Connector

Abstract

A connector according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; a fixing fitting that has an outer peripheral surface held by the housing and has a fixing hole formed therein penetrating in a first direction; a terminal fitting that is fixed to the fixing fitting in a state of being inserted into the fixing hole through a first-side opening in the first direction of the fixing hole; a conductive component that is held between the fixing fitting and the terminal fitting in the first direction and is electrically connected to the terminal fitting; a metal shield member that surrounds the housing in a state in which the terminal fitting is exposed toward a first side in the first direction; and a heat transfer portion that includes a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing and thermally connects the shield member and the terminal fitting in an electrically insulated state. The heat transfer portion and the terminal fitting are in contact with each other through a second-side opening in the first direction of the fixing hole.

Description

Connector

[0009]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-015952, filed in Japan on February 3, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Connectors are used to connect electrical wirings (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 housing, a fixing metal fitting having an outer peripheral surface held by the housing and having a fixing hole penetrating in a first direction, a terminal metal fitting fixed to the fixing metal fitting in a state of being inserted into the fixing hole through a first-side opening in the first direction of the fixing hole, a conductive component held between the fixing metal fitting and the terminal metal fitting in the first direction and electrically connected to the terminal metal fitting, a metal shield member surrounding the housing in a state of exposing the terminal metal fitting toward a first side in the first direction, and a heat transfer portion including a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing and thermally connecting while electrically insulating between the shield member and the terminal metal fitting. The heat transfer portion and the terminal metal fitting are in contact through a second-side opening in the first direction of the fixing hole.

[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 corresponding to line IV-IV in FIG. 1. Exploded perspective view of the connector according to the second embodiment. Cross-sectional view of the connector according to the second embodiment.

[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 -Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z 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] The X direction is an example of the "first direction". The +X direction is an example of the "first side of the first direction". The Y direction is an example of the "second direction". The Z direction is an example of both the "second direction" and the "intersecting direction".

[0013] 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).

[0014] [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. However, the connector 1 may correspond to one electrode, or to three or more electrodes.

[0015] The connector 1 comprises a housing unit 10, a first shielding member 11, a second shielding member 12, a holder 13, two busbars 14 (see Figure 3), two terminal fittings 15, and a heat transfer section 100.

[0016] <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 and two fixing fittings 22.

[0017] The housing 21 is made of an electrically insulating material (for example, a synthetic resin material). The housing 21 is L-shaped 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Each metal fitting holder 31b is provided on the base portion 31a, aligned in the Y direction. The metal fitting holder 31b is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. Therefore, the inside of the metal fitting holder 31b forms a metal fitting holder hole 31c that penetrates the metal fitting holder 31b in the X direction. The metal fitting holder 31b is connected to the base portion 31a with a portion of it protruding upward from the base portion 31a.

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line IV-IV in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the metal fitting holder portion 31b is formed in a stepped shape in which the inner diameter of the end in the +X direction is larger than the inner diameter of the other parts. That is, the metal fitting holder hole 31c comprises a large-diameter portion 31c1 located in the +X direction and a small-diameter portion 31c2 that is connected to the large-diameter portion 31c1 in the -X direction and whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the large-diameter portion 31c1. However, the inner diameter of the metal fitting holder hole 31c may be uniform throughout the entire X direction. Furthermore, the metal fitting holder portion 31b is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as the metal fitting holder hole 31c penetrates through in the X direction. That is, the shape of the metal fitting holder portion 31b as viewed from the X direction and the shape of the metal fitting holder hole 31c as viewed from the X direction may be different.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, 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 wire 2 can be individually inserted into each wire holding hole 32a from below. The wire 2 comprises, for example, a metal core wire 2a and an insulating sheath 2b covering the core wire 2a. The second end of the wire 2 is pulled out from each wire holding hole 32a to the outside of the connector 1 and then connected to an electrical load (not shown).

