Connectors and connector assemblies

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain a novel connector.CONSTITUTION: A connector C1 includes: a body 100; at least one first terminal 200a; an internal substrate 300; and at least one current sensor 400 configured to be able to perform non-contact detection of a current flowing through the at least one first terminal 200a. A tip part 210a of the at least one first terminal 200a protrudes in a Y direction from the body 100. A main body part 220a of the at least one first terminal 200a is at least partially held by the body 100. The main body part 220a has a part to be measured 223a which is arranged within the body 100. The internal substrate 300 is fixed to the body 100 and is spaced in a Z-Z' direction with respect to the part to be measured 223a. The at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the internal substrate 300 and is arranged adjacent to the part to be measured 223a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a conventional connector for a power supply device. This connector includes a conductive shell, a plurality of terminals, an insulating body, an internal substrate, a plurality of current sensors, and a plurality of signal lines. The shell is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of terminals are metal plates each extending in the axial direction of the shell and having a tip portion, an intermediate portion, and a rear end portion respectively. The body holds the intermediate portions of the plurality of terminals at intervals in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction and is housed in the shell together with the tip portions and intermediate portions of the plurality of terminals. The internal substrate is held by the body and is arranged to be located below the intermediate portions of the plurality of terminals. The plurality of current sensors are GMR (Giant Magneto Resistive effect) sensors mounted on the internal substrate and each detecting a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the plurality of terminals. The plurality of signal lines are electrically connected to the plurality of current sensors via the internal substrate and are led out from the body and the shell.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a novel connector and a connector assembly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an insulating body, at least one first terminal, an internal substrate, and at least one current sensor having a configuration capable of non-contact detection of the current flowing through at least one first terminal. The at least one first terminal has a tip, a body, and a lead. The tip extends in a first direction and protrudes from the body in one direction of the first direction or is exposed from the body. The body is provided between the tip and the lead, extends in a first and a second direction, and is at least partially held by the body. The body extends in a first and a second direction and has a part to be measured that is located inside the body. The lead is externally connectable. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The internal substrate is fixed to the body and is spaced in a third direction relative to the part to be measured of at least one first terminal. The third direction is substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. At least one current sensor is mounted on an internal circuit board and is located near the part under measurement of at least one first terminal.

[0006] This novel connector was obtained.

[0007] At least one current sensor may be positioned at a distance in a third direction from the part under test of at least one first terminal, and at least a portion of the at least one current sensor may overlap the projected area of ​​the part under test in the third direction.

[0008] The internal circuit board may be positioned on one side in the third direction relative to the part under test of at least one first terminal. At least one current sensor may be positioned on one or the other side in the third direction relative to the internal circuit board, and also on one side in the third direction relative to the part under test of at least one first terminal.

[0009] The internal circuit board may be positioned on the other side of the third direction relative to the part under test of at least one first terminal. At least one current sensor may be positioned on one or the other side of the third direction relative to the internal circuit board, and also on the other side of the third direction relative to the part under test of at least one first terminal.

[0010] A connector in any of the above-described embodiments may further include at least one conductive shielding portion. The at least one shielding portion may have at least one or at least two of the first plate, second plate, and third plate.

[0011] The first plate is fixed to the internal substrate and may be positioned at a distance from the part of at least one current sensor and at least one first terminal to be measured, either on one side in the second direction or on one side in the first direction.

[0012] The second plate is fixed to the internal substrate and may be positioned at a distance from the part of at least one current sensor and at least one first terminal to be measured, either on the other side in the second direction or on the other side in the first direction.

[0013] The third plate is connected to at least one of the first plate and the second plate and may be positioned at a distance from the part of at least one first terminal to be measured, either on one side in the third direction or the other side in the third direction.

[0014] At least one lead portion of a first terminal may extend in a third direction or an oblique direction. The oblique direction may include components of the other of the first direction and the other of the third direction. The lead portion may have a mounting portion. The mounting portion of the lead portion is the end of the lead portion on the other side of the third direction and may extend in the other of the third direction or the other of the first direction.

[0015] The lead portion of at least one first terminal may be positioned in one of the second directions relative to the body. In this case, the main body may be bent into a substantially L-shape. The mounting portion of the lead portion is the other end of the lead portion of at least one second terminal in the third direction, and may extend in the other of the third direction, one of the second directions, or the other of the second direction.

[0016] The dimension of the part of at least one first terminal under test in the first perpendicular direction may be larger than the dimension of the contact portion at the tip of at least one first terminal in the second perpendicular direction and the dimension of the mounting portion at the lead portion in the third perpendicular direction. The first perpendicular direction can be approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the part of at least one first terminal under test. The second perpendicular direction can be approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the contact portion at least one first terminal. The third perpendicular direction can be approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the mounting portion at least one first terminal.

[0017] Any of the above-mentioned connectors may further include at least one second terminal.

[0018] At least one second terminal may have a tip, a body, and a lead. The tip of at least one second terminal may extend in a first direction and protrude from the body in one direction in the first direction or be exposed from the body. The body of at least one second terminal may be provided between the tip and the lead, extend in the first and second directions, and be at least partially held by the body. The lead of at least one second terminal may be externally connectable. The lead of at least one second terminal may extend in a third direction or diagonally. The lead of at least one second terminal may have a mounting portion. The mounting portion of the lead of at least one second terminal may be the other end of the lead of at least one second terminal in the third direction and may extend in the other direction in the third direction or the other direction in the first direction. The lead of at least one second terminal may be positioned on the other side of the second direction relative to the body. In this case, the body of at least one second terminal may be bent into a substantially L shape. The mounting portion of at least one second terminal lead is the other end of the lead of at least one second terminal in the third direction, and may extend in the other direction of the third direction, the other direction of the second direction, or one of the second directions.

[0019] The body may have a housing section. The housing section may have a housing space that extends in a second direction and opens in one of the third directions. An internal circuit board may be housed in the housing space from one side in the third direction and held in the housing section in at least the first and second directions.

[0020] The body may further have at least one positioning section. The at least one positioning section is preferably provided in the housing section and positioned in the third direction relative to the part of at least one first terminal to be measured.

[0021] At least one positioning section may include a first positioning section. The first positioning section may be in direct contact with the internal substrate from the other side in the third direction, or indirectly in contact with it via another member.

[0022] The accommodating portion may further have at least one insertion hole that extends in the third direction, communicates with the accommodation space, and opens to the other side in the third direction from the body.

[0023] At least one insertion hole may penetrate the first positioning portion in the third direction. At least one insertion hole may penetrate the bottom of the accommodation space of the accommodating portion.

[0024] The lead portion of at least one first terminal may extend in the third direction. The mounting portion of the lead portion of at least one first terminal is the end portion on the other side in the third direction of the lead portion, may extend to the other side in the third direction, and may be located on the other side in the third direction with respect to the body.

[0025] The connector may further include at least one third terminal. At least one third terminal may have an internal connection portion and an external connection portion.

[0026] The internal connection portion may be connected to the internal substrate.

[0027] At least one third terminal may extend in the third direction and penetrate at least one insertion hole of the body. The internal connection portion may be the end portion on one side in the third direction of at least one third terminal and may be connected to the internal substrate. The external connection portion may be the end portion on the other side in the third direction of at least one third terminal and may protrude to the other side in the third direction from at least one insertion hole.

[0028] Any of the above connectors may further include at least one first connection member. The external connection portion may be connected to at least one first connection member.

[0029] Any of the above-described connectors may further comprise a conductive shell. The shell may have a shell body, at least one first leg, and at least one second leg. The shell body may be substantially U-shaped or O-shaped inverted in cross-sectional view along the second and third directions, and a body may be housed within the shell body. At least one first leg may extend from the shell body in the other of the third direction or one of the second directions. At least one second leg may extend from the shell body in the other of the third direction or the other of the second direction.

[0030] Any of the above-described connectors may further include at least one communication unit mounted on an internal circuit board and connected to at least one current sensor via the internal circuit board. The at least one communication unit may have a configuration that acquires the current value flowing through at least one first terminal based on the output signal of at least one current sensor and outputs the acquired current value to a wireless antenna.

[0031] The connector assembly of the present invention may comprise any of the above-described connectors and an external substrate on which the connector is mounted.

[0032] The external circuit board may have at least one first electrode to which the mounting portion of at least one first terminal of the connector is connected.

[0033] The external board may further have at least one second electrode to which the mounting portion of at least one second terminal of the connector is connected.

[0034] The external circuit board may further have at least one third electrode to which the external connection portion of at least one third terminal of the connector is connected.

[0035] At least one first electrode may be a through-hole electrode. At least one second electrode may be a through-hole electrode. At least one third electrode may be a through-hole electrode. The mounting portion of at least one first terminal of the connector may be inserted into and connected to at least one first electrode. The mounting portion of at least one second terminal of the connector may be inserted into and connected to at least one second electrode. The external connection portion of at least one third terminal of the connector may be inserted into and connected to at least one third electrode.

[0036] The external substrate may further include at least one fourth electrode to which at least one first leg of the shell is connected, and at least one fifth electrode to which at least one second leg of the shell is connected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1A] These are perspective views of the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing it from the front, top, and right side. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Example 1, showing the back, bottom, and left side. [Figure 2A] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 1, taken between 2A and 2A in Figure 1A. [Figure 2B] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 1, taken along line 2B-2B in Figure 1A. [Figure 2C] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 1, taken from the line 2C-2C in Figure 2E. [Figure 2D] This is a 2D-2D cross-sectional view of the connector in Example 1 in Figure 2A. [Figure 2E] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 1, taken along line 2E-2E in Figure 2A. [Figure 3A] These are exploded perspective views of the connector of Example 1, showing it from the front, top, and right side. [Figure 3B] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Example 1, showing the back, top, and left side. [Figure 4A]This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 2A of the design modification example of the connector in Example 1. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in the aforementioned design change example, corresponding to Figure 2B. [Figure 4C] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in the aforementioned design change example, corresponding to Figure 2C. [Figure 4D] This is a 4D-4D cross-sectional view of the connector in the aforementioned design change example in Figure 4A. [Figure 4E] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in the aforementioned design modification example, taken from line 4E-4E in Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] These are exploded perspective views of the connector in the aforementioned design modification example, showing it from the front, top, and right side. [Figure 5B] These are exploded perspective views of the connector in the aforementioned design modification example, showing the back, top, and left side. [Figure 6A] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, corresponding to Figure 2A. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 2, corresponding to Figure 2B. [Figure 6C] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 2, corresponding to Figure 2C. [Figure 6D] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 2, taken along line 6D-6D in Figure 6A. [Figure 6E] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 2, taken along line 6E-6E in Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] These are exploded perspective views of the connector of Example 2, showing it from the front, top, and right side. [Figure 7B] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Example 2, showing the back, top, and left side. [Figure 8A] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 6A of the design modification example of the connector in Example 3. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 3, corresponding to Figure 6B. [Figure 8C] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 3, corresponding to Figure 6C. [Figure 8D] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Example 3, taken along line 8D-8D in Figure 8A. [Figure 8E]This is the 8E-8E in Figure 8A of the connector in Example 3. [Figure 8F] This is the 8F-8F section in Figure 8A of the connector in Example 3. [Figure 9A] These are exploded perspective views of the connector of Example 3, showing it from the front, top, and right side. [Figure 9B] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Example 3, showing the back, top, and left side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The following describes several embodiments of the present invention, including Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 and their design modifications. It should be noted that the components of the embodiments and design modifications described below can be combined with each other, as long as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, and arrangements of the components in each embodiment and design modification described below are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily modified as long as similar functions can be achieved. [Examples]

[0039] The following describes connector assembly A1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "assembly A1") according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, including Embodiment 1 and its design modifications, with reference to Figures 1A to 5B. Figures 1A to 3B show assembly A1 of Embodiment 1. Figures 4A to 5B show design modifications of assembly A1 of Embodiment 1. Figures 1A to 2B, 2D to 4B, and 4D to 5B show the Y-Y' direction (first direction). The Y-Y' direction includes the Y direction (one of the first directions) and the Y' direction (the other of the first directions). Figures 1A to 1B, 2C to 3B, and 4C to 5B show the X-X' direction (second direction), which is substantially orthogonal to the Y-Y' direction. The X-X' direction includes the X direction (one of the second directions) and the X' direction (the other of the second directions). Figures 1A to 2C, 3A to 4C, and 5A to 5B show the Z-Z' direction (third direction), which is approximately orthogonal to the Y-Y' and X-X' directions. The Z-Z' direction includes the Z direction (one of the third directions) and the Z' direction (the other of the third directions).

[0040] Assembly A1 includes a connector C1. Connector C1 comprises an insulating body 100 and at least one first terminal 200a. The body 100 is made of insulating resin. The at least one first terminal 200a is one or more and is used as a power terminal for charging and discharging, a power supply terminal for supplying power, a signal terminal for signal transmission, or other terminal of the equipment into which assembly A1 is incorporated. If there is one at least one first terminal 200a, one first terminal 200a is partially held by the body 100. If there are multiple at least one first terminal 200a, the multiple first terminals 200a are partially held by the body 100 and are spaced apart in the X-X' direction. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, at least one first terminal 200a will also be referred to as "one or each first terminal 200a". "One or each first terminal 200a" refers to one first terminal 200a when there is only one first terminal 200a, and "each first terminal 200a" refers to each of the first terminals 200a when there are multiple first terminals 200a.

[0041] Each first terminal 200a is made of a conductive material such as metal and has a tip portion 210a, a body portion 220a, and a lead portion 230a. The tip portion 210a is plate-shaped (including those with a rectangular, square, or other polygonal cross-section along the X-X' and Z-Z' directions) or cylindrical, extending in the Y-Y' direction, and is located on the Y-direction side relative to the body portion 220a. The tip portion 210a may protrude from the body 100 in the Y direction. The tip portion 210a has a contact portion 211a that can contact at least one first terminal of a mating connector (not shown). The body portion 220a is plate-shaped, extending in the Y-Y' and X-X' directions, and is provided between the tip portion 210a and the lead portion 230a of each first terminal 200a. The body portion 220a is partially held by the body 100. The main body 220a has a part to be measured 223a. The part to be measured 223a is plate-shaped extending in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction and is located inside the body 100. The lead part 230a is externally connectable. The lead part 230a is plate-shaped extending in the Z-Z' direction and the X-X' direction (including those with a rectangular, square, or other polygonal cross-section along the X-X' and Y-Y' directions), plate-shaped extending in an oblique direction and the X-X' direction (including those with a rectangular, square, or other polygonal cross-section along the X-X' and Y-Y' directions), or cylindrical extending in the Z-Z' direction or oblique direction, and is located on the Y' direction side relative to the main body 220a. The lead portion 230a has a mounting portion 231a, which is the end of the lead portion 230a on the Z' direction side, and a portion of the lead portion 230a on the Z direction side relative to the mounting portion 231a (hereinafter also referred to as the "lead portion body"). The mounting portion 231a extends from the lead portion body in the Z' direction and is located on the Z' direction side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100 (see Figures 1A to 5B), or extends from the lead portion body in the Y' direction and is located on the Y' direction side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100 (not shown). Note that the diagonal direction is a direction that includes components in the Z' direction and the Y' direction.

