Connector

Abstract

A connector according to one embodiment comprises: a terminal fitting; a conductive component that has a terminal connection portion connected to the terminal fitting and extends in a first direction from the terminal connection portion; a housing that has a first accommodating portion that extends in the first direction and accommodates the conductive component, and a second accommodating portion that accommodates the terminal fitting in a state of being exposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first accommodating portion having a wall facing the conductive component in a direction intersecting the first direction; a metal shield member that covers at least a part of the first accommodating portion; and a heat transfer portion that penetrates the wall of the first accommodating portion or includes a part of the wall of the first accommodating portion, and is provided between the shield member and the conductive component.

Description

Connector

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-015941, filed in Japan on February 3, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-83460

[0004] By the way, in connectors, improvement of heat dissipation is expected.

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

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment includes a terminal fitting, a terminal connection portion connected to the terminal fitting, a conductive component extending in a first direction from the terminal connection portion, a first accommodating portion extending in the first direction and accommodating the conductive component, and a second accommodating portion accommodating the terminal fitting in a state of being exposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first accommodating portion has a housing having a wall facing the conductive component in a direction intersecting the first direction, a metal shield member covering at least a part of the first accommodating portion, and a heat transfer portion provided between the shield member and the conductive component, penetrating the wall of the first accommodating portion or including a part of the wall of the first accommodating portion.

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

[0008] Perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment as viewed from the +X direction. Exploded perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III in FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to a modified example of the first embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3. Cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the second embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3.

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

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

[0011] In this disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows: The +X direction is the direction in which the second shielding member 12 and the housing unit 10 are aligned in the connector 1 (see Figures 1 to 3). The -X direction is the opposite direction to the +X direction. When the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is the direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction in which one terminal fitting 15 moves toward the other terminal fitting 15 in the connector 1 (see Figures 1 and 2). The -Y direction is the opposite direction to the +Y direction. When the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The Z direction is the direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction in which the wire holding portion 32 and the housing body 31 are aligned in order in the housing unit 10 (see Figure 3). The -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction. When the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction". The X direction is an example of the "second direction". The Z direction is an example of the "first direction". Furthermore, in the following, in the X, Y, and Z directions, the direction approaching the center of the connector 1 is referred to as the "inside", and the direction moving away from the center of the connector 1 is referred to as the "outside".

[0012] In the following, the Z direction may be referred to as the "up and down direction." Also, in the following, the +Z direction may be described as "upward" and the -Z direction as "downward." However, these expressions are for the sake of explanation and do not limit the direction of gravity of connector 1 (the installation orientation of connector 1).

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

[0014] The connector 1 comprises a housing unit 10, a first shielding member 11, a second shielding member 12, a holder 13, a busbar 14, a terminal fitting 15, an inner insulating part 16, and an outer heat transfer member 17.

[0015] <2. Housing Unit 10> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing unit 10 holds the busbar 14 and terminal fittings 15. The housing unit 10 comprises a housing 21, a fixing bracket 22, an outer insulating part 24, and a connecting part 25. The housing 21, fixing bracket 22, outer insulating part 24, and connecting part 25 are integrally formed by insert molding or the like. However, the method of forming the housing unit 10 is not limited to insert molding, as long as the fixing bracket 22, outer insulating part 24, and connecting part 25 are held in the housing 21.

[0016] The housing 21 is made of an electrically insulating material (for example, a synthetic resin material). The housing 21 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the Y direction. The housing 21 comprises a housing body 31, a wire holding portion 32, two fixing portions 33, and a connector portion 34. The wire holding portion 32 is an example of a "first housing portion".

[0017] The housing body 31 is located between the wire holding portion 32 and the connector portion 34. The housing body 31 comprises a base portion 31a and two metal fitting holding portions 31b. The base portion 31a is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is flattened in the Z direction. Each metal fitting holding portion 31b is provided on the base portion 31a in the direction of Y. The metal fitting holding portions 31b are formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder that opens in the +X direction. The metal fitting holding portions 31b are connected to the base portion 31a with a portion of them protruding upward from the base portion 31a.

[0018] The wire holding portion 32 extends downward from the housing body 31. Two wire holding holes 32a are formed in the wire holding portion 32. Each wire holding hole 32a is aligned in the Y direction and extends along the entire length of the wire holding portion 32 in the Z direction. The first end of the electric wire 2 can be individually inserted into each wire holding hole 32a from below. The wire holding portion 32 has a wall 32b that faces the first end of the electric wire 2 in a direction intersecting the Z direction. An opening 32c is formed in the wall 32b. The opening 32c is formed in the wall 32b at a location in the -X direction of the electric wire 2. The opening 32c communicates with the two wire holding holes 32a and opens to the outside of the wire holding portion 32.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the electric wire 2 comprises, for example, a metal core wire 2a and an insulating sheath 2b covering the core wire 2a. The core wire 2a is drawn upward from the insulating sheath 2b at the first end of the electric wire 2. The second end of the electric wire 2 is drawn out from each electric wire holding hole 32a to the outside of the connector 1 and then connected to an electrical load (not shown).

