connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that enables improved heat dissipation. [Solution] The connector of one embodiment comprises a housing, a fixing bracket held in the housing, a terminal fitting fixed to the fixing bracket so as to protrude from the fixing bracket to the first side in the first direction, a conductive component disposed inside the housing and held between the fixing bracket and the terminal fitting in the first direction and electrically connected to the terminal fitting, a metallic heat dissipation part disposed outside the housing, a metallic first heat transfer part formed of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing and held inside the housing together with the conductive component between the fixing bracket and the terminal fitting, and a second heat transfer part having electrical insulation properties, provided in the housing, and transferring heat from the first heat transfer part to the heat dissipation part by contacting the first heat transfer part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Connectors are used to connect electrical wirings to each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a connector, improvement in heat dissipation is expected.

[0005] One embodiment provides a connector capable of improving heat dissipation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment includes a housing, a fixing bracket held by the housing, a terminal bracket fixed to the fixing bracket in a state of protruding from a first side in a first direction, a conductive component disposed inside the housing and held between the fixing bracket and the terminal bracket in the first direction and electrically connected to the terminal bracket, a metal heat dissipation part disposed outside the housing, a metal first heat transfer part formed of a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing and held between the fixing bracket and the terminal bracket together with the conductive component inside the housing, and a second heat transfer part having electrical insulation and provided on the housing for transferring heat from the first heat transfer part to the heat dissipation part by contacting the first heat transfer part.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, a connector capable of improving heat dissipation can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment, viewed from the +X direction. [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to a second embodiment, corresponding to Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a modified example of the connector of the second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to a third embodiment, corresponding to Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a first example of a connector according to the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3. [Figure 8] This is a second example of the connector according to the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Note that the specific components described below do not limit the scope of application of the embodiments.

[0010] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: “Connection” may include electrical connections, not just mechanical ones. That is, “Connection” may include cases where two elements to be connected are connected with another element in between, not just directly connected. “Accommodation” may include cases where only a part of a part is accommodated, not just the entire part. “Facing” means that the virtual projections of two objects overlap when viewed from a particular direction. That is, “Facing” may include cases where two objects face each other with another member present between them, not just directly facing each other. “Parallel,” “orthogonal,” or “same” may include cases where they are “approximately parallel,” “approximately orthogonal,” or “approximately the same,” respectively.

[0011] In this disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows: The +X direction is the direction in which the second shielding member 12 and the housing unit 10 are aligned in order in the connector 1 (see Figures 1 and 2). The -X direction is the opposite direction of the +X direction. When the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is the direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction in which the +Y direction is from one terminal fitting 15 to the other terminal fitting 15 in the connector 1 (see Figure 1). The -Y direction is the opposite direction of the +Y direction. When the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The Z direction is the direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction in which the wire holding portion 32 and the housing body 31 are aligned in order in the housing unit 10 (see Figure 2). The -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction. When the +Z and -Z directions are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction". Furthermore, in the following, in the X, Y, and Z directions, the direction approaching the center of connector 1 is referred to as "inward," and the direction moving away from the center of connector 1 is referred to as "outward."

[0012] The X direction is an example of the "first direction". The +X direction is an example of the "first side of the first direction". In the following, the Z direction may be referred to as the "up and down direction." Furthermore, the +Z direction may be described as "upward," and the -Z direction as "downward." However, these expressions are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the direction of gravity of connector 1 (the installation orientation of connector 1).

[0013] [First Embodiment] <1. Connector 1> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector 1 of the first embodiment, viewed from the +X direction. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector 1 of the first embodiment is installed in vehicles such as EVs (Electric Vehicles), HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). Connector 1 is a so-called high-voltage connector through which a current of 100V or more flows. Connector 1 is detachably connected to a mating connector (not shown). The electrical wiring (hereinafter simply referred to as wire 2) electrically connected to connector 1 and the mating wire electrically connected to the mating connector are electrically connected to each other via connector 1 and the mating connector. In this embodiment, connector 1 corresponds to two electrodes and is connected to two wires 2. However, connector 1 may correspond to one electrode, or to three or more electrodes.

[0014] Connector 1 comprises a housing unit 10, a first shielding member 11, a second shielding member 12 (heat dissipation part), a holder 13, a busbar 14 (conductive part), a terminal fitting 15, a first heat transfer part 16, a second heat transfer part 17, and a third heat transfer part 18.

[0015] <2. Housing Unit 10> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing unit 10 holds the bus bar 14, the terminal fitting 15, and the first heat transfer part 16. The housing unit 10 includes a housing 21 and a fixing fitting 22. The housing 21, the fixing fitting 22, and the second heat transfer part 17 described later are integrally formed by insert molding or the like. However, if the fixing fitting 22 and the second heat transfer part 17 are held by the housing 21, the forming method of the housing unit 10 is not limited to insert molding.