[0042] The dimension of the part under test 223a in the first perpendicular direction can be made larger than, but is not limited to, the dimension of the contact portion 211a of the tip portion 210a in the second perpendicular direction and the dimension of the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a in the third perpendicular direction. In one or each of the first terminals 200a, the direction in which current flows through the tip portion 210a and the main body portion 220a (i.e., the direction in which current flows through the contact portion 211a and the part under test 223a) is the Y' direction. If the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends in the Z' direction, the direction in which current flows through the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a is the Z' direction. If the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends in the Y' direction, the direction in which current flows through the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a is the Y' direction. The first perpendicular direction is the X-X' direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the part under measurement 223a. The second perpendicular direction is the X-X' direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the contact part 211a. The third perpendicular direction is the X-X' direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the mounting part 231a.

[0043] For example, one or each first terminal 200a and the body 100 further have either (1) or (2) below.

[0044] (1) The body 100 has a connecting portion 110, a holding portion 120, and a housing portion 130. The connecting portion 110 is a cylinder (polygonal cylinder or cylindrical) extending in the Y-Y' direction, and has a polygonal or circular connecting space 111 in cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The connecting space 111 is open in the Y direction, and the connecting portion of a mating connector (not shown) can be inserted and removed along the Y-Y' direction. The holding portion 120 is located on the Y' side of the body 100 relative to the connecting portion 110. The housing portion 130 is located on the Y' side of the holding portion 120 and has a housing space 131. The housing space 131 is open in the Z direction. The housing portion 130 further has a first wall on the X side of the housing space 131, a second wall on the X' side of the housing space 131, a third wall on the Y' side of the housing space 131, and a bottom of the housing space 131. The end faces of the first, second, and third walls on the Z-direction side may be located at the same height as the end face of the holding portion 120 in the Z-Z' direction, or at different heights.

[0045] The retaining portion 120 has at least one first retaining hole 121a. The at least one first retaining hole 121a is one (see Figures 2D and 4D) or multiple (not shown) depending on the number of first terminals 200a, and penetrates the retaining portion 120 in the Y-Y' direction and connects the connection space 111 and the housing space 131. If there are multiple first retaining holes 121a, they are spaced apart in the X-X' direction.

[0046] The body 100 further has at least one first insertion hole 150a. The at least one first insertion hole 150a is one (see Figures 2D, 3A, 3B, 4D, 5A, and 5B) or more (not shown) depending on the number of one or more first terminals 200a, and penetrates the third wall of the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction and is located on the Y' side relative to one or more first retaining holes 121a. One or more first insertion holes 150a communicate with the housing space 131.

[0047] The body 100 may further have at least one first guide groove 160a. The at least one first guide groove 160a is one (see Figures 2D, 3A, 3B, 4D, 5A, and 5B) or more (not shown) depending on the number of one or more first terminals 200a, and is provided on the Y'-direction side of the third wall of the housing portion 130 and extends in the Y' direction from one or more first insertion holes 150a.

[0048] The tip portion 210a of one or each first terminal 200a protrudes in the Y direction from the holding portion 120 of the body 100 and is located within the connection space 111 of the connection portion 110 of the body 100 (see Figures 1A to 2B, 2D to 2E, 4A to 4B and 4D to 4E). The main body portion 220a of one or each first terminal 200a further has a first portion 221a on the Y direction side with respect to the part to be measured 223a and a second portion 222a on the Y' direction side with respect to the part to be measured 223a. The first portion 221a of the main body portion 220a is inserted and held in the corresponding first holding hole 121a of the holding portion 120 of the body 100. The second portion 222a of the main body portion 220a is inserted and held in the corresponding first insertion hole 150a of the body 100. The part to be measured 223a of the main body 220a is housed in the housing space 131 of the housing part 130 of the body 100. The lead body of one or each first terminal 200a's lead portion 230a is inserted into the corresponding first guide groove 160a of the body 100 and is positioned along the first guide groove 160a. If the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends from the lead body in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a protrudes from the corresponding first guide groove 160a in the Z' direction and is located on the Z' side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100. If the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends from the lead body in the Y' direction, the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a protrudes from the corresponding first guide groove 160a in the Y' direction and is located on the Y' side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100.

[0049] The first part 221a of the main body 220a has at least one of the following dimensions in the Z-Z' direction and the X-X' direction. The dimension of the first part 221a of the main body 220a in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as or larger than the dimension of the tip portion 210a in the Z-Z' direction and approximately the same as or slightly larger than the dimension of the corresponding first retaining hole 121a in the Z-Z' direction. The dimension of the first part 221a of the main body 220a in the X-X' direction is approximately the same as or larger than the dimension of the tip portion 210a in the X-X' direction and approximately the same as or slightly larger than the dimension of the corresponding first retaining hole 121a in the X-X' direction. The Z-Z' dimension of the second part 222a of the main body 220a is approximately the same as the Z-Z' dimension of the part under test 223a of the main body 220a, and is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the Z-Z' dimension of the corresponding first insertion hole 150a. The X-X' dimension of the second part 222a of the main body 220a is smaller than or approximately the same as the X-X' dimension of the part under test 223a of the main body 220a. The X-X' dimension of the corresponding first insertion hole 150a is slightly larger than the X-X' dimension of the part under test 223a of the main body 220a. The X-X' dimension of the lead part body of the lead part 230a is smaller than the X-X' dimension of the corresponding first guide groove 160a. The Z-Z' dimension of the lead portion body of the lead portion 230a is approximately the same as the Z-Z' dimension of the corresponding first guide groove 160a.

[0050] Therefore, when one or each first terminal 200a is attached to the body 100, the tip portion 210a is inserted into the corresponding first insertion hole 150a from the Y' direction side and positioned in the connection space 111 through the corresponding first retaining hole 121a. The first portion 221a of the main body portion 220a is inserted into the corresponding first insertion hole 150a from the Y' direction side and is inserted and held in the corresponding first retaining hole 121a. The part to be measured 223a of the main body portion 220a is inserted into the corresponding first insertion hole 150a from the Y' direction side and positioned in the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130. The second portion 222a of the main body portion 220a is inserted and held in the corresponding first insertion hole 150a from the Y' direction side. The lead portion body of the lead portion 230a is inserted into the corresponding first guide groove 160a from the Y' direction side.

[0051] The corresponding first insertion hole 150a may be open in the Z' direction. In this case, the second part 222a of the main body 220a is inserted into the corresponding first insertion hole 150a from the Y' direction side and is located within the corresponding first insertion hole 150a, but is not held in the corresponding first insertion hole 150a. The corresponding first guide groove 160a is also optional. In this case, the lead portion 230a of one or each first terminal 200a is located on the Y' direction side relative to the body 100.

[0052] (2) Body 100 has the same configuration as body 100 having the configuration of (1) above (not shown), except that it does not have at least one first insertion hole 150a and at least one first guide groove 160a, and the Z-Z' height position of the Z-direction end face of the third wall of the housing portion 130 is located on the Z' side with respect to one or more first retaining holes 121a. The tip portion 210a of one or each first terminal 200a is as described in (1) above. The first portion 221a of the main body portion 220a of one or each first terminal 200a is inserted and held in the corresponding first retaining hole 121a of the retaining portion 120 of body 100. The second portion 222a of the main body portion 220a of one or each first terminal 200a is located on the Z side with respect to the third wall of the housing portion 130 of body 100. The second part 222a may be in contact with and supported from the Z-direction side of the Z-direction end face of the third wall of the housing part 130, or it may be positioned at a distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-direction end face of the third wall of the housing part 130. The part to be measured 223a of the main body part 220a is positioned within the housing space 131 of the housing part 130 of the body 100 (i.e., between the first wall and the second wall of the housing part 130). The lead portion 230a of one or each first terminal 200a is located on the Y' direction side with respect to the body 100. If the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends from the lead portion body in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a is located on the Z' direction side (outside the body 100) with respect to the body 100. If the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends from the lead portion body in the Y' direction, then the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a is located on the Y' direction side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100.

[0053] Connector C1 may further include at least one second terminal 200b. At least one second terminal 200b may be one or more and be used as a power terminal for charging and discharging, a power supply terminal for supplying power, a signal terminal for signal transmission, or other terminal of the equipment into which assembly A1 is incorporated. One or more second terminals 200b are partially held by body 100. One second terminal 200b may be spaced in the X-X' direction relative to one first terminal 200a or the outermost first terminal 200a located furthest towards the X' direction or towards the X direction among a plurality of first terminals 200a, or it may be spaced between two adjacent first terminals 200a in the X-X' direction among a plurality of first terminals 200a. Multiple second terminals 200b may be spaced apart in the X-X' direction. In this case, the outermost second terminal 200b, which is located furthest towards the X direction among the multiple second terminals 200b, may be spaced apart in the X-X' direction from one first terminal 200a or the outermost first terminal 200a. Alternatively, the multiple second terminals 200b and multiple first terminals 200a may be spaced apart alternately in the X-X' direction, one or more at a time, or they may be spaced apart in the X-X' direction according to some other regularity, or they may be spaced apart irregularly in the X-X' direction. For the sake of explanation, at least one second terminal 200b will also be referred to as "one or each second terminal 200b". "One or each second terminal 200b" corresponds to one second terminal 200b when there is only one second terminal 200b, and "each second terminal 200b" corresponds to each second terminal 200b when there are multiple second terminals 200b.

[0054] One or each second terminal 200b can have the same configuration as one or each first terminal 200a, except that it does not have the part to be measured 223a. That is, the tip portion 210b of one or each second terminal 200b can have the same configuration as the tip portion 210a of one or each first terminal 200a. The main body portion 220b of one or each second terminal 200b can have the same configuration as the main body portion 220a of one or each first terminal 200a, except that it does not have the part to be measured 223a. The lead portion 230b of one or each second terminal 200b can have the same configuration as the lead portion 230a of one or each first terminal 200a.

[0055] If the body 100 has the configuration described in (1) above, the body 100 and one or each second terminal 200b have the configuration described in (3) below. If the body 100 has the configuration described in (2) above, the body 100 and one or each second terminal 200b have the configuration described in (4) below.

[0056] (3) The retaining portion 120 of the body 100 further has at least one second retaining hole 121b. The at least one second retaining hole 121b is one (see Figures 2D and 4D) or more (not shown) depending on the number of second terminals 200b, and penetrates the retaining portion 120 in the Y-Y' direction and connects the connection space 111 and the housing space 131. When there is one second retaining hole 121b, it is spaced in the X-X' direction relative to one first retaining hole 121a or one of the first retaining holes 121a located at the end closest to the X direction. If there are multiple second retaining holes 121b, the multiple second retaining holes 121b are spaced apart in the X-X' direction, and the second retaining hole 121b located at the end closest to the X' direction among the multiple second retaining holes 121b is spaced apart in the X-X' direction from one first retaining hole 121a or the first retaining hole 121a located at the end closest to the X direction among the multiple first retaining holes 121a.

[0057] The body 100 further has at least one second insertion hole 150b. The at least one second insertion hole 150b is one (see Figures 2D, 3A, 3B, 4D, 5A, and 5B) or more (not shown) depending on the number of second terminals 200b, and penetrates the third wall of the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction and is located on the Y' side relative to one or more second retaining holes 121b. One or more second insertion holes 150b communicate with the housing space 131.

[0058] The body 100 may further have at least one second guide groove 160b. The at least one second guide groove 160b is one (see Figures 2D, 3A, 3B, 4D, 5A, and 5B) or more (not shown) depending on the number of second terminals 200b, and is provided on the Y'-direction side of the third wall of the housing 130 and extends in the Y' direction from one or more second insertion holes 150b.

[0059] The tip portion 210b of one or each second terminal 200b protrudes in the Y direction from the holding portion 120 of the body 100 and is located within the connection space 111 of the connection portion 110 of the body 100 (see Figures 1A to 2B, 2D to 2E, 4A to 4B and 4D to 4E). The main body portion 220b of one or each second terminal 200b has a first portion 221b and a second portion 222b. The first portion 221b of the main body portion 220b is inserted and held in the corresponding second holding hole 121b of the holding portion 120 of the body 100. The second portion 222b of the main body portion 220b is inserted and held in the corresponding second insertion hole 150b of the body 100. The lead portion body of one or each second terminal 200b's lead portion 230b is inserted into the corresponding second guide groove 160b of the body 100 and is positioned along the corresponding second guide groove 160b. If the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b extends from the lead portion body in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b protrudes from the corresponding second guide groove 160b in the Z' direction and is located on the Z' side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100. If the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b extends from the lead portion body in the Y' direction, the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b protrudes from the corresponding second guide groove 160b in the Y' direction and is located on the Y' side (outside the body 100) relative to the body 100.

[0060] The first part 221b of the main body 220b has at least one of the following dimensions in the Z-Z' direction and the X-X' direction. The dimension of the first part 221b of the main body 220b in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as or larger than the dimension of the tip portion 210b in the Z-Z' direction and approximately the same as or slightly larger than the dimension of the corresponding second retaining hole 121b in the Z-Z' direction. The dimension of the first part 221b of the main body 220b in the X-X' direction is approximately the same as or larger than the dimension of the tip portion 210b in the X-X' direction and approximately the same as or slightly larger than the dimension of the corresponding second retaining hole 121b in the X-X' direction. The dimension of the second part 222b of the main body 220b in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the dimension of the corresponding second insertion hole 150b in the Z-Z' direction. The X-X' dimension of the second part 222b of the main body 220b is approximately the same as or smaller than the X-X' dimension of the corresponding second insertion hole 150b. The X-X' dimension of the lead body of the lead part 230b is smaller than the X-X' dimension of the corresponding second guide groove 160b. The Z-Z' dimension of the lead body of the lead part 230b is approximately the same as the Z-Z' dimension of the corresponding second guide groove 160b.

[0061] Therefore, when one or each second terminal 200b is attached to the body 100, the tip portion 210b is inserted into the corresponding second insertion hole 150b from the Y' direction side and positioned in the connection space 111 through the corresponding second retaining hole 121b. The first portion 221b of the main body portion 220b is inserted into the corresponding second insertion hole 150b from the Y' direction side and is inserted and held in the corresponding second retaining hole 121b. The second portion 222b of the main body portion 220b is inserted and held in the corresponding second insertion hole 150b from the Y' direction side. The lead portion body of the lead portion 230b is inserted into the corresponding second guide groove 160b from the Y' direction side.

[0062] The corresponding second insertion hole 150b may be open in the Z' direction. In this case, the second part 222b of the main body 220b is inserted into the corresponding second insertion hole 150b from the Y' direction side and is located within the corresponding second insertion hole 150b, but is not held in the corresponding second insertion hole 150b. The corresponding second guide groove 160b is also optional. In this case, the lead portion 230b of one or each second terminal 200b is located on the Y' direction side relative to the body 100.

