Connector end cap, end cap assembly and connector

The connector end cap with a pressure member simplifies installation and reduces costs by ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal, addressing the complexity and expense of conventional fixing devices.

KR1020260113987APending Publication Date: 2026-07-21TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-01-13
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional connector terminals experience rapid temperature rises due to high current, necessitating complex and expensive fixing devices for temperature sensors to ensure reliable thermal contact, which complicates installation and increases costs.

Method used

A connector end cap with a pressure member, such as a cantilever or pressurizing plate, applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor under compression of the housing inner wall, ensuring reliable thermal contact without a separate fixing device.

Benefits of technology

Simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and streamlines the installation process by ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector end cap, an end cap assembly, and a connector. The connector end cap comprises: a peripheral wall (1a) suitable for fitting into the rear end of the housing (2) of the connector; an end wall (1b) configured to abut the rear end surface of the housing (2) of the connector; and a pressure member (10) connected to the end wall (1b) for insertion into the housing (2) of the connector. The pressure member (10) is configured to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) of the connector under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) of the connector, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4) of the connector. The present invention simplifies the structure of the connector and reduces manufacturing costs without requiring a separate fixing device for fixing the temperature sensor to the terminal. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention mentioned above, the temperature sensor may be installed together with the connector end cap, thereby simplifying the installation process of the connector and reducing installation costs.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese patent application number CN 202520087364.1 filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on January 14, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector end cap, an end cap assembly including the connector end cap, and a connector including the connector end cap. Background Technology

[0003] In conventional technology, when connector terminals carry high current, the temperature of the terminals rises rapidly, and such high temperatures can cause safety accidents such as fire or destruction of electrical equipment. To prevent high temperatures, it is generally necessary to install temperature sensors on the connector to detect the temperature of the terminals. To ensure that the temperature sensor detects the terminal temperature in a timely and reliable manner, it is necessary to use a fixing device to secure the temperature sensor to the terminal to ensure reliable thermal contact between the sensor and the terminal. However, in conventional technology, the structure of the fixing device used to secure the temperature sensor is complex, difficult to install, and expensive.

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector end cap is provided. The connector end cap comprises: a peripheral wall suitable for fitting into the rear end of the housing of the connector; an end wall configured to abut the rear end surface of the housing of the connector; and a pressure member connected to the end wall for insertion into the housing of the connector. The pressure member is configured to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor of the connector under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing of the connector, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal of the connector.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing member includes a cantilever configured to undergo elastic deformation under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing and to abut the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor to apply a predetermined pressurizing force to the temperature sensor.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cantilever has a base connected to an end wall and an intermediate portion located between the base and the end; when the cantilever is inserted into a housing, the inner wall surface of the housing contacts the base and the end of the cantilever, and the intermediate portion of the cantilever contacts the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an engaging projection is formed at the end of the cantilever, which engages with a groove inside the housing to lock the cantilever within the housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blocking protrusion is formed at the base of the cantilever, which is configured to contact the rear end surface of the temperature sensor to prevent the temperature sensor from detaching from the housing.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cantilever also has a weak connection connecting its base to an end wall, the weak connection being suitable for breaking under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing so that the cantilever is separated from the end wall after being inserted into the housing.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing member comprises a pressurizing plate and a rib formed on the uppermost surface of the pressurizing plate, wherein the rib is used for interference fitting with the inner wall surface of the housing, and the lowermost surface of the pressurizing plate is configured to be attached to and pressurized on the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the height of the rib protruding from the uppermost surface of the pressure plate gradually increases from the front to the rear, so that the interference between the rib and the inner wall surface of the housing gradually increases from the front to the rear.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing unit comprises a plurality of pressurizing plates arranged side by side, and these pressurizing plates are suitable for simultaneously applying pressure to the uppermost surface of a temperature sensor.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of snap slots are formed on a peripheral wall and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall to engage with a plurality of protrusions on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing, respectively, to lock a connector end cap to the rear end of the housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector end cap further comprises a lead guide having a guide groove located on the outer side of the end wall to receive and guide a lead of a temperature sensor drawn from the connector.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector end cap further comprises a mounting portion that is connected to the end wall and defines a mounting chamber for installing a temperature sensor, the top and bottom portions of the mounting chamber are open, and a pressurizing portion is positioned above the mounting chamber to apply pressure to the top surface of the temperature sensor.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion includes a pair of side plates for defining an mounting chamber, and the pair of side plates are configured to be attached to each side of a temperature sensor; at the front ends of the pair of side plates, limiting protrusions are formed, and these limiting protrusions are suitable for contacting the front end surface of the temperature sensor.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member further includes an elastic arm connected to an end wall, and the elastic arm is configured to abut the rear end surface of the temperature sensor to prevent the temperature sensor from detaching from the mounting member.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, an end cap assembly is provided. The end cap assembly comprises: the connector end cap; and a temperature sensor pre-installed in the mounting portion of the connector end cap.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a housing; a terminal provided in the housing; a temperature sensor installed in the housing to detect the temperature of the terminal; and a connector end cap installed at the rear end of the housing. A pressurizing portion of the connector end cap applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminal mounting holes are formed in a housing, and the connector includes a plurality of terminals each mounted in the plurality of terminal mounting holes and a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of each of the plurality of terminals; and the connector end cap has a plurality of pressure parts for applying pressure to each of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal is flat, and the temperature sensor has a flat bottom surface suitable for attachment to the top surface of the terminal.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the terminal extends from the connector end cap for electrical connection to an external conductor; and a nut is fixed to the rear end of the terminal so that the rear end of the terminal can be fastened to the external conductor through a bolt screwed to the nut.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing, and these protrusions are spaced out in the circumferential direction of the rear end of the housing to engage with a plurality of snap slots on the connector end cap to lock the connector end cap to the rear end of the housing.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a housing; a terminal provided in the housing; and an end cap assembly installed in the housing. The connector end cap is installed at the rear end of the housing, and a temperature sensor is inserted into the housing to detect the temperature of the terminal, and the pressurizing portion of the connector end cap applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiments mentioned above according to the present invention, the pressure portion on the connector end cap can press the temperature sensor against the terminal of the connector, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal. Accordingly, the present invention does not require a separate fixing device to secure the temperature sensor to the terminal, simplifies the structure of the connector, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0027] In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the temperature sensor can be installed together with the connector end cap, thereby simplifying the connector installation process and reducing installation costs. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connector end cap according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector end cap according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an end cap assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an end cap assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments presented herein; rather, such embodiments are provided to ensure that the present disclosure is thorough and complete and to fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0030] In the following detailed description, many specific details are presented for the purposes of explanation and to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are schematically illustrated to simplify the drawings.

