Temperature measurement probe-purpose connector, and temperature measurement probe

Abstract

To provide a temperature measurement probe-purpose connector and a temperature measurement probe that prevent occurrence of a short circuit when being mutually inserted / pulled, and suppress deformation in a mutually inserted state to reduce contact failures.SOLUTION: A temperature measurement probe-purpose connector 1 comprises a first connector 2 and second connector 3 that are mutually insertable / removable. The first connector 2 includes a first connection part 2a, and a second connection part 2b. The second connector 3 includes a third connection part 3a, and a fourth connection part 3b. When the first connector 2 and second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first connection part 2a and third connection part 3a are mutually inserted, and the second connection part 2b and fourth connection part 3b are mutually inserted. First pole terminals 4 of the first connection part 2a and third connection part 3a contact with each other and are in a conductible state, and second pole terminals 5 of the second connection part 2b and fourth connection part 3b contact with each other and are in a conductible state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for a temperature measuring probe that enables easy insertion and removal operations and can stabilize the conduction state after insertion, and a temperature measuring probe.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, connector structures for connecting conducting wires have been proposed. For example, according to the compensating conductor connection structure for a temperature measuring probe described in Patent Document 1, the following is described. The compensating conductor connection structure for a temperature measuring probe according to the present invention includes a thermocouple composed of a pair of thermocouple wires, and relates to a heat-resistant compensating conductor connection structure for a temperature measuring probe in which a compensating conductor is electrically connected to the thermocouple wires on the upper end side of the temperature measuring probe provided with a temperature measuring contact on the lower end side. The probe-side terminal portion connected to the thermocouple wires on the upper end side of the temperature measuring probe is provided inside the plug portion of the one-touch coupler. The compensating conductor-side terminal portion connected to one end side of the compensating conductor is provided inside the socket portion of the one-touch coupler, and the plug portion is connected to the socket portion. Thereby, the probe-side terminal portion and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion are electrically connected, and a refrigerant for cooling the compensating conductor, the compensating conductor-side terminal portion, and the probe-side terminal portion is supplied through a pipe body into which the compensating conductor is inserted.

[0003] The plug portion and the socket portion of the one-touch coupler may be made of metal and may be connected in a one-touch detachable manner by insertion without screwing, and a conventionally known structure can be appropriately selected. In particular, those having a locking mechanism for preventing disconnection are preferably used. The probe-side terminal portion and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion may be those that come into contact and are electrically connected when the plug portion of the one-touch coupler is connected to the socket portion, but it is preferable that one of them is male and the other is female, and the male is inserted into the female, as this is excellent in connection reliability and stability. Further, by using a ceramic such as steatite, which is excellent in heat resistance and insulation, as the insulating material in the probe-side terminal portion and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion, the entire probe-side terminal portion and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion have heat resistance.

[0004] According to this, in the compensating conductor connection structure for a temperature measuring probe, a probe-side terminal portion connected to a thermocouple element wire at the upper end side of a temperature measuring probe provided with a temperature measuring contact at the lower end side is provided inside a plug portion of a one-touch type coupler, and a compensating conductor-side terminal portion connected to one end side of a compensating conductor is provided inside a socket portion of the one-touch type coupler. When the plug portion is connected to the socket portion, the probe-side terminal portion and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion are electrically connected. Therefore, the compensating conductor can be easily connected to the temperature measuring probe with one touch, improving the attachability / detachability workability and safety during the replacement of the temperature measuring probe and reducing the burden on the operator. Since the probe-side terminal portion is provided inside the plug portion of the one-touch type coupler and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion is provided inside the socket portion of the one-touch type coupler, the probe-side terminal portion and the compensating conductor-side terminal portion can be protected by the plug portion and the socket portion of the one-touch type coupler to prevent damage, and it is described that they are excellent in durability and handleability.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the following problems are assumed in the conventional example. Figures 18 to 20 show a simplified conventional example using Patent Document 1 as an example. Note that the reference numerals shown are obtained by adding 1 to the beginning of the reference numerals described in Patent Document 1. For example, the temperature measuring probe 10 in Patent Document 1 is the temperature measuring probe 110 in Figure 18 and the like. As shown in Figure 18, on the compensating conductor side terminal portion 117, a plus terminal portion 117a is formed on the upper side along the insertion and extraction direction, and a minus terminal portion 117b is formed in series on the lower side with the insulating portion 118a interposed therebetween. The plus terminal portion 117a is connected to the compensating conductor 115a, and the minus terminal portion 117b is connected to the compensating conductor 115b. On the probe side terminal portion 112, a plus terminal 112a, a contact portion 113a, and a contact portion 113b are formed on the upper side along the insertion and extraction direction. On the lower side thereof, a minus terminal 112b, a contact portion 114b, and a contact portion 114c are formed in series. The plus terminal 112a is connected to the thermocouple 111a, and the minus terminal 112b is connected to the thermocouple 111b, respectively. That is, in the compensating conductor side terminal portion 117 and the probe side terminal portion 112, a plus side terminal and a minus side terminal are formed in series, respectively. In the case of this configuration, the portion where the contact terminal on the compensating conductor side terminal portion 117 is formed is one convex portion, and the portion where the contact terminal on the probe side terminal portion 112 is formed is one concave portion. If a shearing force is applied in a state where they are inserted into each other, stress may be concentratedly generated between a set of convex and concave portions, and there is a risk of damage.

[0007] Further, Figure 19 shows the process of relatively inserting the compensating conductor side terminal portion 117 and the probe side terminal portion 112. Insertion starts from the state of Figure 19(a) and moves to the state of Figure 19(c) through the state of Figure 19(b). Figure 19(b) shows a state where the insertion amount M1 has been moved in the insertion direction. At this time, there is a possibility that the contact portions 113a and 113b of the probe side terminal portion 112 may come into contact with the minus terminal portion 117b. Since the contact portions 113a and 113b are connected to the plus terminal 112a, there is a risk of short-circuiting with the minus terminal portion 117b. Alternatively, noise may be generated during contact.

[0008] In addition, in order to complete the relative insertion between the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 and the probe side terminal portion 112, it is necessary to further insert an insertion amount M2 up to the state shown in FIG. 19(c). It is necessary to insert the contact portions 113a and 113b of the probe side terminal portion 112 across the minus terminal portion 117b of the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 up to the plus terminal portion 117a. Then, there is a risk that the minus terminal portion 117b of the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 and the contact portions 113a and 113b of the probe side terminal portion 112 may collide with each other and be damaged.

[0009] For example, as shown in FIG. 19(b), in order to reduce the resistance when relatively inserting the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 and the probe side terminal portion 112, a gap g may be provided between the inner circumference of the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 and the probe side terminal portion 112. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the contact portions 113a and 113b are damaged and the amount of protrusion in the radial direction decreases, and there is a possibility that the gap between the inner circumference of the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 and the outer circumference of the probe side terminal portion 112 may be biased in one direction in the radial direction to form a gap f3. Then, a gap f1 is generated between the plus terminal portion 117a and the contact portion 113a, and a gap f2 is generated between the minus terminal portion 117b and the contact portion 113b, resulting in poor contact. As described above, the conventional example taking Patent Document 1 as an example assumes the above problems.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature measuring probe connector that prevents the occurrence of a short circuit, suppresses deformation in the state of being inserted into each other, and reduces poor contact when being inserted and removed from each other, and a temperature measuring probe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The connector for a temperature measuring probe according to the first aspect of the present invention is a connector for a temperature measuring probe used for measuring the temperature of molten metal, and includes a first connector and a second connector that are insertable into and removable from each other in the insertion and removal direction. The first connector includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion that extend along the insertion and removal direction. The second connector includes a third connection portion and a fourth connection portion that extend along the insertion and removal direction. One of the first connection portion and the third connection portion is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is defined as the first electrode, and the other is defined as the second electrode. First electrode terminals are formed on the first connection portion and the third connection portion, and second electrode terminals are formed on the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion. When the first connector and the second connector are relatively inserted, the first connection portion and the third connection portion are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion are inserted into each other. The first electrode terminals of the first connection portion and the third connection portion come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second electrode terminals of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state.