[0063] (4) Body 100 has the same configuration as body 100 having the configuration of (3) above, except that it does not have at least one second insertion hole 150b and at least one second guide groove 160b and that the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the Z-direction end face of the third wall of the housing portion 130 is located on the Z' direction side with respect to one or more first retaining holes 121a and one or more second retaining holes 121b (not shown). The tip portion 210b of one or each second terminal 200b is as described in (3) above. The first portion 221b of the main body portion 220b of one or each second terminal 200b is inserted and held in the corresponding second retaining hole 121b of the retaining portion 120 of body 100. The second portion 222b of the main body portion 220b of one or each second terminal 200b is located on the Z direction side with respect to the third wall of the housing portion 130 of body 100. The second part 222a may be supported by contacting the Z-direction end face of the first wall of the housing part 130 from the Z-direction side, or it may be positioned at a distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-direction end face of the third wall of the housing part 130. The lead portion 230b of one or each second terminal 200b is located on the Y' direction side with respect to the body 100. If the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b extends from the lead portion body in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b is located on the Z' direction side (outside the body 100) with respect to the body 100. If the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b extends from the lead portion body in the Y' direction, the mounting portion 231b of the lead portion 230b is located on the Y' direction side (outside the body 100) with respect to the body 100.

[0064] Note that at least one second terminal 200b can be omitted. In this case, the above configurations (3) to (4) of the body 100 can also be omitted.

[0065] Connector C1 further comprises an internal substrate 300. The internal substrate 300 has a first surface 301 on the Z-direction side and a second surface 302 on the Z'-direction side. The internal substrate 300 further comprises one or more sets of first and second fixing holes 310, 320. The first and second fixing holes 310, 320 penetrate the internal substrate 300 in the Z-Z' direction. The internal substrate 300 may further comprise one or more electrodes 330. The electrodes 330 may be through-hole electrodes penetrating the internal substrate 300 in the Z-Z' direction, or they may be surface electrodes provided on the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300. The internal substrate 300 is fixed in position to the body 100 and is arranged at a distance in the Z-Z' direction from the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured. The internal circuit board 300 is positioned on the Z-direction side (see Figures 2A to 2C and 2E) relative to the part 223a under measurement of one or more first terminals 200a. For example, the internal circuit board 300 is fixed to the body 100 as follows. The first surface 301 and the second surface 302 of the fixed internal circuit board 300 are preferably, but not limited to, being substantially parallel to the Z-direction side surface and the Z'-direction surface of the part 223a under measurement of one or more first terminals 200a.

[0066] The internal circuit board 300 is housed in the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 of the body 100 and is fixed in position in the housing section 130 in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction. The dimensions of the internal circuit board 300 in the Y-Y' direction are approximately the same as the dimensions of the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 in the Y-Y' direction, and the dimensions of the internal circuit board 300 in the X-X' direction are approximately the same as the dimensions of the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 in the X-X' direction. The internal circuit board 300 may be fixed in position in the housing section 130 in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction by fitting (FIT IN) the internal circuit board 300 into the housing space 131. Alternatively, after the internal circuit board 300 is housed in the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 of the body 100, the housing section 130 may be heated and deformed to fix the internal circuit board 300 in position in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction. Alternatively, after the internal substrate 300 is housed in the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, the internal substrate 300 may be fixed in position in the Y-Y' direction and X-X' direction by adhesive or other means. Alternatively, the internal substrate 300 may have notches or through holes that engage with positioning portions installed in the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and may be fixed in position in the Y-Y' direction and X-X' direction.

[0067] The body 100 may further have at least one positioning section. At least one positioning section is provided in the housing section 130 and positions the internal substrate 300 in the Z-Z' direction relative to one or more first terminals 200a of the measurement target section 223a. At least one positioning section includes at least one of the first positioning section 141, the second positioning section 142, and the third positioning section 143.

[0068] The first positioning portion 141 is a base extending in the Z direction from the bottom of the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100. The Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141 is positioned in the Z direction relative to the Z-direction side of the measurement target portion 223a of one or more first terminals 200a. The Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z' direction, or indirect contact via another first member (e.g., support member 700).

[0069] The second positioning portion 142 is a stepped portion provided on the wall surface on the Y-direction side or the wall surface on the X-direction side (inner surface of the first wall) of the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100. The Z-direction side end face of the second positioning portion 142 is positioned on the Z-direction side with respect to the Z-direction side surface of the part 223a to be measured of one or more first terminals 200a. The Z-direction side end face of the second positioning portion 142 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z' direction side, or indirect contact via a second other member.

[0070] The third positioning portion 143 is a stepped portion provided on the wall surface on the Y' direction side (inner surface of the third wall) or the wall surface on the X' direction side (inner surface of the second wall) of the first wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100. The Z-direction end face of the third positioning portion 143 is positioned on the Z-direction side with respect to the Z-direction side surface of the part 223a of the measurement target portion 203a of one or more first terminals 200a. The Z-direction end face of the third positioning portion 143 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z' direction side, or indirect contact via a third other member.

[0071] In this way, at least one of the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143 contacts the internal substrate 300, thereby fixing the internal substrate 300 in the Z direction relative to the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured.

[0072] Connector C1 further comprises at least one current sensor 400. The at least one current sensor 400 is one or more, depending on the number of parts 223a under measurement of one or more first terminals 200a. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one current sensor 400 will also be referred to as "one or each current sensor 400". One current sensor 400 among "one or each current sensor 400" corresponds to one current sensor 400 when there is one current sensor 400, and each current sensor 400 corresponds to each current sensor 400 when there are multiple current sensors 400.

[0073] Each current sensor 400 is a magnetic sensor that, when current flows through the corresponding first terminal 200a, non-contact detects the magnetic field generated around the part to be measured 223a according to Ampere's law, and changes the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the magnetic field. Each current sensor 400 is, for example, a Hall sensor that detects the magnetic field non-contact using the Hall effect, an MR sensor that detects the magnetic field non-contact using the magnetoresistive effect, or an MI sensor that detects the magnetic field non-contact using the magnetoimpedance effect. Each current sensor 400 is mounted on an internal circuit board 300. One or each current sensor 400 is arranged at a distance in the Z-Z' direction from the corresponding part to be measured 223a, and at least a part of one or each current sensor 400 may be arranged so as to overlap the projected area of ​​the corresponding part to be measured 223a in the Z-Z' direction. However, it is sufficient that they are arranged in close proximity to the part to be measured 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a to the extent that the magnetic field generated by the flow of current through the part to be measured 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a can be detected non-contact.

[0074] For example, when one or each current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal substrate 300 (see Figures 2A to 2C and Figures 2E to 3B), one or each current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z-direction side with respect to the internal substrate 300 and the corresponding part to be measured 223a, and is arranged such that in the Z-Z' direction, the entire or a part of one or each current sensor 400 overlaps the projected area of ​​the corresponding part to be measured 223a.

[0075] When one or each current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300 (see Figures 4A to 4C and Figures 4E to 5B), one or each current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z' side with respect to the internal circuit board 300, while being positioned on the Z side with respect to the corresponding part to be measured 223a, and is positioned opposite each other with a gap in the Z-Z' direction, and is arranged so that in the Z-Z' direction, the entire or a part of one or each current sensor 400 overlaps with the projected area of ​​the corresponding part to be measured 223a. One or each current sensor 400 is positioned on the Y side with respect to the lead portion 230a of the corresponding first terminal 200a. In this case, one or each current sensor 400 can be configured to non-contact detect the combined magnetic field of the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a and the magnetic field generated around the lead part 230a when current flows through the corresponding first terminal 200a, and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the combined magnetic field. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the sensor to detect the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the magnetic field.

[0076] By fixing the internal circuit board 300 in any of the above-described positions, one or each current sensor 400 is fixed in position with respect to the part 223a of the first terminal 200a corresponding to one of the above-described positions.

[0077] The connector C1 may further include at least one conductive shield portion 500. The at least one shield portion 500 is one or more depending on the number of parts 223a under test of one or more first terminals 200a. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one shield portion 500 will also be referred to as "one or each shield portion 500". One of the "one or each shield portion 500" corresponds to one shield portion 500 when there is one shield portion 500, and each shield portion 500 corresponds to each shield portion 500 when there are multiple shield portions 500.

[0078] Each shield portion 500 is made of a magnetic material such as metal or magnetic molding material. The magnetic molding material is a molding material obtained by compounding powder of a magnetic material with a resin such as engineering plastic. Each shield portion 500 has at least one or at least two of the first plate 510, the second plate 520, and the third plate 530. The first plate 510 is fixed to the internal substrate 300 and is positioned at a distance in the X direction from the part 223a under test of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a. The second plate 520 is fixed to the internal substrate 300 and is positioned at a distance in the X' direction from the part 223a under test of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a. The third plate 530 is connected to at least one of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 and is positioned at a distance in the Z' direction from the part 223a under test of the corresponding first terminal 200a.

[0079] For example, one or each shield section 500 may further have the following configurations, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The first plate 510 and the second plate 520 are plate-shaped and made of a magnetic material such as metal, extending in the Z-Z' and Y-Y' directions, and are fixed to the internal substrate 300 by penetrating through the corresponding first and second fixing holes 310 and 320 in the Z-Z' direction, and are positioned with a gap in the X and X' directions relative to the measured portion 223a of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a on the first surface 301 or second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 (see Figures 2A to 5B). Note that the first plate 510 may be fixed on the first surface 301 or second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 instead of penetrating through it. The second plate 520 can be redesigned in the same way as the first plate 510. In this case, the first fixing hole 310 and / or the second fixing hole 320 are omitted.

[0081] The straight-line distance in the X-X' direction from the X'-side surface of the first plate 510 to the X-side surface of the second plate 520 is greater than the X-X' dimension of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the X-X' dimension of the measured portion 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a. When the corresponding current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal substrate 300, the Z-Z' dimension of the first plate 510 and the Z-Z' dimension of the second plate 520 are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-side surface of the corresponding current sensor 400 to the Z'-side surface of the measured portion 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a (see Figures 2C and 3A-3B). When the corresponding current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300, the Z-Z' dimensions of the first board 510 and the Z-Z' dimensions of the second board 520 are approximately the same as (not shown) or larger than the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300 to the Z'-direction side surface of the measured portion 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a (see Figures 4C and 5A to 5B). The Y-Y' dimensions of the first board 510 and the Y-Y' dimensions of the second board 520 are approximately the same as (not shown) or larger than at least one of the Y-Y' dimensions of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the Y-Y' dimensions of the measured portion 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a (see Figures 2D, 3A to 3B, 4D and 5A to 5B). The first plate 510 covers the part 223a of the current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a from the X direction, electromagnetically shielding the part 223a of the current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a. The second plate 520 covers the part 223a of the current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a from the X' direction, electromagnetically shielding the part 223a of the current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a.

[0082] The third plate 530 is a plate made of a magnetic material such as metal, extending in the X-X' direction and the Y-Y' direction. When both the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 are provided, the third plate 530 connects the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 (see Figures 2A to 5B). When only one of the first plate 510 or the second plate 520 is provided, the third plate 530 is connected to the other plate (not shown). In either case, the dimension of the third plate 530 in the Y-Y' direction is approximately the same as or larger than the dimension of the part 223a under measurement of the corresponding first terminal 200a in the Y-Y' direction, and the dimension of the third plate 530 in the X-X' direction is larger than the dimension of the part 223a under measurement of the corresponding first terminal 200a in the X-X' direction. The third plate 530 covers the portion 223a of the first terminal 200a under test from the Z' direction, thereby electromagnetically shielding the portion 223a of the first terminal 200a under test.

[0083] At least one of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of one or each shielding section 500 is fixed to the internal substrate 300, but is not electrically connected to the internal substrate 300. That is, one or each shielding section 500 is electrically floating. However, if both the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 are provided, one or each shielding section 500 may be connected to ground via the internal substrate 300 by at least one of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 being electrically connected to the internal substrate 300. If only one of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 is provided, one or each shielding section 500 may be connected to ground via the internal substrate 300 by the one of the plates being connected to the internal substrate 300.

[0084] If a third plate 530 is provided for one or each shield portion 500, the internal circuit board 300 is positioned and fixed in the housing portion 130 of the body 100 as described above, and then the corresponding first terminal 200a is attached to the body 100 as described above.

[0085] Furthermore, at least one shield section 500 can be omitted. In this case, one or more sets of first and second fixing holes 310 and 320 of the internal substrate 300 can also be omitted.

[0086] The connector C1 may further include at least one third terminal 600. The at least one third terminal 600 may be one or more. In this case, the body 100 may further have one or more through holes 1411 corresponding to the number of at least one third terminal 600. One or more through holes 1411 penetrate the first positioning portion 141 of the body 100 in the Z-Z' direction (see Figures 2(c) and 4(c) (only if the first positioning portion 141 is provided)) or penetrate the bottom of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 in the Z-Z' direction (not shown). The multiple through holes 1411 may be spaced apart in the Y-Y' direction, spaced apart in the X-X' direction, spaced apart in multiple rows in the X-X' direction with the through holes 1411 in each row spaced apart in the Y-Y' direction, or spaced apart in multiple rows in the Y-Y' direction with the through holes 1411 in each row spaced apart in the X-X' direction.

[0087] For the sake of explanation, at least one third terminal 600 will also be referred to as "one or each third terminal 600". One third terminal 600 in "one or each third terminal 600" corresponds to one third terminal 600 when there is only one third terminal 600, and each third terminal 600 corresponds to each of the third terminals 600 when there are multiple third terminals 600.

[0088] Each of the third terminals 600 is made of a conductive material such as metal. Each of the third terminals 600 has an internal connection part 610 and an external connection part 620. The internal connection part 610 is connected to the internal circuit board 300. As a result, each of the third terminals 600 is connected to the corresponding current sensor 400 or the corresponding shield part 500 (provided that the corresponding shield part 500 is provided and electrically connected to the internal circuit board 300) via the internal circuit board 300. The corresponding current sensor 400 can be connected to the outside of connector C1 via the internal circuit board 300 and each of the third terminals 600. As a result, the output signal of the corresponding current sensor 400 can be output externally, or power can be supplied to the corresponding current sensor 400 from the outside and / or control signal communication can be performed. It is also possible to connect the corresponding shield part 500 to ground via the internal circuit board 300 and each of the third terminals 600. The external connection part 620 is located outside the body 100.