[0016] The housing 21 is formed of a material having electrical insulation properties (e.g., a synthetic resin material). The housing 21 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the Y direction. The housing 21 includes a housing body 31, a wire holding part 32, two fixing parts 33, and a connector part 34.

[0017] The housing body 31 is located between the wire holding part 32 and the connector part 34. The housing body 31 includes a base part 31a and two fitting holding parts 31b. The base part 31a is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the Z direction. The two fitting holding parts 31b are provided side by side in the Y direction on the base part 31a. Each fitting holding part 31b is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. Each fitting holding part 31b is continuous with the base part 31a in a state where a part thereof protrudes upward from the base part 31a.

[0018] The wire holding part 32 extends downward from the housing body 31. Two wire holding holes 32a are formed in the wire holding part 32. Each wire holding hole 32a extends over the entire length in the Z direction of the wire holding part 32 in a state of being arranged side by side in the Y direction. The first side ends of the wires 2 can be respectively inserted into the wire holding holes 32a from below. As shown in FIG. 3, the wire 2 includes, for example, a metal core wire 2a and an insulating coating 2b that covers the core wire 2a. The second side ends of the wires 2 are connected to an electrical load (not shown) after being drawn out from the wire holding holes 32a to the outside of the connector 1.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing portion 33 is the part that fixes the shield members 11 and 12 to the housing unit 10. Each fixing portion 33 protrudes outward in the Y direction at the upper end of the wire holding portion 32.

[0020] The connector section 34 houses the terminal fittings 15 and is mechanically connected to the mating connector. The connector section 34 extends from the housing body 31 in the +X direction. The connector section 34 comprises a mating section 34a and two terminal housing sections 34b. The fitting portion 34a is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. The fitting portion 34a is an example of an "opening". The fitting portion 34a is formed as an oval shape with the Y direction as its long axis when viewed from the X direction. A packing 30 is fitted into the cylindrical fitting portion 34a.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the terminal housing portion 34b is positioned to overlap with the metal fitting holder portion 31b when viewed from the X direction. The terminal housing portion 34b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the corresponding metal fitting holder portion 31b. The two terminal housing portions 34b are provided side by side in the Y direction inside the fitting portion 34a. As shown in Figure 3, each terminal housing portion 34b penetrates the bottom wall of the fitting portion 34a located on the -X direction side. The -X direction end of the terminal housing portion 34b is connected to the +X direction end of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b. The -X direction end of each terminal housing portion 34b overlaps with the corresponding wire holding hole 32a when viewed from the Z direction. A communication hole 40 is formed in the portion of each terminal housing portion 34b that overlaps with the corresponding wire holding hole 32a when viewed from the Z direction. The communication hole 40 connects the inside of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b and the wire holding holes 32a to each other. Each communication hole 40 is located apart from each other in the Y direction. Each communication hole 40 penetrates the terminal housing portion 34b and the base portion 31a in the Z direction. However, each communication hole 40 may communicate with each other if the busbars 14 are arranged apart from each other.

[0022] The fixing bracket 22 holds the terminal fitting 15. Two fixing brackets 22 are provided, corresponding to the electric wire 2 (see Figure 1 in particular). The fixing bracket 22 is, for example, a cap nut. The fixing bracket 22 is formed from a metal material or the like in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. Examples of metal materials that form the fixing bracket 22 include SUS (Steel Use Stainless). A female threaded portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing bracket 22. The fixing bracket 22 may also be a cylindrical shape that penetrates in the X direction.

[0023] The fixing brackets 22 are insert-molded into the housing 21, so that one is embedded in each bracket holding portion 31b. The portion of the fixing bracket 22 located in the -X direction relative to the communication hole 40 is open within the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b. The fixing brackets 22 may also be fixed to the housing 21 by post-processing, such as press-fitting.

[0024] <3. First shield member 11> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first shielding member 11 is a member that performs the function of shielding electromagnetic noise. The first shielding member 11 is made of a material that can shield electromagnetic noise and has better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and the fixing bracket 22. The first shielding member 11 comprises a cylindrical portion 51, an overhanging portion 52, and two fixing arm portions 53. The cylindrical portion 51 is formed to be slightly larger than the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the Z direction. The wire holding portion 32 penetrates the cylindrical portion 51 in the Z direction.

[0025] The protruding portion 52 extends outward from the upper edge of the cylindrical portion 51 when viewed from the Z direction. The fixed arms 53 protrude upward from both ends of the overhang 52 in the Y direction. Each fixed arm 53 is superimposed on each of the corresponding fixed parts 33 from the -X direction.