[0012] According to this, when the first connector and the second connector of the connector for a temperature measuring probe are relatively inserted, the first connection portion and the third connection portion are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion are inserted into each other. The first electrode terminals of the first connection portion and the third connection portion come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. The second electrode terminals of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. Therefore, when a shearing force is applied to the connector for a temperature measuring probe, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Further, since the first electrode terminals are formed on the first connection portion and the third connection portion, and the second electrode terminals are formed on the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion, the first electrode terminals and the second electrode terminals are in a separated state during the insertion and removal process, and contact between them is prevented.

[0013] Further, through holes may be formed in the first connector and the second connector along the insertion and removal direction, respectively. In this case, since the first connector can form an air circulation path in the insertion and removal direction, the inside can be cooled.

[0014] Further, in the temperature measurement probe connector, in the first connection portion, an axis extending in the insertion and extraction direction and passing through the center of the vertical cross section in the insertion and extraction direction, and in the third connection portion, an axis extending in the insertion and extraction direction and passing through the center of the vertical cross section in the insertion and extraction direction are used as central axes. The first pole terminal formed in the first connection portion and the second pole terminal formed in the second connection portion overlap a concentric circle centered on the central axis or contact a first virtual circle of the concentric circle. The first pole terminal formed in the third connection portion and the second pole terminal formed in the fourth connection portion overlap a concentric circle centered on the central axis or contact a second virtual circle of the concentric circle. The first connector and the second connector may be relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis.

[0015] In this case, since the first connector and the second connector are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis, there is no need to worry about their circumferential positions when inserting. Also, the circumferential positions of the first connector and the second connector can be changed after insertion.

[0016] Further, when the first connector and the second connector are relatively inserted into the temperature measurement probe connector, a terminal overlapping section may be formed in which a range where the first pole terminals of the first connection portion and the third connection portion face each other and a range where the second pole terminals of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion face each other overlap in parallel in the insertion and extraction direction.

[0017] In this case, since the terminal overlapping section is formed, the temperature measurement probe connector can maintain the facing lengths between the first pole terminals and between the second pole terminals at a constant length to stabilize the contact state and reduce poor contact, and can also shorten the dimensions of the first connector and the second connector in the insertion and extraction direction.

[0018] Further, in the temperature measurement probe connector, in the first connector, the first connection part is a first convex part, the first pole terminal is formed on the outer peripheral part of the first convex part, the second connection part is a first concave part, and the second pole terminal is formed on the inner peripheral part of the first concave part. In the second connector, the third connection part is a second concave part, the first pole terminal is formed on the inner peripheral part of the second concave part, the fourth connection part is a second convex part, and the second pole terminal is formed on the outer peripheral part of the second convex part. When the first connector and the second connector are relatively inserted, the first convex part and the second concave part are inserted into each other, and the first concave part and the second convex part are inserted into each other. The first pole terminals of the first convex part and the second concave part may be in contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second pole terminals of the first concave part and the second convex part may be in contact with each other to be in a conductive state.

[0019] In this case, both the first connector and the second connector are provided with a convex part and a concave part, and when they are inserted into each other, two insertion states by the convex part and the concave part are formed. Therefore, when a shearing force is applied to the temperature measurement probe connector, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Further, since the first pole terminal is formed on the first convex part and the second concave part, and the second pole terminal is formed on the first concave part and the second convex part, the first pole terminal and the second pole terminal are in a separated state during the insertion and extraction process, and their mutual contact is prevented.

[0020] Also, in the temperature measurement probe connector, in the first connector, the first connection part is a third recess, the first pole terminal is formed on the inner peripheral part of the third recess, the second connection part is a fourth recess, the second pole terminal is formed on the inner peripheral part of the fourth recess, in the second connector, the third connection part is a third protrusion, the first pole terminal is formed on the outer peripheral part of the third protrusion, the fourth connection part is a fourth protrusion, the second pole terminal is formed on the outer peripheral part of the fourth protrusion, when the first connector and the second connector are relatively inserted, the third recess and the third protrusion are inserted into each other, the fourth recess and the fourth protrusion are inserted into each other, the first pole terminals of the third recess and the third protrusion are in contact with each other and in a conductive state, and the second pole terminals of the fourth recess and the fourth protrusion may be in contact with each other and in a conductive state.

[0021] In this case, the first connector is provided with two recesses, the second connector is provided with two protrusions, and when they are inserted into each other, two insertion states are formed by the protrusions and the recesses. Therefore, when a shearing force is applied to the temperature measurement probe connector, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Furthermore, since the first pole terminal 4 is formed on the third recess and the third protrusion, and the second pole terminal is formed on the fourth recess and the fourth protrusion, the first pole terminal and the second pole terminal are in a separated state during the insertion and extraction process, and their mutual contact is prevented.

[0022] The temperature measuring probe according to the second aspect of the present invention is a temperature measuring probe used for measuring the temperature of molten metal, and includes a temperature measuring probe connector that is detachably connected between a compensating wire connected to a temperature measuring device and a thermocouple. The temperature measuring probe connector includes a first connector and a second connector that are detachably insertable in the insertion and extraction direction. The first connector includes a first connection part and a second connection part that extend along the insertion and extraction direction. The second connector includes a third connection part and a fourth connection part that extend along the insertion and extraction direction. One of the first connection part and the third connection part is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the second connection part and the fourth connection part is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is defined as the first electrode, and the other is defined as the second electrode. First electrode terminals are formed on the first connection part and the third connection part, and second electrode terminals are formed on the second connection part and the fourth connection part. When the first connector and the second connector are relatively inserted, the first connection part and the third connection part are inserted into each other, and the second connection part and the fourth connection part are inserted into each other. The first electrode terminals of the first connection part and the third connection part are in contact with each other and in a conductive state, and the second electrode terminals of the second connection part and the fourth connection part are in contact with each other and in a conductive state.

[0023] According to this, when the first connector and the second connector are relatively inserted, the first connection part and the third connection part are inserted into each other, and the second connection part and the fourth connection part are inserted into each other. The first electrode terminals of the first connection part and the third connection part are in contact with each other and in a conductive state, and the second electrode terminals of the second connection part and the fourth connection part are in contact with each other and in a conductive state. When the first connector and the second connector are inserted into each other, insertion states due to the convex shape and the concave shape are formed at two locations. Therefore, when a shearing force is applied to the temperature measuring probe connector, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Furthermore, since the first electrode terminals are formed on the first connection part and the third connection part, and the second electrode terminals are formed on the second connection part and the fourth connection part, the first electrode terminals and the second electrode terminals are in a separated state during the insertion and extraction process, and contact between them is prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe embodying the present invention and a temperature measurement probe 40 will be described. Note that the embodiments for carrying out the invention and the drawings referred to are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The present invention is not limited to these. The configurations described in the drawings are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0026] <<Configuration of the Connector 1 for Temperature Measurement Probe According to the First Aspect>> <Overall Configuration of the Connector 1 for Temperature Measurement Probe> The connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe used for measuring the temperature of molten metal will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe includes a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 that can be inserted into and removed from each other in the insertion and removal direction. The first connector 2 includes a first connection portion 2a and a second connection portion 2b that extend along the insertion and removal direction. The second connector 3 includes a third connection portion 3a and a fourth connection portion 3b that extend along the insertion and removal direction. One of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape.

[0027] One of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is defined as the first electrode, and the other is defined as the second electrode. First electrode terminals 4 are formed on the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a. Second electrode terminals 5 are formed on the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b are inserted into each other. The first electrode terminals 4 of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second electrode terminals 5 of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. One of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is defined as the first electrode, and the other is defined as the second electrode.

[0028] <Effect of the Overall Configuration of the Connector 1 for Temperature Measurement Probe> According to the overall configuration of the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe described above, the following effects are achieved. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted into the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe, the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b are inserted into each other. The first pole terminals 4 of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a are in a state of being in contact with each other and being electrically conductive. The second pole terminals 5 of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b are in a state of being in contact with each other and being electrically conductive. Therefore, when a shearing force is applied to the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so that deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Further, since the first pole terminals 4 are formed on the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a, and the second pole terminals 5 are formed on the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b, the first pole terminals 4 and the second pole terminals 5 are in a separated state during the insertion and extraction process, and contact between them is prevented.