[0089] Each third terminal 600 is, for example, a rod or plate extending in the Z-Z' direction and passing through the corresponding through hole 1411 in the Z-Z' direction. If the corresponding through hole 1411 is provided in the first positioning portion 141 and the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 indirectly contacts the support member 700, each third terminal 600 also passes through the support member 700. Each third terminal 600 may, but is not limited to, be fitted into and held in the corresponding through hole 1411. Each third terminal 600 further has an intermediate portion between the internal connection portion 610 and the external connection portion 620. The intermediate portion is located within the corresponding through hole 1411. The internal connection portion 610 is the Z-direction end of each third terminal 600 extending from the intermediate portion in the Z direction and is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the corresponding through hole 1411. The internal connection portion 610 may be electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to the corresponding through-hole electrode 330 of the internal substrate 300 by solder or conductive adhesive, etc., penetrating in the Z-Z' direction, or it may be an L-shaped portion connected to the intermediate portion and electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to the corresponding surface electrode 330 on the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 by solder or conductive adhesive, etc. The external connection portion 620 is the Z' direction end of one or each third terminal 600 extending from the intermediate portion in the Z' direction. The external connection portion 620 may protrude from the corresponding through hole 1411 in the Z' direction and be located on the Z' direction side relative to the body 100. The external connection portion 620 may extend from the intermediate portion in the X' direction or the X direction, and its tip may be located on the X' direction side or the X direction side relative to the body 100.

[0090] When the internal substrate 300 contacts at least one positioning portion from the Z-direction side, one or each of the third terminals 600 penetrates the corresponding insertion hole 1411 in the Z-Z' direction when the internal substrate 300 is inserted into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100.

[0091] The external connection portion 620 of one or each of the third terminals 600 may be located inside the body 100 (for example, inside the housing space 131). In this case, the body 100 may have an additional outlet hole (not shown) instead of one or more through holes 1411, and the external connection portion 620 may be connected to a first connecting member (for example, a wire harness, FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), or FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), etc.), and the first connecting member may be led out to the outside of the body 100 through the outlet hole. The output signal of the corresponding current sensor 400 is output to the outside via the internal circuit board 300, one or each of the third terminals 600, and the first connecting member. The corresponding shield portion 500 is connected to ground via the internal circuit board 300, one or each of the third terminals 600, and the first connecting member. At least one third terminal is optional. In this case, connector C1 further includes a second connecting member (not shown, such as a wire harness, FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), or FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)) connected to the internal circuit board 300, and the second connecting member may be configured to be led out to the outside of body 100 through an outlet hole. The second connecting member is connected to a corresponding current sensor 400 or a corresponding shielding unit 500 (however, only if a corresponding shielding unit 500 is provided) via the internal circuit board 300. The output signal of the corresponding current sensor 400 is output to the outside via the internal circuit board 300 and the second connecting member. The corresponding shielding unit 500 is connected to ground via the internal circuit board 300 and the second connecting member.

[0092] The connector C1 may further comprise a shell 800. The shell 800 has a shell body 810. The shell body 810 may be made of a metal sheet created by press molding (see Figures 1A to 3B), or of cast metal (not shown), or of metal created by a 3D printer (not shown). Alternatively, the shell body 810 may be made of resin and have metal plated or vapor-deposited on at least one of its outer and inner surfaces. The shell body 810 further comprises the following configurations:

[0093] (a) The shell body 810 is a substantially cylindrical shape (for example, a cylinder or polygonal cylinder with a portion cut out on the Z' side) that extends in the Y-Y' direction and has a portion cut out on the Z' side, and is substantially U-shaped inverted in cross-sectional view in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (see Figures 1A to 3). The body 100 is housed inside the shell body 810. The shell body 810 has a first wall 811, a second wall 812, and a third wall 813. The first wall 811 is the wall of the shell body 810 on the X side and covers the body 100 from the X side. The second wall 812 is the wall of the shell body 810 on the X' side and covers the body 100 from the X' side. The third wall 813 is the wall of the shell body 810 on the Z side that connects the first wall 811 and the second wall 812 and covers the body 100 from the Z side. The Z-direction end faces of the first and second walls of the housing section 130 of the body 100 are located on the Z' side relative to the Z-direction end face of the holding section 120 of the body 100, and the first wall 811, second wall 812, and third wall 813 of the shell body 810 are on the Z-direction side relative to the housing space 131 of the housing section 130, and partition the space connected to the housing space 131. When the Z-direction end faces of the first and second walls of the housing section 130 of the body 100 are at the same height as the Z-direction end face of the holding section 120 of the body 100 in the Z-Z' direction, the third wall 813 closes the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 from the Z-direction side.

[0094] (i) The shell body 810 is a substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., a cylindrical or polygonal cylinder) extending in the Y-Y' direction, and is substantially annular in cross-sectional view in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (e.g., annular or polygonal annular shape) (not shown). The shell body 810 has a first wall 811, a second wall 812, and a third wall 813, as well as a fourth wall (not shown). The first wall 811, the second wall 812, and the third wall 813 are as described above. The fourth wall is the wall on the Z' side of the shell body 810 that connects the first wall 811 and the second wall 812, and covers the body 100 from the Z' side.

[0095] If the body 100 is provided with at least one of the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, the first wall 811 and the second wall 812 of the shell body 810 may or may not be provided with first and second locking claws (not shown). The first and second locking claws are not bent when the internal substrate 300 is housed in the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and are bent after the internal substrate 300 is housed in the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 so that the first and second locking claws contact the internal substrate 300 from the Z direction side.

[0096] The shell 800 further comprises at least one first leg portion 820a and at least one second leg portion 820b. The at least one first leg portion 820a is one or more and extends from the shell body 810 in the Z' direction or the X direction. For example, one or more first leg portions 820a may extend from the first wall 811 or the fourth wall (only if the fourth wall is provided) of the shell body 810 in the Z' direction or the X direction. The at least one second leg portion 820b is one or more and extends from the shell body 810 in the Z' direction or the X' direction. For example, one or more second leg portions 820b may extend from the second wall 812 or the fourth wall (only if the fourth wall is provided) of the shell body 810 in the Z' direction or the X direction. One or more first legs 820a and one or more second legs 820b are arranged with an interval between them in the X-X' direction. The multiple first legs 820a are arranged with an interval between them in the Y-Y' direction. The multiple second legs 820b are arranged with an interval between them in the Y-Y' direction.

[0097] The shell 800 may further have a cover 830. The cover 830 extends in the Z-Z' direction from the Y' end of the third wall 813 of the shell body 810. The cover 830 covers the body 100 from the Y' side. When the Z-side end faces of the first wall, second wall, and third wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 are located on the Z' side relative to the Z-side end face of the holding portion 120 of the body 100, the first wall 811, second wall 812, third wall 813 and cover 830 define a space connected to the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 on the Z side. If the Z-side end faces of the first and second walls of the housing section 130 of the body 100 are at the same height in the Z-Z' direction as the Z-side end face of the holding section 120 of the body 100, while the Z-side end face of the third wall of the housing section 130 of the body 100 is located Z' relative to the Z-side end face of the holding section 120 of the body 100, then the third wall 813 closes the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 from the Z-side and the cover 830 closes the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 from the Y' side. If the Z-side end faces of the first, second, and third walls of the housing section 130 of the body 100 are at the same height in the Z-Z' direction as the Z-side end face of the holding section 120 of the body 100, then the third wall 813 closes the housing space 131 of the housing section 130 from the Z-side.

[0098] The cover 830 can be integrally formed with the shell body 810, or it can be omitted. Furthermore, the shell 800 itself can be omitted.

[0099] Connector C1 may further include at least one communication unit 900. For convenience of explanation, at least one communication unit 900 will also be referred to as "one or each communication unit 900". One of the "one or each communication unit 900" corresponds to one communication unit 900 when there is only one communication unit 900, and each communication unit 900 corresponds to each communication unit 900 when there are multiple communication units 900. One or each communication unit 900 is a wireless communication circuit such as an IC mounted on the first surface 301 or the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300, and is connected to a corresponding current sensor 400 via the internal circuit board 300. The communication unit 900 has a configuration that acquires the current value flowing to the corresponding first terminal 200a based on the output signal of the corresponding current sensor 400, and outputs the acquired current value to a wireless antenna (not shown). In this case, at least one third terminal 600, at least one third terminal 600 and a first connecting member, or a second connecting member may be omitted, but they are not required to be omitted. If the shell 800 is not provided, the wireless antenna may also be provided on the first surface 301 or the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300, or it may be provided inside one or each communication unit 900. If the shell 800 is provided, the wireless antenna is located outside the connector C1, and at least one third terminal 600, at least one third terminal 600 and a first connecting member, or a second connecting member are connected to one or each communication unit 900 via the internal circuit board 300. At least one third terminal 600, at least one third terminal 600 and a first connecting member, or a second connecting member, and the internal circuit board 300 enable output from one or each communication unit 900 to the wireless antenna, or power supply and / or signal communication of control signals to one or each communication unit 900 from outside the connector C1. Note that at least one communication unit 900 and a wireless antenna can be omitted. At least one communication unit 900 is shown only in Figure 2E and is omitted in the other drawings.

[0100] Assembly A1 further comprises an external substrate B1. A connector C1 is mounted on the mounting surface of the external substrate B1 in the Z direction. The external substrate B1 is provided with at least one first electrode 10a, which is either a through-hole electrode (see Figures 1B, 2B, 3A-3B, 4B, and 5A-5B) penetrating the external substrate B1 in the Z-Z' direction, or a surface electrode (not shown) on the mounting surface. The at least one first electrode 10a is one or more, depending on the number of at least one first terminal 200a of the connector C1, and is positioned to match the location of the mounting portion 231a of one or more first terminals 200a.

[0101] If the mounting portion 231a of one or each of the first terminals 200a of connector C1 extends in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231a of one or each of the first terminals 200a penetrates the corresponding through-hole electrode, the first electrode 10a, and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. If the mounting portion 231a of one or each of the first terminals 200a of connector C1 extends in the Y' direction, the mounting portion 231a of one or each of the first terminals 200a is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) on the corresponding surface electrode, the first electrode 10a, with solder or conductive adhesive.

[0102] If connector C1 is provided with at least one second terminal 200b, the external substrate B1 may further include at least one second electrode 10b, which is a through-hole electrode (see Figures 1B, 3A-3B, and 5A-5B) penetrating the external substrate B1 in the Z-Z' direction, or a surface electrode (not shown) on the mounting surface. The at least one second electrode 10b is one or more, depending on the number of at least one second terminal 200b of connector C1, and is positioned to match the location of the mounting portion 231b of one or more second terminals 200b.

[0103] If the mounting portion 231b of one or each of the second terminals 200b of connector C1 extends in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231b of one or each of the second terminals 200b penetrates the corresponding through-hole electrode, the second electrode 10b, and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. If the mounting portion 231b of one or each of the second terminals 200b of connector C1 extends in the Y' direction, the mounting portion 231b of one or each of the second terminals 200b is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to the corresponding surface electrode, the second electrode 10b, with solder or conductive adhesive. If at least one second terminal 200b is omitted, at least one second electrode 10b is also omitted.

[0104] If connector C1 is provided with at least one third terminal 600, the external substrate B1 may further include at least one third electrode 20, which is a through-hole electrode (see Figures 1B, 2C, 3A-3B, 4C, and 5A-5B) penetrating the external substrate B1 in the Z-Z' direction, or a surface electrode (not shown) on the mounting surface. The at least one third electrode 20 is one or more, depending on the number of at least one third terminal 600 of connector C1, and is positioned to match the location of the external connection portion 620 of one or more third terminals 600.

[0105] If the external connection portion 620 of one or each of the third terminals 600 of connector C1 extends in the Z' direction, the external connection portion 620 of one or each of the third terminals 600 penetrates the corresponding through-hole electrode, the third electrode 20, and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. If the external connection portion 620 of one or each of the third terminals 600 of connector C1 extends in the X' direction or the X direction, the external connection portion 620 of one or each of the third terminals 600 is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to the corresponding surface electrode, the third electrode 20, with solder or conductive adhesive. If at least one third terminal 600 is omitted, at least one third electrode 20 is also omitted.

[0106] If a first connecting member or a second connecting member is provided in place of at least one third terminal 600 of connector C1, the first connecting member or the second connecting member is connected to the external board B1.

[0107] If the shell 800 of connector C1 is provided, the external substrate B1 may further include at least one fourth electrode 30a and at least one fifth electrode 30b, which are through-hole electrodes (see Figures 1B, 3A-3B, and 5A-5B) penetrating the external substrate B1 in the Z-Z' direction or surface electrodes (not shown) on the mounting surface. The at least one fourth electrode 30a is one or more, depending on the number of at least one first leg 820a of the shell 800, and is arranged according to the position of one or more first legs 820a. The at least one fifth electrode 30b is one or more, depending on the number of at least one second leg 820b of the shell 800, and is arranged according to the position of one or more second legs 820b.

[0108] If one or each of the first legs 820a of the shell 800 of connector C1 extends from the shell body 810 in the Z' direction, one or each of the first legs 820a penetrates the corresponding through-hole electrode, the fourth electrode 30a, and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. If one or each of the first legs 820a of the shell 800 of connector C1 extends from the shell body 810 in the X direction, one or each of the first legs 820a is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) onto the corresponding surface electrode, the fourth electrode 30a, with solder or conductive adhesive.

[0109] If one or each second leg 820b of the shell 800 of connector C1 extends from the shell body 810 in the Z' direction, one or each second leg 820b penetrates the corresponding through-hole electrode, the fifth electrode 30b, and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. If one or each second leg 820b of the shell 800 of connector C1 extends from the shell body 810 in the X' direction, one or each second leg 820b is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) onto the corresponding surface electrode, the fifth electrode 30b, with solder or conductive adhesive.

[0110] If at least one communication unit 900 is provided, it may be mounted on the external board B1 rather than on the internal board 300. In this case, at least one communication unit 900 is connected to at least one current sensor 400 via at least one third terminal 600, at least one third terminal 600 and a first connecting member or a second connecting member. The wireless antenna may be provided on the external board B1.

[0111] A novel connector C1 was obtained as described above. This connector C1 further exhibits the following technical features and effects (1) to (9).

[0112] (1) Technical features and effects The detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved. The internal circuit board 300 is fixed to the body 100, and at least one current sensor 400 mounted on the internal circuit board 300 is positioned near the part 223a under test of at least one first terminal 200a held by the body 100. Therefore, by fixing the internal circuit board 300 within the body 100, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a of at least one current sensor 400 on the internal circuit board 300 with respect to the part 223a under test can be determined, and as a result, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0113] In particular, if the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with a housing space 131 and at least one of the positioning portions, namely the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, then by inserting the internal substrate 300 into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, bringing the internal substrate 300 into contact with at least one of the positioning portions, namely the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, from the Z-direction side, and fixing the position of the internal substrate 300 in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' and X-X' directions as described above, the internal substrate 300 is fixed in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions. As a result, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a of at least one current sensor 400 on the internal substrate 300 with respect to the part under measurement 223a can be determined, and the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0114] (2) Technical features and effects The assembly of connector C1 becomes easier. If the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with a housing space 131 and at least one positioning portion, a first positioning portion 141, a second positioning portion 142, and a third positioning portion 143, then by simply inserting the internal circuit board 300 on which at least one current sensor 400 is mounted into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 from the Z-direction side, the internal circuit board 300 will come into contact with at least one positioning portion from the Z-direction side. Then, by fixing the position of the internal circuit board 300 in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction as described above, the internal circuit board 300 is fixed in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction, the X-X' direction, and the Z-Z' direction. At least one shield portion 500 may or may not be fixed to this internal circuit board 300. Subsequently, at least one first terminal 200a may be incorporated into the body 100 as described in (1) or (2) above. This ensures that at least one current sensor 400 on the internal circuit board 300 is positioned relative to the part 223a under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a as described above. This facilitates the assembly of the internal circuit board 300 and the at least one current sensor 400 into the housing 130 of the body 100. If at least one second terminal 200b is provided, at least one second terminal 200b can be attached to the body 100 at any time.

