Connector

Abstract

This connector comprises: a housing; a fixing metal fitting held by the housing; a terminal metal fitting fixed to the fixing metal fitting in a state of protruding from the fixing metal fitting to a first side in a first direction; a metal shield member that covers at least a part of the housing in a state where the terminal metal fitting is exposed to the first side in the first direction and that has a groove in which at least a part of piping through which a coolant can flow is disposed; and a heat transfer part that thermally connects the fixing metal fitting and the shield member or the piping.

Description

Connector

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-027665 filed in Japan on February 25, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Connectors are used for connecting electric wires to each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-83460

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

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

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment includes: a housing; a fixing bracket held by the housing; a terminal fitting fixed to the fixing bracket in a state protruding from the fixing bracket toward a first side in a first direction; and a metallic shield member that covers at least a part of the housing with the terminal fitting exposed on the first side in the first direction, the shield member having a groove in which at least a part of a pipe through which a cooling liquid can flow is disposed; and a heat transfer part that thermally connects between the fixing bracket and the shield member or the pipe.

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

[0008] A perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment viewed from the +X direction. A perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment viewed from the -X direction. A cross-sectional view corresponding to the line III-III in Fig. 1. A perspective view of the second shield member of the first embodiment viewed from the +X direction. An exploded perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment. A configuration diagram of a cooling structure for the connector according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the second embodiment, corresponding to Fig. 3. A cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the third 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 metal fitting holding portion 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 "first direction". The +X direction is an example of the "first side of the first direction". The -X direction is an example of the "second side 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 a perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment, viewed from the -X direction. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the 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, and a heat transfer section 100. Two busbars 14 and two terminal fittings 15 are provided, each corresponding to the electric wire 2. Note that only one busbar 14 is shown in Figure 3.

[0015] <2. Housing Unit 10> As shown in Figure 3, the housing unit 10 holds the busbar 14 and terminal fittings 15. The housing unit 10 comprises a housing 21 and fixing brackets 22. Although only one fixing bracket 22 is shown in Figure 3, there are two fixing brackets 22, corresponding to the terminal fittings 15.

[0016] 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 includes a metal fitting holder 31, a wire holder 32, two fixing parts 33, and a connector part 34.

[0017] The metal fitting holder portion 31 is located between the wire holder portion 32 and the connector portion 34. Although only one metal fitting holder portion 31 is shown in Figure 3, there are two metal fitting holder portions 31, corresponding to the fixing fittings 22. Each metal fitting holder portion 31 is arranged side by side in the Y direction. The metal fitting holder portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the X direction and has open ends. Therefore, the inside of the metal fitting holder portion 31 forms a metal fitting holder hole 31c that penetrates the metal fitting holder portion 31 in the X direction. The two metal fitting holder portions 31 are connected to each other.

[0018] The metal fitting holder portion 31 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 31 is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as the metal fitting holder hole 31c penetrates in the X direction. That is, the shape of the metal fitting holder portion 31 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.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the connector portion 34 houses the terminal fitting 15 and is mechanically connected to the mating connector. The connector portion 34 extends in the +X direction from the two fitting holding portions 31. The connector portion 34 includes a mating portion 34a and a terminal housing portion 34b.

[0020] The fitting portion 34a is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens in the +X direction. The fitting 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 fitting portion 34a.

[0021] Two terminal housing sections 34b are provided, corresponding to the two terminal fittings 15. The terminal housing sections 34b are positioned so as to overlap with the fitting holder section 31 when viewed from the X direction. The terminal housing sections 34b are formed in a cylindrical shape and are arranged coaxially with the corresponding fitting holder section 31. Each terminal housing section 34b is provided inside the fitting section 34a, aligned in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 3, each terminal housing section 34b penetrates the bottom wall of the fitting section 34a. The -X direction end of the terminal housing section 34b is connected to the +X direction end of the corresponding fitting holder section 31.

