Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of preventing a thermal capacity of a heat storage member from becoming a saturation state in a short time, and effectively suppressing an increase of a temperature of a terminal in a power conduction.SOLUTION: A connector 1 comprises: a power terminal 10; a LA terminal 20; a second housing part 70; a heat storage member 90; and a cover 120. A power terminal 10 is electrically connected to a mating terminal. The LA terminal 20 is electrically connected to an electric wire 200. The heat storage member 90 is stood in a connection location of the power terminal 10 and the LA terminal 20. A second housing part 70 includes a second housing space 71 housing the heat storage member 90. The cover 120 covers an upper end open of the second housing part 70. The cover 120 includes a ventilation hole 123 communicated with the second housing space 71 so as to penetrate the cover 120. A ventilation film 130 is provided to the ventilation hole 123.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, power has been supplied from outside the vehicle to a battery mounted on the vehicle via a charging connector installed in the vehicle.

[0003] In a charging connector, when current flows through a terminal during charging, Joule heat is generated and the temperature (operating temperature) of the terminal rises. In particular, in the case of rapid charging, a large current flows through the terminal and the temperature rise of the terminal becomes large. For this reason, in a charging connector, it is desired to suppress the temperature rise of the terminal during energization.

[0004] In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a heat storage member is assembled to the terminal. With this configuration, by using the heat storage member to absorb the heat generated at the terminal, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the terminal during energization.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, from the viewpoint of waterproofing etc., the accommodation space in which the heat storage member is accommodated is sealed and isolated from the outside.

[0007] For this reason, in the location where the heat storage member is accommodated, heat may accumulate, and there is a possibility that the heat capacity of the heat storage member becomes saturated in a short time. When the heat capacity of the heat storage member becomes saturated, the heat storage member cannot absorb the heat generated at the terminal.

[0008] As a result, there is a possibility that the temperature rise of the terminal during energization cannot be suppressed, and further improvement has been demanded.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of such conventional technologies. The object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can effectively suppress the temperature rise of a terminal during energization by preventing the heat capacity of a heat storage member from reaching a saturated state in a short time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes a terminal connection portion electrically connected to a mating terminal, a wire connection portion electrically connected to a wire, a first housing portion having a first housing space for housing a connection location between the terminal connection portion and the wire connection portion, a heat storage member erected at the connection location, a cylindrical second housing portion having a second housing space that communicates with the first housing space and houses the heat storage member, and a cover that covers an upper end opening of the second housing portion. The cover has a main body portion that penetrates the cover and has a ventilation hole that communicates with the second housing space, and a ventilation film provided in the ventilation hole that allows gas to pass through the ventilation hole and blocks liquid from passing through the ventilation hole.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can effectively suppress the temperature rise of a terminal during energization by preventing the heat capacity of a heat storage member from reaching a saturated state in a short time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios. Also, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same functions and configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] [Overall Configuration of Connector] First, the overall configuration of the connector 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the connector 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3.

[0015] The X direction shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the connector 1. The longitudinal direction of the connector 1 coincides with the fitting direction between the connector 1 and a mating connector (not shown). The Y direction shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 corresponds to the width direction of the connector 1 and is orthogonal to the X direction. The Z direction shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 corresponds to the height direction of the connector 1 and is orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction.

[0016] The +X side and -X side shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 respectively correspond to the front and rear of the connector 1. The +Y side and -Y side shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 respectively correspond to the left and right of the connector 1 toward the front of the connector 1. The +Z side and -Z side shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 respectively correspond to the upper and lower sides of the connector 1.

[0017] The connector 1 is installed in a vehicle equipped with a battery such as an electric vehicle and is connected to an electric wire extending from the battery. Specifically, at the rear end of the connector 1, electric wires 200, 200 extending from a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle are connected.

[0018] The electric wires 200, 200 have core wires 201, 201 and insulating coatings 203, 203. The core wires 201, 201 are coated with the insulating coatings 203, 203. At the terminals of the electric wires 200, 200, the core wires 201, 201 have the insulating coatings 203, 203 stripped off and are exposed from the insulating coatings 203, 203.

[0019] When the connector 1 is mated with a mating connector, the terminals on the connector 1 side are electrically connected to the terminals (mating terminals) on the mating connector side. Thereby, power is supplied from outside the vehicle and the battery is charged. Note that the connector 1 is also referred to as a charging inlet.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 includes power terminals 10, 10, LA terminals 20, 20, sealing members 30, 30, a rear holder 40, a terminal holder 50, heat storage members 90, 90, packing 110, and a cover 120.

[0021] The power terminals 10, 10 function as the terminals on the connector 1 side and are electrically connected to the mating terminals. The LA terminals 20, 20 are electrically connected to the electric wires 200, 200. The LA terminals 20, 20 are joined to the power terminals 10, 10. Note that the power terminals 10, 10 are also referred to as terminal connection portions, and the LA terminals 20, 20 are also referred to as electric wire connection portions.