[0022] 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.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, 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 mating portion 34a is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. The mating portion 34a is formed as 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.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the terminal housing portion 34b is positioned to overlap with the metal fitting holding 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 holding 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.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fixing bracket 22 holds the terminal fitting 15. The fixing bracket 22 is, for example, a nut. The fixing bracket 22 is made of a metal material (for example, SUS). Specifically, the fixing bracket 22 comprises a fixing cylindrical portion 22a and a fixing flange portion 22b.

[0026] The fixed cylinder portion 22a extends in the X direction. A fixing hole 22a1 is formed on the inside of the fixed cylinder portion 22a, penetrating the fixed cylinder portion 22a in the X direction. The fixing hole 22a1 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the X direction. A female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 22a1. Note that the shape of the fixed cylinder portion 22a when viewed from the X direction and the shape of the fixing hole 22a1 when viewed from the X direction may be different. For example, the shape of the fixed cylinder portion 22a when viewed from the X direction is not limited to a circular shape, but may be a polygonal shape. The fixed flange portion 22b protrudes from the end of the fixed cylinder portion 22a in the +X direction, away from the center of the fixed cylinder portion 22a when viewed from the X direction. The fixed flange portion 22b extends around the entire circumference of the fixed cylinder portion 22a. However, the fixed flange portion 22b may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction on the fixed cylinder portion 22a. Furthermore, the fixed flange portion 22b is not an essential component.

[0027] The fixing bracket 22 is fixed to the bracket holding portion 31b by being press-fitted into the bracket holding hole 31c. Specifically, the fixing cylindrical portion 22a of the fixing bracket 22 is press-fitted into the small diameter portion 31c2, and the fixing flange portion 22b is press-fitted into the large diameter portion 31c1. Therefore, the movement of the fixing bracket 22 relative to the bracket holding portion 31b is restricted by the frictional force acting between the outer circumferential surface of the fixing bracket 22 and the inner circumferential surface of the bracket holding hole 31c. In the illustrated example, the -X direction end face of the fixing cylindrical portion 22a is positioned flush with the -X direction end face of the bracket holding portion 31b. However, the -X direction end face of the fixing cylindrical portion 22a may be located in the +X direction or in the -X direction relative to the -X direction end face of the bracket holding portion 31b.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the +X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1 is open into the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b in the portion located in the -X direction relative to the communication hole 40. The -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1 is open to the outside of the housing unit 10 through the metal fitting holding hole 31c. The +X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1 is an example of a "first side opening". The -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1 is an example of a "second side opening".

[0029] The fixing bracket 22 may be fixed to the metal fitting holder 31b by bonding the outer surface of the fixing bracket 22 to the inner surface of the metal fitting holder hole 31c. Furthermore, the fixing bracket 22 and the metal fitting holder 31b may have anti-rotation portions that restrict the rotation of the fixing bracket 22 relative to the metal fitting holder 31b. In this case, the anti-rotation portion may be formed between the fixed cylindrical portion 22a and the small diameter portion 31c2, or between the fixed flange portion 22b and the large diameter portion 31c1. The fixing bracket 22 may be embedded in each metal fitting holder 31b by insert molding into the housing 21.

[0030] <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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <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 protruding portion 57. The second shielding member 12 is an example of a "shielding member". The protruding portion 57 is an example of a "projection".

[0033] 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 surrounds 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.

[0034] 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 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 protruding portion 52 in the Z direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the opening of the shield body 55 facing 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 the X direction. The second shield member 12 may also use the lower end opening of the shield body 55 as an entry opening. The entry opening 55d is just one example of an "opening".

[0036] 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. The mounting base 55f is an example of a "connecting portion".

[0037] 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.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the protruding portions 57 project from the shield body 55 toward the inside of the shield body 55. Specifically, multiple protruding portions 57 are provided at intervals in the Y direction. Each protruding portion 57 projects in the +X direction from at least the portion of the end wall 55a that overlaps with the metal fitting holder portion 31b when viewed from the X direction, and also extends in the Z direction. The +X direction end face of each protruding portion 57 faces the metal fitting holder portion 31b with a gap in the X direction.

