connector

Abstract

To provide an easy-to-manufacture connector that can suppress the temperature rise of terminal components when power is applied. [Solution] The charging inlet 1 comprises a terminal member 70, a connector housing 20 that holds the terminal member 70, a refrigerant container 80 housed in the connector housing 20 in contact with the terminal member 70, and a refrigerant 100 that is circulated from the outside into the refrigerant container 80.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, connectors (charging inlets) installed in vehicles have been used to supply (charge) electric power from outside the vehicle to batteries mounted on vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In such connectors, higher current is required to increase the capacity of the mounted power storage device and shorten the charging time. However, when the current is increased, heat generation at the terminal connection portion of the connector due to energization causes a significant increase in the temperature of the connector. Accordingly, for connectors having a terminal connection portion such as a charging inlet, connectors capable of suppressing temperature rise during energization have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).

[0003] The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a vehicle-side terminal (terminal member), a connector housing that holds the vehicle-side terminal, and a heat storage body accommodated in the connector housing. The heat storage body includes a case accommodated in the connector housing and a heat storage material accommodated in the case. Since the heat storage material of the heat storage body absorbs heat generated at the terminals, rapid temperature rise of the terminals and the like can be suppressed.

[0004] Further, the connector disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a terminal (terminal member) having a holding portion integrally formed with the terminal connection portion and the wire connection portion, and a heat storage body held by the holding portion. The heat storage body has a heat storage material (latent heat storage material) accommodated inside a case (enclosed space) held by the holding portion. The heat storage material can absorb heat generated at the terminal. Accordingly, rapid temperature rise of the terminal can be suppressed.

[0005] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled charging system for vehicles disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a fluid circuit that extends along the components of the charging assembly (such as contact terminals and housing). As a result, a coolant flows through the fluid circuit, allowing heat to be dissipated from the components of the charging assembly during vehicle charging.

[0006] Furthermore, the vehicle charging inlet cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 4 includes a power receiving terminal (terminal member), a housing that holds the power receiving terminal, and a charging inlet cooling circuit that is connected to a battery cooling circuit and supplied with a refrigerant. The housing has a flow path for the refrigerant supplied from the charging inlet cooling circuit. Therefore, during charging, the refrigerant flows through the flow path in the housing that holds the power receiving terminal, and the power receiving terminal held by the housing can be cooled.

[0007] Furthermore, the connector disclosed in Patent Document 5 has a refrigerant channel through which a refrigerant flows inside the terminal (terminal member). Therefore, during charging, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant channel of the terminal, and the terminal can be cooled. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-113448 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-187920 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-19499 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-25813 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-7469 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, in the connectors disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, the heat storage material stores heat, which slows down the rise in temperature of the heat-generating part and allows for temperature suppression. However, when a large current flows, heat storage alone cannot satisfy the temperature requirements.

[0010] Furthermore, in the cooling method disclosed in Patent Document 4, a rapid temperature rise during energization can be suppressed by circulating a refrigerant within the flow path. However, because the heat from the terminals is cooled through the housing, the thermal resistance is high, making it difficult to satisfy even higher temperature requirements.

[0011] Furthermore, the connectors disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 3 and 5 require the formation of a refrigerant channel through which the refrigerant flows within the terminal, and the connection of the cable's wire conductor and cooling pipe to the terminal, respectively, resulting in a complex terminal structure. This leads to the problem of increased manufacturing costs for the connectors.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an easy-to-manufacture connector that can suppress the temperature rise of the terminal members when energized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the connector according to the present invention is characterized by the following: Terminal member and A connector housing that holds the terminal member, A refrigerant container housed in the connector housing while in contact with the terminal member, The refrigerant contained within the refrigerant housing is a refrigerant circulated from the outside, A connector equipped with this feature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an easy-to-manufacture connector that can suppress the temperature rise of the terminal member when power is applied.

[0015] The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coolant container shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partially broken perspective view of the coolant container shown in Figure 4 as viewed from the rear. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partially broken perspective view showing a state where the coolant container is fixed to a terminal member. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connector housing that accommodates the coolant container as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a coolant container according to a modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view as viewed from the rear showing a state where the coolant container shown in Figure 10 is fixed to a terminal member. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to a reference example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a state where the heat storage member shown in Figure 12 is fixed to a terminal member. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. (First Embodiment) The charging inlet 1, which is a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, is installed in a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, and is connected to a wire extending from a battery mounted in the vehicle. By fitting a mating connector (a so-called charging gun) into the mating recess 63 (see Figure 1, etc.) of the charging inlet 1, power is supplied to the battery from outside the vehicle, and the battery is charged.