[0029] <The first configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b> Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 and FIGS. 14 to 16, the first configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b will be described. This corresponds to the connector 1a for the temperature measurement probe of the first embodiment to the connector 1c for the temperature measurement probe of the third embodiment, and the connector 1e for the temperature measurement probe of the fifth embodiment. In the first connector 2, the first connection portion 2a is the first convex portion 21, and the first pole terminal 4a is formed on the outer peripheral portion 21a of the first convex portion 21. The second connection portion 2b is the first concave portion 22, and the second pole terminal 5a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first concave portion 22. In the second connector 3, the third connection portion 3a is the second concave portion 31, the first pole terminal 4b is formed on the inner peripheral portion 31a of the second concave portion 31, the fourth connection portion 3b is the second convex portion 32, and the second pole terminal 5b is formed on the outer peripheral portion 32a of the second convex portion 32.

[0030] When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 are inserted into each other, and the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other. Then, the first pole terminals 4 of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second pole terminals 5 of the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. As an example, the first pole is the negative pole and the second pole is the positive pole. Also, the polarities may be reversed.

[0031] <Effect of the first configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b> According to the first configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b described above, the following effects are achieved. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, when a shearing force is applied to the temperature measurement probe connector 1, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Further, since the first pole terminals 4 are formed on the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31, and the second pole terminals 5 are formed on the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32, in the process of insertion and extraction, the first pole terminals 4 and the second pole terminals 5 are in a separated state, and contact between them is prevented.

[0032] <Second configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b> Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the second configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b will be described. This corresponds to the temperature measurement probe connector 1d of the fourth embodiment. In the temperature measurement probe connector 1d, in the first connector 2, the first connection portion 2a is the third concave portion 61, and the first pole terminal 4a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 61a of the third concave portion 61. The second connection portion 2b is the fourth concave portion 62, and the second pole terminal 5a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 62a of the fourth concave portion 62. In the second connector 3, the third connection portion 3a is the third convex portion 71, and the first pole terminal 4b is formed on the outer peripheral portion 71a of the third convex portion 71. The fourth connection portion 3b is the fourth convex portion 72, and the second pole terminal 5b is formed on the outer peripheral portion 72a of the fourth convex portion 72.

[0033] When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the third concave portion 61 and the third convex portion 71 are inserted into each other, and the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72 are inserted into each other. Then, the first pole terminals 4 of the third concave portion 61 and the third convex portion 71 come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second pole terminals 5 of the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72 come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. As an example, the first pole is the negative pole and the second pole is the positive pole. Also, the polarity may be reversed.

[0034] <Effect of the second configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b> According to the second configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b described above, the following effects are achieved. This corresponds to the connector 1d for the temperature measuring probe of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, when a shearing force is applied to the connector 1 for the temperature measuring probe, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Further, since the first pole terminals 4 are formed on the third concave portion 61 and the third convex portion 71, and the second pole terminals 5 are formed on the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72, the first pole terminals 4 and the second pole terminals 5 are in a separated state during the insertion and extraction process, and contact between them is prevented.

[0035] <Cooling structure and effect of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3> Next, the cooling structure of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 etc., through holes 7 are formed in the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 respectively along the insertion and extraction direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1 etc., the first connector 2 includes a support portion 6 that supports the first convex portion 21 and the first concave portion 22, and the support portion 6 has a through hole 7 formed along the insertion and extraction direction. In the second connector 3, a through hole 7 is formed between the outer periphery of the second concave portion 31 and the second convex portion 32 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction of the second convex portion 32. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first connector 2 includes a support portion 6 that supports the third concave portion 61 and the fourth concave portion 62, and the support portion 6 has a through hole 7 formed along the insertion and extraction direction. In the second connector 3, a through hole 7 is formed between the outer periphery of the third convex portion 71 and the fourth convex portion 72 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction of the fourth convex portion 72.

[0036] As described above, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 each have a through hole 7 formed along the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, an air circulation path can be formed in the insertion / removal direction, and the inside of the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe can be cooled.

[0037] <Configuration of the first pole terminal 4 and the second pole terminal 5> Next, the configurations of the first pole terminal 4 and the second pole terminal 5 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, the first pole terminal 4 of the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe is formed at the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a on the outer peripheral portion of one convex shape and the inner peripheral portion of the other concave shape. The second pole terminal 5 is formed at the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b on the outer peripheral portion of one convex shape and the inner peripheral portion of the other concave shape.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, FIGS. 14 to 16, the connector 1a for the temperature measurement probe of the first embodiment to the connector 1c for the temperature measurement probe of the third embodiment, and the connector 1e for the temperature measurement probe of the fifth embodiment will be described. The first pole terminal 4a is formed on the outer peripheral portion 21a of the first convex portion 21, and the first pole terminal 4b is formed on the inner peripheral portion 31a of the second concave portion 31. The second pole terminal 5a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first concave portion 22, and the second pole terminal 5b is formed on the outer peripheral portion 32a of the second convex portion 32.

[0039] Specifically, for the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21, a conductive member may be formed only on the outer peripheral portion 21a, or as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the first convex portion 21 may be integrally formed of a conductive member. The first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 is formed by a cylindrical terminal plate as shown in FIG. 6(b) and is attached along the inner peripheral portion 31a. The second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 is formed by a cylindrical terminal plate as shown in FIG. 5 and is attached along the inner peripheral portion 22a.

[0040] Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the connector 1d for the temperature measuring probe according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The first pole terminal 4a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 61a of the third recess 61, and the first pole terminal 4b is formed on the outer peripheral portion 71a of the third protrusion 71. The second pole terminal 5a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 62a of the fourth recess 62, and the second pole terminal 5b is formed on the outer peripheral portion 72a of the fourth protrusion 72.

[0041] Specifically, the first pole terminal 4a of the third recess 61 is formed by a cylindrical terminal plate as shown in FIG. 12(a) and attached along the inner peripheral portion 61a, similar to the first pole terminal 4b of the second recess 31. For the first pole terminal 4b of the third protrusion 71, a conductive member may be formed only on the outer peripheral portion 71a, or as shown in FIG. 10, the third protrusion 71 may be integrally formed of a conductive member. The second pole terminal 5a of the fourth recess 62 is formed by a cylindrical terminal plate as shown in FIG. 11 and attached along the inner peripheral portion 62a.

[0042] <Effects of the configurations of the first pole terminal 4 and the second pole terminal 5> According to the configurations of the first pole terminal 4 and the second pole terminal 5 described above, the following effects are achieved. In the connector 1 for the temperature measuring probe, since the electrode terminals are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the protrusion and the inner peripheral portion of the recess, respectively, a wide contact area between them in the insertion and extraction direction can be formed. Therefore, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, poor contact between the first pole terminals 4 and between the second pole terminals 5 can be reduced and connections can be made.

[0043] <Configuration for ensuring contact between the first pole terminals 4 and between the second pole terminals 5> Next, a configuration for ensuring contact between the first pole terminal 4a and the first pole terminal 4b and between the second pole terminal 5a and the second pole terminal 5b will be described. The first pole terminal 4a of the first connection portion 2a and / or the first pole terminal 4b of the third connection portion 3a are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The second pole terminal 5a of the second connection portion 2b and / or the second pole terminal 5b of the fourth connection portion 3b are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction.

[0044] In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and FIG. 16, the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and / or the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 and / or the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first pole terminal 4a of the third concave portion 61 and / or the first pole terminal 4b of the third convex portion 71 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The second pole terminal 5a of the fourth concave portion 62 and / or the second pole terminal 5b of the fourth convex portion 72 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. Hereinafter, the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and FIG. 16 will be described in detail as an example. Since the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are the same, the description will be omitted.