[0115] Furthermore, if at least one third terminal 600, which is a rod or plate extending in the Z-Z' direction, is provided, at least one third terminal 600 can be attached to the body 100 simply by inserting the internal circuit board 300 into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 and passing at least one third terminal 600 through at least one insertion hole 1411 of the body 100.

[0116] Furthermore, since the Z-direction end face of at least one positioning portion is located on the Z-direction side of

[0117] Furthermore, if the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a, the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 extend in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a, the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 can be easily connected by inserting them into the first, second, and third electrodes 10a, 10b, and 20, which are through-hole electrodes of the external substrate B1. If the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a and the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b extend in the Y' direction, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 extends in the X' direction or the X direction, then the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a, the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 can be easily connected by placing them on the first, second, and third electrodes 10a, 10b, and 20, which are surface electrodes of the external substrate B1.

[0118] (3) Technical features and effects If at least one first plate 510 of the shielding section 500 is provided, the first plate 510 of the shielding section 500 is positioned at a distance in the X direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a, so that the first plate 510 electromagnetically shields the at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a from the X direction. If at least one second plate 520 of the shielding section 500 is provided, the second plate 520 of the shielding section 500 is positioned at a distance in the X' direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a, so that the second plate 520 electromagnetically shields the at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a from the X' direction. If at least one third plate 530 of the shielding portion 500 is provided, the third plate 530 of the shielding portion 500 is positioned at a distance from the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured in the Z' direction, so that the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured is electromagnetically shielded from the Z' direction by the third plate 530.

[0119] Furthermore, when at least one current sensor 400 and the part 223a of at least one first terminal 200a are arranged between the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of at least one shielding unit 500, the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the part 223a of at least one first terminal 200a due to current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a can be made denser than the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the part 223a of at least one first terminal 200a due to current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a when the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of at least one shielding unit 500 are not provided. In other words, the magnetic field detected by at least one current sensor 400 becomes stronger. Therefore, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved. If at least one shielding section 500 further includes a third plate 530, the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a can make the magnetic field distribution around the part 223a under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a denser, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400.

[0120] (4) Technical features and effects If at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300, the at least one current sensor 400 can be configured to non-contact detect the combined magnetic field of the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a and the magnetic field generated around the lead part 230a when current flows through at least one first terminal 200a, and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the combined magnetic field. In this case, the magnetic field detected by the at least one current sensor 400 becomes stronger, so the detection accuracy of the at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0121] (5) Technical features and effects If at least one third terminal 600 is provided, at least one of the following can be connected to the outside of connector C1 via the internal circuit board 300 and at least one third terminal 600: at least one current sensor 400, at least one shielding unit 500 (only if the shielding unit 500 is provided), and at least one communication unit 900 (only if the communication unit 900 is provided). This makes it possible to output the output signal of at least one current sensor 400 to the outside, to supply power to and / or transmit control signals to the at least one current sensor 400 from the outside, to connect at least one shielding unit 500 to ground, and to supply power to and / or transmit control signals to the at least one communication unit 900 from the outside.

[0122] (6) Technical features and effects If the dimension of the part 223a under test of at least one first terminal 200a in the first perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) is greater than the dimension of the contact part 211a of the tip part 210a in the second perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) and the dimension of the mounting part 231a of the lead part 230a in the third perpendicular direction (X-X' direction), then current flows through at least one first terminal 200a, which strengthens the magnetic field generated around the part 223a under test of at least one first terminal 200a, thereby improving the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400. Furthermore, when there are multiple first terminals 200a and / or when at least one first terminal 200a and at least one second terminal 200b are provided, the dimension of the contact portion 211a of the tip portion 210a in the second perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) is smaller than the dimension of the part under measurement 223a in the first perpendicular direction (X-X' direction). Therefore, the distance in the X-X' direction between the contact portions 211a of multiple first terminals 200a can be reduced, and / or the distance between the contact portion 211a of at least one adjacent first terminal 200a and the contact portion 211b of at least one second terminal 200b can be reduced. As a result, the connector C1 can be miniaturized.

[0123] (7) Technical features and effects When the shell 800 is provided, the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) characteristics of connector C1 are improved. As a result, the possibility of electromagnetic noise generated from at least one of the first terminal 200a, at least one second terminal 200b (only if the second terminal 200b is provided), at least one third terminal 600 (only if the third terminal 600 is provided), the internal circuit board 300, and at least one current sensor 400 affecting external devices of connector C1, or of electromagnetic noise generated by external devices adversely affecting at least one current sensor 400, is reduced.

[0124] (8) Technical features and effects Since connector C1 is configured to be mounted on the external board B1, it can be easily replaced with existing connectors on the board and connector C1 with at least one current sensor 400.

[0125] (9) Technical features and effects Connector C1 is configured such that at least one current sensor 400 non-contactively detects the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a. Therefore, at least one current sensor 400 is less susceptible to the effects of Joule heating generated by the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to provide a complex temperature compensation circuit on the internal substrate 300, and it is also unnecessary to use electronic components with good temperature characteristics for the at least one current sensor 400 and other electronic components, thus reducing the cost of connector C1.

[0126] Since the assembly A1 described above is equipped with connector C1, it achieves the technical features and effects described in (1) to (9) above. [Examples]

[0127] The following describes connector assembly A2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "assembly A2") according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, including Embodiment 2 and its design modifications, with reference to Figures 6A to 7B. Figures 6A to 7B show assembly A2 of Embodiment 2. Figures 6A to 6B and 6D to 7B show the Y-Y' direction, similar to assembly A1. Figures 6C to 7B show the X-X' direction, similar to assembly A1. Figures 6A to 6C and 7A to 7B show the Z-Z' direction, similar to assembly A1.

[0128] Assembly A2 comprises connector C2 and the external substrate B1. Connector C2 has the same configuration as connector C1, except that the internal substrate 300 and one or more current sensors 400 are located on the Z' side (see Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7B) relative to the part 223a under measurement of one or more first terminals 200a. The following will explain only the differences of connector C2 in detail, and will omit any explanation of connector C2 that overlaps with the explanation of connector C1.

[0129] If the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with at least one positioning portion, the first positioning portion 141, second positioning portion 142, and third positioning portion 143 of at least one positioning portion can be configured as follows.

[0130] The Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141 is positioned on the Z'-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side surface of the measurement target portion 223a of one or more first terminals 200a. The Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z'-direction side, or indirect contact via another first member (e.g., support member 700).

[0131] The Z-direction end face of the second positioning portion 142 is positioned on the Z'-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side surface of the measurement target portion 223a of one or more first terminals 200a. The Z-direction end face of the second positioning portion 142 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z'-direction side, or indirect contact via a second other member.

[0132] The Z-direction end face of the third positioning portion 143 is positioned on the Z'-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side surface of the measurement target portion 223a of one or more first terminals 200a. The Z-direction end face of the third positioning portion 143 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z'-direction side, or indirect contact via a third other member.

[0133] In this way, at least one of the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143 contacts the internal substrate 300, thereby fixing the internal substrate 300 in the Z' direction relative to the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured.

[0134] When one or each current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal substrate 300 (see Figures 6A to 6D and 7A to 7B), one or each current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z-direction side with respect to the internal substrate 300, while being positioned on the Z'-direction side with respect to the corresponding part to be measured 223a, and is positioned opposite to each other with a gap in the Z-Z' direction, and is arranged so that in the Z-Z' direction, one or each current sensor 400, in whole or in part, overlaps with the projected area of ​​the corresponding part to be measured 223a.

[0135] When one or each current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 (not shown), one or each current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z' side with respect to the internal substrate 300 and the corresponding part to be measured 223a, and is arranged such that in the Z-Z' direction, one or each current sensor 400, in whole or in part, overlaps the projected area of ​​the corresponding part to be measured 223a.

[0136] In either case, one or each current sensor 400 is positioned on the Y-direction side with respect to the lead portion 230a of the corresponding first terminal 200a. In this case, one or each current sensor 400 can be configured to non-contact detect the combined magnetic field of the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a and the magnetic field generated around the lead portion 230a when current flows through the corresponding first terminal 200a, and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the combined magnetic field. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the sensor to detect the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the magnetic field.

[0137] If connector C2 is provided with at least one shield portion 500, one or each shield portion 500 of connector C2 has substantially the same configuration as one or each shield portion 500 of connector C1, except that the third plate 530 is connected to at least one of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 and is positioned with a gap in the Z direction rather than the Z' direction relative to the part 223a under measurement of the corresponding first terminal 200a. The differences will be explained in detail below.

[0138] The first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of one or each shield portion 500 of connector C2 are fixed by passing through corresponding first and second fixing holes 310 and 320 of the internal substrate 300 in the Z-Z' direction. The first plate 510 covers the measured portion 223a of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a from the X direction side. The second plate 520 covers the measured portion 223a of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the corresponding first terminal 200a from the X' direction side. Note that the first plate 510 may be fixed on the first surface 301 or the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 instead of passing through the internal substrate 300. The second plate 520 can be redesigned in the same way as the first plate 510. In this case, the first fixing hole 310 and / or the second fixing hole 320 are omitted.

[0139] When the corresponding current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300 (see Figures 6A to 6C), the Z-Z' dimensions of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of one or each shielding section 500 are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-direction side surface of the measured portion 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a to the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300. When the corresponding current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300 (not shown), the Z-Z' dimensions of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of one or each shielding section 500 are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-direction side surface of the measured portion 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a to the Z'-direction side surface of the corresponding current sensor 400. The third plate 530 of one or each shield portion 500 is positioned at a distance from the part 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a to be measured in the Z direction, and covers the part 223a of the corresponding first terminal 200a to be measured from the Z' direction.

[0140] If at least one of the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of one or each shield portion 500 is provided, at least one of the plates may be in contact with the bottom of the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] Connector C2 may or may not further include at least one communication unit 900.

[0142] Connector C2, like connector C1, is mounted on the mounting side of the external board B1.

[0143] A novel connector C2 was obtained as described above. This connector C2 further exhibits the following technical features and effects (1) to (9).

[0144] (1) Technical features and effects The detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved. The internal circuit board 300 is fixed to the body 100, and at least one current sensor 400 mounted on the internal circuit board 300 is positioned near the part 223a under test of at least one first terminal 200a held by the body 100. Therefore, by fixing the internal circuit board 300 within the body 100, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a of at least one current sensor 400 on the internal circuit board 300 with respect to the part 223a under test can be determined, and as a result, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0145] In particular, if the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with a housing space 131 and at least one of the positioning portions, namely the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, then by inserting the internal substrate 300 into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, bringing the internal substrate 300 into contact with at least one of the positioning portions, namely the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, from the Z-direction side, and fixing the position of the internal substrate 300 in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' and X-X' directions as described above, the internal substrate 300 is fixed in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions. As a result, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a of at least one current sensor 400 on the internal substrate 300 with respect to the part under measurement 223a can be determined, and the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0146] (2) Technical features and effects The assembly of connector C2 becomes easier. If the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with a housing space 131 and at least one positioning portion, a first positioning portion 141, a second positioning portion 142, and a third positioning portion 143, then by simply inserting the internal circuit board 300 on which at least one current sensor 400 is mounted into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 from the Z-direction side, the internal circuit board 300 will come into contact with at least one positioning portion from the Z-direction side. Then, by fixing the position of the internal circuit board 300 in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction as described above, the internal circuit board 300 is fixed in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction, the X-X' direction, and the Z-Z' direction. At least one shield portion 500 may or may not be fixed to this internal circuit board 300. Subsequently, at least one first terminal 200a may be incorporated into the body 100 as described in (1) or (2) above. This ensures that at least one current sensor 400 on the internal circuit board 300 is positioned relative to the part 223a under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a as described above. This facilitates the assembly of the internal circuit board 300 and the at least one current sensor 400 into the housing 130 of the body 100. If at least one second terminal 200b is provided, at least one second terminal 200b can be attached to the body 100 at any time.

[0147] Furthermore, if at least one third terminal 600, which is a rod or plate extending in the Z-Z' direction, is provided, at least one third terminal 600 can be attached to the body 100 simply by inserting the internal circuit board 300 into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 and passing at least one third terminal 600 through at least one insertion hole 1411 of the body 100.

[0148] Furthermore, since the Z-direction end face of at least one positioning portion is located on the Z'-direction side of

[0149] Furthermore, if the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a, the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 extend in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a, the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 can be easily connected by inserting them into the first, second, and third electrodes 10a, 10b, and 20, which are through-hole electrodes of the external substrate B1. If the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a and the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b extend in the Y' direction, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 extends in the X' direction or the X direction, then the mounting portion 231a of at least one first terminal 200a, the mounting portion 231a of at least one second terminal 200b, and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 can be easily connected by placing them on the first, second, and third electrodes 10a, 10b, and 20, which are surface electrodes of the external substrate B1.

[0150] (3) Technical features and effects If at least one first plate 510 of the shielding section 500 is provided, the first plate 510 of the shielding section 500 is positioned at a distance in the X direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a, so that the first plate 510 electromagnetically shields the at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a from the X direction. If at least one second plate 520 of the shielding section 500 is provided, the second plate 520 of the shielding section 500 is positioned at a distance in the X' direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a, so that the second plate 520 electromagnetically shields the at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a from the X' direction. If at least one third plate 530 of the shielding portion 500 is provided, the third plate 530 of the shielding portion 500 is positioned at a distance in the Z direction from the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured, so that the part 223a of the first terminal 200a to be measured is electromagnetically shielded from the Z direction by the third plate 530.

[0151] Furthermore, when at least one current sensor 400 and the part 223a of at least one first terminal 200a are arranged between the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of at least one shielding unit 500, the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the part 223a of at least one first terminal 200a due to current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a can be made denser than the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the part 223a of at least one first terminal 200a due to current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a when the first plate 510 and the second plate 520 of at least one shielding unit 500 are not provided. In other words, the magnetic field detected by at least one current sensor 400 becomes stronger. Therefore, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved. If at least one shielding section 500 further includes a third plate 530, the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a can make the magnetic field distribution around the part 223a under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a denser, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400.

[0152] (4) Technical features and effects One or each current sensor 400 on the first surface 301 or the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 can be configured to non-contact detect the combined magnetic field of the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a and the magnetic field generated around the lead part 230a when current flows through at least one first terminal 200a, and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the combined magnetic field. In this case, the magnetic field detected by at least one current sensor 400 becomes stronger, so the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0153] (5) Technical features and effects If at least one third terminal 600 is provided, at least one of the following can be connected to the outside of connector C2 via the internal circuit board 300 and at least one third terminal 600: at least one current sensor 400, at least one shielding unit 500 (only if the shielding unit 500 is provided), and at least one communication unit 900 (only if the communication unit 900 is provided). This makes it possible to output the output signal of at least one current sensor 400 to the outside, to supply power to and / or transmit control signals to the at least one current sensor 400 from the outside, to connect at least one shielding unit 500 to ground, and to supply power to and / or transmit control signals to the at least one communication unit 900 from the outside.

