Charging Connector Terminal with Heat Storage for Temperature Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle charging connectors, high currents required for large power storage devices lead to increased temperatures at terminal connecting portions due to heat generation, necessitating a solution to suppress temperature increases during energization.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal with a metal terminal and a heat storage body integrated into or on the terminal, featuring a holding portion between the terminal and wire connecting portions to absorb generated heat, allowing efficient heat dissipation through the connector housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large current is used for larger capacity power storage devices and shorter charging time, then charging speed and power delivery are improved, but temperature of the connector increases due to heat generation in terminal connecting portions
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage body is extracted as a separate functional component from the terminal structure. It is held in or on the terminal but constitutes a distinct element that can be independently designed and positioned to optimally absorb heat from the terminal connecting portions without interfering with electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage body acts as an intermediary between the terminal connecting portions and the surrounding environment. It absorbs heat generated at the terminal connecting portions and stores it, preventing direct heat transfer to the connector housing and other sensitive components, thereby mediating the thermal interaction in the system.
2Weight of moving object
If terminal and wire thickness are reduced for lighter weight and easier handling, then ease of operation and installation are improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated component: the terminal's electrical connectivity function and the heat storage body's thermal management function. This combination allows thin, lightweight terminals to maintain adequate heat dissipation capability through the integrated heat storage body, which compensates for the reduced thermal mass of thinner conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing a material with high heat storage capacity (such as phase change materials or materials with high specific heat) into the terminal structure. This parameter change enables the terminal to absorb and store heat energy, effectively managing thermal loads even with reduced conductor dimensions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively suppresses temperature increases during energization, enabling the use of thinner, lighter terminals and wires while maintaining efficient heat dissipation, thus reducing the risk of overheating and improving handling of the heat storage material.
Implementation Method 1
a heat storage body held in or on the terminal... the heat storage body is held in or on the holding portion
Implementation Method 2
a temperature of the connector is increased by heat generation in the terminal connecting portions of the connector caused by energization
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a connection terminal and a connector capable of suppressing a temperature increase during energization. A vehicle-side connector 10 includes a vehicle-side terminal 50 made of metal and a heat storage body 60 held in the vehicle-side terminal 50. The vehicle-side terminal 50 includes a terminal connecting portion 51 to be electrically connected to a charger-side terminal 82, a wire connecting portion 54 to be electrically connected to a wire 70 and a holding portion 56 integrally formed to the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54. The heat storage body 60 is held in the holding portion 56.