[0045] First, a first example will be described. The first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 will be described. As an example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the first pole terminal 4b is a cylindrical terminal plate, and in a part of the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the second concave portion 31, a notch groove 10 is formed over a length greater than the insertion amount in which the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 having a predetermined length along the insertion and extraction direction are inserted into each other. A minute gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first pole terminal 4b and the inner peripheral portion 31a of the second concave portion 31. The outer diameter of the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31. When the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 are inserted into each other, the first pole terminal 4b elastically deforms outward in the radial direction, which is a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction, while spreading in the circumferential direction. Due to the elastic force of the first pole terminal 4b at this time, the electrical connection between the first pole terminal 4a and the first pole terminal 4b is maintained.

[0046] The relationship between the second pole terminal 5a of the first recessed portion 22 and the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 is the same. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6(a) as an example, a notch groove 10 is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the second pole terminal 5a of the first recessed portion 22. The notch groove 10 is formed over a length greater than the insertion amount in which the first recessed portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other along the insertion and extraction direction. A minute gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second pole terminal 5a and the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first recessed portion 22 in the radial direction with respect to the center of the first recessed portion 22. The outer diameter of the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second pole terminal 5a of the first recessed portion 22. When the first recessed portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other, the second pole terminal 5a is elastically deformed so as to open outward in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction while spreading in the circumferential direction by the second convex portion 32. The electrical connection between the second pole terminal 5a and the second pole terminal 5b is maintained by the elastic force of the second pole terminal 5a at this time.

[0047] Next, a second example will be described. As shown in FIG. 7(a), a notch groove 13 is formed in the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The notch groove 13 is formed over a length greater than the insertion amount in which the first convex portion 21 and the second recessed portion 31 are inserted into each other along the insertion and extraction direction. The inner diameter of the first pole terminal 4b of the second recessed portion 31 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21. When the first convex portion 21 and the second recessed portion 31 are inserted into each other, the first pole terminal 4a is elastically deformed inward in the radial direction, which is a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The electrical connection between the first pole terminal 4a and the first pole terminal 4b is maintained by the elastic force of the first pole terminal 4a at this time.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7(b), a notch groove 13 is formed in the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The notch groove 13 is formed over a length equal to or greater than the insertion amount in which the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other along the insertion and extraction direction. The outer diameter of the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 is formed slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22. When the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other, the second pole terminal 5b elastically deforms inward in the radial direction, which is a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. Due to the elastic force of the second pole terminal 5b at this time, conduction between the second pole terminal 5a and the second pole terminal 5b is maintained.

[0049] <Effect of the configuration that ensures contact between the first pole terminals 4 and contact between the second pole terminals 5> According to the configuration that ensures contact between the first pole terminals 4 and contact between the second pole terminals 5 described above, the following effects are achieved. The first pole terminal 4a of the first connection portion 2a and / or the first pole terminal 4b of the third connection portion 3a are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction, and the second pole terminal 5a of the second connection portion 2b and / or the second pole terminal 5b of the fourth connection portion 3b are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. Therefore, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first pole terminal 4a of the first connection portion 2a and the first pole terminal 4b of the third connection portion 3a come into contact more reliably, and the second pole terminal 5a of the second connection portion 2b and the second pole terminal 5b of the fourth connection portion 3b come into contact more reliably, so that poor contact is reduced.

[0050] In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and FIG. 16, the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and / or the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction, and the second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 and / or the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. Therefore, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 come into contact more reliably, and the second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 and the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 come into contact more reliably, so that poor contact is reduced. The same effect is achieved in the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0051] <The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are configured to be rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction> Next, in the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe according to the first aspect of the present invention, a configuration in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction will be described. The connector 1a for a temperature measurement probe of the first embodiment, the connector 1b for a temperature measurement probe of the second embodiment, and the connector 1d for a temperature measurement probe of the fourth embodiment correspond thereto. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 and FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the first connection portion 2a, an axis extending in the insertion / removal direction and passing through the center of the vertical cross-section in the insertion / removal direction, and in the third connection portion 3a, an axis extending in the insertion / removal direction and passing through the center of the vertical cross-section in the insertion / removal direction are defined as the central axis C1. The first pole terminal 4a formed in the first connection portion 2a and the second pole terminal 5a formed in the second connection portion 2b overlap with concentric circles centered on the central axis C1 or contact the first virtual circle 11 of the concentric circles. The first pole terminal 4b formed in the third connection portion 3a and the second pole terminal 5b formed in the fourth connection portion 3b overlap with concentric circles centered on the central axis C1 or contact the second virtual circle 12 of the concentric circles. With the central axis C1 as the center, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction. Here, overlapping with the concentric circles centered on the central axis C1 is not limited to the case of exactly overlapping, but includes the case where a part overlaps within the scope of common technical knowledge. The same applies hereinafter.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the connector 1a for the temperature measuring probe of the first embodiment and the connector 1b for the temperature measuring probe of the second embodiment will be described. The first pole terminal 4a formed on the outer peripheral portion 21a of the first convex portion 21 and the second pole terminal 5a formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first concave portion 22 overlap with concentric circles centered on the central axis C1 or contact the first virtual circle 11 of the concentric circles. The first pole terminal 4b formed on the inner peripheral portion 31a of the second concave portion 31 and the second pole terminal 5b formed on the outer peripheral portion 32a of the second convex portion 32 overlap with concentric circles centered on the central axis C1 or contact the second virtual circle 12 of the concentric circles. The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C1.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, the connector 1d for the temperature measuring probe of the fourth embodiment will be described. The first pole terminal 4a formed on the inner peripheral portion 61a of the third concave portion 61 and the second pole terminal 5a formed on the inner peripheral portion 62a of the fourth concave portion 62 overlap with concentric circles centered on the central axis C1. The first pole terminal 4b formed on the outer peripheral portion 71a of the third convex portion 71 and the second pole terminal 5b formed on the outer peripheral portion 72a of the fourth convex portion 72 overlap with concentric circles centered on the central axis C1. The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C1.

[0055] <Effect of the configuration in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction> According to the configuration in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 described above are rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction, the following effects can be obtained. The connector 1a for the temperature measuring probe of the first embodiment, the connector 1b for the temperature measuring probe of the second embodiment, and the connector 1d for the temperature measuring probe of the fourth embodiment correspond. Since the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about the central axis C1, there is no need to worry about their circumferential positions relative to each other when inserting. Also, the circumferential positions of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be changed after insertion.

[0056] <Regarding the insertion overlapping section L1 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3> Next, the insertion overlapping section L1 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 will be described. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 13, and 15. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, in the insertion and extraction direction, an insertion overlapping section L1 is formed in which the range where the first connection part 2a and the third connection part 3a are inserted into each other and the range where the second connection part 2b and the fourth connection part 3b are inserted into each other overlap in parallel.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 15 for explanation, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, in the insertion and extraction direction, an insertion overlapping section L1 is formed in which the range where the first convex part 21 which is the first connection part 2a and the second concave part 31 which is the third connection part 3a are inserted into each other and the range where the first concave part 22 which is the second connection part 2b and the second convex part 32 which is the fourth connection part 3b are inserted into each other overlap in parallel. Further, referring to FIG. 13 for explanation, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, in the insertion and extraction direction, an insertion overlapping section L1 is formed in which the range where the third concave part 61 which is the first connection part 2a and the third convex part 71 which is the third connection part 3a are inserted into each other and the range where the fourth concave part 62 which is the second connection part 2b and the fourth convex part 72 which is the fourth connection part 3b are inserted into each other overlap in parallel.

[0058] Here, overlapping in parallel means that, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in a certain range in the insertion and extraction direction, there is a section where both between the first convex part 21 and the second concave part 31 and between the first concave part 22 and the second convex part 32 are inserted into each other. This section is the insertion overlapping section L1, and it is in a state of being arranged in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, it indicates that there is a section where both between the third concave part 61 and the third convex part 71 and between the fourth concave part 62 and the fourth convex part 72 are inserted into each other. This section is the insertion overlapping section L1, and it is in a state of being arranged in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction.

[0059] <Effect of the insertion overlapping section L1 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3> Having the insertion overlapping section L1 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 described above has the following effects. The connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe can shorten the dimensions in the insertion and extraction direction of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 compared to the case where the insertion overlapping section L1 is not formed, enabling a compact design. Also, the amount of insertion and extraction is reduced, and the insertion and extraction operation becomes easier.

