] Figure 3 For Figure 2 Schematic structural diagram of the carrier seat removed in the corresponding perspective;

[0022] Figure 4 Schematic assembly relationship diagram of the temperature sensing mechanism, the carrier seat, and the terminals (only one insertion reed is shown);

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic assembly relationship diagram of the temperature sensing circuit board and related parts thereon;

[0024] Figure 6 Schematic structural diagram of the carrier seat;

[0025] Figure 7 Schematic structural diagram of the conductive connecting member.

[0026] The markings in the figures are as follows:

[0027] 1. Housing;

[0028] 2. Low-voltage interface;

[0029] 3. Inductive terminal;

[0030] 4. Terminal; 41. Insertion reed;

[0031] 5. Carrier seat; 51. Installation groove; 511. Positioning post; 52. Through mounting groove;

[0032] 6. Temperature sensing circuit board; 61. Temperature sensor; 62. Insertion hole; 63. Positioning groove;

[0033] 7. Conductive connecting member; 71. Conductive contact ring; 72. Contact spring piece;

[0034] 8. Heat conductive connecting member; 81. Heat conductive layer; 82. Heat conductive sheet; 83. Heat conductive surface. Detailed implementation manners

[0035] Now, various exemplary embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that: Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present utility model.

[0036] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way a limitation on the present utility model, its applications, or uses.

[0037] Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be considered as part of the specification.

[0038] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0039] As Figure 1-7 shown, an embodiment of the present utility model provides a connector with a temperature sensing mechanism, including a housing 1 and terminals 4 installed in the housing 1. A temperature sensing mechanism for monitoring temperature changes inside the connector is further provided in the housing 1. The temperature sensing mechanism includes a sensing terminal 3 fixedly arranged in the housing 1, a temperature sensing circuit board 6 detachably installed in the housing 1, and a temperature sensor 61 integrated on the temperature sensing circuit board 6. One end of the sensing terminal 3 is electrically connected to the output end of the temperature sensor 61, and the other end extends to the outside of the housing 1 to be electrically connected to an external control system. The external control system can be an automotive electronic control system or other electrically controlled systems adapted accordingly.

[0040] Furthermore, a plug hole 62 is formed on the temperature sensing circuit board 6, and a conductive connector 7 electrically connected to the output end of the temperature sensor 61 is embedded in the plug hole 62. One end of the sensing terminal 3 is partially inserted into the plug hole 62 and electrically connected to the conductive connector 7 to achieve the electrical connection between the output end of the temperature sensor 61 and the sensing terminal 3.

[0041] The above-mentioned sensing terminal 3 is integrally arranged in the housing 1, so that the sensing terminal 3 and the housing 1 form an integral structure. When assembling the connector, only the temperature sensing circuit board 6 needs to be installed. During installation, the sensing terminal 3 is directly electrically connected to the conductive connector 7 on the temperature sensing circuit board 6. Compared with the prior art, there is no need to separately prepare and assemble wires and low-voltage connectors for adapting the temperature sensing structure. There are fewer loose parts, high integration, simple assembly, and reduced transportation and assembly costs. Moreover, since wires are no longer assembled, problems such as wire laying and routing no longer exist, and the neatness of the connector after assembly is further improved. At the same time, compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned sensing terminal 3 is arranged in the housing 1, and there is no problem of wire failure or invalidation due to external damage. The entire temperature sensing mechanism is more reliable and has better performance.

[0042] Further, to facilitate direct connection to the corresponding interface of an external control system, the connection circuit between the temperature-sensing circuit board 6 and the external control system is further optimized. In this embodiment, as Figure 1-3 shown, a low-voltage interface 2 for connecting to an external control system is provided on the housing 1, that is, the low-voltage interface 2 is directly connected to the corresponding interface of the external control system, and the other end of the induction terminal 3 extends into the low-voltage interface 2.

[0043] Further, to improve the integration degree of the induction terminal 3 and the housing 1, avoid reassembly of the induction terminal 3 and the housing 1, and realize that the induction terminal 3 is fixedly arranged in the housing 1, at least part of the middle of the induction terminal 3 is embedded and injection-molded in the housing 1, so that the induction terminal 3 and the housing 1 form an integral structure. In this embodiment, as Figure 1 、 3 、4 shown, considering manufacturing convenience and practicality, the induction terminal 3 is a metal structure formed by one-piece stamping, the middle of the metal structure is embedded and injection-molded in the housing 1, and both ends are respectively used for connecting to the conductive connector 7 and the external control system.

[0044] In other embodiments, the induction terminal can also be fixedly arranged in the housing by setting a slot with a suitable shape in the housing and inserting the induction terminal into the slot and then fixing it by bonding, clamping, etc. However, compared with the embedding and injection-molding method of this embodiment, the steps are more, the manufacturing is inconvenient, and the effect is poor.