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing portion 33 is the part that fixes the shield members 11 and 12 to the housing unit 10. Each fixing portion 33 protrudes outward in the Y direction at the lower end of the wire holding portion 32.

[0021] The connector portion 34 houses the terminal fittings 15 and is mechanically connected to the mating connector. The connector portion 34 extends from the housing body 31 in the +X direction. The connector portion 34 comprises a mating portion 34a and two terminal housing portions 34b. The terminal housing portion 34b is an example of a "second housing portion". The mating portion 34a is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. The mating portion 34a is an example of an "opening". The mating portion 34a is formed in an oval shape with the Y direction as its long axis when viewed from the X direction. A packing 30 is fitted into the cylindrical portion of the mating portion 34a.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the terminal housing portion 34b is positioned to overlap with the metal fitting holder portion 31b when viewed from the X direction. The terminal housing portion 34b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the corresponding metal fitting holder portion 31b. Each terminal housing portion 34b is provided inside the fitting portion 34a, aligned in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 3, each terminal housing portion 34b penetrates the bottom wall of the fitting portion 34a. The -X direction end of the terminal housing portion 34b is connected to the +X direction end of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b. The -X direction end of each terminal housing portion 34b overlaps with the corresponding wire holding hole 32a when viewed from the Z direction. A communication hole 40 is formed in the portion of each terminal housing portion 34b that overlaps with the corresponding wire holding hole 32a when viewed from the Z direction. The communication hole 40 connects the inside of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b and the wire holding holes 32a to each other. Each communication hole 40 is spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each communication hole 40 penetrates the terminal housing portion 34b and the base portion 31a in the Z direction. However, each communication hole 40 may communicate with each other if the busbars 14 are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0023] The fixing bracket 22 holds the terminal fitting 15. Two fixing brackets 22 are provided, corresponding to the electric wire 2. The fixing bracket 22 is, for example, a cap nut. The fixing bracket 22 is formed from a metal material (for example, SUS, etc.) in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. A female threaded portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing bracket 22. The fixing bracket 22 may also be a cylindrical shape that penetrates in the X direction.

[0024] The fixing brackets 22 are insert-molded into the housing 21, so that one is embedded in each bracket holding portion 31b. The portion of the fixing bracket 22 located in the -X direction relative to the communication hole 40 is open into the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b. The fixing brackets 22 may also be fixed to the housing 21 by post-processing such as press-fitting.

[0025] The outer insulating portion 24 is provided on the wire holding portion 32. The outer insulating portion 24 thermally connects the outer heat transfer member 17 and the connecting portion 25. The outer insulating portion 24 is formed of an electrically insulating material. Furthermore, it is desirable that the outer insulating portion 24 be formed of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. Examples of such materials include thermally conductive resin materials and mixed materials in which a heat transfer element with thermal conductivity is mixed with a resin base material.

[0026] The outer insulating portion 24 is positioned in the opening 32c of the wall 32b of the wire holding portion 32. The outer insulating portion 24 is embedded in the wire holding portion 32 by insert molding into the housing 21. However, the outer insulating portion 24 may be fitted into the opening 32c of the molded housing 21 afterwards. The outer insulating portion 24 penetrates the wire holding portion 32 and is exposed both inside and outside the wire holding portion 32. The outer insulating portion 24 is formed in a plate shape that conforms to the shape of the surrounding wire holding portion 32. The outer surface of the outer insulating portion 24 is positioned flush with the outer circumferential surface of the wire holding portion 32. However, the outer surface of the outer insulating portion 24 may bulge out from the outer circumferential surface of the wire holding portion 32, or it may be recessed relative to the outer circumferential surface of the wire holding portion 32. The inner surface of the outer insulating portion 24 is planar, for example, extending in the Z and Y directions.

[0027] The connection portion 25 is located inside the wire holding portion 32. Two connection portions 25 are provided, corresponding to the busbar 14, with one placed in each wire holding hole 32a. Both connection portions 25 have the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the connection portion 25 will be described below using one of the connection portions 25 as an example. The connection portion 25 thermally connects the outer insulating portion 24 and the inner insulating portion 16. The connection portion 25 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material forming the housing 21. Examples of such materials include metallic materials (for example, copper, aluminum, SUS, etc.).

[0028] The connecting portion 25 is integrally formed with the housing 21 by insert molding into the housing 21. The connecting portion 25 includes a first contact portion 25a that contacts the outer insulating portion 24, and a second contact portion 25b that contacts at least one of the inner insulating portion 16 and the conductive component 200 (core wire 2a in this embodiment), which will be described later. In this embodiment, each connecting portion 25 is a single member including the first contact portion 25a and the second contact portion 25b. The first contact portion 25a and the second contact portion 25b are aligned in the X direction. The lower ends of the first contact portion 25a and the second contact portion 25b are connected to each other. The connecting portion 25 is a leaf spring (spring member) in which the first contact portion 25a and the second contact portion 25b can move closer to and further apart from each other along the X direction. The connecting portion 25 is compressed and positioned between the outer insulating portion 24 and the inner insulating portion 16. The first contact portion 25a is held in place by the housing 21. The first contact portion 25a is in surface contact with the outer insulating portion 24. The second contact portion 25b is in pressure contact with the conductive component 200, either directly or indirectly via the inner insulating portion 16, due to the elastic restoring force of the compressed connection portion 25.