[0026] <4. Second shield member 12> The second shielding member 12 is a member that performs the function of shielding electromagnetic noise. The second shielding member 12 is formed of the same material as the first shielding member 11, for example. The second shielding member 12 comprises a shield body 55 and two mounting flanges 56.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the shield body 55 is formed in a box shape that opens in both the +X and -Z directions. The shield body 55 covers a portion of the housing unit 10. In the illustrated example, the shield body 55 covers the portion of the housing unit 10 from both the +Z, -X, and Y directions, specifically the -X end of the connector portion 34, the entire housing body 31, and the upper end of the wire holding portion 32. Specifically, the shield body 55 comprises an end wall 55a, a top wall 55b, and two side walls 55c.

[0028] The end wall 55a overlaps the entire housing body 31 and the upper end of the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the X direction. A protrusion 57 is formed on the portion of the end wall 55a facing the second heat transfer portion 17, which will be described later, and protrudes toward the second heat transfer portion 17 (in the +X direction). The protrusion 57 is formed to be thicker in the X direction compared to other parts of the end wall 55a. The tip of the protrusion 57 facing the second heat transfer portion 17 is a flat surface that intersects in the X direction.

[0029] The top wall 55b extends in the +X direction from the upper edge of the end wall 55a. The top wall 55b overlaps the -X end of the connector section 34 and the entire housing body 31 when viewed from the Z direction. The side wall 55c extends in the +X direction from both ends of the end wall 55a in the Y direction and connects to the top wall 55b at its upper end. The side wall 55c overlaps with the -X end of the connector portion 34, the entire housing body 31, and the portion leading to the upper end of the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the Y direction. The lower end of the side wall 55c faces the protruding portion 52 in the Z direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the opening of the shield body 55, for example, facing in the +X direction, functions as an entry opening 55d for allowing the housing unit 10 to enter the shield body 55. That is, the housing unit 10 is housed in the shield body 55 through the entry opening 55d with the second shield member 12 facing in the X direction. The lower end opening of the shield body 55 facing in the -Z direction may also be used as an entry opening.

[0031] At the lower end of each side wall 55c, a housing portion 55e is formed in the portion facing the corresponding fixing portion 33 in the X direction. The housing portion 55e can accommodate at least a part of the fixing portion 33. Of the inner surface of the housing portion 55e, the portion facing the fixing portion 33 in the X direction functions as a mounting base 55f. The mounting base 55f supports the fixing portion 33 from the -X direction with the fixing arm portion 53 sandwiched between the mounting base 55f and the fixing portion 33. The fixing portion 33 and the fixing arm portion 53 are fastened to the mounting base 55f by fastening members such as screws. With this configuration, the housing unit 10 and the first shield member 11 are fixed to the second shield member 12.

[0032] Each mounting flange 56 protrudes outward in the Y direction from the +X direction end of each side wall 55c. Each mounting flange 56 is the part that fastens the connector 1 and the mating connector by a fastening member when the connector 1 is attached to the mating connector.

[0033] <5. Holder 13> As shown in Figure 3, the holder 13 positions the electric wire 2 relative to the housing unit 10. The holder 13 is detachably attached to the electric wire holding portion 32. The holder 13 comprises two electric wire guides 61, a connecting flange 62, and an engaging portion 63. Each wire guide 61 is cylindrical and positioned coaxially with its corresponding wire holding hole 32a. Each wire guide 61 is fitted into its corresponding wire holding hole 32a from below. The corresponding wire 2 passes through each wire guide 61 in the Z direction.

[0034] The connecting flange 62 connects the lower edges of the two wire guides 61 below the housing unit 10. The engaging portion 63 extends upward in a cantilevered manner from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting flange 62. The engaging portion 63 is hooked onto the outer peripheral surface of the wire holding portion 32. Multiple engaging portions 63 are provided at intervals along the outer peripheral edge of the connecting flange 62.

[0035] <6. Busbar 14> Two busbars 14 are provided, corresponding to the power lines 2. Both busbars 14 have the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the busbars 14 will be explained below using one of the busbars 14 as an example.

[0036] The busbar 14 is for connecting the terminal fitting 15 to the electric wire 2. The busbar 14 is formed in a plate shape with the plate thickness direction in the X direction and extends in the Z direction. The busbar 14 has a terminal connection portion 14a that connects to the terminal fitting 15. The terminal connection portion 14a is located at the upper end of the busbar 14. The busbar 14 is arranged across the inside of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b and between the electric wire holding holes 32a through the communication hole 40. The lower end of the busbar 14 is connected to the core wire 2a within the electric wire holding hole 32a. With this configuration, the electric wire 2 and the busbar 14 are electrically connected. The busbar 14, together with the core wire 2a, is an example of a "conductive component". The busbar 14 is joined to the core wire 2a overlapping from the +X direction.

[0037] The terminal connection portion 14a (upper end) of the busbar 14 overlaps with the fixing bracket 22 when viewed from the X direction within the terminal housing portion 34b. A through hole 14b is formed in the terminal connection portion 14a, which penetrates the busbar 14 in the X direction.