[0045] Further, considering the convenience of interface connection with the conductive connector 7 and the external control system, as well as manufacturing convenience, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 、 3 、4 shown, both ends of the induction terminal 3 are PIN pins formed by one-piece stamping.

[0046] Further, to achieve detachable connection between the temperature-sensing circuit board 6 and the housing 1 and protect the temperature-sensing circuit board 6, as Figure 2 、 3 、4、6 shown, in this embodiment, a carrier seat 5 is detachably arranged at one end of the housing 1 without the low-voltage interface 2. An installation groove 51 is opened at one end of the carrier seat 5 facing the housing 1. The temperature-sensing circuit board 6 is fixedly installed in the installation groove 51. The temperature-sensing circuit board 6 is loaded into the housing 1 together with the carrier seat 5. After the carrier seat 5 is loaded into the housing 1, one end of the induction terminal 3 is partially inserted into the insertion hole 62 and electrically connected to the conductive connector 7.

[0047] In this embodiment, the carrier base 5 is installed in the housing 1 by snap connection; one end of the terminal 4 facing the mating connector is further inserted with a plug-in reed 41 for electrically connecting with the mating terminal in the mating connector, and one end of the plug-in reed 41 close to the carrier base 5 abuts against the carrier base 5. In other embodiments, the carrier base can also be installed in the housing by other detachable connection methods, such as an interference fit structure, a screw structure, etc.

[0048] Further, in order to facilitate the positioning of the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6 in the installation groove 51, as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a positioning post 511 is arranged on the bottom wall of the installation groove 51 and extends along the direction in which the carrier base 5 is inserted into the housing 1, and a positioning groove 63 adapted to be inserted and guided by the positioning post 511 is provided on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6. In practice, in this embodiment, the free end of the positioning post 511 is melted by a hot melting method and pressure is applied to make it expand radially, and the expanded part abuts against the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6, so that the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6 can be fixed in the installation groove 51; in addition, in this embodiment, the positioning groove 63 is designed to be close to the middle of the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6, so the positioning groove 63 is actually a hole structure provided on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6. If the positioning groove 63 is arranged at the edge of the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6, the positioning groove 63 is a groove structure equivalent to half of the hole structure. In other methods, an interference fit can be provided between the above positioning groove and the positioning post, so that the temperature-sensitive circuit board can be fixed in the installation groove, or the free end of the above positioning post can be enlarged, and the enlarged free end can be squeezed into and pass through the positioning groove and then be clamped with the edge of the positioning groove, so that the temperature-sensitive circuit board can be fixed in the installation groove.

[0049] Further, in order to facilitate heat transfer, and facilitate the assembly of components such as the terminal 4, the carrier base 5, and the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6, and ensure the rationality of the structure, as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a through groove 52 is provided in the carrier base 5, the terminal 4 is inserted into the through groove 52, one side of the installation groove 51 close to the through groove 52 is communicated with the through groove 52, an input end of the temperature sensor 61 is connected with a heat conduction connecting piece 8, and one end of the heat conduction connecting piece 8 far from the temperature sensor 61 extends into the through groove 52 and abuts against the terminal 4.

[0050] Further, in order to ensure good heat transfer, improve the sensitivity of the temperature sensing mechanism and the true reliability of temperature measurement, as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in FIG., in this embodiment, the heat conduction connecting piece 8 includes a heat conduction layer 81 laid on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6 and a heat conduction piece 82 with one end fixedly arranged on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6. The heat conduction layer 81 is respectively connected with the input end of the temperature sensor 61 and the heat conduction piece 82, and the other end of the heat conduction piece 82 extends into the through groove 52 and abuts against the terminal 4.

[0051] In this embodiment, when ensuring normal electrical performance, the heat-conducting connecting member 8 is preferably made of a metal material with stronger heat-conducting ability, such as copper. The heat-conducting layer 81 is a copper layer with an appropriate thickness for heat-conducting performance laid on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6, and the heat-conducting sheet 82 is a copper sheet with an appropriate thickness for heat-conducting performance fixed on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6. The heat-conducting sheet 82 can be fixedly connected to the heat-conducting layer 81 through conventional fixing methods such as welding or riveting, so as to fix the heat-conducting sheet 82 on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6. In other embodiments, the heat-conducting connecting member can also adopt other forms of structures and materials, such as a heat-conducting silica gel sheet, which is adhesively fixed on the temperature-sensitive circuit board and respectively abuts against the temperature sensor and the terminal to conduct heat.

[0052] Further, in order to ensure that there is a heat-conducting contact area between the heat-conducting sheet 82 and the terminal 4 that meets the heat-conducting performance and is conducive to assembly, as Figure 4 、 5 shown, in this embodiment, the other end of the heat-conducting sheet 82 extends along the insertion direction of the terminal 4, and the other end of the heat-conducting sheet 82 has a heat-conducting surface 83 and is arranged in contact with the surface of the terminal 4.