[0029] <3. First Shielding Member 11> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first shielding member 11 is a member that performs the function of shielding electromagnetic noise. The first shielding member 11 is made of a material that can shield electromagnetic noise and has better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and the fixing bracket 22. The first shielding member 11 comprises a cylindrical portion 51, an overhanging portion 52, and two fixing arm portions 53.

[0030] The cylindrical portion 51 is formed to be slightly larger than the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the Z direction. The wire holding portion 32 penetrates the cylindrical portion 51 in the Z direction. The protruding portion 52 extends outward from the upper edge of the cylindrical portion 51 when viewed from the Z direction. The fixing arm portion 53 protrudes upward from the portions of the protruding portion 52 that face each other in the Y direction. Each fixing arm portion 53 is superimposed on the corresponding fixing portion 33 from the -X direction.

[0031] <4. Second Shielding Member 12> The second shielding member 12 is a member that performs the function of shielding electromagnetic noise. The second shielding member 12 is formed of the same material as the first shielding member 11, for example. The second shielding member 12 comprises a shield body 55, a mounting flange 56, and a heat receiving part 57.

[0032] The shield body 55 is formed in a box shape that opens in both the +X direction and downwards. The shield body 55 surrounds the housing unit 10. In the illustrated example, the shield body 55 covers the portion of the housing unit 10 from above, the -X direction end of the connector portion 34, the entire housing body 31, and the upper end of the wire holding portion 32, from both the -X and Y directions. Specifically, the shield body 55 comprises an end wall 55a, a top wall 55b, and side walls 55c.

[0033] The end wall 55a overlaps with the entire housing body 31 and the upper end of the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the X direction. The end wall 55a faces the outer insulating portion 24 in the X direction. The end wall 55a is a flat plate that extends in the Y and Z directions. The top wall 55b extends in the +X direction from the upper edge of the end wall 55a. The top wall 55b overlaps with the -X end of the connector portion 34 and the entire housing body 31 when viewed from the Z direction. The side wall 55c extends in the +X direction from both ends of the end wall 55a in the Y direction and connects to the top wall 55b at its upper edge. The side wall 55c overlaps with the -X end of the connector portion 34 and the portion leading to the entire housing body 31 and the upper end of the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the Y direction. The lower edge of the side wall 55c faces the overhang portion 52 in the Z direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the opening of the shield body 55, for example, facing in the +X direction, functions as an entry opening 55d for allowing the housing unit 10 to enter the shield body 55. That is, the housing unit 10 is housed in the shield body 55 through the entry opening 55d with the second shield member 12 facing in the X direction. The lower end opening of the shield body 55 may also be used as an entry opening.

[0035] At the lower end of each side wall 55c, a housing portion 55e is formed in the portion facing the corresponding fixing portion 33 in the X direction. The housing portion 55e can accommodate at least a part of the fixing portion 33. Of the inner surface of the housing portion 55e, the portion facing the fixing portion 33 in the X direction functions as a mounting base 55f. The mounting base 55f supports the fixing portion 33 from the -X direction with the fixing arm portion 53 sandwiched between the mounting base 55f and the fixing portion 33. The fixing portion 33 and the fixing arm portion 53 are fastened to the mounting base 55f by fastening members such as screws. With this configuration, the housing unit 10 and the first shield member 11 are fixed to the second shield member 12.

[0036] Each mounting flange 56 protrudes outward in the Y direction from the +X direction end of each side wall 55c. Each mounting flange 56 is the part that fastens the connector 1 and the mating connector by a fastening member when the connector 1 is attached to the mating connector.

[0037] The heat receiving section 57 is the part that receives heat generated by the busbar 14, etc., via the heat transfer section 100, which will be described later. The heat receiving section 57 faces the outer insulating section 24. The heat receiving section 57 is fixed to the inner surface of the shield body 55 at a location opposite the conductive component 200, with the outer insulating section 24 in between. In this embodiment, the heat receiving section 57 is provided on the end wall 55a and faces the conductive component 200 in the X direction. The heat receiving section 57 protrudes from the inner surface of the shield body 55 toward the conductive component 200. The heat receiving section 57 has an inner surface 57a facing toward the outer insulating section 24. The inner surface 57a of the heat receiving section 57 extends in the Z direction. In this embodiment, since the heat receiving section 57 is provided on the end wall 55a, the inner surface 57a of the heat receiving section 57 extends in the Y and Z directions. The heat receiving section 57 has a gap in the X direction relative to the outer insulating section 24.