[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 connecting flange 62 connects the lower edges of each wire guide 61 below the housing unit 10. The engaging portion 63 extends upward in a cantilevered manner from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting flange 62. The engaging portion 63 is hooked onto the outer peripheral surface of the wire holding portion 32. Multiple engaging portions 63 are provided at intervals along the outer peripheral edge of the connecting flange 62.

[0041] <6. Busbar 14> As shown in Figure 3, two busbars 14 are provided, corresponding to the electric wires 2. Each busbar 14 has the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the busbar 14 will be explained below using one of the busbars 14 as an example. The busbar 14 is an example of a "conductive component".

[0042] The busbar 14 is for connecting the terminal fitting 15 to the electric wire 2. The busbar 14 extends in the Z direction, with the X direction being the thickness direction. The busbar 14 is positioned across the inside of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b and between the electric wire holding holes 32a through the communication hole 40. The lower end of the busbar 14 is connected to the first end (core wire 2a) of the electric wire 2 within the electric wire holding hole 32a. With this configuration, the electric wire 2 and the body of the busbar 14 are electrically connected.

[0043] The upper end of the busbar 14 overlaps with the fixing bracket 22 when viewed from the X direction within the terminal housing portion 34b. A through hole 14a is formed in the upper end of the busbar 14, penetrating the busbar 14 in the X direction. The upper edge of the busbar 14 approaches or contacts the inner circumferential surface of the terminal housing portion 34b from below.

[0044] <7. Terminal fitting 15> The terminal fitting 15 is a part that electrically connects the mating connector and the bus bar 14. Two terminal fittings 15 are provided corresponding to the bus bar 14. Each terminal fitting 15 has the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, one terminal fitting 15 will be taken as an example to describe the details of the terminal fitting 15.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the terminal fitting 15 is arranged across the corresponding fitting holding portion 31b and the terminal accommodating portion 34b. The terminal fitting 15 includes a rod-shaped portion 15a and a abutting portion 15b. The rod-shaped portion 15a is arranged coaxially with the fixing fitting 22. A male screw portion is formed at the -X direction end of the rod-shaped portion 15a. The -X direction end portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a is inserted into the fixing hole 22a1 of the fixing fitting 22 through the through hole 14a. The -X direction end portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a is detachably fastened to the fixing fitting 22 via a male screw portion and a female screw portion. With this configuration, the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing fitting 22 in a state of protruding in the +X direction from the fixing fitting 22. The +X direction end portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 34b. That is, the +X direction end portion of the terminal fitting 15 is exposed to the outside of the connector 1 through the +X direction opening of the terminal accommodating portion 34b.

[0046] The -X direction end portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a is accommodated in the fixing hole 22a1. Therefore, in the fixing hole 22a1, a housing space S1 opened in the -X direction is formed between the -X direction opening edge of the fixing hole 22a1 and the -X direction end face of the rod-shaped portion 15a.

[0047] The abutting portion 15b protrudes from the intermediate portion in the X direction of the rod-shaped portion 15a. The abutting portion 15b sandwiches the bus bar 14 in the X direction between it and the fixing fitting 22 in a state where the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing fitting 22.

[0048] <8. Heat transfer part 100>The heat transfer part 100 transfers the heat generated in the bus bar 14 and the terminal fitting 15 to the second shield member 12. The heat transfer part 100 includes an inner heat transfer member 101, an insulating member 102, and an outer heat transfer member 103. In the present embodiment, the heat transfer part 100 is provided separately for the fixing fitting 22 and the fitting holding part 31b. Hereinafter, taking one heat transfer part 100 as an example, the details of the heat transfer part 100 will be described.

[0049] The inner heat transfer member 101 is embedded in the accommodation space S1. In the accommodation space S1, the inner heat transfer member 101 is thermally connected to the terminal fitting 15 by contacting the -X direction end face of the rod-shaped part 15a. In the accommodation space S1, the inner heat transfer member 101 is thermally connected to the fixing fitting 22 by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the fixing hole 22a1. It is preferable that the -X direction end face of the inner heat transfer member 101 is flush with the -X direction end face of the fixing fitting 22 or bulges in the -X direction from the -X direction end face of the fixing fitting 22.