[0022] The wire holding portion 32 extends downward from the connector portion 34. Two wire holding holes 32a are formed in the wire holding portion 32. Each wire holding hole 32a is aligned in the Y direction corresponding to the two terminal housing portions 34b and extends along the entire length of the wire holding portion 32 in the Z direction. Each wire holding hole 32a overlaps with the -X direction end of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b when viewed from the Z direction. A communication hole 40 is formed at the upper end of the wire holding portion 32. The communication hole 40 connects the inside of the corresponding terminal housing portion 34b and the wire holding holes 32a to each other separately. Each communication hole 40 is provided spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each communication hole 40 penetrates the terminal housing portion 34b and the terminal housing portion 34b in the Z direction. Note that each communication hole 40 may communicate with each other if the busbars 14 are arranged spaced apart. The first end of each wire 2 can be individually inserted into the 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 wire 2 extends in the Z direction and is led out of each wire holding hole 32a to the outside of the housing 21. The second end of the wire 2 is connected to an electrical load (not shown) outside the connector 1.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, 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.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the fixing bracket 22 holds the terminal fitting 15. The fixing bracket 22 is, for example, a cap nut. The fixing bracket 22 is formed in a closed-bottom cylindrical shape opening in the +X direction from a metal material (for example, SUS, etc.). Specifically, the fixing bracket 22 comprises a fixing cylindrical portion 22a and a fixing flange portion 22b.

[0025] The fixed cylindrical portion 22a extends in the X direction. A female threaded portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 22a. Note that the shape of the fixed cylindrical portion 22a when viewed from the X direction is not limited to a circular shape, but may also be a polygonal shape.

[0026] The fixed flange portion 22b protrudes from the +X direction end of the fixed cylindrical portion 22a, away from the center of the fixed cylindrical portion 22a when viewed from the X direction. The fixed flange portion 22b extends around the entire circumference of the fixed cylindrical portion 22a. However, the fixed flange portion 22b may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction on the fixed cylindrical portion 22a. Also, the fixed flange portion 22b is not an essential component.

[0027] The fixing brackets 22 are insert-molded into the housing 21, so that one is embedded in each bracket holding portion 31. 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.

[0028] The fixing bracket 22 includes an exposed portion 23 that is exposed in the -X direction from the housing 21 through the -X direction opening in the bracket holding hole 31c. The exposed portion 23 is the -X direction end of the fixing bracket 22. The exposed portion 23 protrudes in the -X direction from the end face of the bracket holding portion 31 that faces the -X direction. The outer edge of the -X direction end face of the fixing bracket 22 is chamfered around its entire circumference.

[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 protruding portion 57.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 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 metal fitting holding portion 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 the entire metal fitting holding portion 31 and the upper end of the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the X direction. The end wall 55a faces the -X direction end of the fixing fitting 22 in the X direction. The end wall 55a is a flat plate that extends in the Y and Z directions.

[0034] The top wall 55b extends in the +X direction from the upper edge of the end wall 55a. The top wall 55b overlaps the -X end of the connector portion 34 and the entire metal fitting holding portion 31 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0035] 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 end. The side wall 55c overlaps with the -X direction end of the connector portion 34, the entire metal fitting holding portion 31, and the portion leading to the upper end of the wire holding portion 32 when viewed from the Y direction. The lower end edge of the side wall 55c faces the overhang portion 52 in the Z direction.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second shield member of the embodiment, viewed from the +X direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shield body 55 has a recess 58 formed on its inner surface. The recess 58 is provided at a location facing the exposed portion 23 of the fixing bracket 22. In this embodiment, the recess 58 is provided on the end wall 55a and opens in the +X direction. The recess 58 is provided so as to straddle the space between the two fixing brackets 22 when viewed from the X direction. The recess 58 overlaps the entire exposed portion 23 of the two fixing brackets 22 when viewed from the X direction. The opening edge of the recess 58 is chamfered around its entire circumference.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the protruding portions 57 project from the shield body 55 toward the inside of the shield body 55. Specifically, a pair of protruding portions 57 are provided spaced apart in the Z direction. Each protruding portion 57 projects from the end wall 55a in the +X direction and extends in the Y direction. The pair of protruding portions 57 sandwich the two metal fitting holders 31 together in the vertical direction. However, the second shield member 12 does not need to have protruding portions 57.