[0022] The connection points between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are housed in the terminal holder 50 and sealed by the sealing members 30, 30. The rear holder 40 is attached to the terminal holder 50 and holds the electric wires 200, 200 electrically connected to the LA terminals 20, 20.

[0023] The heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection points between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 and are housed in the terminal holder 50. The cover 120 is attached to the terminal holder 50 via the packing 110 and covers the location where the heat storage members 90, 90 are housed. As will be described later, the cover 120 has vent holes 123, 123 passing through the cover 120, and vent films 130, 130 are provided in the vent holes 123, 123.

[0024] The configurations of the respective components included in the connector 1 will be described in order below.

[0025] [Configuration of Power Terminal] First, the configuration of the power terminals 10, 10 will be described. The power terminals 10, 10 are made of metal and extend in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 1. The power terminals 10, 10 have terminal portions 11, 11, base portions 13, 13, and screw holes 15, 15 (see FIG. 1).

[0026] In a state where the power terminals 10, 10 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the terminal portions 11, 11 protrude forward from the front end of the terminal holder 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). One of the terminal portions 11, 11 functions as the anode-side terminal, and the other of the terminal portions 11, 11 functions as the cathode-side terminal. When the connector 1 is mated with the mating connector, one of the terminal portions 11, 11 is electrically connected to the anode-side mating terminal, and the other of the terminal portions 11, 11 is electrically connected to the cathode-side mating terminal. Thereby, the power terminals 10, 10 are electrically connected to the mating terminals.

[0027] The bases 13, 13 have small-diameter portions 13a, 13a, enlarged-diameter portions 13b, 13b, large-diameter portions 13c, 13c, and notch portions 13d, 13d. The small-diameter portions 13a, 13a are formed in a columnar shape. At the front ends of the small-diameter portions 13a, 13a, terminal portions 11, 11 protruding forward are integrally provided. At the rear ends of the small-diameter portions 13a, 13a, the enlarged-diameter portions 13b, 13b are integrally provided. The enlarged-diameter portions 13b, 13b are formed in a frustum shape. At the rear ends of the enlarged-diameter portions 13b, 13b, the large-diameter portions 13c, 13c are integrally provided. Note that the enlarged-diameter portions 13b, 13b may be formed in a columnar shape.

[0028] The large-diameter portions 13c, 13c are formed in a columnar shape. Notch portions 13d, 13d are formed at the upper rear ends of the large-diameter portions 13c, 13c. The notch portions 13d, 13d have contact surfaces 13d1, 13d1 facing upward. The contact surfaces 13d1, 13d1 are parallel to the X-Y plane. Threaded holes 15, 15 are formed at the rear ends of the large-diameter portions 13c, 13c. The threaded holes 15, 15 open at the contact surfaces 13d1, 13d1 of the notch portions 13d, 13d.

[0029] [Configuration of LA Terminals] Next, the configuration of the LA terminals 20, 20 will be described. The LA terminals 20, 20 are made of metal and extend in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 1. The LA terminals 20, 20 have terminal portions 21, 21, through holes 23, 23, and caulking portions 25, 25 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] The terminal portions 21, 21 are formed in a plate shape and have heat absorption surfaces 21a, 21a and contact surfaces 21b, 21b. The heat absorption surfaces 21a, 21a face upward and correspond to the upper surfaces of the terminal portions 21, 21. The contact surfaces 21b, 21b face downward and correspond to the lower surfaces of the terminal portions 21, 21. The heat absorption surfaces 21a, 21a and the contact surfaces 21b, 21b are parallel to the X-Y plane. The through holes 23, 23 penetrate the terminal portions 21, 21 and open at the heat absorption surfaces 21a, 21a and the contact surfaces 21b, 21b.

[0031] In a state where the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the contact surfaces 21b, 21b of the terminal portions 21, 21 are in contact with the contact surfaces 13d1, 13d1 of the cutout portions 13d, 13d of the power terminals 10, 10. In this state, the through holes 23, 23 communicate with the screw holes 15, 15 of the power terminals 10, 10. Note that the locations where the contact surfaces 21b, 21b of the terminal portions 21, 21 are in contact with the contact surfaces 13d1, 13d1 of the cutout portions 13d, 13d of the power terminals 10, 10 correspond to the connection locations between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20.

[0032] In a state where the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, heat storage members 90, 90 are erected on the heat absorption surfaces 21a, 21a of the terminal portions 21, 21 as will be described later.

[0033] At the rear ends of the terminal portions 21, 21, caulking portions 25, 25 are integrally provided. The caulking portions 25, 25 are caulked to the core wires 201, 201 exposed from the insulation coatings 203, 203 at the terminals of the electric wires 200, 200. Thereby, the LA terminals 20, 20 are electrically connected to the electric wires 200, 200.

[0034] [Configuration of Sealing Member] Next, the configuration of the sealing members 30, 30 will be described. The sealing members 30, 30 are formed in an annular shape and are provided around the insulation coatings 203, 203 of the electric wires 200 (see FIG. 1). The sealing members 30, 30 are, for example, rubber stoppers.