[0031] According to the general concept of the present invention, a connector end cap is provided. The connector end cap comprises: a peripheral wall suitable for fitting into the rear end of the housing of the connector; an end wall configured to abut the rear end surface of the housing of the connector; and a pressure member connected to the end wall for insertion into the housing of the connector. The pressure member is configured to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor of the connector under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing of the connector, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal of the connector.

[0032] According to another general concept of the present invention, an end cap assembly is provided. The end cap assembly comprises: the connector end cap; and a temperature sensor pre-installed in the mounting portion of the connector end cap.

[0033] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a housing; a terminal provided in the housing; a temperature sensor installed in the housing to detect the temperature of the terminal; and a connector end cap installed at the rear end of the housing. A pressurizing portion of the connector end cap applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal.

[0034] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a housing; a terminal provided in the housing; and an end cap assembly installed in the housing. The connector end cap is installed at the rear end of the housing, and a temperature sensor is inserted into the housing to detect the temperature of the terminal, and the pressurizing portion of the connector end cap applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the terminal.

[0035] First embodiment

[0036] FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment according to the present invention. Among these, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connector end cap (1) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector end cap (1) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector end cap (1) is disclosed. The connector end cap (1) comprises a peripheral wall (1a), an end wall (1b), and a pressure member (10). The peripheral wall (1a) is suitable for fitting into the rear end of the housing (2) of the connector. The end wall (1b) is suitable for contacting the rear end surface of the housing (2) of the connector. The pressure member (10) is connected to the end wall (1b) and is used to be inserted into the housing (2) of the connector. The pressure member (10) is suitable for applying a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) of the connector under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) of the connector, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4) of the connector.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressurizing part (10) includes a cantilever (11) configured to undergo elastic deformation under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) and to come into contact with the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3) to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3).

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the cantilever (11) has a base (111) connected to the end wall (1b) and an intermediate portion (113) located between the base (111) and the end (112). When the cantilever (11) is inserted into the housing (2), the inner wall surface of the housing (2) is pressed against the base (111) and the end (112) of the cantilever (11), and the intermediate portion (113) of the cantilever (11) is pressed against the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3).