[0038] <7. Terminal fittings 15> The terminal fitting 15 is the part that electrically connects the mating connector and the busbar 14. Two terminal fittings 15 are provided, corresponding to the busbar 14. Both terminal fittings 15 have the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the terminal fitting 15 will be explained below using one of the terminal fittings 15 as an example.

[0039] The terminal fitting 15 is positioned across the corresponding fitting holder portion 31b and terminal housing portion 34b. The terminal fitting 15 comprises a rod-shaped portion 15a and a stop portion 15b. The rod-shaped portion 15a is positioned coaxially with the fixing bracket 22. A male threaded portion is formed at the -X end of the rod-shaped portion 15a. The -X end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is inserted into the fixing bracket 22 through the through hole 14b of the busbar 14. The -X end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is detachably fastened to the fixing bracket 22 via the male and female threaded portions. With this configuration, the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing bracket 22 with the rod-shaped portion 15 protruding from the fixing bracket 22 in the +X direction. The +X end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is housed in the terminal housing portion 34b. That is, the +X end of the terminal fitting 15 is exposed to the outside of the connector 1 through the +X opening in the terminal housing portion 34b.

[0040] The abutment portion 15b extends outward from the rod-shaped portion 15a from the middle portion in the X direction. When the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing fitting 22, the abutment portion 15b holds the busbar 14 between itself and the fixing fitting 22. With this configuration, the terminal fitting 15 is electrically connected to the busbar 14.

[0041] <8. First heat transfer section 16> Two first heat transfer sections 16 are provided, corresponding to the busbar 14. Each first heat transfer section 16 has the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the first heat transfer section 16 will be described below using one of the first heat transfer sections 16 as an example. The first heat transfer section 16 is held inside the housing 21 together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal bracket 15. The first heat transfer section 16 thermally connects the terminal bracket 15 and the second heat transfer section 17. The first heat transfer section 16 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material forming the housing 21. Examples of such materials include metallic materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, SUS, etc.).

[0042] The first heat transfer section 16 has a held portion 71 that is held together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal bracket 15, a contact portion 72 that contacts the second heat transfer section 17 at a position away from the held portion 71, and a spring portion 73 that extends from the held portion 71 to the contact portion 72 and is elastically deformable. By elastically deforming, the spring portion 73 presses the contact portion 72 against the second heat transfer section 17 with the elastic force of the spring portion 73. In this embodiment, the first heat transfer section 16 is a single component including the held portion 71, the contact portion 72, and the spring portion 73.

[0043] The retained portion 71 is formed in a plate shape with the plate thickness direction in the X direction, and overlaps with the terminal connection portion 14a of the busbar 14 in the X direction. Specifically, the retained portion 71 overlaps with the -X direction surface of the terminal connection portion 14a. The retained portion 71 extends in the Z direction, similar to the busbar 14, and is positioned inside the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b and across the communication hole 40. The lower end of the retained portion 71 may reach the wire holding hole 32a as illustrated in Figure 3, but it does not have to reach the wire holding hole 32a, for example. The retained portion 71 has a through hole 71a that penetrates the retained portion 71 in the X direction. Similar to the through hole 14b of the bus bar 14, the rod-shaped portion 15a of the terminal fitting 15 is passed through the through hole 71a of the retained portion 71. With this configuration, the retained portion 71 can be held together with the bus bar 14 between the fixing fitting 22 and the terminal fitting 15.

[0044] The contact portion 72 is positioned at a distance below (in the -Z direction) from the held portion 71. The contact portion 72 is located inside the wire holding hole 32a. It contacts the second heat transfer portion 17 embedded in the wire holding portion 32. The contact portion 72 makes surface contact with the second heat transfer portion 17. Specifically, the contact portion 72 is positioned offset in the -X direction relative to the held portion 71. The contact portion 72 contacts the second heat transfer portion 17 embedded in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a located in the -X direction.

[0045] The spring portion 73 is a leaf spring that can change the distance between the held portion 71 and the contact portion 72 in the X direction by elastically bending and deforming. When the spring portion 73 is not elastically deformed, the distance between the held portion 71 and the contact portion 72 in the X direction is greater than the distance between the second heat transfer portion 17 and the +X end of the fixing bracket 22 in the X direction. With this configuration, the contact portion 72 is pressed against the second heat transfer portion 17 by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring portion 73.

[0046] <9. Second heat transfer section 17> The second heat transfer section 17 is provided in the housing 21. The second heat transfer section 17 thermally connects the first heat transfer section 16 and the second shield member 12 (heat dissipation section). In other words, by contacting the first heat transfer section 16, the second heat transfer section 17 transfers heat from the first heat transfer section 16 to the second shield member 12. The second heat transfer section 17 is made of an electrically insulating material and electrically insulates the metal first heat transfer section 16 and the second shield member 12. Examples of such materials include thermally conductive resin materials and mixed materials in which a thermally conductive heat transfer element is mixed with a resin base material.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second heat transfer section 17 is integrally fixed to the wire holding section 32 of the housing 21 by insert molding. The second heat transfer section 17 is exposed both inside and outside the wire holding section 32. Specifically, the second heat transfer section 17 is embedded in a portion of the wire holding section 32 that includes the region located in the -X direction on the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a. The second heat transfer section 17 embedded in the wire holding section 32 faces a protrusion 57 formed on the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 in the X direction.