[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second shield member 12 has a groove 71 in which the cooling pipe 230, which will be described later, is arranged. The groove 71 is provided in the end wall 55a. The groove 71 opens on the opposite side of the fixing fitting 22. That is, the groove 71 is formed on the outer surface of the end wall 55a. The groove 71 extends to a constant depth throughout its entire length. The groove 71 does not penetrate the second shield member 12 in the X direction and does not connect the inside and outside of the second shield member 12. The groove 71 is formed by a bottom wall surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X direction and a side wall surface that rises from the bottom wall surface in the -X direction.

[0042] The groove 71 extends following the shape of the cooling pipe 230. The groove 71 includes an annular groove 72 extending annularly when viewed from the X direction, and a pair of lead-in grooves 73 extending from the annular groove 72 to both sides in the Y direction. The annular groove 72 extends so as to surround at least a part of each of the −X direction end portions of the two fixing fittings 22 when viewed from the X direction. In the illustrated example, the annular groove 72 extends in an oval shape having the Y direction as the longitudinal direction. The lead-in groove 73 extends from the end portion of the annular groove 72 in the Y direction in a direction away from the annular groove 72 (outward in the Y direction). The lead-in groove 73 is open to the outer surface of the side wall 55c. At least a part of the groove 71 overlaps the recess 58 when viewed from the X direction. For example, the annular groove 72 overlaps the recess 58 over the entire circumference thereof when viewed from the X direction. Further, the groove 71 overlaps the exposed portion 23 of the fixing fitting 22 when viewed from the X direction. For example, the annular groove 72 overlaps the exposed portion 23 of the fixing fitting 22 over the entire circumference thereof when viewed from the X direction.

[0043] The second shield member 12 has a protrusion 75 surrounded by the annular groove 72. The protrusion 75 protrudes in the −X direction from the bottom surface of the annular groove 72. The protrusion 75 overlaps at least a part of the recess 58 when viewed from the X direction. It is preferable that the protrusion 75 overlaps the entire recess 58 when viewed from the X direction. The protrusion 75 overlaps at least a part of each of the −X direction end portions of the two fixing fittings 22 when viewed from the X direction. It is preferable that the protrusion 75 overlaps the entire −X direction end portion of the fixing fitting 22 when viewed from the X direction.

[0044] <5. Holder 13> As shown in FIG. 3, the holder 13 positions the electric wire 2 with respect to the housing unit 10. The holder 13 is detachably attached to the electric wire holding portion 32. The holder 13 includes two electric wire guides 61, a connection flange 62, and an engaging portion 63. Each electric wire guide 61 has a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with each 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.

[0045] The connection flange 62 connects the lower end edges of each wire guide 61 to each other below the housing unit 10. The engaging portion 63 extends upward in a cantilevered manner from the outer peripheral edge of the connection flange 62. The engaging portion 63 is hooked onto the outer peripheral surface of the wire holding portion 32. A plurality of engaging portions 63 are provided at intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the connection flange 62.

[0046] <6. Busbars 14> Two busbars 14 are provided corresponding to the two electric wires 2. All the busbars 14 have the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the busbar 14 will be described below by taking one busbar 14 as an example.

[0047] The busbar 14 is for connecting the terminal fitting 15 and the electric wire 2. The busbar 14 extends in the Z direction with the X direction as the thickness direction. The busbar 14 is disposed across the inside of the corresponding terminal accommodating portion 34b and between the wire holding holes 32a through the communication hole 40. The lower end portion of the busbar 14 is connected to the first side end portion of the electric wire 2 (the upper end portion of the core wire 2a) within the wire holding hole 32a. With this configuration, the electric wire 2 and the busbar 14 are electrically connected. The busbar 14 is overlapped and joined to the core wire 2a from the +X direction.

[0048] The upper end portion of the busbar 14 overlaps the fixing fitting 22 when viewed from the X direction within the terminal accommodating portion 34b. A through hole 14a that penetrates the busbar 14 in the X direction is formed in the upper end portion of the busbar 14. The upper end edge of the busbar 14 is close to the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion 34b in the Z direction.