[0038] The heat receiving portion 57 is formed of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. Examples of such materials include metallic materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, SUS, etc.). The heat receiving portion 57 is formed integrally with the shield body 55 using the same material as the shield body 55. That is, the heat receiving portion 57 is continuous with the shield body 55. The heat receiving portion 57 may be considered as part of the shield body 55. The heat receiving portion 57 does not have to be formed integrally with the shield body 55; it may be fixed to the shield body 55 by adhesive or the like. However, even if the heat receiving portion 57 is a separate component from the shield body 55, it is desirable that the heat receiving portion 57 is in direct contact with the shield body 55.

[0039] <5. Holder 13> As shown in Figure 3, the holder 13 positions the electric wire 2 relative to the housing unit 10. The holder 13 is detachably attached to the electric wire holding portion 32. The holder 13 comprises two electric wire guides 61, a connecting flange 62, and an engaging portion 63. Each electric wire guide 61 is cylindrical and arranged coaxially with the corresponding electric wire holding hole 32a. Each electric wire guide 61 is fitted into the corresponding electric wire holding hole 32a from below. The corresponding electric wire 2 passes through each electric wire guide 61 in the Z direction.

[0040] The connection flange 62 connects the lower end edges of the respective wire guides 61 below the housing unit 10. The engaging portion 63 extends in a cantilevered manner upward from the outer peripheral edge of the connection flange 62. The engaging portion 63 is hooked on the outer peripheral surface of the wire holding portion 32. Note that a plurality of engaging portions 63 are provided at intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the connection flange 62.

[0041] <6. Bus bar 14> Two bus bars 14 are provided corresponding to the wires 2. Each bus bar 14 has the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, one bus bar 14 will be taken as an example to describe the details of the bus bar 14.

[0042] The bus bar 14 is for connecting the terminal fitting 15 and the wire 2. The bus bar 14 extends in the Z direction with the X direction as the thickness direction. The bus bar 14 has a terminal connection portion 14a connected to the terminal fitting 15. The bus bar 14 extends downward from the terminal connection portion 14a. The bus bar 14 is disposed across the inside of the corresponding terminal accommodation portion 34b and between the wire holding holes 32a through the communication hole 40. The lower end portion of the bus bar 14 is connected to the first side end portion (the upper end portion of the core wire 2a) of the wire 2 within the wire holding hole 32a. With this configuration, the wire 2 and the bus bar 14 are electrically connected. The bus bar 14 is joined to the core wire 2a by overlapping from the +X direction.

[0043] The upper end portion of the bus bar 14 overlaps with the fixing bracket 22 when viewed in the X direction within the terminal accommodation portion 34b. A through hole 14b penetrating the bus bar 14 in the X direction is formed in the upper end portion of the bus bar 14. The upper end edge of the bus bar 14 approaches the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodation portion 34b in the Z direction.

[0044] The bus bar 14 functions as a conductive component 200 extending downward from the terminal connection portion 14a together with the core wire 2a. Among the conductive component 20, the lower end portion of the bus bar 14 and the upper end portion of the core wire 2a are accommodated in the wire holding portion 32.

[0045] <7. Terminal Fittings 15> Terminal fittings 15 are the parts that electrically connect the mating connector and the busbar 14. Two terminal fittings 15 are provided, corresponding to the busbar 14. Each terminal fitting 15 has the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the terminal fittings 15 will be explained below using one terminal fitting 15 as an example.

[0046] The terminal fitting 15 is positioned across the corresponding fitting holding portion 31b and terminal housing portion 34b. The terminal fitting 15 comprises a rod-shaped portion 15a and a stop portion 15b. The rod-shaped portion 15a is positioned coaxially with the fixing fitting 22. A male threaded portion is formed at the -X direction end of the rod-shaped portion 15a. The -X direction end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is inserted into the fixing fitting 22 through the through hole 14b. The -X direction end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is detachably fastened to the fixing fitting 22 via the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion. With this configuration, the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing fitting 22 in a state where it protrudes from the fixing fitting 22 in the +X direction. The +X direction end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is housed in the terminal housing portion 34b. That is, the +X direction end of the terminal fitting 15 is exposed in the +X direction toward the outside of the connector 1 through the +X direction opening in the terminal housing portion 34b.

[0047] The abutment portion 15b protrudes from the middle portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a in the X direction. When the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing fitting 22, the abutment portion 15b sandwiches the busbar 14 in the X direction between itself and the fixing fitting 22.

[0048] <8. Inner Insulating Portion 16>The inner insulating portion 16 is disposed between the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14. Two inner insulating portions 16 are provided corresponding to the bus bar 14. Each inner insulating portion 16 has the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, taking one of the inner insulating portions 16 as an example, the details of the inner insulating portion 16 will be described. The inner insulating portion 16 thermally connects the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14. The inner insulating portion 16 is sandwiched in the X direction between the second contact portion 25b of the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14. The inner insulating portion 16 is in surface contact with each of the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14. By intervening between the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14, the inner insulating portion 16 restricts the direct mutual contact between the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14. However, when the outer insulating portion 24 is formed of a material having electrical insulation properties, the inner insulating portion 16 may be disposed in the gap between the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14 that are in contact with each other.