[0060] <Regarding the terminal overlapping section L2 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3> Next, the terminal overlapping section L2 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 will be described. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which the range where the first pole terminals 4 of the first connection part 2a and the third connection part 3a face each other and the range where the second pole terminals 5 of the second connection part 2b and the fourth connection part 3b face each other overlap in parallel in the insertion and extraction direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which the range N1 where the first pole terminals 4 of the first convex part 21 and the second concave part 31 face each other and the range N2 where the second pole terminals 5 of the first concave part 22 and the second convex part 32 face each other overlap in parallel in the insertion and extraction direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which the range N1 where the first pole terminals 4 of the third concave part 61 and the third convex part 71 face each other and the range N2 where the second pole terminals 5 of the fourth concave part 62 and the fourth convex part 72 face each other overlap in parallel in the insertion and extraction direction.

[0061] Here, "parallel overlap" means that, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in a certain range in the insertion and extraction direction, there is an interval where both the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 face each other, and an interval where both the second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 and the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 face each other. This interval is the terminal overlap interval L2, and it is in a state of being arranged in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, in a certain range in the insertion and extraction direction, there is an interval where both the first pole terminal 4a of the third concave portion 61 and the first pole terminal 4b of the third convex portion 71 face each other, and an interval where both the second pole terminal 5a of the fourth concave portion 62 and the second pole terminal 5b of the fourth convex portion 72 face each other. This interval is the terminal overlap interval L2, and it is in a state of being arranged in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction.

[0062] <Effect of Terminal Overlap Interval L2 in the Inserted State of the First Connector 2 and the Second Connector 3> Having the terminal overlap interval L2 in the inserted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 described above solves the problems of the following conventional examples. That is, in a conventional example taking Patent Document 1 as an example, as shown in FIG. 18, in the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117, a plus terminal portion 117a is formed in series on the upper side along the insertion and extraction direction, and a minus terminal portion 117b is formed on the lower side with an insulating portion 118a interposed therebetween. The probe side terminal portion 112 has a plus terminal 112a, contact portions 113a, and 113b formed on the upper side along the insertion and extraction direction. On the lower side thereof, a minus terminal 112b, contact portions 114b, and 114c are formed in series. That is, in the compensation conductor side terminal portion 117 and the probe side terminal portion 112, a plus side terminal and a minus side terminal are formed in series respectively, so there is a design problem that the dimension in the insertion and extraction direction becomes long. When trying to suppress the dimension in the insertion and extraction direction, the contactable range in the insertion and extraction direction between the plus terminal portion 117a and the contact portions 113a, 113b, and between the minus terminal portion 117b and the contact portions 114b, 114c is restricted, and there is a risk of poor contact.

[0063] In contrast, the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe according to the first aspect of the present invention has the following effects. Since the terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe, the facing lengths between the first pole terminals 4 and between the second pole terminals 5 are maintained at a constant length, thereby stabilizing the contact state and reducing contact failure, and the dimensions in the insertion and extraction direction of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be shortened.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in the state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, in the insertion and extraction direction, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which the ranges N1 where the respective first pole terminals 4 of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 face each other and the ranges N2 where the respective second pole terminals 5 of the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 face each other overlap in parallel with respect to the insertion and extraction direction. Therefore, the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe can maintain the facing lengths between the first pole terminals 4 and between the second pole terminals 5 at a constant length as compared with the case where the terminal overlapping section L2 is not formed, so that the contact state can be stabilized and contact failure can be reduced. Further, the dimensions in the insertion and extraction direction of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be shortened. The same applies to the example shown in FIG. 13.

[0065] <Arrangement and Configuration from the First Connection Port 2a to the Fourth Connection Port 3b> Next, in the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe according to the first aspect of the present invention, the arrangement from the first connection port 2a to the fourth connection port 3b will be described. This corresponds to the connector 1a for a temperature measurement probe of the first embodiment to the connector 1d for a temperature measurement probe of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the first connector 2, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the first connection port 2a is formed inside the second connection port 2b. In the second connector 3, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the third connection port 3a is formed inside the fourth connection port 3b.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the first convex portion 21 which is the first connection portion 2a of the first connector 2 is formed inside the first concave portion 22 which is the second connection portion 2b. In the second connector 3, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the second concave portion 31 which is the third connection portion 3a is formed inside the second convex portion 32 which is the fourth connection portion 3b. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, in the first connector 2, the third concave portion 61 which is the first connection portion 2a is formed inside the fourth concave portion 62 which is the second connection portion 2b. In the second connector 3, the third convex portion 71 which is the third connection portion 3a is formed inside the fourth convex portion 72 which is the fourth connection portion 3b.

[0067] Also, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the insertion and extraction direction, among the ends of the first connector 2, the side facing the second connector 3 is such that the end of the first connection portion 2a is recessed more than the end 22b of the second connection portion 2b. In the relative insertion process of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, after the insertion of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b starts, the insertion of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a starts.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, among the ends of the first connector 2 in the insertion and extraction direction, the side facing the second connector 3 is such that the end 21b of the first convex portion 21 is recessed more than the end 22b of the first concave portion 22. As shown in FIG. 2, in the relative insertion process of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, first, the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other. At this point, the end 21b of the first convex portion 21 is separated from the second concave portion 31. When the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other, the relative insertion positions of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction are determined. Thereafter, the insertion of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 starts.

[0069] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, among the ends of the second connector 3 in the insertion and extraction direction, the side facing the first connector 2 is such that the end 71b of the third convex portion 71 is in a position recessed more than the end 72b of the fourth convex portion 72. In the relative insertion process of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, first, the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72 are inserted into each other. At this point, the end 71b of the third convex portion 71 is in a state separated from the third concave portion 61. When the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72 are inserted into each other, the relative insertion positions of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction are determined. Thereafter, the insertion of the third concave portion 61 and the third convex portion 71 starts.

[0070] <Effect due to the arrangement and configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b> According to the arrangement and configuration from the first connection portion 2a to the fourth connection portion 3b described above, the following effects are achieved. The temperature measurement probe connectors 1a to 1d of the first to fourth embodiments correspond. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the first connector 2, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the first connection portion 2a is formed inside the second connection portion 2b, and in the second connector 3, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the third connection portion 3a is formed inside the fourth connection portion 3b. Therefore, since the first connection portion 2a of the first connector 2 is formed inside the second connection portion 2b, it is protected against external impacts.

[0071] Also, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in the state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, the first connection portion 2a, the third connection portion 3a, the fourth connection portion 3b, and the second connection portion 2b are arranged in this order radially from the central axis C1. Therefore, the outermost periphery is covered by the second connection portion 2b. Thus, even when a shearing force is applied from the outer peripheral side, deformation or damage can be reduced, and poor contact can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, since the first connecting portion 2a, the third connecting portion 3a, and the fourth connecting portion 3b are formed inside the second connecting portion 2b, the radial dimension can be reduced as compared with the case where the first connecting portion 2a and the second connecting portion 2b, and the third connecting portion 3a and the fourth connecting portion 3b are formed separately.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, since the first convex portion 21, the second concave portion 31, and the second convex portion 32 are formed inside the first concave portion 22, the radial dimension can be reduced as compared with the case where the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31, and the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are formed separately. Also in the example shown in FIG. 10 and the like, since the third convex portion 71, the third concave portion 61, and the fourth convex portion 72 are formed inside the fourth concave portion 62, the radial dimension can be reduced as compared with the case where the third concave portion 61 and the third convex portion 71, and the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72 are formed separately.

[0074] In addition, since the first convex portion 21 of the first connector 2 is formed inside the first concave portion 22, it is protected against external impact. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in the state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction, in the radial direction from the central axis C1, the first convex portion 21, the second concave portion 31, the second convex portion 32, and the first concave portion 22 are arranged in this order, so the outermost periphery is covered by the first concave portion 22. Therefore, even when a shearing force is applied from the outer peripheral side, deformation or damage can be reduced, and poor contact can be reduced. The same applies to the example shown in FIG. 10 and the like. In the radial direction from the central axis C1, the third convex portion 71, the third concave portion 61, the fourth convex portion 72, and the fourth concave portion 62 are arranged in this order, so the outermost periphery is covered by the fourth concave portion 62.