[0050] The inner heat transfer member 101 is formed of a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing 21. The inner heat transfer member 101 is formed in a paste shape (for example, thermal conductive paste) having a viscosity such that it does not drip under the usage environment of the connector 1. That is, the inner heat transfer member 101 is filled over the entire area of the accommodation space S1. However, the inner heat transfer member 101 may be obtained by curing a paste material, or a solid material may be embedded in the accommodation space S1. Further, the inner heat transfer member 101 may be integrally formed with the fixing fitting 22 and the terminal fitting 15 by insert molding or the like.

[0051] The insulating member 102 is sandwiched between the inner heat transfer member 101 and the outer heat transfer member 103. The insulating member 102 is formed of a material having electrical insulation properties (for example, a synthetic resin material). Further, it is preferable that the insulating member 102 is formed of a material having better thermal conductivity than the housing 21.

[0052] The insulating member 102 is formed in a sheet shape with the X direction as the thickness direction. The insulating member 102 is provided so as to cover the -X direction opening of the metal fitting holding hole 31c and the -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1. The insulating member 102 is in contact with the inner heat transfer member 101 through the -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1. The insulating member 102 may be housed in the housing space S1 as long as it is in contact with the inner heat transfer member 101 and ensures electrical insulation between the fixing fitting 22 and the second shield member 12. The insulating member 102 may also be integrally formed with the housing 21.

[0053] The outer heat transfer member 103 is positioned between the insulating member 102 and the second shielding member 12. The outer heat transfer member 103 is sandwiched in the X direction between the insulating member 102 and the protruding portion 57. Specifically, the outer heat transfer member 103 has an outer shape equivalent to that of the insulating member 102 when viewed from the X direction, and is formed in a sheet shape with the X direction as the thickness direction. The outer heat transfer member 103 is superimposed on the insulating member 102 when viewed from the X direction. The surface of the outer heat transfer member 103 facing the +X direction is in contact with the insulating member 102. The surface of the outer heat transfer member 103 facing the -X direction is in contact with one of the protruding portions 57. Note that the outer heat transfer member 103 may be formed integrally with the insulating member 102.

[0054] The outer heat transfer member 103 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. Furthermore, the outer heat transfer member 103 is made of a material that is softer than the housing 21, allowing it to deform to conform to the gap shape between the insulating member 102 and the protruding portion 57. Such materials for the outer heat transfer member 103 include, for example, a thermally conductive resin material, a mixed material in which a thermally conductive heat transfer element is mixed with a base resin, or a mesh material composed of thermally conductive wires. The outer heat transfer member 103 is not limited to a sheet shape; it may also 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 103 may be a hardened paste material.

[0055] Here, the heat transfer section 100 is thermally connected to the terminal fittings 15 and fixing fittings 22 and the second shielding member 12 by stacking the inner heat transfer member 101, insulating member 102 and outer heat transfer member 103 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the inner heat transfer member 101, insulating member 102 and outer heat transfer member 103 are each made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material forming the housing 21. In this case, the thermal conductivity of the inner heat transfer member 101, insulating member 102 and outer heat transfer member 103 may be the same or different. However, the heat transfer section 100 as a whole only needs to have better thermal conductivity than the material forming the housing 21.

[0056] The heat transfer section 100 only needs to have electrical insulation as a whole. In this embodiment, at least the insulating member 102 is configured to have electrical insulation, but the inner heat transfer member 101 and the outer heat transfer member 103 may also have electrical insulation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the heat transfer section 100 is provided individually for each terminal fitting 15 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. As long as electrical insulation is ensured between each fixing fitting 22, an integrated heat transfer section 100 may be provided spanning between each terminal fitting 15.

[0057] <9. Assembly Procedure for Connector 1> First, connect the electric wire 2 (core wire 2a) to the lower end of the busbar 14. Next, as shown in Figure 3, attach the busbar 14 and electric wire 2 to the housing 21. Specifically, insert the busbar 14 and electric wire 2 into the electric wire holding hole 32a through the lower end opening of the electric wire holding hole 32a. Then, insert the busbar 14 into the terminal housing portion 34b through the communication hole 40. At this time, insert the busbar 14 until its upper end edge contacts or approaches the inner circumferential surface of the terminal housing portion 34b from below.