[0049] The inner insulating portion 16 is formed of a material having electrical insulation properties. Moreover, it is more preferable that the inner insulating portion 16 is formed of a material having better thermal conductivity than the forming material of the housing 21. For example, since the inner insulating portion 16 is softer than the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14, it is configured of a material that can be deformed according to the gap shape between the connection portion 25 and the bus bar 14. Examples of such a material include a thermally conductive resin material, a mixed material in which a heat transfer body having thermal conductivity is mixed with a resin serving as a base material, a net-like material composed of wire materials having thermal conductivity, and the like. The inner insulating portion 16 may be in a paste form having a viscosity such that it does not sag under the usage environment of the connector 1. Further, the inner insulating portion 16 may be obtained by curing a paste material.

[0050] <9. Outer Heat Transfer Member 17> The outer heat transfer member 17 is positioned between the outer insulating portion 24 and the second shielding member 12. The outer heat transfer member 17 fills the gap between the outer insulating portion 24 and the heat receiving portion 57 of the second shielding member 12. For example, the outer heat transfer member 17 is formed in a sheet shape that extends to conform to the shape of the gap between the outer insulating portion 24 and the second shielding member 12. The outer heat transfer member 17 thermally connects the outer insulating portion 24 and the heat receiving portion 57. The outer heat transfer member 17 is sandwiched in the X direction between the inner surface 57a of the heat receiving portion 57 and the outer surface of the outer insulating portion 24. The outer heat transfer member 17 is in surface contact with both the heat receiving portion 57 and the outer insulating portion 24.

[0051] The outer heat transfer member 17 is preferably made of a material having thermal conductivity equal to or greater than that of the material used to form the housing 21. Examples of such materials include metal materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, SUS, etc.), thermally conductive resin materials, and mixed materials in which a thermally conductive heat transfer element is mixed with a resin base material. For example, the outer heat transfer member 17 is made of a material that is softer than the outer insulating part 24 and the second shield member 12, and can be deformed to match the shape of the gap between the outer insulating part 24 and the second shield member 12. Examples of such materials include thermally conductive resin materials, mixed materials in which a thermally conductive heat transfer element is mixed with a resin base material, and mesh materials made of thermally conductive wires. The outer heat transfer member 17 may be in the form of a paste with sufficient viscosity to prevent it from dripping under the operating environment of the connector 1. Alternatively, the outer heat transfer member 17 may be made of a hardened paste material. Furthermore, the outer heat transfer member 17 may be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0052] <10. Heat Transfer Section 100> Here, the outer heat transfer member 17, outer insulating section 24, connecting section 25, and inner insulating section 16 function as a heat transfer section 100 that penetrates the wall 32b of the wire holding section 32 and is positioned between the conductive component 200 and the heat receiving section 57. Of the heat transfer section 100, the inner insulating section 16 is in contact with the core wire 2a. Of the heat transfer section 100, the outer heat transfer member 17 is in contact with the heat receiving section 57 and the outer insulating section 24. The connecting section 25 is in contact with both the outer insulating section 24 and the inner insulating section 16 and is sandwiched between them. The heat transfer section 100 is thermally connected to the core wire 2a and the heat receiving section 57 while electrically insulating them from each other. The heat transfer section 100 transfers the heat generated in the busbar 14, etc., towards the heat receiving section 57.

[0053] In the heat transfer section 100, at least one of the outer insulating section 24 and the inner insulating section 16 functions as an insulating section 110 that electrically insulates the second shield member 12 and the conductive component 200. The connecting section 25 contains a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and functions as a thermal connecting section 120 that thermally connects the second shield member 12 and the conductive component 200 via the insulating section 110. Furthermore, the outer heat transfer member 17 is an example of a "heat transfer member" that fills the gap between the second shield member 12 and the outer insulating section 24. If the outer heat transfer member 17 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21, the outer heat transfer member 17 may also be considered as part of the thermal connecting section 120. Also, if the outer heat transfer member 17 is made of an electrically insulating material, the outer heat transfer member 17 may also be considered as part of the insulating section 110.

[0054] <11. Effects> The connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is a point where a lot of Joule heat is generated when current is applied due to the high contact resistance. However, the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is isolated from the outside of the connector 1 by being covered by the housing unit 10. Therefore, it is important to secure a heat dissipation path from the above-mentioned connection point to the outside of the connector 1.

[0055] Therefore, the connector 1 of this embodiment comprises a terminal fitting 15, a conductive component 200 extending in the -Z direction from the terminal connection portion 14a of a busbar 14 connected to the terminal fitting 15, a housing 21 having a wire holding portion 32 extending in the Z direction and housing the conductive component 200, and a connector portion 34 housing the terminal fitting 15 with the terminal fitting 15 exposed in the +X direction, a second metal shielding member 12 covering the wire holding portion 32, and a heat transfer portion 100 penetrating the wall 32b of the wire holding portion 32 and provided between the second shielding member 12 and the conductive component 200.