[0048] In Figure 3, the outer surface of the second heat transfer section 17 facing the second shield member 12 is flush with the outer surface of the wire holding section 32. Also, the inner surface of the second heat transfer section 17 facing inward towards the wire holding section 32 is flush with the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a. However, the outer surface of the second heat transfer section 17 may bulge outward from the outer surface of the wire holding section 32, or it may be recessed relative to the outer surface of the wire holding section 32. Similarly, the inner surface of the second heat transfer section 17 may bulge outward from the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a, or it may be recessed relative to the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a.

[0049] <10. Third heat transfer section 18> The third heat transfer section 18 is flexible and is sandwiched between the second heat transfer section 17 and the protrusion 57 of the second shield member 12. By being sandwiched between the second heat transfer section 17 and the protrusion 57 of the second shield member 12, the third heat transfer section 18 transfers heat from the second heat transfer section 17 to the second shield member 12. When viewed from the X direction, it is preferable that the size of the third heat transfer section 18 is larger than that of the second heat transfer section 17. With this configuration, heat can be efficiently transferred from the second heat transfer section 17 to the second shield member 12.

[0050] <11. Effects> The connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is a location where a large amount of Joule heat is generated during current flow due to the high contact resistance. However, the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is isolated from the outside of the connector 1 by being covered by the housing unit 10. Therefore, it is important to ensure a heat dissipation path from the aforementioned connection point to the outside of the connector 1.

[0051] Therefore, the connector 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 21, a fixing bracket 22 held in the housing 21, a terminal fitting 15 fixed to the fixing bracket 22 in a state where it protrudes from the fixing bracket 22 in the +X direction (first side of the first direction), a bus bar 14 (conductive component) arranged inside the housing 21 and held between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15 in the X direction, and electrically connected to the terminal fitting 15, a second metal shielding member 12 (heat dissipation part) arranged outside the housing 21, a first metal heat transfer part 16 formed of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and held inside the housing 21 together with the bus bar 14 between the fixing bracket and the terminal fitting, and a second heat transfer part 17 which has electrical insulation properties, is provided in the housing 21 and contacts the first heat transfer part 16 to transfer heat from the first heat transfer part 16 to the second shielding member 12.

[0052] With this configuration, simply by holding the first heat transfer unit 16 together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15, heat from the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 can be efficiently transferred to the first heat transfer unit 16. The heat transferred to the first heat transfer unit 16 is then transferred to the second shield member 12 via the second heat transfer unit 17. In this way, the heat from the connection point can be efficiently dissipated to the outside of the housing 21. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of the connector 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the electrical insulation properties of the second heat transfer section 17 prevent the terminal fitting 15 and the second shielding member 12 from being electrically connected via the first heat transfer section 16.

[0053] The busbar 14 and the held portion 71 of the first heat transfer section 16 are each formed in a plate shape with the X direction as the plate thickness direction, and they overlap in the X direction. This configuration ensures that the contact area between the busbar 14 and the first heat transfer section 16 is increased, allowing the heat at the connection point to be transferred to the first heat transfer section 16 more efficiently. Furthermore, by arranging the first heat transfer unit 16 on top of the busbar 14 in the X direction, the heat capacity in the heat dissipation path from the connection point to the second shield member 12 via the first heat transfer unit 16 and the second heat transfer unit 17 can be increased. Therefore, the temperature rise at the connection point during energization can be effectively suppressed.

[0054] The first heat transfer section 16 has a held portion 71 held together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal bracket 15, a contact portion 72 that contacts the second heat transfer section 17, and a spring portion 73 that extends from the held portion 71 to the contact portion 72 and is elastically deformable. The contact portion 72 is pressed against the second heat transfer section 17 by the elastic force of the elastically deformable spring portion 73. With this configuration, the spring portion 73 of the elastically deformable first heat transfer section 16 ensures that the contact portion 72 of the first heat transfer section 16 makes contact with the second heat transfer section 17.

[0055] The second heat transfer section 17 is integrally fixed to the housing 21 by insert molding. This configuration allows the second heat transfer section 17 to be made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21. Therefore, heat at the connection point can be efficiently transferred from the first heat transfer section 16 to the second shield member 12.

[0056] The second shielding member 12 serves both the function of shielding electromagnetic noise and the function of dissipating heat from the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 to the outside of the housing 21. With this configuration, heat from the above connection point can be efficiently dissipated to the outside of the housing 21 without increasing the number of components of the connector 1, and the influence of external electromagnetic noise on the connector 1 can be suppressed.