[0018] For the sake of explanation, the "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are defined below as shown in Figure 1. These "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. The front-back direction coincides with the mating direction of the charging inlet 1 and the mating connector (not shown). The side facing the charging inlet 1 in the mating direction (the side approaching the mating connector) is called the "front side," and the side facing the charging inlet 1 in the unmating direction (the side moving away from the mating connector) is called the "rear side."

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the charging inlet 1 according to this first embodiment includes a pair of terminal members 70 to which one end of a pair of electric wires 3 is electrically connected, a pair of refrigerant containers 80 fixed in contact with the terminal members 70, and a connector housing 20 that houses the pair of terminal members 70 and the pair of refrigerant containers 80. The other end of the electric wires 3 is connected to a battery (not shown). The electric wires 3 consist of a core wire 4 and an insulating resin covering 2 that covers the core wire 4 (see Figure 2). The components constituting the charging inlet 1 will be described in order below.

[0020] First, let's describe the connector housing 20. In this example, the connector housing 20 comprises a holder 50, a housing body 60, and a cover 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The holder 50 and the housing body 60 are skeletal components of the connector housing 20 and constitute a part of the outer surface of the connector housing 20. Of course, the connector housing of the present invention is not limited to this, and can take various forms based on the spirit of the present invention.

[0021] The "skeletal components" of the connector housing 20 refer to components that have sufficient hardness and strength to maintain the shape of the connector housing 20 itself in order to withstand the external force that the terminal member 70 receives when it is mated with the mating terminal (not shown). In other words, they refer to components made of a material that does not soften or become brittle to the extent that it becomes difficult to maintain the shape due to the rise in the operating temperature of the terminal member 70.

[0022] The following describes each component that makes up the connector housing 20 in order. The holder 50 functions to hold a pair of terminal members 70 in a state of isolation from each other with a gap between them in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the holder 50 is integrally molded with a pair of terminal holding portions 51 arranged in the left-right direction, a pair of receiving recesses 53 formed on the rear side opposite the terminal holding portions 51, and a pair of wire introduction portions 55 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, each terminal holding portion 51 in the holder 50 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the front-to-back direction. The power terminals 10 of the pair of terminal members 70 are inserted into the internal space of the pair of terminal holding portions 51 from the front.

[0024] The housing recess 53 is formed in a concave shape with the rear end opposite the terminal holding portion 51 open by an oval-shaped opening 56. The opening 56 of the holder 50, which is separated by a partition wall 53a (see Figure 7) extending rearward from the terminal holding portion 51, is sealed by a cover 30, which will be described later, thereby forming a housing space for housing the refrigerant housing 80 in which the refrigerant 100 is liquid-filled. Each housing recess 53 is in communication with the internal space of each terminal holding portion 51.

[0025] The wire entry section 55 extends downward, intersecting the mating direction with the mating connector of the holder 50. A wire insertion hole 57 is formed in this wire entry section 55, which communicates with each of the housing recesses 53. The LA terminals 40 of the pair of terminal members 70 are inserted into the wire insertion holes 57 from below.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the front end of the holder 50 is integrally provided with a pair of extensions 54 extending outward in the left-right direction from both sides of the front end, and a pair of side wall portions 59 extending forward from the extension ends of the pair of extensions 54. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the pair of side wall portions 59 have a shape that corresponds to a part of the circumferential shape (cylindrical shape) of the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 61 of the housing body 60, which will be described later, and can be attached to the cylindrical portion 61 so as to cover the outer circumference of the rear end of the cylindrical portion 61.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the outer circumferential surfaces (outer surfaces in the left-right direction) of the pair of side wall portions 59 are provided with screw insertion portions 58 at multiple locations (four locations in this example). Each screw insertion portion 58 has a screw insertion hole 58a that penetrates in the front-rear direction. Screws (not shown) for assembling the housing body 60 are inserted through the screw insertion holes 58a.

[0028] Next, we will explain the housing body 60. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the housing body 60 is assembled to the holder 50 from the front and also functions to form the fitting recess 63 of the charging inlet 1. The housing body 60 is a resin molded product and integrally has a cylindrical tubular portion 61 extending in the front-rear direction and a rear wall portion 62 that closes the rear opening of the tubular portion 61. The tubular portion 61 and the rear wall portion 62 define a fitting recess 63 that opens forward and is recessed to the rear.