[0035] In a state where the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the sealing members 30, 30 are sandwiched between the electric wires 200, 200 and the terminal holder 50 (see FIG. 4). Thereby, the connection locations between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are sealed by the sealing members 30, 30.

[0036] [Configuration of Rear Holder] Next, the configuration of the rear holder 40 will be described. The rear holder 40 has a cylindrical portion 41, a cover portion 43, and wire insertion holes 45, 45 (see FIG. 1).

[0037] The cylindrical portion 41 extends in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 1. The shape of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed so as to correspond to the shape of the outer peripheral surfaces of the rear end portions 60b, 60b of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 described later in the terminal holder 50. With this configuration, in a state where the rear holder 40 is attached to the terminal holder 50, the cylindrical portion 41 covers the rear end portions 60b, 60b of the first accommodating portions 60, 60.

[0038] The cover portion 43 closes the rear end opening of the cylindrical portion 41. The wire insertion holes 45, 45 penetrate through the cover portion 43. In a state where the rear holder 40 is attached to the terminal holder 50, the wires 200, 200 electrically connected to the LA terminals 20, 20 are inserted into the wire insertion holes 45, 45 and held by the rear holder 40 (see FIG. 4). Further, in a state where the rear holder 40 is attached to the terminal holder 50, the rear end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 of the terminal holder 50 are closed by the cover portion 43 of the rear holder 40.

[0039] [Configuration of Terminal Holder] Next, the configuration of the terminal holder 50 will be described. The terminal holder 50 has first accommodating portions 60, 60, second accommodating portions 70, and a mounting portion 80 (see FIG. 1).

[0040] The first accommodating portions 60, 60 extend in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 1. The first accommodating portions 60, 60 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 63 and arranged side by side in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0041] The first accommodating portions 60, 60 are formed in a cylindrical shape and have first accommodating spaces 61, 61 inside (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In the first accommodating spaces 61, 61, the enlarged diameter portions 13b, 13b and large diameter portions 13c, 13c of the power terminals 10, 10, the LA terminals 20, 20, and the terminal portions of the electric wires 200, 200 electrically connected to the LA terminals 20, 20 are accommodated. Note that the terminal portions of the electric wires 200, 200 correspond to the portions between the tips of the core wires 201, 201 exposed from the insulating coatings 203, 203 and the vicinity of the installation positions where the sealing members 30, 30 are provided on the insulating coatings 203, 203 (see FIG. 4). With this configuration, the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are accommodated in the first accommodating spaces 61, 61 of the first accommodating portions 60, 60.

[0042] Cylindrical terminal holding portions 65, 65 are inserted into the front end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 (see FIG. 4). The terminal holding portions 65, 65 are formed integrally with the first accommodating portions 60, 60. The shape of the inner peripheral surface of the terminal holding portions 65, 65 is formed to correspond to the shape of the outer peripheral surfaces of the rear end portions of the small diameter portions 13a, 13a, the enlarged diameter portions 13b, 13b, and the front end portions of the large diameter portions 13c, 13c at the bases 13, 13 of the power terminals 10, 10. With this configuration, in a state where the power terminals 10, 10 are accommodated in the first accommodating portions 60, 60, the terminal holding portions 65, 65 hold the power terminals 10, 10.

[0043] In a state where the terminal holding portions 65, 65 hold the power terminals 10, 10, the terminal portions 11, 11 and the front end portions of the small diameter portions 13a, 13a protrude forward from the terminal holding portions 65, 65. Note that, among the terminal holding portions 65, 65, the portions holding the rear end portions of the small diameter portions 13a, 13a are located in front of the front end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60.

[0044] A hood portion 67 is provided at the front end of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 (see FIG. 4). The hood portion 67 is formed integrally with the first accommodating portions 60, 60. The hood portion 67 extends forward from the outer periphery of the front end of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 and surrounds the terminal holding portions 65, 65.

[0045] The first accommodating portions 60, 60 have a front end portion 60a, 60a and a rear end portion 60b, 60b (see FIG. 1). As will be described later, second accommodating portions 70, 70 are provided at the front end portions 60a, 60a. A rear holder 40 is attached to the rear end portions 60b, 60b.

[0046] The power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are inserted from the rear end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 and assembled into the first accommodating spaces 61, 61. In this state, the sealing members 30, 30 are sandwiched between the insulating coatings 203, 203 of the electric wires 200, 200 and the rear end portions 60b, 60b of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 (see FIG. 4).

[0047] In a state where the rear holder 40 is attached to the rear end portions 60b, 60b, the cylindrical portion 41 of the rear holder 40 covers the rear end portions 60b, 60b of the first accommodating portions 60, 60, and the cover portion 43 of the rear holder 40 closes the rear end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 while holding the electric wires 200, 200.

[0048] In this way, the front end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 are closed by the power terminals 10, 10 and the terminal holding portions 65, 65, and the rear end openings of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 are closed by the rear holder 40 and the electric wires 200, 200. Also, the first accommodating spaces 61, 61 are sealed by the sealing members 30, 30. Thereby, the first accommodating spaces 61, 61 are isolated from the outside.