[0057] The flexible third heat transfer section 18 interposes itself between the second heat transfer section 17 and the second shield member 12, thereby transferring heat from the second heat transfer section 17 to the second shield member 12. With this configuration, even if a gap of any size occurs between the second heat transfer section 17 and the second shield member 12 due to dimensional errors in each part of the connector 1, the flexible third heat transfer section 18 can appropriately fill the gap. Therefore, the second heat transfer section 17 and the second shield member 12 can be reliably thermally connected.

[0058] <Modification of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment, the held portion 71, the contact portion 72, and the spring portion 73 constituting the first heat transfer portion 16 may be formed separately, for example. In this case, the spring portion 73 may be, for example, a spring coil.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the second heat transfer section 17 may be, for example, part of the housing 21. In other words, the second heat transfer section 17 may be made of, for example, the same material as the housing 21.

[0060] In the first embodiment, for example, the third heat transfer portion 18 does not need to be interposed between the second heat transfer portion 17 and the protrusion 57 of the second shield member 12. That is, the second heat transfer portion 17 and the protrusion 57 of the second shield member 12 may be in direct contact.

[0061] In the first embodiment, for example, a protrusion 57 does not need to be formed on the portion of the second shield member 12 facing the second heat transfer section 17.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 3. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 4, mainly the configuration of the first heat transfer section 16 differs from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, except for those described below.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 does not have a protrusion 57 (see Figure 3).

[0064] A portion of the first heat transfer section 16A is fixed to the housing 21. In addition to the held portion 71 similar to that of the first embodiment, the first heat transfer section 16A has an embedded portion 74 that is embedded in the housing 21. The embedded portion 74 includes a contact portion 72 that contacts the second heat transfer section 17 and a connecting portion 75 that extends from the held portion 71 to the contact portion 72.

[0065] The embedded portion 74 is embedded in the base portion 31a of the housing body 31 of the housing 21. The embedded portion 74 is not exposed to the wire holding hole 32a from the lower end of the base portion 31a. The contact portion 72 of the embedded portion 74 is located at the -X direction end of the base portion 31a. The -X direction end of the base portion 31a is the part of the housing body 31 that faces the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 in the X direction. The connection portion 75 of the embedded portion 74 extends from the lower end of the holding portion 71 in the -X direction to reach the contact portion 72.

[0066] The second heat transfer section 17 is integrally fixed to the housing 21 by insert molding, similar to the first embodiment. However, the second heat transfer section 17 is located at the -X end of the base section 31a and is exposed on the outer surface of the base section 31a facing the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 in the X direction. The outer surface of the second heat transfer section 17 may bulge out from the outer surface of the base section 31a or may be recessed relative to the outer surface of the base section 31a.

[0067] The third heat transfer section 18 is sandwiched between the second heat transfer section 17 and the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12. By being sandwiched between the second heat transfer section 17 and the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12, the third heat transfer section 18 transfers heat from the second heat transfer section 17 to the second shield member 12.

[0068] In the connector 1 of the second embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, the heat at the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 can be transmitted to the second shield member 12 located on the outside of the housing 21 through the first heat transfer section 16, the second heat transfer section 17, and the third heat transfer section 18.

[0069] <Effects and Actions> The connector 1 of the second embodiment described above provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0070] In the connector 1 of the second embodiment, the first heat transfer unit 16 is integrally fixed to the housing 21. This configuration makes it easier to assemble the connector 1 compared to the case where the first heat transfer unit 16 is not fixed to the housing 21.

[0071] <Modified form of the second embodiment> Figure 5 is a modified example of the connector 1 of the second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3. In the connector 1 shown in Figure 5, at least a portion of the first heat transfer section 16B is fixed to the housing 21, similar to the connector 1 illustrated in Figure 4. However, the first heat transfer section 16B illustrated in Figure 5 has only a held portion 71 and a contact portion 72, and does not have a connecting portion 75 (see Figure 4). The contact portion 72 is directly connected to the upper end of the held portion 71 and is embedded in the housing 21. Specifically, the contact portion 72 is embedded in the upper end of the metal fitting holding portion 31b of the housing body 31.

[0072] The second heat transfer section 17 is integrally fixed to the housing 21 by insert molding. The second heat transfer section 17 is located at the upper end of the metal fitting holder 31b and is exposed on the outer surface of the metal fitting holder 31b facing the top wall 55b of the second shield member 12 in the Z direction. The outer surface of the second heat transfer section 17 may bulge out from the outer surface of the metal fitting holder 31b or may be recessed relative to the outer surface of the metal fitting holder 31b.

[0073] In the connector 1 shown in Figure 5, a protrusion 58 is formed on the portion of the top wall 55b facing the second heat transfer section 17, projecting toward the second heat transfer section 17 (in the -X direction). The protrusion 58 is thicker in the Z direction compared to other parts of the top wall 55b. The tip of the protrusion 58 facing the second heat transfer section 17 is a flat surface that intersects in the Z direction. Note that the protrusion 58 does not necessarily have to be formed on the top wall 55b.