[0029] On the rear wall portion 62, a pair of cylindrical female terminal housing portions 64 are provided so as to protrude forward, corresponding to the terminal connection portions 21 of the pair of power terminals 10. Each female terminal housing portion 64 is located within a fitting recess 63 and has an internal space that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the rear wall portion 62 is provided with a pair of cylindrical holder fitting portions 69 that protrude to the rear, corresponding to a pair of female terminal housing portions 64. When the holder fitting portions 69 are assembled to the holder 50 from the front, they are fitted onto the front end of the terminal holding portion 51 of the holder 50.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, an annular flange portion 65 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61 at a position rearward from the center in the front-rear direction, projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion 61. The flange portion 65 has multiple screw insertion holes 67 formed at multiple locations (four in this example) in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the multiple screw insertion holes 58a of the holder 50, and these holes penetrate in the front-rear direction. Screws for assembling the housing body 60 are inserted through the screw insertion holes 67.

[0031] Next, I will explain cover 30. The cover 30 is formed in an oval plate shape and is assembled to the pair of housing recesses 53 of the holder 50 from the rear side via an annular sealing member 33 (see Figure 7). As a result, the openings of the pair of housing recesses 53, each housing a refrigerant container 80, are sealed by the cover 30.

[0032] The cover 30 has a plurality of locking pieces 35 formed on its periphery, each having a locking hole 34. When the cover 30 is assembled to the holder 50, the locking claws 32 formed on the holder 50 fit into the locking holes 34 of these locking pieces 35. As a result, each locking piece 35 is locked by the locking claws 32, and the cover 30 is held in the assembled state relative to the holder 50.

[0033] Furthermore, the ends of a pair of connecting pipes 83 of the refrigerant container 80, which are housed in a pair of housing recesses 53, respectively, pass through the two pairs of openings 31 formed in the cover 30 via rubber stoppers 39.

[0034] Next, the refrigerant containment 80 according to this first embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerant container 80, and Figure 5 is a partially broken perspective view of the refrigerant container 80 viewed from the rear.

[0035] In this example, the pair of refrigerant containers 80 are identical in shape. As shown in Figure 4, each refrigerant container 80 has a cylindrical case body portion 82 with a substantially semicircular cross-section formed such that its outer surface contacts the inner surface of the refrigerant recess 53, a pair of ends 84a and 84b that close the openings at both ends of the case body portion 82, and a cylindrical bolt insertion portion 81 that liquid-tightly connects the openings formed in the pair of ends 84a and 84b.

[0036] As will be described later, a bolt 48 is inserted through the bolt insertion portion 81 from one end (right side in Figure 4) 84a side, which fastens the LA terminal 40 together with the rear end of the power terminal 10, and the other end (left side in Figure 4) 84b of the refrigerant housing 80 is in contact with the terminal member 70 and fixed together.

[0037] Furthermore, a pair of connecting pipes 83 are provided at one end 84a, arranged vertically in the figure, which communicate with the internal space of the refrigerant container 80. These pair of connecting pipes 83 are connected to a refrigerant supply path 37a and a refrigerant return path 37b, respectively, which are refrigerant paths that communicate with a cooling device (not shown) that cools the refrigerant 100.

[0038] For example, one of the pair of connecting pipes 83 is connected to the lower connecting pipe 83, which is connected to the refrigerant supply path 37a, and the upper connecting pipe 83 is connected to the refrigerant return path 37b. Thus, the refrigerant 100 filled in the refrigerant container 80 can circulate between the cooling device and the refrigerant supply path 37a and the refrigerant return path 37b.

[0039] In other words, the refrigerant 100 cooled by the cooling device is supplied to the refrigerant container 80 housed in the storage recess 53 via the refrigerant supply path 37a, and discharged from the refrigerant container 80 to the cooling device via the refrigerant return path 37b. Therefore, the refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80 is constantly circulating through the refrigerant supply path 37a and the refrigerant return path 37b, creating a temperature difference with the heat-generating part, which allows for efficient heat transfer and heat dissipation, and makes it possible to suppress temperature rise.

[0040] Furthermore, these refrigerant supply path 37a and refrigerant return path 37b are made of insulating resin pipes to prevent short circuits via the connecting pipe 83. Alternatively, instead of insulating the refrigerant path itself using resin pipes, insulation can be provided at the pipe joint section located in the middle of the refrigerant path. Furthermore, cooling devices such as the cooling system for the vehicle's onboard battery or the cooling system installed inside the external charger can be used.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the metal refrigerant container 80 according to this first embodiment has an insulating layer 85 applied to the entire inner surface that comes into contact with the refrigerant 100 in order to prevent short circuits through the refrigerant 100. The insulating layer 85 is applied, for example, by insulating coating (epoxy / vinyl chloride, polyurethane, or acrylic paint), insulating sheet (resin sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate), TIM (thermal conductivity and heat dissipation material: silicone insulating material), or anodizing. Therefore, as refrigerant 100, water, coolant (LLC), oil, etc., which are relatively inexpensive compared to insulating oil, can be used.