[0049] On the inner peripheral surfaces of the first accommodating portions 60, 60, a plurality of ribs 69, 69 are formed along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 1 in order to reinforce the first accommodating portions 60, 60 (see FIG. 5). In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 1, the plurality of ribs 69, 69 protrude from the inner peripheral surfaces of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 toward the inner side in the inner diameter direction of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 within the first accommodating spaces 61, 61.

[0050] The second accommodating portion 70 extends in the height direction (Z direction) of the connector 1. The second accommodating portion 70 is integrally formed with the first accommodating portions 60, 60 and stands on the front end portions 60a, 60a of the first accommodating portions 60, 60 (see FIG. 1).

[0051] The second accommodating portion 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has flat walls 70a, 70b and arc walls 70c, 70d. The flat walls 70a, 70b form the front and rear portions of the second accommodating portion 70, and the arc walls 70c, 70d form the left and right portions of the second accommodating portion 70. One end and the other end of the flat wall 70a are respectively connected to one end of the arc wall 70c and one end of the arc wall 70d. One end and the other end of the flat wall 70b are respectively connected to the other end of the arc wall 70c and the other end of the arc wall 70d.

[0052] The second accommodating portion 70 has a second accommodating space 71 inside (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The second accommodating portion 70 has curved walls 70e, 70f in the second accommodating space 71 (see FIG. 1). The curved walls 70e, 70f are lower than the flat walls 70a, 70b and the arc walls 70c, 70d. In the second accommodating space 71, the inner peripheral surface of the arc wall 70c and the inner peripheral surface of the curved wall 70e are connected, and the inner peripheral surface of the arc wall 70d and the inner peripheral surface of the curved wall 70f are connected.

[0053] With this configuration, the second accommodating space 71 has a space 71a surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the arc wall 70c and the inner peripheral surface of the curved wall 70e, and a space 71b surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the arc wall 70d and the inner peripheral surface of the curved wall 70f (see FIG. 5). Also, the second accommodating space 71 has a space 71c surrounded by the inner peripheral surfaces of the flat walls 70a, 70b and the inner peripheral surfaces of the arc walls 70c, 70d at the upper end portion of the second accommodating portion 70, and a space 71d surrounded by the outer peripheral surfaces of the curved walls 70e, 70f and the inner peripheral surfaces of the flat walls 70a, 70b. In the second accommodating space 71, the space 71c is located above the spaces 71a, 71b, 71d.

[0054] The second accommodation space 71 communicates with the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 through the lower end opening of the second accommodation part 70. Specifically, in the second accommodation space 71, the spaces 71a, 71b communicate with the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 through the lower end opening of the second accommodation part 70. Note that the lower part of the space 71d is blocked by the outer peripheral surfaces of the first accommodation parts 60, 60.

[0055] The heat storage members 90, 90 are accommodated in the second accommodation space 71. Specifically, in the second accommodation space 71, the heat storage members 90, 90 are accommodated in the spaces 71a, 71b.

[0056] Locking pieces 73 project from the outer peripheral surfaces of the flat walls 70a, 70b and the arc walls 70c, 70d respectively. When the cover 120 is attached to the terminal holder 50, each locking piece 73 is inserted into a locking hole 125 of the cover 120 described later. Thereby, the cover 120 is locked to the second accommodation part 70 and covers the upper end opening of the second accommodation part 70.

[0057] The attachment part 80 is provided at the front ends of the first accommodation parts 60, 60 and is located outside the hood part 67 (see FIG. 1). Attachment holes 81 penetrate through the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right portions of the attachment part 80 along the longitudinal direction of the connector 1.

[0058] [Configuration of Heat Storage Member] The heat storage members 90, 90 are members used to temporarily store heat. The heat storage members 90, 90 contain, for example, a material with a larger heat capacity than air inside.

[0059] The heat storage members 90, 90 are formed in a cylindrical shape. In a state where the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the heat storage members 90, 90 are inserted into the second accommodation space 71 from the upper end opening of the second accommodation portion 70 and are accommodated in the spaces 71a, 71b in the second accommodation space 71. In this state, the lower end portions of the heat storage members 90, 90 are introduced into the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 through the lower end opening of the second accommodation portion 70. As a result, the heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. In this state, the lower ends of the heat storage members 90, 90 are in contact with the heat absorption surfaces 21a, 21a of the LA terminals 20, 20 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0060] Through holes 91, 91 are formed in the heat storage members 90, 90. In a state where the heat storage members 90, 90 are accommodated in the spaces 71a, 71b and are erected at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20, bolts 100, 100 are inserted into the through holes 91, 91 of the heat storage members 90, 90. When the bolts 100, 100 are inserted into the through holes 91, 91 of the heat storage members 90, 90, they are introduced into the screw holes 15, 15 of the power terminals 10, 10 through the through holes 23, 23 of the LA terminals 20, 20. In this state, the bolts 100, 100 are screwed into the screw holes 15, 15 of the power terminals 10, 10 to fasten and fix the heat storage members 90, 90 at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. In this way, the power terminals 10, 10, the LA terminals 20, 20, and the heat storage members 90, 90 are clamped together by the bolts 100, 100. Note that the bolts 100, 100 are also referred to as fastening members.