[0049] <7. Terminal Fittings 15> The two terminal fittings 15 are portions that electrically connect the mating connector and the busbar 14. All the terminal fittings 15 have the same configuration. Therefore, the details of the terminal fitting 15 will be described below by taking one terminal fitting 15 as an example.

[0050] The terminal fitting 15 is positioned across the corresponding fitting holding portion 31 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 end of the rod-shaped portion 15a. The -X end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is inserted into the fixing fitting 22 through the through hole 14a. The -X 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 end of the rod-shaped portion 15a is housed in the terminal housing portion 34b. That is, the +X end of the terminal fitting 15 is exposed in the +X direction toward the outside of the connector 1 through the +X opening in the terminal housing portion 34b.

[0051] 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.

[0052] <8. Heat Transfer Section 100> The heat transfer section 100 transfers heat generated by the busbar 14 and terminal fittings 15 to the second shield member 12. The heat transfer section 100 is positioned between the fixing fitting 22 and the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12. The heat transfer section 100 is thermally connected to the fixing fitting 22 and the second shield member 12 while electrically insulating them. The heat transfer section 100 is equipped with an insulating member 102. In this embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 is provided separately for the fixing fitting 22 and the fitting holding part 31. The details of the heat transfer section 100 will be described below using one of the heat transfer sections 100 as an example.

[0053] The insulating member 102 is provided between the housing unit 10 and the second shielding member 12. Specifically, the insulating member 102 is sandwiched in a compressed state in the X direction between the -X direction end of the fixing bracket 22 and the end wall 55a of the second shielding member 12. The insulating member 102 is positioned between a pair of protruding portions 57. The insulating member 102 is made of a material having electrical insulating properties (for example, a synthetic resin material). Preferably, the insulating member 102 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21. By contacting both the fixing bracket 22 and the second shielding member 12, the insulating member 102 ensures electrical insulation between the fixing bracket 22 and the second shielding member 12, and also thermally connects the fixing bracket 22 and the second shielding member 12.

[0054] 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 overlap the entire -X direction opening of the metal fitting holding hole 31c when viewed from the Z direction. The surface of the insulating member 102 facing the +X direction is in contact with the exposed portion 23 of the fixing fitting 22. The surface of the insulating member 102 facing the -X direction is in contact with the inner surface of the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12. The insulating member 102 is in contact with the recess 58 of the shield body 55. The insulating member 102 crosses over the chamfered opening edge of the recess 58 and is in contact with the region of the inner surface of the second shield member 12 that extends from the recess 58 to the peripheral edge of the opening of the recess 58. In this embodiment, the insulating member 102 is in contact with the inner surface of the second shield member 12, straddling the recess 58 in the Z direction. The insulating member 102 overlaps with at least a part of the projection 75 of the second shield member 12 when viewed from the X direction. It is desirable that the insulating member 102 overlaps the entire protrusion 75 when viewed from the X direction. Furthermore, it is desirable that the insulating member 102 overlaps at least a portion of the groove 71 when viewed from the X direction. In the illustrated example, the insulating member 102 overlaps the annular groove 72 around its entire circumference when viewed from the X direction. It is desirable that the groove 71 and the exposed portion 23 of the fixing bracket 22 overlap each other via the heat transfer portion 100 when viewed from the X direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, a heat transfer unit 100 is provided for each fixing bracket 22, but the configuration is not limited to this. As long as electrical insulation is ensured between each fixing bracket 22, a single heat transfer unit 100 may be provided spanning across each fixing bracket 22.

[0056] <9. Cooling Structure of Connector 1> Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cooling structure of the connector according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the connector 1 is cooled by the cooling unit 200. The cooling unit 200 includes a pump 210, a cooling device 220, and cooling piping 230. The pump 210 pumps the coolant. The cooling device 220 cools the coolant flowing through its interior. The cooling piping 230 is a hollow member through which the coolant can flow. The coolant is, for example, water or antifreeze. For example, the cooling piping 230 is made of a metal material with good heat transfer properties or a synthetic resin material with good flexibility. The cooling piping 230 is a rectangular tube. The cooling piping 230, together with the pump 210 and the cooling device 220, forms a circulation path 240 for circulating the coolant. The cooling unit 200 may have components other than the pump 210, the cooling device 220, and the cooling piping 230.