[0042] Furthermore, the refrigerant housing 80 is constructed by dividing a portion of the case body 82, end portions 84a and 84b, bolt insertion portion 81, and connecting pipe 83 into separate parts, and is designed to be joined together in a waterproof state by welding or adhesive.

[0043] Furthermore, the material of the refrigerant container 80 is not limited to metal materials such as copper alloys and aluminum alloys that have both electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity; resin materials can also be used in part. In this case, the metal part and the resin part can be joined by vibration welding, ultrasonic welding, laser bonding, adhesive, or by insert molding.

[0044] Next, the terminal member 70 according to this first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a partially broken perspective view showing the refrigerant container 80 fixed to the terminal member 70. In this example, the pair of terminal members 70 are identical in shape. Each terminal member 70 is integrally composed of a power terminal 10 that is fitted into the mating terminal, an LA terminal 40 that is crimped onto the core wire 4 of the electric wire 3, and a bolt 48 that fastens the LA terminal 40 to the rear end of the power terminal 10 after it has been inserted through the bolt insertion portion 81 of the refrigerant housing 80.

[0045] The power terminal 10 is made of metal and, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, has a terminal connection portion 21 on its front end that is electrically connected to a mating terminal (male terminal), and a holding portion 22 on its rear end that is held by a holder 50 of the connector housing 20.

[0046] The terminal connection portion 21 is a female terminal portion having a plurality of elastic contact pieces 14. The plurality of elastic contact pieces 14 have a substantially cylindrical shape, and a mating terminal (male terminal) is inserted inside. Note that the terminal connection portion 21 of this first embodiment is not limited to a female terminal portion, but can also be configured as a male terminal portion.

[0047] The retaining portion 22 is formed in a short, solid cylindrical shape, and an O-ring 45 is fitted into an annular groove formed on its outer circumference. A screw hole 23 is drilled in the rear end face of the retaining portion 22 into which a bolt 48 is screwed.

[0048] Next, the assembly procedure for the charging inlet 1 according to this first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connector housing 20, which houses the refrigerant containment 80, as seen from the rear. First, as shown in Figure 2, the power terminal 10 is inserted from the front into the internal space of the terminal holding portion 51 of the connector housing 20. The O-ring 45 attached to the power terminal 10 presses against the inner wall surface of the terminal holding portion 51, thereby sealing the space between the terminal holding portion 51 and the power terminal 10.

[0049] Next, the wire 3, to which the LA terminal 40 is connected, is passed through the wire entry section 55 of the holder 50, so that the LA terminal 40 is positioned at the rear end of the power terminal 10. Then, after the refrigerant container 80 is inserted into the housing recess 53, the LA terminal 40 is fastened to the power terminal 10 together with a bolt 48 that is inserted through the bolt insertion section 81 from the rear.

[0050] Therefore, the terminal member 70, in which the power terminal 10 is held by the terminal holding portion 51, is housed within the connector housing 20. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the refrigerant housing 80 is housed within the connector housing 20 with its other end 84b in contact with the terminal member 70.

[0051] In other words, the power terminal 10, LA terminal 40, and refrigerant housing 80, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together with bolts 48, thereby ensuring stable surface pressure between each component, reducing interfacial resistance, and improving heat transfer from the heat-generating terminal member 70 to the refrigerant housing 80.

[0052] Furthermore, a rubber stopper 41 is attached to the electric wire 3, and the rubber stopper 41 seals off the space between the end of the electric wire 3 and the electric wire insertion hole 57 of the electric wire introduction section 55. The rubber stopper 41 is prevented from coming off by a rear holder 43 attached to the lower end of the electric wire introduction section 55.

[0053] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the cover 30 is assembled to the connector housing 20, and the locking claws 32 of the connector housing 20 are locked to the locking pieces 35 of the cover 30. As a result, with the cover 30 assembled to the connector housing 20, the opening 56 of the holder 50, which is also the assembly work hole for the terminal member 70 and the refrigerant container 80, is covered by the cover 30.