[0074] The third heat transfer element 18 is sandwiched between the second heat transfer element 17 and the top wall 55b. By being sandwiched between the second heat transfer element 17 and the top wall 55b, the third heat transfer element 18 transfers heat from the second heat transfer element 17 to the second shield member 12. In the connector 1 shown in Figure 5, the heat at the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is transferred to the top wall 55b of the second shield member 12 via the first heat transfer section 16, the second heat transfer section 17, and the third heat transfer section 18. Even with connector 1 shown in Figure 5, the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above are achieved.

[0075] In the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, for example, the entire first heat transfer unit 16 may be fixed to the housing 21 by embedding or the like.

[0076] In the connector 1 of the first embodiment described above, as in the second embodiment, at least a portion of the first heat transfer section 16 may be fixed to the housing 21 by embedding or the like.

[0077] [Third Embodiment] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 3. The third embodiment shown in Figure 6 differs from the first embodiment in that the heat dissipation portion that transmits heat at the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is not the second shielding member 12. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 does not have a protrusion 57 (see Figure 3).

[0079] The second heat transfer section 17 is integrally fixed to the wire holding section 32 of the housing 21 by insert molding. The second heat transfer section 17 is exposed on both the inside and outside of the wire holding section 32. However, in the third embodiment, the second heat transfer section 17 is embedded in the portion of the wire holding section 32 that includes the area located in the +X direction on the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a.

[0080] The first heat transfer section 16 has a held portion 71, a contact portion 72, and a spring portion 73, similar to those in the first embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, the held portion 71 overlaps with the +X-facing surface of the terminal connection portion 14a. In the third embodiment, the contact portion 72 is positioned offset in the +X direction from the held portion 71. The contact portion 72 contacts the second heat transfer section 17, which is embedded in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 32a located in the +X direction. Similar to the first embodiment, the contact portion 72 is pressed against the second heat transfer section 17 by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring portion 73.

[0081] The connector 1 of the third embodiment further includes a metal heat dissipation section 19 positioned on the outside of the housing 21. The heat dissipation section 19 performs the same role as the second shielding member 12 in the first and second embodiments. That is, the heat dissipation section 19 primarily receives heat generated at the connection point between the busbar 14 and the terminal fitting 15 on the outside of the housing 21. The heat dissipation section 19 is formed of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material forming the housing 21. Examples of materials for the heat dissipation section 19 include metal materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, SUS, etc.).

[0082] The heat dissipation section 19 is provided on the wire holding section 32 of the housing 21. The heat dissipation section 19 may be integrally formed with the housing 21, for example, by insert molding into the housing 21. Alternatively, the heat dissipation section 19 may be fixed to the outer surface of the housing 21 by means of adhesive, for example. The heat dissipation section 19 is positioned on the outer surface of the housing 21 in a portion that overlaps with the second heat transfer section 17. In Figure 6, the heat dissipation section 19 is positioned in the region of the outer circumferential surface of the wire holding section 32 of the housing 21 that is located in the +X direction. The heat dissipation section 19 is formed in a plate shape that extends along the outer circumferential surface of the wire holding section 32. However, the shape of the heat dissipation section 19 is not limited to a plate shape; it may be any shape, such as a block shape or a shape with heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation section 19 may, for example, be in contact with the first shield member 11. In this case, the first shield member 11 also plays a role in receiving the heat generated at the connection point between the busbar 14 and the terminal fitting 15 on the outside of the housing 21, similar to the heat dissipation section 19.

[0083] <Effects and Actions> The connector 1 of the third embodiment described above provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0084] In the connector 1 of the third embodiment described above, at least a portion of the first heat transfer section 16 may be fixed to the housing 21 by embedding or the like, similar to the second embodiment.

[0085] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first example of connector 1G according to the fourth embodiment, corresponding to Figure 3. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second example of connector 1G according to the fourth embodiment, corresponding to Figure 3. The connector 1G of the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 differs from the first to third embodiments in that it does not have a heat dissipation section (second shield member 12 or heat dissipation section 19), a first heat transfer section 16 and a second heat transfer section 17, but does have a heat storage section 100. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connector 1G further comprises a metal heat storage unit 100 in addition to the housing unit 10, first shielding member 11, second shielding member 12, holder 13, bus bar 14 (conductive component), and terminal fittings 15, similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0087] The heat storage section 100 is formed from a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. Examples of such materials include metallic materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.). The heat storage section 100 is held inside the housing 21 together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15, similar to the held portion 71 of the first heat transfer section 16 in the first to third embodiments.