[0075] Also, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the relative insertion process of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, after the insertion of the second connecting portion 2b and the fourth connecting portion 3b starts, the insertion of the first connecting portion 2a and the third connecting portion 3a starts. Therefore, the relative insertion of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, the occurrence of damage to the first connecting portion 2a during the insertion process can be reduced.

[0076] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, since the end portion of the first convex portion 21 is recessed more than the end portion of the first concave portion 22, it is protected against external impacts. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the relative insertion process of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, after the insertion of the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 starts, the insertion of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 starts, so that the insertion can be performed smoothly. In addition, the occurrence of damage to the first convex portion 21 during the insertion process can be reduced.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, since the first convex portion 21 is formed in an axial shape, when it is inserted into the second concave portion 31, if the center positions of the two are displaced, the first convex portion 21 may be damaged. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, since the second convex portion 32 has a cylindrical shape and thus has a certain rigidity, even if the center position is displaced when it is inserted into the first concave portion 22, the position can be adjusted without being damaged. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, by starting the insertion of the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 first, the center positions of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 are determined. Therefore, the damage to the first convex portion 21 can be reduced.

[0078] Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 11, since the third concave portion 61 has a cylindrical shape and thus has a certain rigidity, even if the center position is displaced when it is inserted into the third convex portion 71, the position can be adjusted without being damaged. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, by starting the insertion of the fourth concave portion 62 and the fourth convex portion 72 first, the center positions of the third concave portion 61 and the fourth concave portion 62 are determined. Therefore, the damage to the fourth convex portion 72 can be reduced.

[0079] <<Configurations Specific to Each Embodiment of the Connector 1 for Temperature Measuring Probe>> <Description of the Connector 1a for Temperature Measuring Probe of the First Embodiment> Next, the unique configurations of each embodiment of the connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described. Note that descriptions of overlapping parts already explained will be omitted. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the connector 1a for a temperature measurement probe according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 each have a cylindrical shape. The first convex portion 21 of the first connector 2 is formed of an axial member with a tapered shape at the tip end portion.

[0080] The first connector 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and the like, the support portion 6 is fixed to the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical first connector member 24, and the first convex portion 21 and the first concave portion 22 are fixed to the support portion 6. The first connector member 24 and the support portion 6 are formed of a heat-resistant insulating material. For example, they are formed of ceramics. A through hole 7 penetrating in the insertion and extraction direction is formed in the support portion 6. The outer periphery of the first concave portion 22 is attached to the first connector housing 25.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, the first convex portion 21 is formed by the first pole terminal 4a which is an integral member made of a conductive member. The first concave portion 22 is formed in an annular shape with a space inside so as to surround the first convex portion 21. The second pole terminal 5a is formed in an annular shape by a conductive member so as to cover the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first concave portion 22. The second pole terminal 5a is formed over the entire surface from the position close to the end portion 22b on the side of the second connector 3 to the support portion 6 in the insertion and extraction direction of the first connector 2. Note that the second pole terminal 5a does not necessarily need to be formed over the entire circumferential surface and may be divided into a plurality in the circumferential direction. As already explained, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a notch groove 10 may be formed in the second pole terminal 5a. Both the first pole terminal 4a and the second pole terminal 5a are formed of a conductive metal.

[0082] The first convex portion 21 penetrates above the support portion 6 in the illustrated insertion and extraction direction, and the first pole terminal 4a is connected to the compensation conductor 8. The second concave portion 31 is fixed to the end portion on the lower side in the illustrated insertion and extraction direction of the support portion 6. A part of the second pole terminal 5a is passed through the through hole 7 via the stop shaft 23, penetrates the support portion 6, and is connected to the compensation conductor 8.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the outer circumference of the first convex portion 21 and the inner circumference of the first concave portion 22 are on concentric circles centered on the central axis C1. The through holes 7 are formed at four locations at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction as an example, and the second pole terminal 5a is passed through one of them.

[0084] Next, the second connector 3 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a second convex portion 32 is formed by a columnar second connector member 34, and a second concave portion 31 that opens in a columnar shape is formed inside. The first pole terminal 4b is formed in an annular shape along the inner circumferential portion 31a of the second concave portion 31. The second pole terminal 5b is formed in an annular shape by a conductive member and is attached so as to cover the outer circumferential portion 32a of the second convex portion 32. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the second pole terminal 5b is formed so as to cover the end face of the second connector member 34 on the side of the first connector 2. A through hole 7 is formed in the second connector member 34 along the insertion and extraction direction. As in the example shown in FIG. 5, the through holes 7 are formed at four locations by dividing the circumferential direction into four parts. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the first pole terminal 4b passes through the second connector member 34 and protrudes downward in the illustrated insertion and extraction direction, and is connected to the thermocouple 9. A part of the second pole terminal 5b passes through the through hole 7 and passes through the second connector member 34, and is connected to the thermocouple 9. The second connector member 34 is attached to the second connector housing 35.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, the end portion 22b of the first concave portion 22 and the end portion 35a of the second connector housing 35 come into contact with each other, and the insertion is completed. Note that the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 may be provided with a locking mechanism or the like (not shown) to maintain the inserted state.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 3, as already described, in the range N1 where the first pole terminals 4 of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 face each other, and in the range N2 where the second pole terminals 5 of the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 face each other, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed where they overlap in parallel in the insertion and extraction direction. On the other hand, the example shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where the terminal overlapping section L2 is not formed. This is the case where the facing ranges between the first pole terminals 4a and 4b and between the second pole terminals 5a and 5b are narrow in the insertion and extraction direction. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 4, if the mutual insertion of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 is not completed, conduction does not occur between the first pole terminals 4a and 4b and between the second pole terminals 5a and 5b, so there is an effect of preventing a halfway insertion state.

[0087] Also, as already described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and / or the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction. The second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 and / or the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 are formed to be elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion and extraction direction.

[0088] In the case of FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the notch groove 10 is formed only in the second pole terminal 5a and is elastically deformable, and as shown in FIG. 6(b), the notch groove 10 is formed only in the first pole terminal 4b and is elastically deformable. Also, in the case of FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the notch groove 13 is formed only in the first pole terminal 4a and is elastically deformable, and as shown in FIG. 7(b), the notch groove 13 is formed only in the second pole terminal 5b and is elastically deformable. In the example shown in FIG. 7(b), the notch groove 13 is formed at two locations with the central axis C1 in between, but the number is arbitrary.

[0089] The examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example where the notch groove 10 is formed only in one of the first pole terminal 4a or the first pole terminal 4b and is elastically deformable, and the notch groove 10 is formed only in one of the second pole terminal 5a or the second pole terminal 5b and is elastically deformable, but the notch grooves 10 and 13 may be formed in both, and both may be elastically deformable.

[0090] <Configuration and Effects of Connector 1b for Temperature Measuring Probe of Second Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, connector 1b for a temperature measuring probe according to a first aspect of the present invention will be described. Only the configuration different from connector 1a for a temperature measuring probe of the first embodiment already described will be described. In connector 1b for a temperature measuring probe, the shape of second pole terminal 5a formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of first recess 22 and the shape of first pole terminal 4b formed on the inner peripheral portion 31a of second recess 31 are regular polygons. The example shown in FIG. 8 shows a regular octagon, but other regular polygons such as a regular hexagon may also be used.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the outer periphery of first pole terminal 4a formed on the outer peripheral portion 21a of first convex portion 21 overlaps with a circle centered on central axis C1, and the inner periphery of second pole terminal 5a formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of first recess 22 contacts a first virtual circle 11 that is a concentric circle centered on central axis C1. Further, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the inner periphery of first pole terminal 4b formed on the inner peripheral portion 31a of second recess 31 contacts a second virtual circle 12 centered on central axis C1, and the outer periphery of second pole terminal 5b formed on second convex portion 32 overlaps with a circle centered on central axis C1.