[0058] Next, the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing bracket 22. Specifically, the rod-shaped portion 15a is inserted into the fixing bracket 22 (fixing hole 22a1) through the through hole 14a of the busbar 14. At this time, the rod-shaped portion 15a is fastened to the fixing bracket 22 via the male threaded portion of the rod-shaped portion 15a and the female threaded portion of the fixing bracket 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 bracket 22 (fixing flange portion 22b). After that, the holder 13 is attached to the housing unit 10, thereby positioning the electric wire 2 relative to the housing unit 10. When the terminal fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing bracket 22, a housing space S1 is formed in the portion of the fixing hole 22a1 that is located in the -X direction from the rod-shaped portion 15a.

[0059] Next, the heat transfer section 100 is attached to the housing unit 10. Specifically, after filling the housing space S1 with the inner heat transfer member 101, the insulating member 102 and the outer heat transfer member 103 are stacked to cover the -X direction opening of the metal fitting holding hole 31c and the -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1.

[0060] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the first shield member 11 is attached to the housing unit 10. Specifically, the wire holding portion 32 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 51 until the fixing arm portion 53 overlaps with the fixing portion 33.

[0061] Subsequently, the second shield member 12 is attached to the housing unit 10. Specifically, with the entry opening 55d of the second shield member 12 and the housing unit 10 facing each other in the X direction, the housing unit 10 is inserted into the second shield member 12 through the entry opening 55d. As a result, the outer heat transfer member 103 is crushed by the +X direction end face of the protruding portion 57, and the housing unit 10 enters the second shield member 12 in the -X direction. After that, the first shield member 11 and the second shield member 12 are fixed to the housing unit 10 by fastening the corresponding fixing portion 33 and fixing arm portion 53 to the mounting base 55f.

[0062] Incidentally, the connection point between the terminal fitting 15 and the busbar 14 is a location 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.

[0063] <10. Effects> The connector 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 21, a fixing bracket 22 having an outer peripheral surface held by the housing 21 and having a fixing hole 22a1 formed therein that penetrates in the X direction, a terminal fitting 15 fixed to the fixing bracket 22 while inserted into the fixing hole 22a1 through the +X direction opening (first side opening) of the fixing hole 22a1, a busbar (conductive component) 14 held between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15 in the X direction and electrically connected to the terminal fitting 15, a second metal shielding member (shielding member) 12 surrounding the housing 21 with the terminal fitting 15 exposed in the +X direction, and a heat transfer part 100 containing a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and thermally connecting the second shielding member 12 and the terminal fitting 15 while electrically insulating them from each other. The heat transfer part 100 and the terminal fitting 15 are in contact through the -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1. With this configuration, the terminal fitting 15 and the second shield member 12 are thermally connected by the heat transfer section 100, so that the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., is transferred to the second shield member 12 through the heat transfer section 100. This action makes it easier to release the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., to the outside of the connector 1, and suppresses deterioration of the connector 1. In particular, since the heat transfer section 100 and the terminal fitting 15 are in contact through the -X direction opening in the fixing hole 22a1, heat is easily transferred to the second shield member 12 regardless of the material of the fixing fitting 22, for example. Also, unlike when the fixing fitting 22 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, for example, the formation of an air layer between the terminal fitting 15 and the heat transfer section 100 can be suppressed. This configuration also makes it easy to transfer heat to the second shield member 12. As a result, a connector 1 with excellent heat dissipation can be provided.

[0064] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, a female threaded portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 22a1, and a male threaded portion that engages with the female threaded portion is formed on the -X direction end (second side end) of the terminal fitting 15. This configuration improves assembly compared to a configuration in which the fixing fitting 22 and the terminal fitting 15 are fixed by, for example, press-fitting.