[0057] The cooling pipe 230 is provided as a separate component from the second shield member 12. The cooling pipe 230 has a retained portion 231 that is positioned in the groove 71 of the second shield member 12. For example, the retained portion 231 is the part of the cooling pipe 230 that overlaps with the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 when viewed from the X direction. The retained portion 231 is capable of heat exchange with the second shield member 12. The retained portion 231 is inserted into the groove 71 of the second shield member 12 from the opposite side of the housing 21. The retained portion 231 is held in the second shield member 12 in a state that is substantially impossible to detach from the groove 71 by welding or adhesive. By welding or adhesive so as to fill the gap between the retained portion 231 and the wall surface of the groove 71, the retained portion 231 and the second shield member 12 can be thermally connected, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the second shield member 12 and the cooling pipe 230. However, the retained portion 231 may be fitted into the groove 71 in a manner that allows it to be detached from the groove 71 in the -X direction. The retained portion 231 is positioned in the groove 71 so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the end wall 55a in the -X direction.

[0058] The retained portion 231 comprises an annular portion 232 and a pair of single-wire portions 233 extending from the annular portion 232 in opposite directions. The annular portion 232 extends in an annular shape when viewed from the X direction. In the illustrated example, the annular portion 232 extends in an oval shape with the Y direction as its longitudinal direction. The annular portion 232 is inserted into the annular groove 72 and surrounds the projection 75. The single-wire portions 233 extend from the Y-direction end of the annular portion 232 when viewed from the X direction, in a direction away from the annular portion 232 (outside in the Y direction). The pair of single-wire portions 233 are inserted one-to-one into a pair of pull-in grooves 73. The pair of single-wire portions 233 are pulled out to the outside of the connector 1 through an opening on the outer surface of the side wall 55c of the pull-in groove 73. It is desirable that at least a portion of the retained portion 231 is in contact with the wall surface of the groove 71. For example, the annular portion 232 may be in contact with the wall surface of the annular groove 72 over its entire circumference. The retained portion 231 overlaps the insulating member 102 when viewed from the X direction. In the illustrated example, the annular portion 232 overlaps the insulating member 102 over its entire circumference when viewed from the X direction.

[0059] <10. 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.

[0060] Therefore, the connector 1 of this embodiment comprises a fixing bracket 22 held in the housing 21, a terminal fitting 15 fixed to the fixing bracket 22 with respect to the +X direction from the fixing bracket 22, a second metal shielding member 12 that covers at least a part of the housing 21 with the terminal fitting 15 exposed in the +X direction, and a heat transfer part 100 that thermally connects the fixing bracket 22 and the second shielding member 12 while electrically insulating them from each other. The second shielding member 12 has a groove 71 through which a cooling pipe 230 through which a coolant can flow is arranged.

[0061] In this configuration, the fixing bracket 22 and the second shield member 12 are thermally connected by the heat transfer unit 100, so that the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., is transferred to the second shield member 12 through the fixing bracket 22 and the heat transfer unit 100. This action makes it easier to release the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., to the outside of the connector 1, thereby suppressing deterioration of the connector 1.

[0062] Furthermore, by arranging the cooling pipe 230 in the groove 71 of the second shield member 12, the second shield member 12 can exchange heat with the coolant, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the second shield member 12. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the second shield member 12 does not hold the cooling pipe 230, a larger temperature gradient can be maintained between the second shield member 12 and the terminal fitting 15, and the heat from the terminal fitting 15 can be efficiently transferred to the second shield member 12. Thus, a connector 1 with excellent heat dissipation can be provided.

[0063] Furthermore, by arranging the cooling pipe 230 in the groove 71, compared to a configuration in which the cooling pipe follows a flat portion on the outer surface of the second shield member, a larger area can be secured in the portion of the second shield member 12 facing the cooling pipe 230, thereby promoting heat exchange between the second shield member 12 and the cooling pipe 230. Therefore, the second shield member 12 can be cooled efficiently.

[0064] The groove 71 overlaps the fixing bracket 22 when viewed from the X direction. With this configuration, the cooling pipe 230 is in close proximity to the fixing bracket 22, so a large temperature gradient can be maintained between the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230, and the heat from the fixing bracket 22 can be efficiently transferred to the cooling pipe 230 and released into the coolant.