[0056] With this configuration, by arranging the heat transfer section 100 between the conductive component 200 and the second shield member 12, heat generated by the busbar 14, terminal fittings 15, etc., is transferred to the second shield member 12 through the heat transfer section 100. This action makes it easier to dissipate the heat generated by the busbar 14, terminal fittings 15, etc., to the outside of the connector 1. Therefore, a connector 1 with excellent heat dissipation can be provided.

[0057] Furthermore, the terminal fitting 15 is exposed in the +X direction, and the second shielding member 12 covers the wire holding portion 32 from both the -X and Y directions. With this configuration, the portion of the second shielding member 12 that receives heat from the heat transfer portion 100 is positioned so as not to face the equipment to which the connector 1 is connected. Therefore, the second shielding member 12 can more easily dissipate heat to the outside of the connector 1.

[0058] The heat transfer section 100 includes an insulating section 110 that electrically insulates the second shield member 12 and the conductive component 200, and a thermal connection section 120 that includes a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and thermally connects the second shield member 12 and the conductive component 200 via the insulating section 110. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the heat transfer section is formed only by the housing, the conductive component 200 and the second shield member 12 can be thermally connected with high thermal conductivity while being electrically insulated from each other. Therefore, the heat generated in the busbar 14 can be easily transferred to the second shield member 12.

[0059] Furthermore, at least the outer insulating portion 24 of the insulating portion 110 contains a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21. With this configuration, the conductive component 200 and the second shielding member 12 can be thermally connected with higher thermal conductivity compared to a configuration in which the outer insulating portion is formed of the same material as the housing 21.

[0060] The connecting portion 25 is compressed and positioned between the outer insulating portion 24 and the conductive component 200. This configuration ensures that the connecting portion 25 reliably establishes a thermal connection between the outer insulating portion 24 and the conductive component 200. Therefore, the heat generated in the busbar 14 can be reliably transferred to the second shielding member 12.

[0061] The heat transfer section 100 includes an outer heat transfer member 17 that fills the gap between the second shield member 12 and the outer insulating section 24. With this configuration, the outer heat transfer member 17 can absorb dimensional tolerances and relative positional misalignments of the housing 21 and the second shield member 12. Therefore, a reliable thermal connection can be established between the housing 21 and the second shield member 12.

[0062] The heat transfer unit 100 is in contact with the core wire 2a of the electric wire 2. With this configuration, by arranging the heat transfer unit 100 between the core wire 2a and the second shield member 12, heat generated in the busbar 14, terminal fittings 15, etc., is transferred to the second shield member 12 through the core wire 2a and the heat transfer unit 100. This action makes it easier to dissipate the heat generated in the busbar 14, terminal fittings 15, etc., to the outside of the connector 1. Therefore, a connector 1 with excellent heat dissipation can be provided.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the outer insulating portion 24 of the heat transfer section 100 is embedded in the wire holding portion 32 by insert molding into the housing 21. However, as shown in Figure 4, the outer insulating portion 24A of the heat transfer section 100A may be formed as part of the wire holding portion 32 of the housing 21. With this configuration, compared to the configuration in which the outer insulating portion is insert molded into the housing 21, the waterproofness inside the housing 21 can be improved.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the heat transfer unit 100 is in contact with the core wire 2a of the electric wire 2. However, the bus bar 14 may overlap the core wire 2a of the electric wire 2 from the -X direction, and the heat transfer unit may be in contact with the bus bar 14. With this configuration, compared to the configuration in which the heat transfer unit is in contact with the electric wire 2, the heat generated by the bus bar 14 or terminal fitting 15 can be efficiently released to the outside of the connector 1 without going through the electric wire 2.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 3. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the configuration of the connection part differs from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the heat transfer section 100B includes a connection section 25B and an inner heat transfer member 18, instead of the connection section 25 and inner insulating section 16 of the first embodiment.

[0067] The connection portion 25B is provided inside the wire holding portion 32. Two connection portions 25B are provided corresponding to the busbar 14, with one placed in each wire holding hole 32a. Each connection portion 25B includes a first contact portion 25Ba that contacts the outer insulating portion 24, and a second contact portion 25Bb that contacts at least one of the inner heat transfer member 18 and the conductive component 200. In this embodiment, each connection portion 25B is a single member including the first contact portion 25Ba and the second contact portion 25Bb. The first contact portion 25Ba is held in the housing 21. The first contact portion 25Ba is positioned between the conductive component 200 and the outer insulating portion 24. The first contact portion 25Ba extends along the Z direction. The first contact portion 25Ba is in surface contact with the outer insulating portion 24.