[0061] [Configuration of packing] Next, the configuration of the packing 110 will be described. In a state where the cover 120 is locked to the second accommodation portion 70, the packing 110 is sandwiched between the second accommodation portion 70 and the cover 120 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Specifically, the packing 110 is pressed by an inner wall portion 126 of the cover 120 described later and is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the second accommodation portion 70. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water from entering the second accommodation space 71 from the outside.

[0062] Note that the packing 110 has a thickness assuming a crushing margin that is crushed while being sandwiched between the second housing portion 70 and the cover 120 in advance.

[0063] [Configuration of Cover] Next, the configuration of the cover 120 will be described. The cover 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a main body portion 121, an outer wall portion 124, an inner wall portion 126, and ventilation films 130, 130 (see FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). In a state where the cover 120 is locked to the second housing portion 70, the main body portion 121 covers the upper end opening of the second housing portion 70.

[0064] Ventilation holes 123, 123 penetrating the main body portion 121 are formed in the main body portion 121. In a state where the cover 120 is locked to the second housing portion 70, the ventilation holes 123, 123 communicate with the space 71c in the second housing space 71. In this state, the ventilation holes 123, 123 are located above the spaces 71a and 71b in the second housing space 71.

[0065] The outer wall portion 124 extends downward from the peripheral edge along the peripheral edge of the main body portion 121. Protrusions extending downward from the outer wall portion 124 are provided on each of the front, rear, left, and right portions of the outer wall portion 124. A locking hole 125 penetrates each protrusion. When the locking piece 73 of the second housing portion 70 is inserted into the locking hole 125 of the cover 120, the cover 120 is locked to the second housing portion 70 and is attached to the terminal holder 50.

[0066] The inner wall portion 126 extends downward from a position inside the peripheral edge of the main body portion 121 along the outer wall portion 124. In a state where the cover 120 is locked to the second housing portion 70, the inner wall portion 126 is inserted into the upper end opening of the second housing portion 70 and surrounds a part of the space 71c of the second housing space 71.

[0067] The ventilation membranes 130, 130 are provided in the ventilation holes 123, 123, allowing gas to pass through the ventilation holes 123, 123 and preventing liquid from passing through the ventilation holes 123, 123. The ventilation membranes 130, 130 are, for example, porous films made of fluororesin, polyolefin resin, etc. In this embodiment, the ventilation membranes 130, 130 are attached to the upper surface 121a of the main body portion 121 to cover the openings of the ventilation holes 123, 123.

[0068] The configurations of the respective components included in the connector 1 have been described above.

[0069] [Assembly Procedure of Connector] Next, the assembly procedure of the connector 1 will be described. First, the power terminals 10, 10 are inserted into the terminal holder 50. Specifically, the power terminals 10, 10 are inserted into the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 of the first accommodation portions 60, 60 from the rear end openings of the first accommodation portions 60, 60. The power terminals 10, 10 are inserted into the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 until the front end portions of the terminal portions 11, 11 and the small diameter portions 13a, 13a of the base portions 13, 13 protrude forward from the terminal holding portions 65, 65. In this state, the rear end portions of the small diameter portions 13a, 13a, the enlarged diameter portions 13b, 13b, and the front end portions of the large diameter portions 13c, 13c of the base portions 13, 13 are held by the terminal holding portions 65, 65. Thereby, the power terminals 10, 10 are assembled to the terminal holder 50.

[0070] When the power terminals 10, 10 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the LA terminals 20, 20 to which the electric wires 200, 200 are electrically connected are inserted into the terminal holder 50. Specifically, the LA terminals 20, 20 are inserted into the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 of the first accommodation parts 60, 60 from the rear end openings of the first accommodation parts 60, 60. The contact surfaces 21b, 21b of the terminal parts 21, 21 of the LA terminals 20, 20 contact the contact surfaces 13d1, 13d1 of the notch parts 13d, 13d of the power terminals 10, 10, and the LA terminals 20, 20 are inserted into the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 until the through holes 23, 23 of the terminal parts 21, 21 communicate with the screw holes 15, 15 of the power terminals 10, 10. In this state, the LA terminals 20, 20 are accommodated in the first accommodation spaces 61, 61, and the sealing members 30, 30 are clamped between the electric wires 200, 200 and the terminal holder 50. Thereby, the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50.

[0071] Note that in a state where the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 are accommodated in the first accommodation spaces 61, 61 and sealed by the sealing members 30, 30.

[0072] When the LA terminals 20, 20 are assembled to the terminal holder 50, the rear holder 40 is attached to the terminal holder 50. Specifically, with the electric wires 200, 200 electrically connected to the LA terminals 20, 20 inserted into the wire insertion holes 45, 45, the rear holder 40 is attached to the rear end portions 60b, 60b of the first accommodation parts 60, 60. In a state where the rear holder 40 is attached to the rear end portions 60b, 60b, the cylindrical portion 41 of the rear holder 40 covers the rear end portions 60b, 60b of the first accommodation parts 60, 60, and the cover portion 43 of the rear holder 40 closes the rear end openings of the first accommodation parts 60, 60.