[0092] First connector 2 and second connector 3 are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about central axis C1. Therefore, since first connector 2 and second connector 3 are relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction about central axis C1, there is no need to worry about their circumferential positions when inserting them. Further, the circumferential positions of first connector 2 and second connector 3 can be changed after insertion.

[0093] First pole terminal 4a and first pole terminal 4b are in partial contact and electrically conductive. Similarly, second pole terminal 5a and second pole terminal 5b are in partial contact and electrically conductive. Therefore, when first connector 2 and second connector 3 are rotated relative to each other in the circumferential direction, the contact resistance is reduced and there is little resistance during rotation.

[0094] <Configuration and Effects of Connector 1c for Temperature Measuring Probe of Third Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the connector 1c for a temperature measurement probe according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will be described. Only the configuration different from the connector 1b for a temperature measurement probe of the second embodiment already described will be described. In the connector 1c for a temperature measurement probe, the outer shape of the second pole terminal 5b formed on the outer peripheral portion 32a of the second convex portion 32 is a regular polygon, and the second pole terminal 5a formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first concave portion 22 is a regular polygon into which the second convex portion 32 can be inserted. The example shown in FIG. 9 shows a regular octagon, but other regular polygons such as a regular hexagon may also be used.

[0095] When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31, and the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other. Different from the connector 1a for a temperature measurement probe and the connector 1b for a temperature measurement probe, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, they do not rotate in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the inserted state is stably maintained. Note that when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, the circumferential position is not uniquely determined, and they can be inserted according to the polygonal shape.

[0096] <Configuration and Effect of Connector 1d for Temperature Measurement Probe of Fourth Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the connector 1d for a temperature measurement probe according to the fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will be described. The connector 1d for a temperature measurement probe has a different combination of convex and concave portions compared to the connector 1a to the connector 1c for a temperature measurement probe. In the connector 1a etc. for a temperature measurement probe, the first connector 2 includes the first convex portion 21 and the first concave portion 22, and the second connector 3 includes the second concave portion 31 and the second convex portion 32. That is, both the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 include a convex portion and a concave portion. On the other hand, in the connector 1d for a temperature measurement probe, the first connector 2 includes the third concave portion 61 and the fourth concave portion 62, and the second connector 3 includes the third convex portion 71 and the fourth convex portion 72. That is, the first connector 2 includes two concave portions, and the second connector 3 includes two convex portions. As described above, it has a configuration different from that of the connector 1a to the connector 1c for a temperature measurement probe, but the effects achieved are the same.

[0097] <Configuration of the Connector 1e for the Temperature Measuring Probe of the Fifth Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, the connector 1e for the temperature measuring probe of the fifth embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described. Different from the connectors 1a to 1d for the temperature measuring probe, in the connector 1e for the temperature measuring probe, the first convex portion 21 and the first concave portion 22, and the second concave portion 31 and the second convex portion 32 are formed in parallel in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction.

[0098] With reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, the configurations of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 of the connector 1e for the temperature measuring probe will be described. As shown in FIG. 16(a), the cross section of the first connector 2 perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction is substantially elliptical, and the outer contour is covered with the first connector housing 25. The first convex portion 21 and the first concave portion 22 are formed side by side in the direction perpendicular to the insertion and extraction direction. As shown in FIG. 14(a), the tip of the first convex portion 21 is located at a position recessed more than the end portion 22b of the first concave portion 22 which is also the end portion of the first connector housing 25. A part of the first connector member 24 supports the first convex portion 21, and a part of the first concave portion 22 is formed at the center of the cylindrical portion 26 as shown in FIG. 16(a). The first pole terminal 4a is formed on the first convex portion 21, and the second pole terminal 5a is formed on the inner peripheral portion 22a of the first concave portion 22. Both the first pole terminal 4a of the first convex portion 21 and the second pole terminal 5a of the first concave portion 22 penetrate the first connector member 24 and are connected to the compensation conductor 8.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 16(b), the second connector 3 has a cross-sectional shape similar to that of the first connector housing 25 for the second connector housing 35. As shown in Fig. 14, the second connector 3 is partially symmetric with the first connector 2. The first concave portion 22 and the cylindrical portion 26, and the second concave portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 36 have a shape that coincides with each other when the left-right direction in the figure is reversed with respect to the central axis C2 extending in the insertion / removal direction. Further, the first connector 2 shown in Fig. 16(a) and the second connector 3 shown in Fig. 16(b) are in a point-symmetric relationship with respect to the central axis C2. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, both the first pole terminal 4b of the second concave portion 31 and the second pole terminal 5b of the second convex portion 32 penetrate the second connector member 34 and are connected to the thermocouple 9. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, the end portion 22b of the first concave portion 22 contacts the end portion 35a of the second connector housing 35.

[0100] Next, with reference to Fig. 15, a state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other will be described. In the insertion / removal direction, an insertion overlapping section L1 is formed in which the range where the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 are inserted into each other and the range where the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are inserted into each other overlap in parallel. Also, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which the range N1 where the first pole terminals 4 of the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31 face each other and the range N2 where the second pole terminals 5 of the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 face each other overlap in parallel in the insertion / removal direction. These are the same as those from the temperature measurement probe connector 1a of the first embodiment to the temperature measurement probe connector 1d of the fourth embodiment.

[0101] <Effect of the Temperature Measurement Probe Connector 1e of the Fifth Embodiment> According to the configuration of the temperature measurement probe connector 1e of the fifth embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained. In the temperature measurement probe connector 1e, the first convex portion 21 and the second concave portion 31, and the first concave portion 22 and the second convex portion 32 are arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 16, a cross-sectional shape with a reduced size in the vertical direction in the figure can be obtained. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, relative rotation between them is prevented and the inserted state is maintained.

[0102] Also, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the first connector member 24 and the second connector member 34 can be formed in the same shape, and the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 32, the first concave portion 22 and the second concave portion 31 can be formed in the same shape. Further, the first pole terminal 4a and the second pole terminal 5b, the second pole terminal 5a and the first pole terminal 4b can be formed in the same shape. Therefore, the main components can be shared between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, and the component management cost can be reduced.

[0103] <Configuration of Temperature Measuring Probe 40> Next, with reference to FIG. 17 and the like, the temperature measuring probe 40 according to the second aspect of the present invention will be described. The temperature measuring probe 40 is used for measuring the temperature of molten metal. The temperature measuring probe 40 includes a temperature measuring probe connector 1 that is removably connected between a compensating wire 8 and a thermocouple 9 connected to a temperature measuring device. The temperature measuring probe connector 1 includes a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 that are removably insertable into each other in the insertion and extraction direction, as shown in FIGS. 1 and the like described above. The first connector 2 includes a first connection portion 2a and a second connection portion 2b that extend along the insertion and extraction direction. The second connector 3 includes a third connection portion 3a and a fourth connection portion 3b that extend along the insertion and extraction direction. One of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b is formed in a convex shape, and the other is formed in a concave shape. One of the positive pole and the negative pole is defined as the first pole, and the other is defined as the second pole. A first pole terminal 4 is formed on the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a. A second pole terminal 5 is formed on the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b.

[0104] When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first connection part 2a and the third connection part 3a are inserted into each other, and the second connection part 2b and the fourth connection part 3b are inserted into each other. The first pole terminals 4 of the first connection part 2a and the third connection part 3a come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second pole terminals 5 of the second connection part 2b and the fourth connection part 3b come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. In the insertion and extraction direction, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which the range where the first pole terminals 4 of the first connection part 2a and the third connection part 3a face each other and the range where the second pole terminals 5 of the second connection part 2b and the fourth connection part 3b face each other overlap in parallel. Since the detailed configuration overlaps with the content described for the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe, it is omitted.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 17, the temperature measurement probe 40 includes a connector 1 for a temperature measurement probe, a connector cover 30, an upper housing 50, and a refrigerant delivery device 48 that is directly or indirectly connected to the upper housing 50. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the temperature measurement probe 40 using the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe is attached to the molten metal container 42. Note that the description of the configuration in which the temperature measurement probe 40 is attached to the molten metal container 42 is omitted.