[0053] Further, in order to ensure good conductive contact performance, as Figure 4 、 5 、7 shown, in this embodiment, the conductive connecting member 7 includes an annular conductive contact ring 71 and a plurality of contact elastic pieces 72 arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the conductive contact ring 71. The conductive contact ring 71 is fixedly arranged on the temperature-sensitive circuit board 6. More specifically, the conductive contact ring 71 is fixed at the end position of the insertion hole 62. The free ends of the plurality of contact elastic pieces 72 extend into the insertion hole 62 and clamp and electrically connect one end of the induction terminal 3. In this embodiment, each conductive connecting member 7 is provided with two opposite contact elastic pieces 72.

[0054] During specific assembly, the induction terminal 3 and the housing 1 have already formed an integral structure. First, the temperature-sensing circuit board 6 with the heat-conducting connector 8, the conductive connector 7, and the temperature sensor 61 already installed can be installed in the installation groove 51 of the carrier seat 5. Then, the terminal 4 is inserted into the insertion groove 52. Next, the carrier seat 5 is installed in the housing 1. At this time, one end of the induction terminal 3 is electrically connected to the conductive connector 7, and the heat-conducting connector 8 has also thermally connected the terminal 4 to the input end of the temperature sensor 61. The connector has the ability to connect to an external control system through the low-voltage interface 2. Compared with the prior art, there is no need to separately prepare and assemble the wires and low-voltage connectors for the temperature-sensing mechanism. There are fewer loose parts, the integration level is high, and the assembly is simple. Moreover, since the wires are no longer assembled, the problems of wire laying and routing no longer exist, and the neatness of the connector after assembly is further improved. At the same time, compared with the prior art, since the above-mentioned induction terminal 3 is arranged in the housing 1, there is also no problem of wire failure or malfunction due to external damage, and the entire temperature-sensing mechanism is more reliable and has better performance.

[0055] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments can be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism, comprising a housing and a terminal installed in the housing, wherein the housing is further provided with a temperature sensing mechanism for monitoring temperature changes in the connector, characterized in that: The temperature sensing mechanism includes a sensing terminal fixedly arranged in the housing, a temperature sensing circuit board detachably installed in the housing, and a temperature sensor integrated on the temperature sensing circuit board, wherein one end of the sensing terminal is electrically connected to the output end of the temperature sensor, and the other end extends to the outside of the housing to be electrically connected to an external control system; The temperature sensing circuit board is provided with a plug hole, in which a conductive connector electrically connected to the output end of the temperature sensor is embedded. One end portion of the sensing terminal is inserted into the plug hole and electrically connected to the conductive connector to achieve electrical connection between the output end of the temperature sensor and the sensing terminal.

2. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a low-voltage interface for connecting to an external control system, and the other end of the sensing terminal extends into the low-voltage interface.

3. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The middle part of the sensing terminal is at least partially embedded in the housing by injection molding.

4. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: Both ends of the sensing terminal are integrally stamped PIN pins.

5. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A bearing seat is detachably provided at one end of the shell where the low-voltage interface is not provided, and a mounting groove is provided at the end of the bearing seat facing the shell. The temperature sensing circuit board is fixedly installed in the mounting groove. The temperature sensing circuit board is installed into the shell along with the bearing seat, and after the bearing seat is installed into the shell, one end portion of the sensing terminal is inserted into the plug hole and electrically connected to the conductive connector.

6. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: A positioning column is provided on the bottom wall of the installation groove along the direction in which the bearing seat is installed into the shell, and a positioning groove adapted to the guiding insertion of the positioning column is provided on the temperature sensing circuit board.

7. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: A mounting groove is provided in the bearing seat, the terminal is mounted in the mounting groove, the side of the installation groove close to the mounting groove is connected to the mounting groove, the input end of the temperature sensor is connected to a thermal conductive connector, and one end of the thermal conductive connector away from the temperature sensor is cantilevered into the mounting groove and abuts against the terminal.

8. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The thermally conductive connector includes a thermally conductive layer laid on the temperature sensing circuit board and a thermally conductive sheet fixed at one end on the temperature sensing circuit board. The thermally conductive layer is respectively connected to the input end of the temperature sensor and the thermally conductive sheet. The other end of the thermally conductive sheet is cantilevered into the insertion groove and abuts against the terminal.

9. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The other end of the heat conductive sheet extends along the terminal insertion direction, and the other end of the heat conductive sheet has a heat conductive surface and is arranged in contact with the surface of the terminal.

10. A connector with a temperature sensing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive connecting member includes an annular conductive contact ring and a plurality of contact springs arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the conductive contact ring. The conductive contact ring is arranged on the temperature sensing circuit board. The free ends of the plurality of contact springs extend into the plug hole and clamp and electrically connect one end of the sensing terminal.

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