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, an engaging protrusion (11a) is formed at the end (112) of the cantilever (11), which engages with a groove (2a) inside the housing (2) to lock the cantilever (11) into the housing (2).

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a blocking protrusion (11b) is formed at the base (111) of the cantilever (11), which is configured to contact the rear end surface of the temperature sensor (3) to prevent the temperature sensor (3) from detaching from the housing (2).

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the cantilever (11) also has a weak connection (11c) connecting its base (111) to the end wall (1b). The weak connection (11c) is suitable for breaking under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) so that the cantilever (11) is separated from the end wall (1b) after being inserted into the housing (2).

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of snap slots (1c) are formed in the peripheral wall (1a), which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall (1a) and are used to lock the connector end cap (1) to the rear end of the housing (2) by engaging with a plurality of protrusions (2c) on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing (2).

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector comprises: a housing (2), a terminal (4), a temperature sensor (3), and a connector end cap (1). The terminal (4) is set in the housing (2). The temperature sensor (3) is installed in the housing (2) to detect the temperature of the terminal (4). The connector end cap (1) is installed at the rear end of the housing (2). The pressurizing portion (10) of the connector end cap (1) applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2), thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4).

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal (4) is flat, and the temperature sensor (3) has a flat bottom surface suitable for attachment to the top surface of the terminal (4).

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end of the terminal (4) extends from the connector end cap (1) for electrical connection to an external conductor (not shown), which may be a bus bar or a cable. A nut (41) is fixed to the rear end of the terminal (4), so that the rear end of the terminal (4) can be fastened to the external conductor through a bolt (not shown) screwed into the nut (41).

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of protrusions (2c) are formed on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing (2). These protrusions (2c) are spaced out in the circumferential direction of the rear end of the housing (2) and are used to lock the connector end cap (1) to the rear end of the housing (2) by engaging with a plurality of slots (1c) on the connector end cap.

[0048] 2nd embodiment

[0049] FIGS. 6 to 10 illustrate a second embodiment according to the present invention. Among these, FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an end cap assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an end cap assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 10, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector end cap (1) is disclosed. The connector end cap (1) comprises a peripheral wall (1a), an end wall (1b), and a pressure member (10). The peripheral wall (1a) is suitable for fitting into the rear end of the housing (2) of the connector. The end wall (1b) is suitable for contacting the rear end surface of the housing (2) of the connector. The pressure member (10) is connected to the end wall (1b) and is used to be inserted into the housing (2) of the connector. The pressure member (10) is suitable for ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4) of the connector by applying a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) of the connector under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) of the connector.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressurizing part (10) comprises a pressurizing plate (12) and a rib (121) formed on the uppermost surface of the pressurizing plate (12), the rib (121) being used for interference fitting with the inner wall surface of the housing (2). The lowermost surface of the pressurizing plate (12) is suitable for pressurizing the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3).

[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the height of the rib (121) protruding from the uppermost surface of the pressure plate (12) gradually increases from the front to the rear, so that the interference between the rib (121) and the inner wall surface of the housing (2) gradually increases from the front to the rear.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressurizing unit (10) includes a plurality of pressurizing plates (12) arranged side by side, which are suitable for simultaneously applying pressure to the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3).

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of snap slots (1c) are formed in the peripheral wall (1a), which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall (1a) and are used to lock the connector end cap (1) to the rear end of the housing (2) by engaging with a plurality of protrusions (2c) on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing (2).

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector end cap (1) further includes a lead guide (14) having a guide groove (140) for receiving and guiding the lead (31) of the temperature sensor (3) drawn out from the connector, located on the outer side of the end wall (1b).

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector end cap (1) is connected to the end wall (1b) and further includes an installation part (130) defining an installation chamber (131) for installing a temperature sensor (3). The top and bottom ends of the installation chamber (131) are open, and a pressurizing part (10) is positioned over the installation chamber (131) to pressurize the top surface of the temperature sensor (3).

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion (130) includes a pair of side plates (13) for defining a mounting chamber (131), and the pair of side plates (13) are configured to be attached to each side of the temperature sensor (3). A limiting protrusion (13a) is formed at the front end of each of the pair of side plates (13), which is suitable for pressing against the front end surface of the temperature sensor (3).

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion (130) further includes an elastic arm (13b) connected to the end wall (1b), which is configured to contact the rear end surface of the temperature sensor (3) to prevent the temperature sensor (3) from detaching from the mounting portion (130).