[0106] Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the cooling of the temperature measurement probe 40 will be described. The hose 46 includes a cooling pipe 43 through which a cooling gas, which is the refrigerant 52, passes. The hose connection part 47 is connected to a part of the outer periphery of the upper housing 50. The connector cover 30 is provided with a discharge port 44 for discharging the cooling gas at a position close to a flange 49 for attaching the temperature measurement probe 40 to the molten metal container 42.

[0107] <Effects due to the configuration of the temperature measurement probe 40> According to the temperature measuring probe 40 according to the second aspect of the present invention described above, the following effects are achieved. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are relatively inserted, the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b are inserted into each other. The first pole terminals 4 of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state, and the second pole terminals 5 of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, two insertion states are formed by the convex portion and the concave portion. Therefore, when a shearing force is applied to the temperature measuring probe connector 1, the generation of stress can be dispersed, so deformation is suppressed and poor contact can be reduced. Further, since the first pole terminal 4 is formed on the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a, and the second pole terminal 5 is formed on the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b, the first pole terminal 4 and the second pole terminal 5 are separated from each other during the insertion and extraction process, and their mutual contact is prevented.

[0108] Furthermore, in a state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted into each other, a terminal overlapping section L2 is formed in which a range N1 where the respective first pole terminals 4 of the first connection portion 2a and the third connection portion 3a face each other and a range N2 where the respective second pole terminals 5 of the second connection portion 2b and the fourth connection portion 3b face each other overlap in parallel with respect to the insertion and extraction direction. Therefore, the temperature measuring probe connector 1 can maintain a constant length of the facing length between the mutual first pole terminals 4 and the facing length between the mutual second pole terminals 5, stabilize the contact state, and reduce poor contact. Further, the dimensions of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 in the insertion and extraction direction can be shortened. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 and FIGS. 14 to 16, the first connection portion 2a is the first convex portion 21, the second connection portion 2b is the first concave portion 22, the third connection portion 3a is the second concave portion 31, and the fourth connection portion 3b is the second convex portion 32. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the first connection portion 2a is the third concave portion 61, the second connection portion 2b is the fourth concave portion 62, the third connection portion 3a is the third convex portion 71, and the fourth connection portion 3b is the fourth convex portion 72.

[0109] In addition, since the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe is formed with through holes 7 that penetrate the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 respectively, the refrigerant 52 sent out from the refrigerant delivery device 48 can pass through the inside of the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe and discharge the cooling gas from the discharge port 44 to a position close to the flange 49. Therefore, the inside of the connector 1 for the temperature measurement probe and the flange 49 can be cooled.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0110] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Connector for temperature measurement probe 2 First connector 2a First connection part 2b Second connection part 3 Second connector 3a Third connection part 3b Fourth connection part 4, 4a, 4b First pole terminal 5, 5a, 5b Second pole terminal 6 Support part 7 Through hole 8 Compensation conductor 9 Thermocouple 10 Notch groove 11 First virtual circle 12 Second virtual circle 21 First convex part 21a Outer peripheral part 22 First concave part 22a Inner peripheral part 31 Second concave part 31a Inner peripheral part 32 Second convex part 32a Outer peripheral part 40 Temperature measurement probe 61 Third concave part 61a Inner peripheral part 62 Fourth concave part 62a Inner peripheral part 71 Third convex part 71a Outer peripheral part 72 Fourth convex part 72a Outer peripheral part C1, C2 Central axis L2 Terminal overlapping section N1, N2 Range

Claims

1. A connector for a temperature probe used to measure the temperature of molten metal, a first connector and a second connector which are insertable and removable from each other in an insertion / removal direction; the first connector includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion extending along the insertion / removal direction, the second connector includes a third connection portion and a fourth connection portion extending along the insertion / removal direction, One of the first connection portion and the third connection portion is formed in a convex shape and the other is formed in a concave shape, One of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion is formed in a convex shape and the other is formed in a concave shape, One of the positive and negative poles is designated as a first pole, and the other is designated as a second pole, A first electrode terminal is formed on the first connection portion and the third connection portion, A second pole terminal is formed on the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion, When the first connector and the second connector are inserted relative to each other, the first connection portion and the third connection portion are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion are inserted into each other, The first electrode terminals of the first connection portion and the third connection portion come into contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other, A connector for a temperature probe in which the second pole terminals of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion are in contact with each other and are capable of electrical continuity.

2. The temperature probe connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector each have a through hole formed along the insertion / removal direction.

3. a central axis in the first connection portion, the central axis being an axis that extends in the insertion / removal direction and passes through a center of a vertical cross section in the insertion / removal direction; and a central axis in the third connection portion, the central axis being an axis that extends in the insertion / removal direction and passes through a center of a vertical cross section in the insertion / removal direction; the first electrode terminal formed on the first connection portion and the second electrode terminal formed on the second connection portion overlap with a concentric circle centered on the central axis or are in contact with a first imaginary circle of the concentric circles; the first electrode terminal formed at the third connection portion and the second electrode terminal formed at the fourth connection portion overlap with a concentric circle centered on the central axis or contact a second imaginary circle of the concentric circles, The temperature probe connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are rotatable relative to each other in a circumferential direction about the central axis.

4. When the first connector and the second connector are inserted relative to each other, 2. A connector for a temperature probe as described in claim 1, wherein a terminal overlap section is formed in which the range in which the first pole terminals of the first connection portion and the third connection portion face each other and the range in which the second pole terminals of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion face each other overlap in parallel in the insertion / removal direction.

5. In the first connector, the first connection portion is a first protruding portion, and the first electrode terminal is formed on an outer periphery of the first protruding portion; the second connection portion is a first recess, and the second pole terminal is formed on an inner periphery of the first recess; In the second connector, the third connection portion is a second recess, and the first electrode terminal is formed on an inner periphery of the second recess; the fourth connection portion is a second protruding portion, and the second pole terminal is formed on an outer periphery of the second protruding portion; When the first connector and the second connector are inserted relative to each other, The first convex portion and the second concave portion are inserted into each other, and the first concave portion and the second convex portion are inserted into each other, The first electrode terminals of the first convex portion and the second concave portion come into contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other, 5. The temperature probe connector according to claim 1, wherein the second pole terminals of the first recess and the second protrusion are in contact with each other to be electrically connected.

6. In the first connector, the first connection portion is a third recess, and the first electrode terminal is formed on an inner periphery of the third recess; the second connection portion is a fourth recess, and the second pole terminal is formed on an inner periphery of the fourth recess; In the second connector, the third connection portion is a third protrusion, and the first electrode terminal is formed on an outer periphery of the third protrusion, the fourth connection portion is a fourth protruding portion, and the second pole terminal is formed on an outer periphery of the fourth protruding portion, When the first connector and the second connector are inserted relative to each other, the third recess and the third protrusion are inserted into each other, and the fourth recess and the fourth protrusion are inserted into each other, The first electrode terminals of the third recess and the third protrusion come into contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other, 5. The temperature probe connector according to claim 1, wherein the second pole terminals of the fourth recess and the fourth protrusion are in contact with each other to be electrically conductive.

7. A temperature probe for measuring the temperature of a molten metal, a temperature probe connector for removably connecting a compensation lead wire connected to a temperature measuring device and a thermocouple; The temperature probe connector comprises: a first connector and a second connector which are insertable and removable from each other in an insertion / removal direction; the first connector includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion extending along the insertion / removal direction, the second connector includes a third connection portion and a fourth connection portion extending along the insertion / removal direction, One of the first connection portion and the third connection portion is formed in a convex shape and the other is formed in a concave shape, One of the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion is formed in a convex shape and the other is formed in a concave shape, One of the positive and negative poles is designated as a first pole, and the other is designated as a second pole, A first electrode terminal is formed on the first connection portion and the third connection portion, A second pole terminal is formed on the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion, When the first connector and the second connector are inserted relative to each other, the first connection portion and the third connection portion are inserted into each other, and the second connection portion and the fourth connection portion are inserted into each other, The first electrode terminals of the first connection portion and the third connection portion come into contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other, A temperature measuring probe in which the second pole terminal of the second connection portion and the second pole terminal of the fourth connection portion are in contact with each other and are capable of electrical continuity.

Images