[0073] When the rear holder 40 is attached to the terminal holder 50, the heat storage members 90, 90 are housed in the terminal holder 50. Specifically, the heat storage members 90, 90 are inserted into the second accommodation space 71 from the upper end opening of the second accommodation portion 70 and are housed in the spaces 71a, 71b in the second accommodation space 71. In a state where the heat storage members 90, 90 are housed in the spaces 71a, 71b, the lower end portions of the heat storage members 90, 90 are introduced into the first accommodation spaces 61, 61. Thereby, the heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20.

[0074] When the heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20, the bolts 100, 100 are inserted into the through holes 91, 91 of the heat storage members 90, 90. Further, the bolts 100, 100 are introduced into the screw holes 15, 15 of the power terminals 10, 10 through the through holes 23, 23 of the LA terminals 20, 20. In this state, the bolts 100, 100 are screwed into the screw holes 15, 15 of the power terminals 10, 10 to fix the heat storage members 90, 90 at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. Thereby, the heat storage members 90, 90 are housed in the terminal holder 50.

[0075] When the heat storage members 90, 90 are housed in the terminal holder 50, the cover 120 is attached to the terminal holder 50 via the packing 110. Specifically, each locking piece 73 of the second accommodation portion 70 is inserted into each locking hole 125 of the outer wall portion 124 of the cover 120, and the cover 120 is locked to the second accommodation portion 70.

[0076] In a state where the cover 120 is attached to the terminal holder 50, the outer wall portion 124 of the cover 120 covers the upper end portion of the second accommodation portion 70, and the main body portion 121 of the cover 120 covers the upper end opening of the second accommodation portion 70. Further, the inner wall portion 126 of the cover 120 is inserted into the upper end opening of the second accommodation portion 70 and presses the packing 110 toward the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the second accommodation portion 70.

[0077] In addition, in a state where the cover 120 is attached to the terminal holder 50, the openings of the ventilation holes 123, 123 in the main body portion 121 communicating with the second accommodation space 71 of the second accommodation portion 70 are covered with the ventilation films 130, 130.

[0078] [Suppression of Temperature Rise of Terminals] Next, the suppression of the temperature rise of the terminals in the connector 1 will be described. When the connector 1 is mated with the mating connector, the power terminals 10, 10 are electrically connected to the mating terminals. As a result, power is supplied from outside the vehicle and the battery is charged. At this time, heat is generated at the contact portions between the terminal portions 11, 11 of the power terminals 10, 10 and the terminal portions (not shown) of the mating terminals. The heat generated at the contact portions is conducted to the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 through the terminal portions 11, 11 and the base portions 13, 13 of the power terminals 10, 10.

[0079] Heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. Therefore, the heat storage members 90, 90 absorb the heat conducted to the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 and temporarily store it.

[0080] The heat absorbed by the heat storage members 90, 90 moves upward in the second accommodation space 71 by natural convection in the second accommodation space 71 in which the heat storage members 90, 90 are accommodated. The heat that has moved upward in the second accommodation space 71 is radiated to the outside of the second accommodation portion 70 through the ventilation holes 123, 123 formed in the main body portion 121 of the cover 120.

[0081] Therefore, the heat storage members 90, 90 can continuously absorb the heat conducted to the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. Therefore, the connector 1 can effectively suppress the temperature rise of the power terminals 10, 10. In addition, the connector 1 can suppress the heat conducted from the power terminals 10, 10 to the LA terminals 20, 20, and can also effectively suppress the temperature rise of the LA terminals 20, 20.

[0082] [Function and Effect] According to this embodiment, the connector 1 includes power terminals 10, 10, LA terminals 20, 20, first accommodating portions 60, 60, a second accommodating portion 70, heat storage members 90, 90, and a cover 120. The power terminals 10, 10 are electrically connected to a mating terminal. The LA terminals 20, 20 are electrically connected to electric wires 200, 200. The first accommodating portions 60, 60 have first accommodating spaces 61, 61 that accommodate the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. The heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. The second accommodating portion 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second accommodating portion 70 communicates with the first accommodating spaces 61, 61 and has a second accommodating space 71 that accommodates the heat storage members 90, 90. The cover 120 covers the upper end opening of the second accommodating portion 70.

[0083] The cover 120 has a main body portion 121 and ventilation films 130, 130. The main body portion 121 has ventilation holes 123, 123 that penetrate the cover 120 and communicate with the second accommodating space 71. The ventilation films 130, 130 are provided at the ventilation holes 123, 123, allow gas to pass through the ventilation holes 123, 123, and prevent liquid from passing through the ventilation holes 123, 123.

[0084] With the above-described configuration, when energized, the heat generated at the contact portion between the power terminals 10, 10 and the mating terminal is conducted to the connection portion between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. Heat storage members 90, 90 are erected at the connection portion between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. Therefore, the heat storage members 90, 90 absorb the heat conducted to the connection portion between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 and temporarily store it.