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 10, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an end cap assembly is also disclosed. The end cap assembly comprises: the connector end cap (1) and a temperature sensor (3). The temperature sensor (3) is pre-installed in the mounting portion (130) of the connector end cap (1). Thus, the temperature sensor (3) can be installed in the connector housing (2) together with the connector end cap (1), thereby simplifying the installation process.

[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 10, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector comprises: a housing (2), a terminal (4), a temperature sensor (3), and a connector end cap (1). The terminal (4) is set in the housing (2). The temperature sensor (3) is installed in the housing (2) to detect the temperature of the terminal (4). The connector end cap (1) is installed at the rear end of the housing (2). The pressurizing portion (10) of the connector end cap (1) applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2), thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4).

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of terminal mounting holes (21) are formed in the housing (2), and the connector includes a plurality of terminals (4) each mounted in the plurality of terminal mounting holes (21) and a plurality of temperature sensors (3) for detecting the temperature of each of the plurality of terminals (4). The connector end cap (1) has a plurality of pressure parts (10) for applying pressure to each of the plurality of temperature sensors (3).

[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal (4) is flat, and the temperature sensor (3) has a flat bottom surface suitable for attachment to the top surface of the terminal (4).

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end of the terminal (4) extends from the connector end cap (1) for electrical connection to an external conductor (not shown), which may be a bus bar or a cable. A nut (41) is fixed to the rear end of the terminal (4), so that the rear end of the terminal (4) can be fastened to the external conductor through a bolt (not shown) screwed into the nut (41).

[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of protrusions (2c) are formed on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing (2), and the plurality of protrusions (2c) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the rear end of the housing (2) to engage with a plurality of snap slots (1c) on the connector end cap to lock the connector end cap (1) to the rear end of the housing (2).

[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 10, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector comprises: a housing (2), a terminal (4), and an end cap assembly. The terminal (4) is set in the housing (2). The end cap assembly is installed in the housing (2). A connector end cap (1) is installed at the rear end of the housing (2), and a temperature sensor (3) is inserted into the housing (2) to detect the temperature of the terminal (4). A pressure portion (10) of the connector end cap (1) applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2), thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4).

[0066] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be limited. For example, numerous modifications to the above embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art, and the various features described in the various embodiments may be freely combined with one another without conflict in configuration or principle.

[0067] Although several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0068] As used herein, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated, elements cited in the singular and preceded by the singular form should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of said elements or steps. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the cited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that “include” or “have” elements or a plurality of elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have such characteristic.