[0154] (6) Technical features and effects If the dimension of the part 223a under test of at least one first terminal 200a in the first perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) is greater than the dimension of the contact part 211a of the tip part 210a in the second perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) and the dimension of the mounting part 231a of the lead part 230a in the third perpendicular direction (X-X' direction), then current flows through at least one first terminal 200a, which strengthens the magnetic field generated around the part 223a under test of at least one first terminal 200a, thereby improving the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400. Furthermore, when there are multiple first terminals 200a and / or when at least one first terminal 200a and at least one second terminal 200b are provided, the dimension of the contact portion 211a of the tip portion 210a in the second perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) is smaller than the dimension of the part under measurement 223a in the first perpendicular direction (X-X' direction). Therefore, the distance in the X-X' direction between the contact portions 211a of multiple first terminals 200a can be reduced, and / or the distance between the contact portion 211a of at least one adjacent first terminal 200a and the contact portion 211b of at least one second terminal 200b can be reduced. As a result, the connector C2 can be miniaturized.

[0155] (7) Technical features and effects When the shell 800 is provided, the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) characteristics of connector C2 are improved. As a result, the possibility of electromagnetic noise generated from at least one of the first terminal 200a, at least one second terminal 200b (only if the second terminal 200b is provided), at least one third terminal 600 (only if the third terminal 600 is provided), the internal circuit board 300, and at least one current sensor 400 affecting external devices of connector C2, or of electromagnetic noise generated by external devices adversely affecting at least one current sensor 400, is reduced.

[0156] (8) Technical features and effects Since connector C2 is configured to be mounted on the external board B1, it can be easily replaced with existing connectors on the board and connector C2 with at least one current sensor 400.

[0157] (9) Technical features and effects Connector C2 is configured such that at least one current sensor 400 non-contactively detects the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a. Therefore, at least one current sensor 400 is less susceptible to the effects of Joule heating generated by the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to provide a complex temperature compensation circuit on the internal substrate 300, and it is also unnecessary to use electronic components with good temperature characteristics as at least one current sensor 400 or other electronic components, thus reducing the cost of connector C2.

[0158] Since the assembly A2 described above is equipped with connector C2, it achieves the technical features and effects described in (1) to (9) above. [Examples]

[0159] The following describes connector assembly A3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "assembly A3") according to multiple embodiments, including Embodiment 3 of the present invention and its design modifications, with reference to Figures 8A to 9B. Figures 8A to 9B show assembly A3 of Embodiment 3. Figures 8A to 8B and 8D to 9B show the Y-Y' direction, similar to assembly A1. Figures 8C to 9B show the X-X' direction, similar to assembly A1. Figures 8A to 8C and 9A to 9B show the Z-Z' direction, similar to assembly A1.

[0160] Assembly A3 comprises connector C3 and external board B2. Connector C3 has the same configuration as connector C2, except that the configuration of at least one first terminal 200a' of connector C3 differs from the configuration of at least one first terminal 200a of connector C2, the configuration of at least one second terminal 200b' of connector C3 differs from the configuration of at least one second terminal 200b of connector C2 (only if a second terminal 200b' is provided), and the configuration of at least one shield portion 500' of connector C3 differs from the configuration of at least one shield portion 500 of connector C2 (only if a shield portion 500' is provided). Below, only the differences of connector C3 will be explained in detail, and any explanation of connector C3 that overlaps with the explanation of connector C2 will be omitted. Furthermore, the reference numeral "''" is added to the reference numeral of connector C3's at least one first terminal 200a', at least one second terminal 200b', and at least one shield portion 500' to distinguish them from the connector C3's at least one first terminal 200a, at least one second terminal 200b, and at least one shield portion 500.

[0161] At least one first terminal 200a' of connector C3 differs from at least one first terminal 200a of connector C2 in that its main body portion 220a' is bent into a substantially L-shape and its lead portion 230a' is positioned on the X-direction side relative to the housing portion 130 of body 100.

[0162] The tip portion 210a' has the same configuration as the tip portion 210a described above. The first portion 221a' of the main body portion 220a' is held in the first holding hole 121a of the body 100 as described above. The part to be measured 223a' of the main body portion 220a' extends in the X direction. The second portion 222a' of the main body portion 220a' is located on the X side with respect to the part to be measured 223a' and on the Z side with respect to the Z side surface of the first wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100. In other words, the Z side surface of the first wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is located on the Z' side with respect to at least one second portion 222a' of the first terminal 200a'. The lead portion body of the lead portion 230a' extends from the second portion 222a' in the Z' direction. The mounting portion 231a' of the lead portion 230a' may extend from the lead portion body in the Z' direction, or in the X direction, or in the X' direction. If a shell 800 is provided, there may be a gap in the X-X' direction between the lead portion body of the lead portion 230a' and the first wall 811 of the shell body 810, or an insulator may be interposed between them.

[0163] The dimension of the part to be measured 223a' in the first perpendicular direction can be larger than, but is not limited to, the dimension of the contact portion 211a' of the tip portion 210a' in the second perpendicular direction and the dimension of the mounting portion 231a' of the lead portion 230a' in the third perpendicular direction. At least one first terminal 200a', the direction in which current flows through the tip portion 210a' (i.e., the direction in which current flows through the contact portion 211a') is the Y' direction, the direction in which current flows through the main body portion 220a' is curved from the Y' direction to the X direction, the direction in which current flows through the part under test 223a' is the X direction, if the mounting portion 231a' of the lead portion 230a' extends in the Z' direction, the direction in which current flows through the mounting portion 231a' of the lead portion 230a' is the Z' direction, and if the mounting portion 231a' of the lead portion 230a' extends in the X direction, the direction in which current flows through the mounting portion 231a' of the lead portion 230a' is the X direction. The first perpendicular direction is the Y-Y' direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the part under test 223a'. The second perpendicular direction is the X-X' direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the contact portion 211a'. The third perpendicular direction is the Y-Y' direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the mounting portion 231a'.

[0164] If connector C3 is provided with at least one second terminal 200b', then at least one second terminal 200b' of connector C3 differs from at least one second terminal 200b of connector C2 in that its main body portion 220b' is bent into a substantially L-shape and its lead portion 230b' is positioned on the X' side relative to the housing portion 130 of body 100.

[0165] The tip portion 210b' has the same configuration as the tip portion 210b described above. The first portion 221b' of the main body portion 220b' is held in the second holding hole 121b of the body 100 as described above. The second portion 222b' of the main body portion 220b' is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the Z-direction side surface of the second wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100. In other words, the Z-direction side surface of the second wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the second portion 222b' of at least one second terminal 200b'. The lead portion body of the lead portion 230b' extends in the Z' direction from the second portion 222b' of the main body portion 220b'. The mounting portion 231b' of the lead portion 230b' may extend in the Z' direction, the X' direction, or the X direction from the lead portion body. If a shell 800 is provided, there may be a gap in the X-X' direction between the lead portion body of the lead portion 230b' and the second wall 812 of the shell body 810, or an insulator may be interposed between them.

[0166] The Z-direction side surface of the third wall of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is preferably located on the Z'-direction side of the Z'-direction surface of the second portion 222b' of the main body portion 220b', and may be at the same height as the Z-direction side surfaces of the first and second walls. The body 100 is not provided with a first insertion hole 150a and a first guide groove 160a. Even if at least one second terminal 200b' is provided, the body 100 is not provided with a second insertion hole 150b and a second guide groove 160b.

[0167] If the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with at least one positioning portion, the first positioning portion 141, second positioning portion 142, and third positioning portion 143 of at least one positioning portion can be configured as follows.

[0168] The Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141 is positioned on the Z'-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side surface of the measurement target portion 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. The Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z'-direction side, or indirect contact via another first member (e.g., support member 700).

[0169] The Z-direction end face of the second positioning portion 142 is positioned on the Z'-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side surface of the measurement target portion 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. The Z-direction end face of the second positioning portion 142 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z'-direction side, or indirect contact via a second other member.

[0170] The Z-direction end face of the third positioning portion 143 is positioned on the Z'-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side surface of the measurement target portion 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. The Z-direction end face of the third positioning portion 143 is in direct contact with the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 from the Z'-direction side, or indirect contact via a third other member.

[0171] In this way, at least one of the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143 contacts the internal substrate 300, thereby fixing the internal substrate 300 in the Z' direction relative to the part 223a' to be measured of at least one of the first terminals 200a'.

[0172] When at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal substrate 300 (see Figures 8A to 8D and Figures 9A to 9B), at least one current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z-direction side with respect to the internal substrate 300, while being positioned on the Z'-direction side with respect to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a', and is positioned opposite to it with a gap in the Z-Z' direction, and is arranged such that at least one current sensor 400, in whole or in part, overlaps with the projected area of ​​the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' in the Z-Z' direction.

[0173] When at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 (not shown), the at least one current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z' side with respect to the internal substrate 300 and the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a', and is positioned such that in the Z-Z' direction, the entire or a part of the at least one current sensor 400 overlaps the projected area of ​​the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0174] In either case, at least one current sensor 400 is positioned on the X' side with respect to the lead portion 230a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. In this case, at least one current sensor 400 can be configured to non-contact detect the combined magnetic field of the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a' and the magnetic field generated around the lead portion 230a' when current flows through at least one first terminal 200a', and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the combined magnetic field. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the sensor to detect the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a' and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the magnetic field.

[0175] In addition, at least one Z-direction end face of the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143 may be positioned on the Z-direction side relative to the Z-direction side surface of the part 223a' to be measured of at least one first terminal 200'a. In this case, at least one of the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143 contacts the internal substrate 300, thereby fixing the internal substrate 300 in the Z-direction side relative to the part 223a' to be measured of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0176] When at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal substrate 300 (not shown), the at least one current sensor 400 is located on the Z side with respect to the internal substrate 300 and the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a', and is positioned such that in the Z-Z' direction, the entire or a part of the at least one current sensor 400 overlaps the projected area of ​​the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0177] When at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 (not shown), the at least one current sensor 400 is positioned on the Z' side with respect to the internal substrate 300, while being positioned on the Z side with respect to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a', and is positioned opposite to it with a gap in the Z-Z' direction, and is arranged such that in the Z-Z' direction, the entire or a part of the at least one current sensor 400 overlaps the projected area of ​​the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0178] In either case, at least one current sensor 400 is configured to detect a magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a' when current flows through at least one first terminal 200a', and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the magnetic field.

[0179] If the connector C3 is provided with at least one shield portion 500', the at least one shield portion 500' of the connector C3 is made of a magnetic material such as metal. The at least one shield portion 500' has at least one or at least two of the first plate 510', the second plate 520', and the third plate 530'. The first plate 510' is fixed to the internal substrate 300 and is positioned at a distance in the Y direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a' that is to be measured 223a'. The second plate 520' is fixed to the internal substrate 300 and is positioned at a distance in the Y' direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a' that is to be measured 223a'.

[0180] When the internal substrate 300 is located on the Z' side with respect to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a', the third plate 530' is connected to at least one of the first plate 510' and the second plate 520' and is positioned at a distance in the Z direction from the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0181] For example, at least one shield section 500' may further have the following configuration, but is not limited thereto.

[0182] The first plate 510' and the second plate 520' are plate-shaped and made of a magnetic material such as metal, extending in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions, and are fixed to the internal substrate 300 by penetrating the first and second fixing holes 310 and 320 in the Z-Z' direction, and are positioned with a gap in the Y direction and Y' direction relative to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a' on the first surface 301 or second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300. The first plate 510' is positioned with a gap in the X direction relative to the part between the part 223a' under measurement and the first part 221a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. Note that the first plate 510' may be fixed on the first surface 301 or second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 instead of penetrating it. The second plate 520' can be modified in the same way as the first plate 510'. In this case, the first fixing hole 310 and / or the second fixing hole 320 are omitted.

[0183] The straight-line distance in the Y-Y' direction from the Y-side surface of the first plate 510' to the Y'-side surface of the second plate 520' is greater than the Y-Y' dimension of at least one current sensor 400 and the Y-Y' dimension of the measured portion 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. The X-X' dimension of the first plate 510' is smaller than the X-X' dimension of the corresponding current sensor 400 and the X-X' dimension of the measured portion 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. The X-X' dimension of the second plate 520' is approximately the same as (not shown) or larger than at least one of the X-X' dimensions of at least one current sensor 400 and the X-X' dimension of the measured portion 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a' (see Figures 8D and 9A-9B). The first plate 510' covers the part 223a' under test of at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a' from the Y direction, electromagnetically shielding the part 223a' under test of at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a'. The second plate 520' covers the part 223a' under test of at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a' from the Y' direction, electromagnetically shielding the part 223a' under test of at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0184] When the internal circuit board 300 is located on the Z' side with respect to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' and at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300, the Z-Z' dimensions of the first board 510' and the Z-Z' dimensions of the second board 520' are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-side surface of the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' to the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300 (see Figures 8B, 8C, and 9A-9B).

[0185] When the internal circuit board 300 is located on the Z' side with respect to the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a' and at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300, the Z-Z' dimensions of the first board 510' and the Z-Z' dimensions of the second board 520' are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than (not shown) the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-side surface of the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a' to the Z'-side surface of the at least one current sensor 400.

[0186] When the internal circuit board 300 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' and at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300, the Z-Z' dimensions of the first board 510' and the Z-Z' dimensions of the second board 520' are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than (not shown) the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the Z-direction side surface of at least one current sensor 400 to the Z-direction side surface of the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0187] When the internal circuit board 300 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' and at least one current sensor 400 is mounted on the second surface 302 of the internal circuit board 300, the Z-Z' dimensions of the first board 510' and the Z-Z' dimensions of the second board 520' are approximately the same as (not shown) or greater than (not shown) the straight-line distance in the Z-Z' direction from the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300 to the Z-direction side surface of the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a'.

[0188] The third plate 530' is a plate-like structure made of a magnetic material such as metal, extending in the X-X' and Y-Y' directions. When both the first plate 510' and the second plate 520' are provided, the third plate 530' connects the first plate 510' and the second plate 520' (see Figures 8A to 9B). When only one of the first plate 510' or the second plate 520' is provided, the third plate 530' is connected to the other plate (not shown). In either case, the dimension of the third plate 530' in the Y-Y' direction is greater than the dimension of the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' in the Y-Y' direction, and the dimension of the third plate 530' in the X-X' direction is approximately the same as or greater than the dimension of the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' in the X-X' direction. When the internal substrate 300 is located on the Z' side with respect to the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a', the third plate 530' covers the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a' from the Z side, and electromagnetically shields the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a'. When the internal substrate 300 is located on the Z side with respect to the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a', the third plate 530' is omitted.