[0065] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 includes an inner heat transfer member (first member) 101 positioned inside the fixing hole 22a1 and in contact with the terminal fitting 15, and an outer heat transfer member (second member) 103 positioned outside the fixing hole 22a1 and thermally connecting the inner heat transfer member 101 and the second shield member 12. With this configuration, by bringing the terminal fitting 15 and the inner heat transfer member 101 into contact inside the fixing hole 22a1, the length of the terminal fitting 15 in the X direction can be shortened. This action makes it possible to reduce the cost of the connector 1.

[0066] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the inner heat transfer member 101 is made of a viscous material. With this configuration, it is easy to fill the inside of the fixing hole 22a1 with the inner heat transfer member 101 without any gaps. This configuration improves the adhesion between the terminal fitting 15 and the heat transfer part 100.

[0067] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 includes an insulating member 102 positioned between the inner heat transfer member 101 and the outer heat transfer member 103. With this configuration, by providing the insulating member 102 separately from the inner heat transfer member 101 and the outer heat transfer member 103, the degree of freedom in selecting materials for the inner heat transfer member 101 and the outer heat transfer member 103 can be improved.

[0068] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the housing 21 includes a housing body 31 that holds the fixing fitting 22, and a fixing portion 33 that protrudes from the housing body 31 in the Y direction (second direction). The second shield member 12 includes a shield body 55 in which the housing body 31 is housed through an entry opening 55d that opens in the +X direction, a mounting base (connecting portion) 55f that protrudes from the shield body 55 in the Y direction and is connected to the fixing portion 33 in a state where it is superimposed on the fixing portion 33 in the X direction, and a protruding portion (projection portion) 57 that protrudes in the +X direction from a position on the shield body 55 that overlaps with the outer heat transfer member 103 when viewed from the X direction, and that contacts the outer heat transfer member. With this configuration, when attaching the housing 21 (housing body 31) and the second shield member 12 (shield body 55) in the X direction, the heat transfer portion 100 can be sandwiched between the terminal fitting 15 and the shield body 55 via the protruding portion 57. In this case, it is easier to ensure contact pressure between the second shield member 12 and the outer heat transfer member 103 via the protruding portion 57, and the adhesion between the second shield member 12 and the outer heat transfer member 103 via the protruding portion 57 can be improved. Therefore, it is easier to transfer the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15 to the second shield member 12.

[0069] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that the insulating member 102 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape (cap shape). In the connector 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rod-shaped portion 15a penetrates the fixing fitting 22 in the X direction. In the illustrated example, the -X direction end face of the rod-shaped portion 15a is arranged flush with the -X direction end face of the fitting holding portion 31b. The -X direction end face of the rod-shaped portion 15a may protrude or be recessed relative to the -X direction end face of the fitting holding portion 31b.

[0070] The insulating member 102 is attached together to the two metal fittings holding parts 31b. The insulating member 102 comprises a fitting cylinder 102a and a closing part 102b. The fitting cylinder 102a is formed in an oval shape with the Y direction as its long axis when viewed from the X direction. The two metal fittings holding parts 31b are fitted together into the fitting cylinder 102a. That is, the fitting cylinder 102a surrounds the two metal fittings holding parts 31b. The closing part 102b closes the -X direction opening of the fitting cylinder 102a. Therefore, the closing part 102b faces the rod-shaped part 15a and the metal fittings holding parts 31b in the X direction. At least a part of the closing part 102b is formed to be thinner than the fitting cylinder 102a. Therefore, the thin portion of the closing part 102b is configured to be flexibly deformable. However, the closing part 102b may be formed to be of a uniform thickness throughout.

[0071] The inner heat transfer member 101 is positioned inside the insulating member 102. The inner heat transfer member 101 is a sheet-like material formed to cover the two metal fitting holders 31b together when viewed from the X direction. The inner heat transfer member 101 is made of a material that has better thermal conductivity than the housing 21 and also has electrical insulating properties. The inner heat transfer member 101 is sandwiched between the closing portion 102b and the metal fitting holder 31b, in contact with both the closing portion 102b and the rod-shaped portion 15a. Therefore, the inner heat transfer member 101 is thermally connected to the closing portion 102b and the rod-shaped portion 15a. Note that the inner heat transfer member 101 is not an essential component. That is, the insulating member 102 may be in direct contact with the terminal fitting 15.