[0065] Furthermore, the groove 71 overlaps the exposed portion 23 of the fixing bracket 22 via the heat transfer portion 100 when viewed from the X direction. This configuration allows the heat transfer path from the exposed portion 23 through the heat transfer portion 100 to the cooling pipe 230 to be set to the shortest possible distance. As a result, a large temperature gradient can be maintained between the exposed portion 23 and the cooling pipe 230, and the heat from the fixing bracket 22 can be efficiently transferred to the cooling pipe 230 and released into the coolant.

[0066] The groove 71 is provided on the outer surface of the second shield member 12. With this configuration, the cooling pipe 230 is inserted into the groove 71 from the opposite side of the housing 21. Therefore, the cooling pipe 230 can be attached to the connector 1 with the second shield member 12 attached to the housing 21. Also, the cooling pipe 230 can be attached to the connector 1 with the connector 1 connected to the mating connector. Thus, work efficiency can be improved both when assembling the connector 1 and when connecting the connector 1 to the mating connector.

[0067] The fixing bracket 22 has an exposed portion 23 that is exposed in the -X direction from the housing 21. The heat transfer portion 100 is provided between the exposed portion 23 and the second shield member 12. With this configuration, the heat transfer portion 100 and the terminal fitting 15 are directly thermally connected via the fixing bracket 22, so heat is more easily transferred from the terminal fitting 15 to the second shield member 12 compared to, for example, a configuration in which the heat transfer portion and the terminal fitting are thermally connected via the housing. Therefore, the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., can be more easily released to the outside of the connector 1.

[0068] The second shield member 12 has an end wall 55a facing the exposed portion 23 in the X direction. The groove 71 is provided in the end wall 55a. With this configuration, the groove 71 is positioned opposite the exposed portion 23, which shortens the distance of the heat transfer path from the fixing bracket 22 to the cooling pipe 230. Therefore, the heat from the terminal fitting 15 can be efficiently transferred to the cooling pipe 230.

[0069] The second shield member 12 has a contact surface that contacts the heat transfer section 100. The contact surface has a recess 58. The opening edge of the recess 58 is chamfered. With this configuration, the corner of the opening edge of the recess 58 prevents the heat transfer section 100 from lifting away from the second shield member 12. This establishes mutual contact between the heat transfer section 100 and the second shield member 12, and allows heat from the terminal fitting 15 to be efficiently transferred to the second shield member 12 through the heat transfer section 100.

[0070] The groove 71 has an annular groove 72 that extends in an annular shape when viewed from the X direction. The second shield member 12 is surrounded by the annular groove 72 and has a projection 75 that overlaps with the heat transfer section 100 when viewed from the X direction. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the second shield member 12 does not have the projection 75, a larger area can be secured in the portion of the second shield member 12 facing the cooling pipe 230, thereby promoting heat exchange between the second shield member 12 and the cooling pipe 230. Therefore, the second shield member 12 can be cooled efficiently.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Figure 7 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 7, the cross-sectional shape of the cooling pipe and groove differs from that of the first embodiment. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the second shield member 12 has groove 71A and recess 58A instead of groove 71 and recess 58 of the first embodiment.

[0073] The groove 71A is formed on the outer surface of the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 and opens on the opposite side of the fixing bracket 22. The groove 71A is formed by a wall surface that extends in an arc shape in cross-section. In the illustrated example, the groove 71A has a semicircular cross-section. The groove 71A extends in accordance with the shape of the cooling pipe 230A, which will be described later. The groove 71A has an annular groove 72A that extends in an annular shape when viewed from the X direction.

[0074] The recess 58A is provided on the inner surface of the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12, at a location facing the exposed portion 23 of the fixing bracket 22. The recess 58A is formed in the region sandwiched between multiple parts of the groove 71A when viewed from the X direction. In the illustrated example, the recess 58A is formed in the region surrounded by the annular groove 72A when viewed from the X direction.