[0085] The heat absorbed by the heat storage members 90, 90 moves upward in the second accommodating space 71 due to natural convection in the second accommodating space 71 of the second accommodating portion 70 in which the heat storage members 90, 90 are accommodated. The heat that has moved upward in the second accommodating space 71 is radiated to the outside of the second accommodating portion 70 through the ventilation holes 123, 123 formed in the main body portion 121 of the cover 120.

[0086] This can prevent heat from accumulating in the second accommodation space 71 in which the heat storage members 90, 90 are accommodated, and can avoid the heat capacity of the heat storage members 90, 90 reaching a saturated state in a short time. For this reason, the heat storage members 90, 90 can continuously absorb the heat conducted to the connection portions between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20. Therefore, the connector 1 can effectively suppress the temperature rise of the power terminals 10, 10 during energization. Further, the connector 1 can suppress the heat conducted from the power terminals 10, 10 to the LA terminals 20, 20, and can also effectively suppress the temperature rise of the LA terminals 20, 20 during energization.

[0087] With the above-described configuration, the ventilation films 130, 130 are provided in the ventilation holes 123, 123. For this reason, the connector 1 can prevent liquid from entering the inside of the second accommodation portion 70 while releasing heat to the outside of the second accommodation portion 70 during energization.

[0088] Also, in order to withstand the internal pressure due to thermal expansion, it is not necessary to form the constituent members of the terminal holder 50 thick, and it is not necessary to increase the crushing allowance of the packing 110. Therefore, the connector 1 can be reduced in size, weight, and manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the diameters of the electric wires 200, 200, which were set in advance assuming the temperature rise of the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20, can also be reduced.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, the power terminals 10, 10, the LA terminals 20, 20, and the heat storage members 90, 90 are clamped together by bolts 100, 100.

[0090] With the above-described configuration, an increase in the number of parts and the number of operations can be suppressed, and the heat storage members 90, 90 can be easily erected at the connection portion between the power terminals 10, 10 and the LA terminals 20, 20 from the upper end opening of the second accommodation portion 70. Therefore, the connector 1 can be reduced in size, weight, and manufacturing cost.

[0091] According to the present embodiment, the ventilation films 130, 130 cover the openings of the ventilation holes 123, 123.

[0092] With the above-described configuration, an increase in the number of components and the number of operations can be suppressed, and the ventilation films 130, 130 can be provided in the ventilation holes 123, 123. Therefore, downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction of the connector 1 can be achieved.

[0093] [First Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment, the ventilation films 130, 130 are attached to the upper surface 121a of the main body portion 121 to cover the openings of the ventilation holes 123, 123, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the cover 120 in the connector 1a according to this modification example. As shown in FIG. 6, in this modification example, each of the ventilation films 130, 130 is attached to the lower surface 121b of the main body portion 121 to cover the opening of the ventilation hole 123. In FIG. 6, only one ventilation film 130 is shown.

[0095] With the above-described configuration as well, an increase in the number of components and the number of operations can be suppressed, and the ventilation films 130, 130 can be provided in the ventilation holes 123, 123. Therefore, downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction of the connector 1 can be achieved.

[0096] [Second Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment and the first modification example, the ventilation films 130, 130 are attached to the upper surface 121a or the lower surface 121b of the main body portion 121 to cover the openings of the ventilation holes 123, 123, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the cover 120 in the connector 1b according to this modification example. As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification example, circular accommodation recesses 121c, 121c are formed in the upper surface 121a of the main body portion 121. In FIG. 7, only one accommodation recess 121c is shown. The depth of the accommodation recess 121c is equal to the height of the ventilation film 130, and the diameter of the accommodation recess 121c is equal to the diameter of the ventilation film 130.

[0098] On the bottom surfaces of the accommodating recesses 121c and 121c, openings of the ventilation holes 123 and 123 are formed. The ventilation films 130 and 130 are accommodated in the accommodating recesses 121c and 121c and cover the openings of the ventilation holes 123 and 123. Note that the accommodating recesses 121c and 121c are waterproofed.

[0099] With the above-described configuration, the ventilation films 130 and 130 cover the openings of the ventilation holes 123 and 123 while being accommodated in the accommodating recesses 121c and 121c formed on the upper surface 121a of the main body portion 121. For this reason, for example, even when components existing around the connector 1 interfere with the upper surface 121a of the main body portion 121, the ventilation films 130 and 130 are not adhered to the upper surface 121a of the main body portion 121 in an exposed state, and thus are difficult to peel off from the main body portion 121.

[0100] [Third Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment, the main body portion 121 of the cover 120 is formed of one member, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the cover 220 in the connector 1c according to this modification example. As shown in FIG. 8, in this modification example, the cover 220 has a first main body portion 231 and a second main body portion 241 instead of the main body portion 121.