[0072] The outer heat transfer member 103 is positioned between the insulating member 102 and the second shielding member 12. The outer heat transfer member 103 is sandwiched in the X direction between the closing portion 102b and the end wall 55a. Specifically, the outer heat transfer member 103 is formed in a sheet shape with the X direction as the thickness direction. The outer heat transfer member 103 is superimposed on the closing portion 102b when viewed from the X direction. The outer heat transfer member 103 may also be formed integrally with the insulating member 102. The outer heat transfer member 103 is an example of the "first heat transfer member".

[0073] In this embodiment, an upper heat transfer member 110 is provided between the fitting cylinder 102a and the top wall 55b. The upper heat transfer member 110 thermally connects the housing unit 10 and the second shield member 12. The upper heat transfer member 110 is sandwiched in the Z direction between the fitting cylinder 102a and the upper projection 111. Multiple upper projections 111 are provided at intervals in the Y direction. Specifically, the upper projections 111 protrude downward from the top wall 55b and extend in the X direction. The -X direction end of each upper projection 111 is connected to the end wall 55a. The lower end surface of any of the upper projections 111 faces the fitting cylinder 102a in the Z direction.

[0074] The upper heat transfer member 110 is sandwiched between the upper projection 111 and the fitting cylinder 102a. The upper heat transfer member 110 is formed in a sheet shape with the Z direction as the thickness direction. In the Y direction, the upper heat transfer member 110 is formed to span the length of the two metal fitting holding portions 31b. The width of the upper heat transfer member 110 in the X direction is formed to be wider than the fitting cylinder 102a. However, the dimensions of the upper heat transfer member 110 can be changed as appropriate.

[0075] The lower surface of the upper heat transfer member 110 is in contact with the upper surface of the fitting cylinder 102a. The upper surface of the upper heat transfer member 110 is in contact with the lower end surface of the upper projection 111. Note that the upper heat transfer member 110 may be provided individually for each metal fitting holding portion 31b. The upper heat transfer member 110 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the material used to form the housing 21. Furthermore, the upper heat transfer member 110 may be made of a material that is softer than the housing 21 and the insulating member 102, allowing it to deform to match the gap shape between the upper projection 111 and the fitting cylinder 102a.

[0076] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the terminal fitting 15 penetrates the fixing hole 22a1 in the X direction. The heat transfer section 100 includes an insulating member 102 that contacts the terminal fitting 15, and an outer heat transfer member (first heat transfer member) 103 positioned between the insulating member 102 and the second shield member 12. With this configuration, the heat transfer section 100 and the terminal fitting 15 are in contact through the -X direction opening in the fixing hole 22a1. With this configuration, heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., is transferred to the second shield member 12 through the heat transfer section 100. This action makes it easier to release the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., to the outside of the connector 1.

[0077] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the housing 21 is provided with a cylindrical metal fitting holding portion 31b that holds the fixing fitting 22. The insulating member 102 includes a fitting cylinder 102a into which the metal fitting holding portion 31b is fitted, and a closing portion 102b that closes the -X direction opening in the fitting cylinder 102a and covers the fixing hole 22a1 from the -X direction relative to the metal fitting holding portion 31b. An outer heat transfer member 103 is arranged between the closing portion 102b and the second shield member 12. With this configuration, since the insulating member 102 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, displacement of the insulating member 102 relative to the metal fitting holding portion 31b can be suppressed. This action improves ease of assembly. In addition, since it is easy to secure the heat capacity of the insulating member 102, heat dissipation can be improved. In the second embodiment described above, a configuration in which two metal fitting holding portions 31b are fitted together into the insulating member 102 was described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The insulating member 102 may be provided on each of the metal fitting holding portions 31b.