[0054] In this case, the opening 56 of the holder 50 is sealed by the sealing member 33 of the cover 30, as shown in Figures 2 and 8. Furthermore, the space between the terminal holding portion 51, which is connected to the housing recess 53, and the power terminal 10 is sealed by an O-ring 45, and the space between the wire introduction portion 55, which is connected to the housing recess 53, and the wire 3 is sealed by a rubber stopper 41.

[0055] Next, the operation of the charging inlet 1 according to the first embodiment described above will be explained. Figure 8 is a view of the section VIII-VIII in Figure 1. When the charging gun is fitted into the charging inlet 1 shown in Figure 1, a charging current is supplied to the vehicle's battery from an external charger through the charging gun and the charging inlet 1. In particular, if a large charging current is supplied to the battery from an external charger to shorten the charging time, heat is likely to be generated at the contact point between the mating terminal of the charging gun and the power terminal 10 of the terminal member 70 in the charging inlet 1.

[0056] In this case, as shown in Figure 8, in the charging inlet 1 of this first embodiment, the refrigerant container 80 is housed in the housing recess 53 while in contact with the terminal member 70 held by the terminal holding portion 51 of the connector housing 20, and the refrigerant 100 is circulated within the refrigerant container 80. That is, the refrigerant container 80, which has been cooled by the circulation of the refrigerant 100 inside, is housed in the housing recess 53 and is structured to be able to directly contact the heated terminal member 70.

[0057] Therefore, according to the charging inlet 1 of this first embodiment, the heated terminal member 70 can directly contact the refrigerant container 80 which is cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulated from the outside, thus reducing thermal resistance and achieving high cooling performance. In addition, since the refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80 is constantly circulating, a temperature difference is created with the heat-generating part, enabling efficient heat transfer and dissipation, and suppressing temperature rise.

[0058] Furthermore, a receiving recess 53 for accommodating the refrigerant container 80 can be easily formed in the holder 50 of the connector housing 20, and there is no need to form a refrigerant flow path in the terminal member 70, thus suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the charging inlet 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in the charging inlet 1 of this first embodiment, the refrigerant container 80 has a bolt insertion portion 81, and the terminal member 70 has a power terminal 10 that is fitted to a mating terminal and an LA terminal 40 that is fastened together with the power terminal 10 by a bolt 48 through which the bolt insertion portion 81 is inserted. Therefore, when assembling the charging inlet 1, the power terminal 10 is inserted into the terminal holding portion 51, and the wire 3, to which the LA terminal 40 is connected to the wire end, is passed through the wire introduction portion 55 of the holder 50. Then, the LA terminal 40 is fastened together with the rear end of the power terminal 10 using a bolt 48 through which the bolt insertion portion 81 is inserted. This allows the refrigerant housing 80 to be easily housed in the connector housing 20 with the terminal member 70 in direct contact with it. Furthermore, the power terminal 10, LA terminal 40, and refrigerant housing 80, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together with the bolt 48, ensuring stable surface pressure between each component, reducing interfacial resistance, and improving heat transfer from the heat-generating terminal member 70 to the refrigerant housing 80.

[0060] Furthermore, in the charging inlet 1 of this first embodiment, the metal refrigerant container 80 through which the conductive refrigerant 100 is circulated has an insulating layer 85 applied to the entire inner surface that comes into contact with the refrigerant 100. Therefore, in order to reduce thermal resistance, the refrigerant container 80, which is in direct contact with the terminal member 70, is prevented from short-circuiting via the conductive refrigerant 100.

[0061] (modified version) Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant container 80A according to a modified example. As shown in Figure 9, the modified refrigerant container 80A has a bottomed cylindrical case body 86 with a substantially semicircular cross-section, formed so that its outer surface contacts the inner surface of the refrigerant recess 53; a lid 88 that closes the open end of the case body 86; and a cylindrical bolt insertion portion 89 that connects an opening formed in the bottom of the case body 86 to an opening formed in the lid 88. A pair of connecting pipes 83 that communicate with the internal space of the refrigerant container 80A are provided at the bottom of the case body 86, arranged vertically in the figure.