[0102] The first main body portion 231 has an upper surface 231a and a lower surface 231b. Circular accommodating recesses 231c and 231c are formed in the lower surface 231b. Note that in FIG. 8, only one accommodating recess 231c is shown. The depth of the accommodating recess 231c is equal to half of the height of the ventilation film 130, and the diameter of the accommodating recess 231c is equal to the diameter of the ventilation film 130. The lower surface 231b is also referred to as a first opposing surface.

[0103] In the first main body portion 231, first holes 233 and 233 penetrating the first main body portion 231 are formed. Note that in FIG. 8, only one first hole 233 is shown. Upper openings and lower openings of the first holes 233 and 233 are formed in the upper surface 231a and the bottom surfaces of the accommodating recesses 231c and 231c, respectively.

[0104] Similarly, the second main body part 241 has an upper surface 241a and a lower surface 241b. Circular accommodation recesses 241c, 241c are formed in the upper surface 241a. In FIG. 8, only one accommodation recess 241c is shown. The depth of the accommodation recess 241c is equal to half of the height of the ventilation film 130, and the diameter of the accommodation recess 241c is equal to the diameter of the ventilation film 130. The upper surface 241a is also referred to as the second opposing surface.

[0105] In the second main body part 241, second holes 243, 243 penetrating the second main body part 241 are formed. In FIG. 8, only one second hole 243 is shown. Upper openings and lower openings of the second holes 243, 243 are formed in the bottom surfaces of the accommodation recesses 241c, 241c and the lower surface 241b, respectively.

[0106] In the cover 220, each of the ventilation films 130, 130 is disposed between the first main body part 231 and the second main body part 241 and covers the lower opening of the first hole 233 and the upper opening of the second hole 243. Specifically, with the lower parts of the ventilation films 130, 130 accommodated in the accommodation recesses 241c, 241c of the second main body part 241, the lower surface 231b of the first main body part 231 is joined to the upper surface 241a of the second main body part 241. In this state, the upper parts of the ventilation films 130, 130 are accommodated in the accommodation recesses 231c, 231c of the first main body part 231. With such a configuration, the first holes 233, 233 communicate with the second holes 243, 243, and each of the ventilation films 130, 130 covers the lower opening of the first hole 233 and the upper opening of the second hole 243.

[0107] Note that the communicated first holes 233 and second holes 243 form each ventilation hole of the above-described embodiment. Also, waterproof processing is performed on the lower surface 231b and the accommodation recesses 231c, 231c of the first main body part 231 and the upper surface 241a and the accommodation recesses 241c, 241c of the second main body part 241.

[0108] According to this modification example, the main body portion of the connector 1c includes a first main body portion 231 and a second main body portion 241, and the vent holes of the connector 1c include first holes 233, 233 penetrating the first main body portion 231 and second holes 243, 243 penetrating the second main body portion 241. The ventilation membranes 130, 130 are disposed between the first main body portion 231 and the second main body portion 241 to cover the openings of the first holes 233, 233 and the openings of the second holes 243, 243.

[0109] With such a configuration, since the ventilation membranes 130, 130 are sandwiched between the first main body portion 231 and the second main body portion 241, the ventilation membranes 130, 130 are less likely to be peeled off from the main body portion of the connector 1c.

[0110] The above is the description of this embodiment, but this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0111] 1 Connector 10 Power Terminal 20 LA Terminal 60 First Accommodating Portion 61 First Accommodating Space 70 Second Accommodating Portion 71 Second Accommodating Space 90 Heat Storage Member 100 Bolt 120 Cover 121 Main Body Portion 121a Upper Surface 121c Accommodating Recess 123 Vent Hole 130 Ventilation Membrane 200 Electric Wire 231 First Main Body Portion 233 First Hole 241 Second Main Body Portion 243 Second Hole

Claims

1. a terminal connection part electrically connected to a mating terminal; a wire connection part electrically connected to a wire; a first accommodating part having a first accommodating space for accommodating a connection location between the terminal connection part and the wire connection part; a heat storage member erected at the connection location; a cylindrical second accommodating part communicating with the first accommodating space and having a second accommodating space for accommodating the heat storage member; a cover covering an upper end opening of the second accommodating part; and comprising the cover has a main body part penetrating through the cover and communicating with the second accommodating space, and having a ventilation hole; a ventilation film provided in the ventilation hole, allowing gas to pass through the ventilation hole and blocking liquid from passing through the ventilation hole; a connector having the same.

2. The connector according to Claim 1, wherein the heat storage member, the terminal connection part, and the wire connection part are clamped together by a fastening member.

3. The connector according to Claim 1, wherein the ventilation film covers an opening of the ventilation hole.

4. a receiving recess is formed on an upper surface of the main body part; an opening of the ventilation hole is formed on a bottom surface of the receiving recess; The connector according to Claim 3, wherein the ventilation film is received in the receiving recess and covers the opening of the ventilation hole.

5. The main body part includes a first main body part and a second main body part; the ventilation hole includes a first hole penetrating through the first main body part and a second hole penetrating through the second main body part; The connector according to Claim 1, wherein the ventilation film is disposed between the first main body part and the second main body part and covers an opening of the first hole and an opening of the second hole.

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