[0078] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, an upper heat transfer member (second heat transfer member) 110 is positioned between the fitting cylinder 102a and the second shield member 12. With this configuration, heat can be transferred not only through the closed portion 102b of the insulating member 102, but also through the fitting cylinder 102a. This action makes it possible to further improve heat dissipation.

[0079] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be realized by combining them. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the claims. In the embodiments described above, the heat transfer section 100 was described as comprising an inner heat transfer member 101, an insulating member 102, and an outer heat transfer member 103, but it is not limited to this configuration. The heat transfer section 100 may be configured to contact the terminal fitting 15 through the -X direction opening of the fixing hole 22a1. In this case, the heat transfer section 100 may be formed integrally, or it may include members other than the inner heat transfer member 101, the insulating member 102, and the outer heat transfer member 103.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was described in which the overlapping direction of the inner heat transfer member 101, the insulating member 102, and the outer heat transfer member 103 coincides with the mounting direction of the housing unit 10 and the second shield member 12. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The overlapping direction of the inner heat transfer member 101, the insulating member 102, and the outer heat transfer member 103 may intersect with the mounting direction of the housing unit 10 and the second shield member 12. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was described in which the busbar 14 is sandwiched between the fixing bracket 22 and the terminal fitting 15. However, 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.

[0081] 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 this disclosure. Also, without departing from the gist of this disclosure, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various additions, omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector capable of improving heat dissipation can be provided.

[0083] 1: Connector 12: Second shield member (shielding member) 14: Busbar (conductive component) 15: Terminal fitting 21: Housing 22: Fixing fitting 22a1: Fixing hole 31: Housing body 31b: Fitting holder part 33: Fixing part 55: Shield body 55d: Inlet opening (opening) 55f: Mounting base (connection part) 57: Protruding part (projection part) 100: Heat transfer part 101: Inner heat transfer member (first member) 102: Insulating member 102a: Fitting cylinder 102b: Closure part 103: Outer heat transfer member (second member, first heat transfer member) 110: Upper heat transfer member (second heat transfer member)

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a housing; a fixing fitting having an outer peripheral surface held by the housing and having a fixing hole formed therethrough in a first direction; a terminal fitting fixed to the fixing fitting while inserted into the fixing hole through a first side opening in the first direction in the fixing hole; a conductive component held between the fixing fitting and the terminal fitting in the first direction and electrically connected to the terminal fitting; a metal shielding member surrounding the housing with the terminal fitting exposed toward the first side in the first direction; and a heat transfer section made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing, which thermally connects the shielding member and the terminal fitting while electrically insulating them from each other, wherein the heat transfer section and the terminal fitting are in contact through a second side opening in the first direction in the fixing hole.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a female threaded portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole, and a male threaded portion that engages with the female threaded portion is formed on the second side end of the terminal fitting in the first direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the heat transfer portion comprises a first member disposed inside the fixing hole and in contact with the terminal fitting, and a second member disposed outside the fixing hole and thermally connecting the first member and the shielding member.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the first member is formed of a viscous material.

5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the heat transfer section comprises an insulating member disposed between the first member and the second member.

6. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the housing comprises a housing body for holding the fixing fitting and a fixing portion protruding from the housing body in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the shield member comprises a shield body in which the housing body is housed through an opening that opens toward the first side in the first direction, a connecting portion protruding from the shield body in the second direction and connected to the fixing portion in a state overlapping with the fixing portion in the first direction, and a protruding portion of the shield body protruding in the first direction from a position that overlaps with the second member when viewed from the first direction and contacting the second member.

7. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal fitting penetrates the fixing hole in the first direction, and the heat transfer portion comprises an insulating member that contacts the terminal fitting, and a first heat transfer member disposed between the insulating member and the shielding member.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical metal fitting holding portion for holding the fixing fitting, the insulating member comprises a fitting cylinder into which the metal fitting holding portion is fitted, and a closing portion that closes the second side opening in the first direction of the fitting cylinder and covers the fixing hole from the second side in the first direction relative to the metal fitting holding portion, and the first heat transfer member is disposed between the closing portion and the shielding member.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein a second heat transfer member is disposed between the fitting cylinder and the shield member.

Images