[0075] The cooling unit 200 includes a cooling pipe 230A instead of the cooling pipe 230 of the first embodiment. The cooling pipe 230A is a cylindrical pipe. The cooling pipe 230A is inserted into the groove 71A of the second shield member 12 from the opposite side of the housing 21. The outer surface of the cooling pipe 230A is cylindrical and follows the wall surface of the groove 71A in a cross-sectional view of the groove 71A. The cooling pipe 230A is held in the second shield member 12 in a state that is substantially impossible to detach from the groove 71A by welding or adhesive. The cooling pipe 230A protrudes from the outer surface of the second shield member 12.

[0076] The insulating member 102 is in contact with the recess 58A of the second shielding member 12. The insulating member 102 extends over the opening edge of the recess 58A and is in contact with the region extending from the recess 58A to the peripheral edge of the opening of the recess 58A. In this embodiment, the insulating member 102 is in contact with the entire recess 58A. The contact of the insulating member 102 with the recess 58A shortens the distance between the insulating member 102 and the groove 71A.

[0077] In this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved. In addition, in this embodiment, since the outer surface of the cooling pipe 230A follows the wall surface of the groove 71A, heat exchange between the second shield member 12 and the cooling pipe 230A can be promoted. Therefore, the second shield member 12 can be cooled efficiently.

[0078] [Third Embodiment] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 3. In the third embodiment shown in Figure 8, the cross-sectional shape of the cooling pipe and groove differs from that of the first embodiment. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8, the second shield member 12 has a groove 71B instead of the groove 71 of the first embodiment. The groove 71B is formed on the inner surface of the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 and opens towards the fixing bracket 22. The groove 71B is formed by a wall surface that extends in an arc shape in cross-section. In the illustrated example, the groove 71B has a semicircular cross-section. The groove 71B extends in accordance with the shape of the cooling pipe 230B, which will be described later. The groove 71B has an annular groove 72B that extends in an annular shape when viewed from the X direction.

[0080] The cooling section 200 includes a cooling pipe 230B instead of the cooling pipe 230 of the first embodiment. The cooling pipe 230B is a cylindrical pipe. The cooling pipe 230B is inserted into the groove 71B of the second shield member 12 from the housing 21 side. The outer surface of the cooling pipe 230B is cylindrical and follows the wall surface of the groove 71B in a cross-sectional view of the groove 71B. The cooling pipe 230B is held in the second shield member 12 in a state that is substantially impossible to detach from the groove 71B by welding or adhesive. The cooling pipe 230B protrudes from the outer surface of the second shield member 12.

[0081] The heat transfer section 100 is thermally connected to the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B while electrically insulating them from each other. The heat transfer section 100 is equipped with an insulating member 102. In this embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 is provided separately for the fixing bracket 22 and the bracket holding section 31. The details of the heat transfer section 100 will be described below using one of the heat transfer sections 100 as an example.

[0082] The insulating member 102 is provided between the housing unit 10 and the second shielding member 12. Specifically, the insulating member 102 is sandwiched between the -X-direction end of the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B in a compressed state in the X direction. The insulating member 102 conforms to the outer shape of the cooling pipe 230B and is in close contact with the outer surface of the cooling pipe 230B. The insulating member 102 is made of a material having electrical insulating properties (for example, a synthetic resin material). Preferably, the insulating member 102 is made of a material with better thermal conductivity than the housing 21. Furthermore, preferably, the insulating member 102 is made of a flexible material with flexibility. By contacting both the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B, the insulating member 102 ensures electrical insulation between the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B, and also thermally connects the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B. In addition, the insulating member 102 may be in contact with the inner surface of the end wall 55a of the second shielding member 12, as well as the cooling pipe 230B.

[0083] The connector 1 of this embodiment includes a heat transfer section 100 that thermally connects the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B. With this configuration, by thermally connecting the fixing bracket 22 and the cooling pipe 230B with the heat transfer section 100, heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., is transferred to the cooling pipe 230B through the fixing bracket 22 and the heat transfer section 100. This action makes it easier to dissipate the heat generated in the terminal fitting 15, etc., to the outside of the connector 1. Therefore, a connector 1 with excellent heat dissipation can be provided.