[0068] The second contact portion 25Bb is connected to the upper end of the first contact portion 25Ba. The second contact portion 25Bb extends toward the conductive component 200 side in a direction intersecting the Z direction from the upper end of the first contact portion 25Ba. The second contact portion 25Bb is positioned between the upper end of the core wire 2a and the base portion 31a of the housing body 31.

[0069] The inner heat transfer member 18 is positioned between the second contact portion 25Bb of the connection portion 25B and the upper end of the core wire 2a. The inner heat transfer member 18 fills the gap between the second contact portion 25Bb and the core wire 2a. For example, the inner heat transfer member 18 is formed in a sheet shape that extends to conform to the shape of the gap between the second contact portion 25Bb and the core wire 2a. The inner heat transfer member 18 thermally connects the second contact portion 25Bb and the core wire 2a. The inner heat transfer member 18 is sandwiched in the Z direction between the lower surface of the second contact portion 25Bb and the upper end of the core wire 2a. The inner heat transfer member 18 is in surface contact with both the second contact portion 25Bb and the core wire 2a.

[0070] The inner heat transfer member 18 is preferably made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. Examples of such materials include metal materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, SUS, etc.), thermally conductive resin materials, and mixed materials in which a thermally conductive heat transfer element is mixed with a resin base material. For example, the inner heat transfer member 18 is made of a material that is softer than the connection portion 25B and the core wire 2a, so that it can be deformed to match the shape of the gap between the connection portion 25B and the core wire 2a. Examples of such materials include thermally conductive resin materials, mixed materials in which a thermally conductive heat transfer element is mixed with a resin base material, and mesh materials made of thermally conductive wires. The inner heat transfer member 18 may be in the form of a paste with sufficient viscosity to prevent it from dripping under the operating environment of the connector 1. Alternatively, the inner heat transfer member 18 may be made of a hardened paste material. Furthermore, the inner heat transfer member 18 may be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0071] The outer heat transfer member 17, outer insulating portion 24, connecting portion 25B, and inner heat transfer member 18 function as a heat transfer section 100B, which penetrates the wall 32b of the wire holding portion 32 and is positioned between the conductive component 200 and the heat receiving portion 57. In the heat transfer section 100B, the outer insulating portion 24 functions as an insulating portion 110 that electrically insulates the second shielding member 12 and the conductive component 200. The connecting portion 25 contains a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and functions as a thermal connection portion 120 that thermally connects the second shielding member 12 and the conductive component 200 via the insulating portion 110. If the inner heat transfer member 18 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21, the inner heat transfer member 18 also functions as a thermal connection portion 120. If the inner heat transfer member 18 is made of an electrically insulating material, the inner heat transfer member 18 also functions as an insulating portion 110.

[0072] The procedure for attaching the conductive component 200 to the housing 21 will now be described. First, the electric wire 2 (core wire 2a) is connected to the lower end of the busbar 14. Next, the busbar 14 and electric wire 2 are attached to the housing 21. Specifically, the busbar 14 and electric wire 2 are inserted into the electric wire holding hole 32a through the lower end opening of the electric wire holding hole 32a. After that, the busbar 14 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 34b through the communication hole 40. At this time, the end of the core wire 2a abuts against the second contact portion 25Bb of the connection portion 25Bb from below via the inner heat transfer member 18. As the end of the core wire 2a abuts against the second contact portion 25Bb from below, the second contact portion 25Bb is sandwiched between the core wire 2a and the base portion 31a of the housing body 31.

[0073] Next, the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing fitting 22. Specifically, the rod-shaped portion 15a is inserted into the fixing fitting 22 through the through hole 14b of the busbar 14. At this time, the rod-shaped portion 15a is fastened to the fixing fitting 22 via the male threaded portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a and the female threaded portion of the fixing fitting 22. With this configuration, the busbar 14 and the terminal fitting 15 are electrically connected while the busbar 14 is sandwiched between the abutment portion 15b and the fixing fitting 22. After that, the holder 13 is attached to the housing unit 10, thereby positioning the electric wire 2 relative to the housing unit 10.

[0074] This embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, this embodiment provides the following effects. The heat transfer section 100B of this embodiment includes a connecting section 25B that is sandwiched between the core wire 2a and the base section 31a of the housing body 31 when the conductive component 200 is attached to the housing 21. With this configuration, the connecting section 25B is easily connected to the conductive component 200, so that a thermal connection between the second shield member 12 and the conductive component 200 can be reliably and easily established. Therefore, the heat generated in the busbar 14 can be reliably transferred to the second shield member 12.

[0075] Several embodiments and variations have been described above. However, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. The present invention is not limited by the above description and is limited only by the appended claims.