Claims

Claim 1 A connector end cap comprising: a peripheral wall (1a) suitable for fitting into the rear end of a housing (2) of a connector; an end wall (1b) configured to abut the rear end surface of the housing (2) of the connector; and a pressure member (10) connected to the end wall (1b) for insertion into the housing (2) of the connector, wherein the pressure member (10) is configured to apply a predetermined pressure to a temperature sensor (3) of the connector under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) of the connector, thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4) of the connector. Claim 2 A connector end cap according to claim 1, wherein the pressurizing part (10) comprises a cantilever (11) configured to undergo elastic deformation under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) and to come into contact with the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3) to apply a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3). Claim 3 In claim 2, the cantilever (11) has a root (111) connected to the end wall (1b) and an intermediate part (113) located between the root (111) and the end (112); when the cantilever (11) is inserted into the housing (2), the inner wall surface of the housing (2) comes into contact with the root (111) and the end (112) of the cantilever (11), and the intermediate part (113) of the cantilever (11) comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3), a connector end cap. Claim 4 A connector end cap according to claim 3, wherein an interlocking protrusion (11a) is formed at the end (112) of the cantilever (11), and the interlocking protrusion (11a) is configured to interlock with a groove (2a) inside the housing (2) to lock the cantilever (11) within the housing (2). Claim 5 A connector end cap according to claim 3, wherein a blocking protrusion (11b) is formed at the base (111) of the cantilever (11), and the blocking protrusion (11b) is configured to contact the rear end surface of the temperature sensor (3) to prevent the temperature sensor (3) from detaching from the housing (2). Claim 6 In claim 3, the cantilever (11) also has a fragile connection part (11c) connecting its base (111) to the end wall (1b), and the fragile connection part (11c) is suitable for breaking under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) so that the cantilever (11) is separated from the end wall (1b) after being inserted into the housing (2), a connector end cap. Claim 7 In claim 1, the pressurizing part (10) comprises a pressurizing plate (12) and a rib (121) formed on the uppermost surface of the pressurizing plate (12), wherein the rib (121) is used for an interference fit with the inner wall surface of the housing (2), and the lowermost surface of the pressurizing plate (12) is configured to be attached to and pressurized on the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3), a connector end cap. Claim 8 In claim 7, the height of the rib (121) protruding from the uppermost surface of the pressure plate (12) gradually increases from the front to the rear, so that the interference between the rib (121) and the inner wall surface of the housing (2) gradually increases from the front to the rear, connector end cap. Claim 9 In claim 8, the pressurizing part (10) comprises a plurality of pressurizing plates (12) arranged side by side, and the pressurizing plates are suitable for simultaneously pressing the uppermost surface of the temperature sensor (3), connector end cap. Claim 10 A connector end cap according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of snap slots (1c) are formed in the surrounding wall (1a) and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the surrounding wall (1a) to engage with a plurality of protrusions (2c) on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing (2) to lock the connector end cap (1) to the rear end of the housing (2). Claim 11 A connector end cap according to claim 1, further comprising a lead guide part (14) having a guide groove (140) for receiving and guiding the lead (31) of the temperature sensor (3) drawn out from the connector, located on the outer side of the end wall (1b). Claim 12 A connector end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an installation part (130) that defines an installation chamber (131) connected to the end wall (1b) and for installing the temperature sensor (3), wherein the upper and lower parts of the installation chamber (131) are open, and the pressurizing part (10) is positioned above the installation chamber (131) to pressurize the upper surface of the temperature sensor (3). Claim 13 In claim 12, the mounting portion (130) comprises a pair of side plates (13) for defining the mounting chamber (131), wherein the pair of side plates (13) are configured to be attached to each side of the temperature sensor (3); and at the front ends of the pair of side plates (13), limiting protrusions (13a) are formed, wherein the limiting protrusions are suitable for contacting the front end surface of the temperature sensor (3), connector end cap. Claim 14 In claim 13, the mounting portion (130) further comprises an elastic arm (13b) connected to the end wall (1b), and the elastic arm (13b) is configured to contact the rear end surface of the temperature sensor (3) to prevent the temperature sensor (3) from detaching from the mounting portion (130), a connector end cap. Claim 15 A connector end cap assembly comprising: a connector end cap (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14; and a temperature sensor (3) pre-installed in the installation portion (130) of the connector end cap (1). Claim 16 A connector comprising: a housing (2); a terminal (4) provided in the housing (2); a temperature sensor (3) installed in the housing (2) to detect the temperature of the terminal (4); and a connector end cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, installed at the rear end of the housing (2), wherein the pressurizing portion (10) of the connector end cap (1) applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2), thereby ensuring reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4). Claim 17 In claim 16, a plurality of terminal mounting holes (21) are formed in the housing (2), and the connector comprises a plurality of terminals (4) each mounted in the plurality of terminal mounting holes (21) and a plurality of temperature sensors (3) for detecting the temperature of each of the plurality of terminals (4); and the connector end cap (1) has a plurality of pressure parts (10) for applying pressure to each of the plurality of temperature sensors (3). Claim 18 In claim 16, the terminal (4) is flat, and the temperature sensor (3) has a flat bottom surface suitable for attachment to the top surface of the terminal (4), a connector. Claim 19 In claim 18, the rear end of the terminal (4) extends from the connector end cap (1) for electrical connection to an external conductor; a nut (41) is fixed to the rear end of the terminal (4), so that the rear end of the terminal (4) can be fastened to the external conductor through a bolt screwed to the nut (41). Claim 20 A connector according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of protrusions (2c) are formed on the outer surface of the rear end of the housing (2), and the plurality of protrusions (2c) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the rear end of the housing (2) to engage with a plurality of snap slots (1c) on the connector end cap to lock the connector end cap (1) to the rear end of the housing (2). Claim 21 A connector comprising: a housing (2); a terminal (4) provided in the housing (2); and an end cap assembly according to claim 14 installed in the housing (2), wherein the connector end cap (1) is installed at the rear end of the housing (2), the temperature sensor (3) is inserted into the housing (2) to detect the temperature of the terminal (4), and the pressurizing portion (10) of the connector end cap (1) applies a predetermined pressure to the temperature sensor (3) under compression of the inner wall surface of the housing (2) to ensure reliable thermal contact between the temperature sensor (3) and the terminal (4).