[0189] Connector C3 may or may not further include at least one communication unit 900. Connector C3 is mounted on the mounting surface of the external board B2.

[0190] External substrate B2 has substantially the same configuration as external substrate B1, except that the positions of at least one first electrode 10a' and at least one second electrode 10b' (provided that the second electrode 10b' is provided) differ from those of at least one first electrode 10a and at least one second electrode 10b of external substrate B1.

[0191] At least one first electrode 10a' is a through-hole electrode (see Figures 8A to 8B) that penetrates the external substrate B2 in the Z-Z' direction, or a surface electrode (not shown) on the mounting surface. When the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a' of connector C3 extends in the Z' direction, at least one first electrode 10a' is provided on the external substrate B2 at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. At least one first electrode 10a' penetrates the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a' and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. When the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a' of connector C3 extends in the X direction, at least one first electrode 10a', which is a surface electrode, is provided on the external substrate B2 at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a'. At least one mounting portion 231a' of the first terminal 200a' is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to at least one first electrode 10a' with solder or conductive adhesive.

[0192] At least one second electrode 10b' is a through-hole electrode (see Figures 8A to 8B) that penetrates the external substrate B2 in the Z-Z' direction, or a surface electrode (not shown) on the mounting surface. If the mounting portion 231b' of at least one second terminal 200b' of connector C3 extends in the Z' direction, at least one second electrode 10b' is provided on the external substrate B2 at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 231b' of at least one second terminal 200b'. At least one second electrode 10b' penetrates the mounting portion 231b' of at least one second terminal 200b' and is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) with solder or conductive adhesive. If the mounting portion 231b' of at least one second terminal 200b' of connector C3 extends in the X' direction, at least one second electrode 10b', which is a surface electrode, is provided on the external substrate B2 at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 231b' of at least one second terminal 200b'. At least one mounting portion 231b' of the second terminal 200b' is electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to at least one second electrode 10b' with solder or conductive adhesive.

[0193] A novel connector C3 was obtained as described above. This connector C3 further exhibits the following technical features and effects (1) to (9).

[0194] (1) Technical features and effects The detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved. The internal circuit board 300 is fixed to the body 100, and at least one current sensor 400 mounted on the internal circuit board 300 is positioned near the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' held by the body 100. Therefore, by fixing the internal circuit board 300 within the body 100, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a' of at least one current sensor 400 on the internal circuit board 300 with respect to the part 223a' under measurement can be determined, and as a result, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0195] In particular, if the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with a housing space 131 and at least one of the positioning portions, namely the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, the internal substrate 300 is inserted into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the internal substrate 300 is brought into contact with at least one of the positioning portions, namely the first positioning portion 141, the second positioning portion 142, and the third positioning portion 143, from the Z-direction side, and the internal substrate 300 is positioned as described above. By fixing the internal substrate 300 in the housing section 130 in the Y-Y' and X-X' directions, the internal substrate 300 is fixed in the housing section 130 in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions. As a result, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a' of at least one current sensor 400 on the internal substrate 300 with respect to the part under measurement 223a' can be determined, and the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0196] (2) Technical features and effects The assembly of connector C3 becomes easier. If the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is provided with a housing space 131 and at least one positioning portion, a first positioning portion 141, a second positioning portion 142, and a third positioning portion 143, then by simply inserting the internal circuit board 300 on which at least one current sensor 400 is mounted into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 from the Z-direction side, the internal circuit board 300 will come into contact with at least one positioning portion from the Z-direction side. Then, by fixing the position of the internal circuit board 300 in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction as described above, the internal circuit board 300 will be fixed in the housing portion 130 in the Y-Y' direction, the X-X' direction, and the Z-Z' direction. Subsequently, at least one first terminal 200a' is positioned with its tip portion 210a' inserted into at least one first retaining hole 121a of the body 100 from the Y' direction, and the first portion 221a' of the main body portion 220a' is inserted into at least one first retaining hole 121a from the Y' direction and held in place, the part to be measured 223a' of the main body portion 220a' is positioned in the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the lead portion 230a' is positioned on the X direction side relative to the housing portion 130 of the body 100. This positions at least one current sensor 400 on the internal circuit board 300 with respect to the part to be measured 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a' as described above. This makes it easier to assemble the internal circuit board 300 and at least one current sensor 400 into the housing portion 130 of the body 100. Furthermore, it is preferable to fix at least one shield portion 500' to the internal circuit board 300 after at least one first terminal 200a' has been incorporated into the housing portion 130 of the body 100.

[0197] Furthermore, if at least one third terminal 600, which is a rod or plate extending in the Z-Z' direction, is provided, at least one third terminal 600 can be attached to the body 100 simply by inserting the internal circuit board 300 into the housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 and passing at least one third terminal 600 through at least one insertion hole 1411 of the body 100.

[0198] Furthermore, since the Z-direction end face of at least one positioning portion is located on the Z'-direction side of

[0199] Furthermore, if the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a', the mounting portion 231a' of at least one second terminal 200b', and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 extend in the Z' direction, the mounting portion 231a' of at least one first terminal 200a', the mounting portion 231a' of at least one second terminal 200b', and the external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 can be easily connected by inserting them into the first, second, and third electrodes 10a', 10b', and 20, which are through-hole electrodes of the external substrate B2.

[0200] (3) Technical features and effects If at least one first plate 510' of the shielding portion 500' is provided, the first plate 510' of the shielding portion 500' is positioned at a distance in the X direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a', so that the first plate 510' electromagnetically shields the at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a' from the X direction. If at least one second plate 520' of the shielding portion 500' is provided, the second plate 520' of the shielding portion 500' is positioned at a distance in the X' direction from at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a', so that the second plate 520' electromagnetically shields the at least one current sensor 400 and at least one first terminal 200a's measured portion 223a' from the X' direction. If at least one third plate 530' of the shielding portion 500' is provided, the third plate 530' of the shielding portion 500' is positioned at a distance in the Z direction from the part 223a' of the first terminal 200a' to be measured, so that the part 223a' of the first terminal 200a' to be measured is electromagnetically shielded from the Z direction by the third plate 530'.

[0201] Furthermore, when at least one current sensor 400 and the part 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a' to be measured are arranged between the first plate 510' and the second plate 520' of at least one shielding section 500', the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the part 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a' due to current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a' can be made denser than the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the part 223a' of at least one first terminal 200a' due to current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a' when the first plate 510' and the second plate 520' of at least one shielding section 500' are not provided. In other words, the magnetic field detected by at least one current sensor 400 becomes stronger. Therefore, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved. If at least one shielding portion 500' further has a third plate 530', the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a' can make the magnetic field distribution around the part 223a' under measurement of at least one first terminal 200a' denser, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400.

[0202] (4) Technical features and effects At least one current sensor 400 on the first surface 301 or the second surface 302 of the internal substrate 300 can be configured to non-contact detect the combined magnetic field of the magnetic field generated around the part under test 223a' and the magnetic field generated around the lead part 230a' when current flows through at least one first terminal 200a', and to change the output signal (voltage, etc.) according to the strength of the combined magnetic field. In this case, the magnetic field detected by at least one current sensor 400 becomes stronger, so the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be improved.

[0203] (5) Technical features and effects If at least one third terminal 600 is provided, at least one of the following can be connected to the outside of connector C3 via the internal circuit board 300 and at least one third terminal 600: at least one current sensor 400, at least one shielding unit 500' (only if shielding unit 500' is provided), and at least one communication unit 900 (only if communication unit 900 is provided). This makes it possible to output the output signal of at least one current sensor 400 to the outside, to supply power to and / or transmit control signals to the at least one current sensor 400 from the outside, to connect at least one shielding unit 500' to ground, and to supply power to and / or transmit control signals to the at least one communication unit 900 from the outside.

[0204] (6) Technical features and effects If the dimension of the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a' in the first perpendicular direction (Y-Y' direction) is greater than the dimension of the contact part 211a' of the tip part 210a' in the second perpendicular direction (X-X' direction) and the dimension of the mounting part 231a' of the lead part 230a' in the third perpendicular direction (Y-Y' direction), then current flows through at least one first terminal 200a', which strengthens the magnetic field generated around the part 223a' under test of at least one first terminal 200a', thereby improving the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400.

[0205] (7) Technical features and effects When the shell 800 is provided, the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) characteristics of connector C3 are improved. As a result, the possibility of electromagnetic noise generated from at least one of the first terminal 200a', at least one second terminal 200b' (only if the second terminal 200b' is provided), at least one third terminal 600 (only if the third terminal 600 is provided), the internal circuit board 300, and at least one current sensor 400 affecting external devices of connector C3, or of electromagnetic noise generated by external devices adversely affecting at least one current sensor 400, is reduced.

[0206] (8) Technical features and effects Since connector C3 is configured to be mounted on the external board B2, it can be easily replaced with existing connectors on the board and connector C3 with at least one current sensor 400.

[0207] (9) Technical features and effects Connector C3 is configured such that at least one current sensor 400 non-contactively detects the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a'. Therefore, at least one current sensor 400 is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the current flowing through at least one first terminal 200a'. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to provide a complex temperature compensation circuit on the internal circuit board 300, and it is also unnecessary to use electronic components with good temperature characteristics for the at least one current sensor 400 and other electronic components, thus reducing the cost of connector C3.

[0208] Since the assembly A3 described above is equipped with connector C3, it achieves the technical features and effects described in (1) to (9) above.

[0209] Furthermore, the assembly, connector, and external substrate described above are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the claims. Details are described below.

[0210] The connection portion 110 of the body 100 described above may further have a connecting projection (not shown) that extends in the Y direction from the holding portion 120 and is located within the connection space 111. Alternatively, the connection portion 110 may have a connecting projection (not shown) that extends in the Y direction from the holding portion 120 and is located within the connection space 111, rather than being a cylinder extending in the Y-Y' direction as described above. In the latter case, the connection space 111 is omitted. If a shell 800 is provided, the connecting projection of the connection portion 110 may be located within the shell body 810 of the shell 800. The connection portion of the mating connector may be inserted into and removed from the shell body 810 in the Y-Y' direction.

[0211] The connecting projection is provided with at least one first hole or at least one first groove. The at least one first hole extends in the Y-Y' direction, communicates with at least one first retaining hole 121a, and is open in the Y direction. The tip portion 210a of at least one first terminal 200a is inserted into at least one first hole and is exposed in the Y direction from at least one first hole. The at least one first groove extends in the Y-Y' direction, communicates with at least one first retaining hole 121a, and is open in the Z direction or Z' direction. The tip portion 210a of at least one first terminal 200a is inserted into at least one first groove and is exposed in the Z direction or Z' direction from at least one first groove. If at least one second retaining hole 121b and at least one second terminal 200b are provided, the connecting projection may further be provided with at least one second hole or at least one second groove. At least one second hole extends in the Y-Y' direction, communicates with at least one second retaining hole 121b, and is open in the Y direction. The tip portion 210b of at least one second terminal 200b is inserted into at least one second hole and is exposed in the Y direction from at least one second hole. At least one second groove extends in the Y-Y' direction, communicates with at least one second retaining hole 121b, and is open in the Z direction or Z' direction. The tip portion 210b of at least one second terminal 200b is inserted into at least one second groove and is exposed in the Z direction or Z' direction from at least one second groove.

[0212] The above-described connection portion 110 is optional. In this case, the tip portion 210a of at least one first terminal 200a and the tip portion 210b of at least one second terminal 200b (only if the second terminal 200b is provided) protrude from the holding portion 120 in the Y direction. If a shell 800 is provided, the tip portion 210a of at least one first terminal 200a and the tip portion 210b of at least one second terminal 200b (only if the second terminal 200b is provided) may be arranged inside the shell body 810 of the shell 800. The connection portion of the mating connector may be inserted into and removed from the shell body 810 in the Y-Y' direction.

[0213] The body 100 described above may have first and second positioning grooves (not shown) instead of at least one positioning section. The first and second positioning grooves are provided on the first and second walls of the housing section 130, extend in the Y-Y' direction, and communicate with the housing space 131. The dimensions of the first and second positioning grooves in the Z-Z' direction are approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the dimensions of the internal substrate 300 in the Z-Z' direction. The dimensions of the first and second positioning grooves in the Y-Y' direction are approximately the same as or larger than the dimensions of the internal substrate 300 in the Y-Y' direction. The straight-line distance in the X-X' direction from the inner surface of the first positioning groove on the X-direction side to the inner surface of the second positioning groove on the X-direction side is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the dimensions of the internal substrate 300 in the X-X' direction. The first and second positioning grooves are located on the Z-direction side with respect to the Z-direction side surface of the part 223a to be measured of one or more first terminals 200a, or on the Z'-direction side with respect to the Z'-direction side surface. The X-direction end and X'-direction end of the internal substrate 300 are fitted into the first and second positioning grooves from the Y' direction and are in contact with the Y-direction inner surface of the first and second positioning grooves. As a result, the internal substrate 300 is fixed in position in the first and second positioning grooves in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions relative to the measurement target portion 223a of one or more first terminals 200a on the Z-direction or Z' direction. The third wall of the housing portion 130 may have its Z-direction end face located further to the Z' direction than the Z'-direction surface of the first and second positioning grooves, or its Z-direction end face may be located further to the Z direction than the Z-direction surface of the first and second positioning grooves. In the latter case, the third wall of the housing portion 130 may be provided with an insertion hole (not shown) that penetrates the third wall in the Y-Y' direction and communicates with the first and second positioning grooves. The dimension of the through hole in the Z-Z' direction is greater than the dimensions of the first and second positioning grooves in the Z-Z' direction. The dimension of the through hole in the X-X' direction is approximately the same as or greater than the aforementioned straight-line distance. In this case, the X-direction end and the X'-direction end of the internal substrate 300 are fitted into the first and second positioning grooves from the Y' direction through the through hole and are in contact with the Y-direction inner surfaces of the first and second positioning grooves. If at least one shield portion 500 is fixed to the internal substrate 300, the through hole should be a hole through which the internal substrate 300 and at least one shield portion 500 pass.If one or each of the third terminals 600 are provided, it is preferable to insert one or each of the third terminals 600 through the corresponding insertion holes 1411 in the Z-Z' direction after fitting the internal substrate 300 into the first and second positioning grooves.

[0214] By fitting the internal substrate 300 into the first and second positioning grooves from the Y' direction side, the internal substrate 300 is fixed in position in the housing section 130 in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions. In either case, as the internal substrate 300 is fixed in position in the housing section 130 in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions, at least one current sensor 400 on the internal substrate 300 is fixed in position in the Y-Y', X-X', and Z-Z' directions relative to the measured portion 223a of at least one first terminal 200a in the Z-Z' direction, such that at least a part of it overlaps with the projected area of ​​the measured portion 223a of at least one first terminal 200a in the Z-Z' direction. Therefore, the distance, positional relationship, and orientation of at least one first terminal 200a of at least one current sensor 400 with respect to the part under measurement 223a can be determined more easily, and as a result, the detection accuracy of at least one current sensor 400 can be further improved.