[0084] Furthermore, the groove 71B is provided on the inner surface of the second shield member 12 that faces the fixing bracket 22. This configuration allows the cooling pipe 230B to be positioned directly facing the heat transfer section 100. Thus, a connector 1 that provides the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

[0085] 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.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 thermally connects each fixing bracket 22 to the second shield member 12 or cooling pipe 230B with a single member (insulating member 102), but the configuration is not limited to this. The heat transfer section 100 only needs to thermally connect the exposed portion 23 of the fixing bracket 22 to the second shield member 12 or cooling pipe 230B. For example, the heat transfer section may have a plurality of members that are superimposed on each other between the exposed portion 23 and the second shield member 12, and at least one of the plurality of members may be made of a material that has electrical insulating properties. In this case, the plurality of members may include members made of a material with excellent electrical conductivity.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 includes an electrically insulating material, and the fixing bracket 22 is connected to the second shielding member 12 or the cooling pipe 230B in an electrically insulated state. However, if the cooling pipe 230B is made of an electrically insulating material, the heat transfer section may be made of a material with excellent electrical conductivity.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the fixing bracket 22 has an exposed portion 23, and the heat transfer portion 100 is composed of an insulating member 102 that contacts the exposed portion 23, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the fixing bracket may not have an exposed portion, the insulating member may be sandwiched between the housing and the second shield member or cooling pipe at a position opposite the fixing bracket with the housing in between, and the heat transfer portion may be composed of the insulating member and the portion of the housing between the insulating member and the fixing bracket. Even in this case, the heat transfer portion composed of the insulating member and the housing is thermally connected while electrically insulating the fixing bracket and the second shield member or cooling pipe, thus achieving the above-mentioned effects.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the heat transfer section 100 is positioned between the end wall 55a of the second shield member 12 and the fixing bracket 22, but the configuration is not limited to this. The heat transfer section may also be positioned between the top wall 55b or side wall 55c of the second shield member 12 and the fixing bracket. Even in these cases, it is desirable that the fixing bracket has an exposed portion facing the second shield member 12 and that the heat transfer section has an insulating member in contact with the exposed portion, but the heat transfer section may also be composed of an insulating member and a housing.

[0090] In the above embodiment, recesses 58, 58A are formed on the contact surface of the second shield member 12 with the heat transfer section 100, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the contact surface of the second shield member 12 with the heat transfer section 100 may be formed flat over its entire surface, or it may have a protrusion in part.

[0091] In the first embodiment described above, the retained portion 231 of the cooling pipe 230 has an annular portion 232, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the retained portion of the cooling pipe may be formed in a single-wire shape along its entire length. Also, in the above embodiment, one cooling pipe 230 is held by the second shield member 12, but multiple cooling pipes may be held by the second shield member. The same applies to the cooling pipes 230A and 230B of the second and third embodiments.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a connector capable of improving heat dissipation can be provided.

[0096] 1...Connector 12...Second shielding member (shielding member) 15...Terminal fitting 21...Housing 22...Fixing fitting 23...Exposed part 71, 71A, 71B...Groove 72, 72A...Annular groove 75...Protrusion 100...Heat transfer part 230...Cooling piping (piping)

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a housing; a fixing bracket held by the housing; a terminal fitting fixed to the fixing bracket so as to protrude from the fixing bracket toward a first side in a first direction; a metal shielding member having a groove that covers at least a portion of the housing and in which at least a portion of a pipe through which coolant can flow is arranged, with the terminal fitting exposed toward the first side in the first direction; and a heat transfer portion that thermally connects the fixing bracket and the shielding member or the pipe.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the groove overlaps the fixing bracket when viewed from the first direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shielding member has a first surface facing the housing or the fixing fitting and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, and the groove is provided on the second surface.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shielding member has a first surface facing the housing or the fixing bracket, and the groove is provided on the first surface.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fixing bracket has an exposed portion exposed from the housing to the second side in the first direction, and the heat transfer portion is provided between the exposed portion and the shielding member.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the groove has an annular groove extending in an annular shape when viewed from the first direction, and the shielding member is surrounded by the annular groove and has a projection that overlaps the heat transfer portion when viewed from the first direction.

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