[0076] For example, in the above embodiment, the heat transfer sections 100, 100A, and 100B have an inner insulating section 16 (or inner heat transfer member 18), connecting sections 25 and 25B, an outer insulating section 24, and an outer heat transfer member 17, but the configuration is not limited to this. The heat transfer section only needs to be thermally connected while electrically insulating the conductive component 200 and the second shielding member 12. For example, the heat transfer section may not have an inner insulating section and an inner heat transfer member, and the connecting section may be in direct contact with the conductive component 200. Also, the heat transfer section may not have an outer heat transfer member, and the outer insulating section may be in direct contact with the second shielding member 12.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the heat transfer sections 100 and 100B penetrate the wall 32b of the wire holding section 32 in the X direction and are connected to the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12. However, the heat transfer sections may also penetrate the wall 32b of the wire holding section 32 in directions intersecting the Z and X directions, for example, by penetrating the wall 32b in the Y direction and being connected to the side wall 55c of the second shield member 12. Furthermore, the second shield member 12 may not have a heat receiving section 57, and the heat transfer sections may be in direct contact with the end wall 55a or side wall 55c of the second shield member 12.

[0078] In the first embodiment described above, the heat transfer section's connection portion 25 is in the shape of a leaf spring, but the connection portion only needs to have a first contact portion and a second contact portion. For example, the connection portion may be a spring of a type other than a leaf spring, or it may be in the shape of a block.

[0079] In the above embodiment, two connection portions 25, 25B are provided for the heat transfer sections 100, 100A, and 100B, corresponding to the conductive component 200. However, the connection portions only need to avoid making the two busbars 14 electrically connected. For example, if the inner insulating portion 16 or the inner heat transfer member 18 has electrical insulating properties and the connection portions do not contact the conductive component 200, the two connection portions may extend between the two wire holding holes 32a and be integrated with each other to form a single component.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the outer insulating portion 24 is formed to be exposed to the two wire holding holes 32a. However, the openings in the wall 32b of the wire holding portion 32 may be provided in two corresponding to the two wire holding holes 32a, and the outer insulating portion may also be provided in two corresponding to the openings. If two outer insulating portions are provided, two outer heat transfer members may also be provided corresponding to the outer insulating portions, or only one outer heat transfer member may be provided so as to be in contact with the two outer insulating portions.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the outer insulating portion 24 is formed of an electrically insulating material, but the configuration is not limited to this. If the outer heat transfer member 17, the inner insulating portion 16, or the inner heat transfer member 18 is formed of an electrically insulating material, the two conductive components 200 are insulated from each other, so a member made of a material that does not have electrical insulating properties may be placed in place of the outer insulating portion 24.

[0082] In the first embodiment described above, the inner insulating portion 16 is formed of an electrically insulating material, but the configuration is not limited to this. If the outer insulating portion 24 or the outer heat transfer member 17 is formed of an electrically insulating material, the two conductive components 200 are insulated from each other, so a heat transfer member made of a material that does not have electrical insulating properties may be placed in place of the inner insulating portion 16.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the heat transfer sections 100 and 100A have an inner insulating section 16, and the heat transfer section 100B has an inner heat transfer member 18, but the configuration is not limited to these. That is, the inner insulating section 16 and the inner heat transfer member 18 may be omitted, and the connecting sections 25 and 25B may be directly thermally connected to the conductive component 200.

[0084] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing bracket 22 by screw fastening, but the configuration is not limited to this. The terminal fitting 15 may also be fixed to the fixing bracket 22 by means of press-fitting or adhesive.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the busbar 14 is sandwiched between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15, but the configuration is not limited to this. The method of fixing the busbar 14 can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is electrically connected to the terminal fitting 15.

[0086] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector capable of improving heat dissipation can be provided.

[0088] 1... Connector 12... Second shielding member (shielding member) 14a... Terminal connection part 15... Terminal fitting 17... Outer heat transfer member (heat transfer member) 21... Housing 25, 25B... Connection part 32... Wire holding part (first housing part) 32b... Wall 32c... Opening 34b... Terminal housing part (second housing part) 100, 100A, 100B... Heat transfer part 110... Insulation part 120... Thermal connection part 200... Conductive part

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a terminal fitting; a conductive component having a terminal connection portion connected to the terminal fitting and extending in a first direction from the terminal connection portion; a housing having a first housing portion extending in the first direction and housing the conductive component, and a second housing portion housing the terminal fitting in a state where it is exposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first housing portion has a wall facing the conductive component in a direction intersecting the first direction; a metal shielding member covering at least a part of the first housing portion; and a heat transfer portion penetrating the wall of the first housing portion or including a part of the wall of the first housing portion and provided between the shielding member and the conductive component.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer portion comprises an insulating portion that electrically insulates the shielding member and the conductive component, and a thermal connecting portion that includes a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing and thermally connects the shielding member and the conductive component via the insulating portion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein an opening is formed in the wall of the housing, at least a portion of the insulating portion is disposed in the opening, and the insulating portion comprises a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the insulating portion is part of the housing.

5. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the thermal connection portion includes a metal spring member compressed and positioned between the insulating portion and the conductive component.

6. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least a portion of the insulating portion has a gap with respect to the shielding member, and the heat transfer portion has a heat transfer member that fills the gap between the shielding member and at least a portion of the insulating portion.

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