[0215] The housing space 131 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 described above may be potted with insulating resin and filled with insulating resin. In this case, the insulating resin forms part of the body 100. If the body 100 has the configuration of (1) or (2) above but does not have the configuration of (3) or (4) above, the main body portion 220a (including the part to be measured 223a) of one or more first terminals 200a in the housing space 131, the internal circuit board 300, one or more current sensors 400 and the shield portion 500 (if provided) are embedded in the insulating resin filled in the housing space 131. If the body 100 has the configurations described in (1) to (4) above, the main body portion 220a of one or more first terminals 200a (including the part to be measured 223a) in the housing space 131, the main body portion 220b of one or more second terminals 200b, the internal circuit board 300, one or more current sensors 400, and the shield portion 500 (if provided) are embedded in the insulating resin filled in the housing space 131.

[0216] If at least one shield portion 500, 500' is not provided, or if at least one shield portion 500, 500' does not have a third plate 530, 530', the main body portion 220a, 220a' of the above-mentioned at least one first terminal 200a, 200a' may be embedded in the holding portion 120 of the body 100 by insert molding. In this case, the housing portion 130 of the body 100 is preferably provided on the Z-direction side of the holding portion 120 of the body 100 and on the Z-direction side of the main body portion 220a, 220a' of the at least one first terminal 200a, 200a'. Even if at least one second terminal 200b, 200b' is provided, the main body portion 220b, 220b' of the at least one second terminal 200b, 200b' may be embedded in the holding portion 120 of the body 100 by insert molding.

[0217] The lead portion 230a of at least one of the first terminals 200a described above only needs to be connectable to an external source. For example, the lead portion 230a of at least one of the first terminals 200a of connector C1 or connector C2 can be connected to the external board B1 as in any of (a) to (d) below, and can also be connected to a cable (not shown) instead of the external board B1 as in (e) below.

[0218] (a) The lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a extends in the Y' direction on the Y' side relative to the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a also extends in the Y' direction, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a is inserted from the Y direction side into at least one first electrode 10a of the external substrate B1 and connected electrically and mechanically. In this case, the external substrate B1 is positioned on the Y' side relative to the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and at least one first electrode 10a of the external substrate B1 is a through-hole electrode that penetrates the external substrate B1 in the Y-Y' direction.

[0219] (b) The lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a is substantially L-shaped, extending in the Z' direction and then in the Y' direction relative to the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a extends in the Y' direction and is inserted from the Y direction side to connect electrically and mechanically to at least one first electrode 10a of the external substrate B1. In this case, the external substrate B1 has the same configuration as the external substrate B1 of (a) above.

[0220] (c) The lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a extends in the Z direction on the Y' direction side with respect to the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a also extends in the Z direction, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a may be configured to contact the first electrode 10a of the external substrate B1 from the Y direction side and be electrically and mechanically connected. In this case, the external substrate B1 is positioned on the Y' direction side with respect to the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the first electrode 10a of the external substrate B1 is a surface electrode on the Y direction side surface of the external substrate B1.

[0221] (d) The lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a extends in the Z' direction on the Y' direction side with respect to the housing portion 130 of the body 100, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a also extends in the Z' direction, and the mounting portion 231a of the lead portion 230a may be configured to contact the first electrode 10a of the external substrate B1 from the Y direction side and be electrically and mechanically connected. In this case, the external substrate B1 has the same configuration as the external substrate B1 of (c) above.

[0222] Alternatively, (e) the lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a may extend in the Y' direction within the housing space 311 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 and be electrically and mechanically connectable to a cable or the like. The cable or the like may be led out from the housing space 311 of the housing portion 130 of the body 100 in the Y' direction, the Z direction, or the Z' direction.

[0223] The lead portion 230b of at least one second terminal 200b of connector C1 or connector C2 described above can also be redesigned in the same way as any of the lead portions 230a in (a) to (e) above. The external connection portion 620 of at least one third terminal 600 of connector C1 or connector C2 described above can also be redesigned in the same way as any of the lead portions 230a in (a) to (e) above. The at least one second electrode 10b of external substrate B1 described above can also be redesigned in the same way as any of the first electrode 10a in (a) to (d) above. The at least one third electrode 20 of external substrate B1 described above can also be redesigned in the same way as any of the first electrode 10a in (a) to (d) above.

[0224] If the lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a has any of the configurations (a) to (d) above, then at least one first leg 820a and at least one second leg 820b of connector C1 or connector C2 may be inserted from the Y direction side into at least one fourth electrode 30a and at least one fifth electrode 30b, which are through-hole electrodes of the external substrate B1 and extend in the Y' direction from the Y' direction end of the shell body 810, and are electrically and mechanically connected. Alternatively, if the lead portion 230a of at least one first terminal 200a has any of the configurations (a) to (d) above, then at least one first leg 820a and at least one second leg 820b of connector C1 or connector C2 may be The shell body 810 may extend in the X and X' directions from its Y'-side end and be electrically and mechanically connected to at least one fourth electrode 30a and at least one fifth electrode 30b, which are surface electrodes of the external substrate B1, by contacting them from the Y-side.

[0225] The internal connection portion 610 of at least one of the third terminals 600 described above may be electrically and mechanically connected (fixed) to the first surface 301 of the internal circuit board 300. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0226] A1, A2, A3: Connector Assembly C1, C2, C3: Connectors 100: Body 110: Connection part 111: Connection space 120: Holding part 121a: First holding hole 121b: Second holding hole 130: Housing part 131: Housing space 141: First positioning part 142: Second positioning part 143: Third positioning part 150a: First insertion hole 150b: Second insertion hole 160a: First guide groove 160b: Second guide groove 1411: Through hole 200a: First terminal 210a: Tip 211a: Contact part 220a: Main body 221a: First part 222a: Second part 223a: Part to be measured 230a: Lead part 231a: Mounting part 200b: Second terminal 210b: Tip 211b: Contact part 220b: Main body 221b: First part 222b: Second part 230b: Lead part 231b: Mounting part 300: Internal board 301: First surface 302: Second surface 310: First fixing hole 320: Second fixing hole 330: Electrode 400: Current sensor 500: Shield section 510: First plate 520: Second plate 530: Third plate 600: Third terminal 610: Internal connection 620: External connection 700: Support member 800: Shell 810: Shell body 811: First wall 812: Second wall 813: Third wall 820a: First leg 820b: Second leg 830: Cover 900: Communications Department B1, B2: External board 10a: 1st electrode 10b 2nd electrode 20: 3rd electrode 30a: 4th electrode 30b: 5th electrode

Claims

1. An insulating body, At least one first terminal and Internal circuit board and At least one current sensor having a configuration that allows non-contact detection of the current flowing through at least one first terminal, It comprises at least one conductive shielding portion, The at least one first terminal has a tip, a body, and a lead, the tip extends in a first direction and protrudes from the body in one of the first directions or is exposed from the body, the body is provided between the tip and the lead, extends in a first and a second direction and is at least partially held by the body, the body extends in a first and a second direction and has a part to be measured disposed within the body, the lead is externally connectable, and the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The internal circuit board is fixed to the body and is positioned at a distance in a third direction from the part of the at least one first terminal to the part to be measured, and the third direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The at least one current sensor is mounted on the internal circuit board and is positioned near the part to be measured of the at least one first terminal. The aforementioned at least one shield portion has at least one of the first plate and the second plate, The first plate is fixed to the internal substrate and is positioned at a distance from the part of the at least one current sensor and the at least one first terminal to be measured, on one side in the second direction or on one side in the first direction. The second plate is a connector fixed to the internal substrate and positioned at a distance from the part of the at least one current sensor and the at least one first terminal to be measured, either on the other side in the second direction or the other side in the first direction.

2. In the connector according to claim 1, The connector wherein the at least one current sensor is positioned at a distance in the third direction from the part to be measured of the at least one first terminal, and at least a portion of the at least one current sensor is positioned so as to overlap the projected area of ​​the part to be measured in the third direction.

3. In the connector according to claim 2, The internal substrate is positioned on one side in the third direction with respect to the part of the at least one first terminal under measurement. The connector is positioned on one side or the other side of the third direction relative to the internal substrate and on one side of the third direction relative to the part of the at least one first terminal to be measured.

4. In the connector according to claim 2, The internal substrate is positioned on the other side in the third direction with respect to the part of the at least one first terminal to be measured. The connector is positioned on one or the other side of the third direction relative to the internal substrate, and on the other side of the measurement target portion of the at least one first terminal relative to the measurement target portion.

5. In the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned at least one shield portion further comprises a third plate, The third plate is connected to at least one of the first plate and the second plate and is a connector that is spaced apart from the part of the at least one first terminal to be measured on one side in the third direction or the other side in the third direction.

6. In the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The lead portion of at least one first terminal extends in the third direction or oblique direction, and the oblique direction is a direction that includes the other component of the first direction and the other component of the third direction. The lead portion has a mounting portion, the mounting portion being the other end of the lead portion in the third direction, and extending to the other in the third direction or the other in the first direction, forming a connector.

7. In the connector according to claim 6, The tip of the at least one first terminal has a contact portion that can contact at least one first terminal of the mating connector. The dimension of the part of the at least one first terminal to be measured in the first perpendicular direction is larger than the dimension of the contact portion of the tip of the at least one first terminal in the second perpendicular direction and the dimension of the mounting portion of the lead portion in the third perpendicular direction. A connector in which the first perpendicular direction is a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the part of the at least one first terminal under test, the second perpendicular direction is a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the contact part of the at least one first terminal, and the third perpendicular direction is a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the mounting part of the at least one first terminal, or a connector in which the first perpendicular direction is a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the part of the at least one first terminal under test, the second perpendicular direction is a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the contact part of the at least one first terminal, and the third perpendicular direction is a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which current flows through the mounting part of the at least one first terminal.

8. In the connector according to claim 6, It further includes at least one second terminal, The at least one second terminal has a tip portion, a body portion, and a lead portion. The tip of at least one of the second terminals extends in the first direction and protrudes from the body in one direction in the first direction or is exposed from the body. The main body of the at least one second terminal is provided between the tip and lead portion of the at least one second terminal, extends in the first and second directions, and is at least partially held by the body. The lead portion of at least one second terminal extends in the third direction or the oblique direction and has a mounting portion. The mounting portion of the lead portion of the at least one second terminal is the other end of the lead portion of the at least one second terminal in the third direction, and is a connector extending in the other direction of the third direction or the other direction of the first direction.

9. In the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The body has a housing section, the housing section has a housing space that extends in the second direction and opens in one of the third directions. A connector in which the internal substrate is housed in the housing space from one side of the third direction and is held in the housing portion in at least the first and second directions.

10. In the connector according to claim 9, The body is provided in the housing and further has at least one positioning portion for positioning the internal substrate with respect to the portion of the at least one first terminal to be measured in the third direction.

11. In the connector according to claim 9, The housing portion further has at least one insertion hole that extends in the third direction, communicates with the housing space, and opens from the body to the other in the third direction. The lead portion of at least one first terminal extends in the third direction, The lead portion of at least one first terminal has a mounting portion, the mounting portion being the other end of the lead portion in the third direction, extending in the other direction of the third direction, and located on the other side of the third direction relative to the body. The connector further comprises at least one third terminal, The at least one third terminal extends in the third direction and passes through at least one insertion hole of the body. The at least one third terminal has an internal connection portion and an external connection portion. The internal connection portion is one end of the third terminal in the third direction of at least one third terminal and is connected to the internal substrate. The external connection portion is the other end of the at least one third terminal in the third direction and is a connector that protrudes from the at least one through hole in the other direction in the third direction.

12. In the connector according to claim 11, The connector wherein the at least one positioning portion includes a first positioning portion, the first positioning portion is in direct contact with the internal substrate from the other side in the third direction, or indirectly in contact with it via another member.

13. In the connector according to claim 12, The connector has at least one insertion hole through the first positioning portion in the third direction.

14. In the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, At least one third terminal and It further comprises at least one first connecting member, The at least one third terminal has an internal connection part and an external connection part. The aforementioned internal connection part is connected to the internal circuit board, The external connection portion is a connector connected to the at least one first connecting member.

15. In the connector according to claim 6, It further comprises a conductive shell, The aforementioned shell comprises a shell body, at least one first leg, and at least one second leg. The shell body is substantially U-shaped inverted in cross-sectional view along the second and third directions, and has a first wall on one side in the second direction, a second wall on the other side in the second direction, and a third wall on one side in the third direction, or is substantially O-shaped in cross-sectional view along the second and third directions, and has a first wall on one side in the second direction, a second wall on the other side in the second direction, a third wall on one side in the third direction, and a fourth wall on the other side in the third direction, and the body is housed within the shell body. The at least one first leg extends from the shell body in the other of the third direction or in one of the second directions, The at least one second leg portion is a connector extending from the shell body in the other of the third direction or the other of the second direction.

16. In the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system further comprises at least one communication unit mounted on the internal circuit board and connected to at least one current sensor via the internal circuit board, The connector has a configuration in which at least one communication unit acquires a current value flowing through at least one first terminal based on the output signal of at least one current sensor, and outputs the acquired current value to a wireless antenna.

17. The connector according to claim 6, The system includes an external board on which the aforementioned connector is mounted, The external substrate is a connector assembly having at least one first electrode to which the mounting portion of at least one first terminal of the connector is connected.

18. The connector according to claim 8, The system includes an external board on which the aforementioned connector is mounted, The external substrate has at least one first electrode to which the mounting portion of at least one first terminal of the connector is connected, A connector assembly having at least one second electrode to which the mounting portion of at least one second terminal of the connector is connected.

19. The connector according to claim 11, The system includes an external board on which the aforementioned connector is mounted, The external substrate has at least one first electrode which is a through-hole electrode, at least one second electrode which is a through-hole electrode, and at least one third electrode which is a through-hole electrode. The connector further comprises at least one second terminal, The at least one second terminal has a tip portion, a body portion, and a lead portion. The tip of at least one of the second terminals extends in the first direction and protrudes from the body in one direction in the first direction or is exposed from the body. The main body of the at least one second terminal is provided between the tip and lead portion of the at least one second terminal, extends in the first and second directions, and is at least partially held by the body. The lead portion of at least one second terminal extends in the third direction or the oblique direction and has a mounting portion. The mounting portion of the lead portion of the at least one second terminal is the other end of the lead portion of the at least one second terminal in the third direction, extending in the other direction of the third direction or the other direction of the first direction. The mounting portion of at least one first terminal of the connector is inserted into and connected to at least one first electrode. The mounting portion of at least one second terminal of the connector is inserted into and connected to the at least one second electrode. A connector assembly in which the external connection portion of at least one third terminal of the connector is inserted into and connected to at least one third electrode.

20. The connector according to claim 15, The system includes an external board on which the aforementioned connector is mounted, The external substrate has at least one first electrode to which the mounting portion of at least one first terminal is connected, The at least one first leg of the shell is connected to at least one fourth electrode, A connector assembly having at least one fifth electrode to which the at least one second leg of the shell is connected.

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