[0062] Furthermore, the inside of the case body 86 is provided with multiple heat dissipation protrusions 87 to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation. The heat dissipation protrusions 87 are rectangular, flat fins that extend from the bottom of the case body 86 along the inner circumferential surface toward the open end. The entire inner surface of the case body 86 and the lid 88 is coated with an insulating layer 85 (not shown). It goes without saying that the shape of the heat dissipation protrusions of the present invention can take various forms in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

[0063] Then, the refrigerant 100 cooled by the cooling device is supplied through the refrigerant supply path 37a to the refrigerant container 80A housed in the storage recess 53, and discharged from the refrigerant container 80A to the cooling device through the refrigerant return path 37b. In this case, the refrigerant container 80A, which has multiple heat-dissipating protrusions 87 provided on the inner surface of the case body 86 to increase the surface area and improve heat dissipation, can reduce the thermal resistance between the refrigerant 100 and the case body 86. Therefore, with the charging inlet 1 equipped with the refrigerant container 80A, it is possible to transfer and dissipate heat more efficiently and suppress the temperature rise.

[0064] Furthermore, the case body 86 is integrally molded from insulating resin, which facilitates the formation of multiple heat dissipation protrusions 87. In addition, the lid 88 is made of conductive metal, which suppresses the reduction in heat transfer when it comes into direct contact with the terminal member 70. The case body 86 and the lid 88 are joined together by vibration welding or the like.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a charging inlet 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the refrigerant container 80B shown in Figure 10 fixed to the terminal member 70. Note that the charging inlet 1A according to this second embodiment is configured in which the refrigerant container 80 in the charging inlet 1 of the first embodiment is replaced with a refrigerant container 80B, so similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the charging inlet 1A according to this second embodiment comprises a pair of terminal members 70 to which one end of a pair of electric wires 3 is electrically connected, a pair of refrigerant containers 80B fixed in contact with the terminal members 70, and a connector housing 20 that houses the pair of terminal members 70 and the pair of refrigerant containers 80B.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11, the refrigerant containment body 80B has a cylindrical case body portion 82 with a substantially semicircular cross-section formed such that its outer circumferential surface is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the containment recess 53, a pair of ends 84a and 84b that close the openings at both ends of the case body portion 82, and a cylindrical bolt insertion portion 81 (not shown) that liquid-tightly connects the openings formed in the pair of ends 84a and 84b.

[0068] Furthermore, the metal refrigerant container 80B according to this second embodiment is provided with an insulating layer 85 over its entire outer surface to prevent short circuits through the refrigerant 100. In this second embodiment, the insulating layer 85 does not necessarily need to be applied to the entire outer surface of the refrigerant housing 80B, but only to the outer surface including at least the fastening surface of the refrigerant housing 80B. Here, the fastening surface includes a part of one end 84a that the seating surface of the bolt 48 contacts when the LA terminal 40 is fastened to the power terminal 10 with the bolt 48 inserted through the bolt insertion portion 81 of the refrigerant housing 80B, a part of the other end 84b that the LA terminal 40 of the terminal member 70 contacts, and the inner circumferential surface of the bolt insertion portion 81.

[0069] Therefore, according to the charging inlet 1A of this second embodiment, similar to the charging inlet 1 of the first embodiment, the heated terminal member 70 can directly contact the refrigerant container 80B which is cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulated from the outside, thus reducing thermal resistance and achieving high cooling performance. In addition, since the refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant container 80B is constantly circulating, a temperature difference is created with the heat-generating part, enabling efficient heat transfer and dissipation, and suppressing temperature rise.

[0070] Furthermore, when assembling the charging inlet 1A, the power terminal 10 is inserted into the terminal holding portion 51, and the wire 3, to which the LA terminal 40 is connected to the wire end, is passed through the wire introduction portion 55 of the holder 50. Then, the LA terminal 40 is fastened together with the rear end of the power terminal 10 using a bolt 48 through which the bolt insertion portion 81 is inserted. This allows the refrigerant housing 80B to be easily housed in the connector housing 20 with the terminal member 70 in direct contact with it. In addition, the power terminal 10, LA terminal 40, and refrigerant housing 80B, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together with the bolt 48, ensuring stable surface pressure between each component, reducing interfacial resistance, and improving heat transfer from the heat-generating terminal member 70 to the refrigerant housing 80B.

[0071] Furthermore, in the charging inlet 1A of this second embodiment, the metal refrigerant container 80B through which the conductive refrigerant 100 is circulated has an insulating layer 85 applied to its entire outer surface. Therefore, in order to reduce thermal resistance, the refrigerant container 80B, which is in direct contact with the terminal member 70, is prevented from short-circuiting via the refrigerant 100.

[0072] Furthermore, the inside of the refrigerant container 80B can also be provided with a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions 87, similar to the refrigerant container 80A in the modified example described above, to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation. Therefore, according to the charging inlet 1A of this second embodiment, it is possible to efficiently transfer and dissipate heat and suppress the temperature rise, thereby providing an easy-to-manufacture charging inlet 1A that can suppress the temperature rise of the terminal member 70 when energized.