[0088] In the first example shown in Figure 7, the heat storage section 100 is formed in a plate shape with the X direction as the plate thickness direction, and it overlaps with the terminal connection section 14a of the busbar 14 in the X direction. The heat storage section 100 has a through hole 100a that penetrates the heat storage section 100 in the X direction. Similar to the through hole 14b of the busbar 14, the rod-shaped section 15a of the terminal fitting 15 is passed through the through hole 100a of the heat storage section 100. With this configuration, the heat storage section 100 can be held together with the busbar 14 between the fixing fitting 22 and the terminal fitting 15. In Figure 7, the heat storage section 100 overlaps with the +X-facing side of the terminal connection section 14a, but it may also overlap with the -X-facing side of the terminal connection section 14a.

[0089] In the second example shown in Figure 8, the heat storage section 100 is in contact with the heat dissipation section 103 provided on the housing 21. The heat dissipation section 103 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 21. In Figure 8, the heat dissipation section 103 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 21 in the region facing the second shield member 12. Specifically, the heat dissipation section 103 is located at the upper end of the metal fitting holding section 31b of the housing body 31. The heat dissipation section 103 is formed of an electrically insulating material. The heat dissipation section 103 is formed of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. The heat dissipation section 103 is integrally fixed to the housing 21 by insert molding.

[0090] The heat storage unit 100 has a held portion 101 that is held together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal bracket 15, and a contact portion 102 that contacts the heat dissipation portion 103. The held portion 101 is formed in a plate shape with the plate thickness direction in the X direction, and overlaps with the terminal connection portion 14a of the busbar 14 in the X direction. The held portion 101 has a through hole 100a that penetrates the held portion 101 in the X direction. The through hole 100a of the held portion 101 corresponds to the through hole 100a of the heat storage unit 100 in the first example (Figure 7). The contact portion 102 is directly connected to the upper end of the held portion 101 and is embedded in the housing 21. Specifically, the contact portion 102 is embedded in the upper end of the metal fitting holding portion 31b of the housing body 31. In addition, the contact portion 102 is covered by the heat dissipation portion 103 described above and is not exposed to the outside of the housing 21. In Figure 8, the held portion 101 overlaps with the -X-facing side of the terminal connection portion 14a, but it may also overlap with the +X-facing side of the terminal connection portion 14a.

[0091] <Effects and Actions> The connector 1G of the fourth embodiment described above includes a metal heat storage section 100 which contains a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and is held inside the housing 21 together with the busbar 14 between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15. With this configuration, the heat capacity of the portion adjacent to the connection point between the busbar 14 and the terminal fitting 15 can be easily increased simply by overlapping the heat storage section 100 with the busbar 14 and sandwiching it between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15. Therefore, the temperature rise at the connection point when power is supplied can be easily suppressed.

[0092] In the second example shown in Figure 8, a portion of the heat storage section 100 contacts the heat dissipation section 103, which is exposed to the outside of the housing 21. With this configuration, heat from the connection point between the busbar 14 and the terminal fitting 15 can be efficiently transferred to the outside of the housing 21.

[0093] Several embodiments and variations have been described above. However, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. The present invention is not limited by the above description and is limited only by the appended claims.

[0094] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the second shield member 12 (shield body 55) covers a part of the housing unit 10 (particularly the housing 21), but for example, it may cover the entire housing unit 10 (particularly the housing 21). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1 Connector 12. Second shielding member (heat dissipation section) 14. Busbars (conductive components) 15 Terminal fittings 16, 16A, 16B First heat transfer section 17. Second heat transfer section 19 Heat dissipation part 21 Housing 22 Fixing brackets 71 Holding part 72 Contact area 73 Spring section

Claims

1. Housing and The fixing bracket held in the housing, A terminal fitting fixed to the fixing fitting, which protrudes from the fixing fitting to the first side in the first direction, A conductive component is disposed inside the housing, held between the fixing bracket and the terminal fitting in the first direction, and electrically connected to the terminal fitting. A metal heat dissipation section is positioned on the outside of the housing, A first heat transfer part made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing, which is held inside the housing together with the conductive component between the fixing bracket and the terminal bracket, is made of metal. A connector comprising: a second heat transfer section having electrical insulation properties, provided in the housing, and contacting the first heat transfer section to transfer heat from the first heat transfer section to the heat dissipation section.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the conductive component and the first heat transfer section are each formed in a plate shape with the first direction being the plate thickness direction and overlapping in the first direction.

3. The first heat transfer section has a held portion held together with the conductive component between the fixing bracket and the terminal bracket, a contact portion that contacts the second heat transfer section, and a spring portion that extends from the held portion to the contact portion and is elastically deformable. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the contact portion is pressed against the second heat transfer portion by the elastic force of the elastically deformed spring portion.

4. At least a portion of the first heat transfer section is fixed to the housing. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The second heat transfer section is integrally fixed to the housing by insert molding. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the heat dissipation portion is a metal shielding member that covers at least a part of the housing with the terminal fittings exposed toward the first side in the first direction.

Images