[0073] (Reference example) Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a charging inlet 1B according to a reference example. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the heat storage member 90 shown in Figure 12 is fixed to the terminal member 70. Note that the charging inlet 1B according to the reference example uses a heat storage member 90 instead of a refrigerant container 80 through which the refrigerant 100 is circulated, and the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the charging inlet 1, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figure 12, the charging inlet 1B in the reference example comprises a pair of terminal members 70 to which one end of a pair of electric wires 3 is electrically connected, a pair of heat storage members 90 fixed in contact with the terminal members 70, and a connector housing 20 that houses the pair of terminal members 70 and the pair of heat storage members 90.

[0075] In this example, the pair of heat storage members 90 are identical in shape. Each heat storage member 90 is formed in a columnar shape with a substantially semicircular cross-section, such that its outer surface is in contact with the inner surface of the receiving recess 53 (see Figure 13). Between the pair of ends 90a and 90b, a bolt insertion portion 91 with a circular cross-section is formed through which a bolt 48 is inserted.

[0076] Then, as shown in Figure 13, a bolt 48 for fastening the LA terminal 40 to the rear end of the power terminal 10 is inserted through the bolt insertion portion 91 from one end 90a, and the other end 90b of the heat storage member 90 is fixed integrally with the terminal member 70 in contact with it.

[0077] Therefore, with the charging inlet 1B of this reference example, the heated terminal member 70 can come into direct contact with the heat storage member 90, thus reducing thermal resistance and achieving high cooling performance. Furthermore, a receiving recess 53 for accommodating the heat storage member 90 can be easily formed in the holder 50 of the connector housing 20, and there is no need to form a refrigerant flow path in the terminal member 70, thus suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the charging inlet 1B.

[0078] Furthermore, in the charging inlet 1 of this reference example, the LA terminal 40 is fastened together with the rear end of the power terminal 10 using a bolt 48 through which a bolt insertion portion 91 is inserted, allowing the heat storage member 90 to be easily housed in the connector housing 20 with the terminal member 70 in direct contact with it. In addition, the power terminal 10, LA terminal 40, and heat storage member 90, which are in direct contact with each other, are fastened together with a bolt 48, ensuring stable surface pressure between each component, reducing interfacial resistance, and improving heat transfer from the heat-generating terminal member 70 to the heat storage member 90.

[0079] However, if an even larger current flows, the heat storage in the heat storage member 90 alone cannot satisfy the temperature requirements. In contrast, with the charging inlets 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above, the heated terminal member 70 can directly contact the refrigerant housings 80, 80A, and 80B, which are cooled by the refrigerant 100 circulated from the outside. This reduces thermal resistance and allows for high cooling performance. Furthermore, the refrigerant 100 in the refrigerant housings 80, 80A, and 80B is constantly circulating, creating a temperature difference with the heat-generating part. This allows for efficient heat transfer and dissipation, suppressing temperature rise.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0081] For example, in the charging inlets 1 and 1A described above, relatively inexpensive refrigerants such as water, coolant (LLC), and oil were used. In contrast, when insulating oil or insulating coolant is used as the refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant housing, it is not necessary to provide an insulating layer 85 in the refrigerant housing, as in the refrigerant housings 80, 80A, and 80B described above.

[0082] Furthermore, in the charging inlet 1,1A described above, the terminal member 70 is integrally constructed by fastening the power terminal 10 and the LA terminal 40 together with a bolt 48. However, the terminal member of the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that it can take various forms based on the spirit of the present invention.

[0083] Here, the features of the embodiments of the connector according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [5]. [1] Terminal member (70) and A connector housing (20) that holds the terminal member (70), A refrigerant housing (80, 80A, 80B) is housed in the connector housing (20) while in contact with the terminal member (70), The refrigerant (100) circulated from the outside is contained within the aforementioned refrigerant housing (80, 80A, 80B), A connector equipped with a charging inlet (1.1A).

[0084] According to the connector (charging inlet 1, 1A) with the configuration described in [1] above, the refrigerant housing (80, 80A, 80B), which is cooled by the circulation of refrigerant (100) inside, is structured to be able to directly contact the heated terminal member (70). Therefore, the heated terminal member (70) can come into direct contact with the refrigerant container (80, 80A, 80B) which is cooled by the refrigerant (100) circulated from the outside, thus reducing thermal resistance and achieving high cooling performance. In addition, the refrigerant (100) in the refrigerant container (80, 80A, 80B) is constantly circulating, creating a temperature difference with the heat-generating part, which allows for efficient heat transfer and dissipation, and suppression of temperature rise. Furthermore, the connector housing (20) can be easily formed with a housing recess (53) for accommodating the refrigerant containers (80, 80A, 80B), and there is no need to form a refrigerant flow path in the terminal member (70), thus suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the connector (charging inlet 1, 1A).

[0085] [2] The metallic refrigerant housing (80, 80A) through which the conductive refrigerant (100) circulates has an insulating layer (85) applied to the entire inner surface that comes into contact with the refrigerant (100). The connector (charging inlet 1) described in [1] above.

[0086] According to the connector (charging inlet 1) with the configuration described in [2] above, the refrigerant housing (80, 80A), which is in direct contact with the terminal member (70) to reduce thermal resistance, is prevented from short-circuiting via the conductive refrigerant (100).

[0087] [3] The refrigerant container (80, 80A) has a bolt insertion portion (81) through which a bolt (48) is inserted, The terminal member (70) has a power terminal (10) that is fitted into the mating terminal and an LA terminal (40) that is fastened together with the power terminal (10) by the bolt (48) through which the bolt insertion portion (81) is inserted. The connector described in [2] above (charging inlet 1).

[0088] With the connector (charging inlet 1) configured as described in [3] above, when assembling the connector (charging inlet 1), the power terminal (10) is inserted into the terminal holding portion, the wire (3) to which the LA terminal (40) is connected to the wire end is passed through the wire introduction portion of the connector housing (20), and then the LA terminal (40) is fastened together with the rear end of the power terminal (10) with a bolt (48) after passing it through the bolt insertion portion 81 of the refrigerant housing (80, 80A), thereby allowing the terminal member (70) to be easily housed inside the connector housing (20).

[0089] [4] The metallic refrigerant container (80B) has a bolt insertion portion (81) through which a bolt (48) is inserted, The terminal member (70) has a power terminal (10) that is fitted into the mating terminal and an LA terminal (40) that is fastened together with the power terminal (10) by the bolt (48) through which the bolt insertion portion (81) is inserted. An insulating layer (85) is provided on at least the outer surface, including the fastening surface, of the refrigerant container (80B) through which the conductive refrigerant (100) is circulated. The connector described in [1] above (charging inlet 1A).

[0090] In the connector (charging inlet 1A) with the configuration described in [4] above, the metal refrigerant housing (80B) through which the conductive refrigerant (100) is circulated has an insulating layer (85) on its outer surface, including at least the fastening surface. Therefore, the refrigerant housing (80B), which is in direct contact with the terminal member (70) to reduce thermal resistance, is prevented from short-circuiting via the refrigerant (100). [5] The inside of the refrigerant containment (80A) is provided with heat dissipation protrusions (87) that increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface and improve heat dissipation. The connector (charging inlet 1) described in any one of the above [1] to [4].

[0091] The connector (charging inlet 1) with the configuration described in [5] above can reduce the thermal resistance between the refrigerant (100) and the refrigerant container (80A). Therefore, the charging inlet (1) equipped with the refrigerant container (80A) can more efficiently transfer and dissipate heat, thereby suppressing temperature rise. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1…Charging inlet (connector) 20… Connector housing 70…Terminal components 80... Refrigerant container 100... Refrigerant

Claims

1. Terminal member and A connector housing that holds the terminal member, A refrigerant container housed in the connector housing while in contact with the terminal member, The refrigerant contained within the refrigerant housing is a refrigerant circulated from the outside, A connector equipped with this feature.

2. The metallic refrigerant container through which the conductive refrigerant circulates has an insulating layer applied to the entire inner surface that comes into contact with the refrigerant. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The refrigerant container has a bolt insertion portion through which a bolt is inserted, The terminal member has a power terminal that is fitted to a mating terminal and an LA terminal that is fastened together with the power terminal by the bolt through which the bolt insertion portion is inserted. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The metallic refrigerant container has a bolt insertion portion through which a bolt is inserted, The terminal member has a power terminal that is fitted to the mating terminal and an LA terminal that is fastened together with the power terminal by the bolt through which the bolt insertion portion is inserted. An insulating layer is provided on at least the outer surface, including the fastening surface, of the refrigerant container through which the conductive refrigerant is circulated. The connector according to claim 1.

5. The inside of the refrigerant housing is provided with heat dissipation protrusions that increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface to enhance heat dissipation. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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