JP7790604B2 - Wire-attached connector - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a wired connector.

Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal fitting. The terminal fitting described in Patent Document 1 has a sensor attached to its outer surface that detects humidity, vibration, and/or temperature. The sensor is mechanically attached to the outer surface of the terminal fitting by a shrink tube. In this way, the sensor is sandwiched and fixed between the outer surface of the terminal fitting and the shrink tube.

Patent Document 2 also discloses a power supply connector mounted on a vehicle. The connector described in Patent Document 2 has a pair of terminals and a temperature sensor attached to each terminal. The temperature sensors are fixed in close contact with the outer surface of the power line connection portion of the terminals, for example, by heat-shrink tubing.

Special table 2019-500733 publication Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-125341

However, in recent years, there has been a demand for further miniaturization, especially in connectors installed in vehicles. As a result, connectors have been designed to minimize the number of parts attached to them. However, the temperature of the terminal fittings is closely related to the state of the power supply system. Therefore, there has been a need to know the temperature of the terminal fittings.

The objective is to provide a wired connector that can be miniaturized and that can monitor the temperature of the power terminals.

The wired connector of the present disclosure is a wired connector that mates with an external connector and includes: a power terminal having a connection portion to which a terminal of the external connector is connected from one end and a power line connection portion provided on the other end of the connection portion; a power line connected to the power line connection portion of the power terminal; a thermistor attached to the power line and detecting the temperature of the power line; and a housing having an opening through which the external connector is inserted and removed; and a terminal accommodating portion that is positioned inside the opening when viewed from the insertion and removal direction of the external connector and that accommodates the power terminal.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a wired connector that can be miniaturized and that can monitor the temperature of the power terminals.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a wire-attached connector according to a first embodiment and its assembly form. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the wire-attached connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the connector with electric wires. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a terminal-equipped power line in which a power terminal and a power line are integrated. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the process of manufacturing a power line with a terminal.

Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

The wired connector disclosed herein is as follows:

(1) A wired connector that is mounted on a vehicle and mates with an external charging connector of an external power supply device for charging the vehicle's battery, the wired connector having a tubular portion into which a terminal of the external charging connector is inserted from one end and a power line connection portion provided on the other end of the tubular portion, the wired connector comprising: a housing having: a power terminal used to supply power to the battery; a power line connected to the power line connection portion of the power terminal; a thermistor attached to the power line and detecting the temperature of the power line; an opening through which the external charging connector is inserted and removed; and a terminal accommodating portion that is positioned inside the opening when viewed from the insertion and removal direction of the external charging connector and accommodates the power terminal; and a retainer that is attached to the inside of the housing along the insertion and removal direction, holds the power terminal together with the housing, and covers the power terminal and a portion of the power line; the wired connector is in fluid communication from the opening in the housing to the space in the retainer that covers the power line via the terminal accommodating portion, allowing liquid to flow therethrough; and further comprising a waterproofing member that covers the power line connection portion and the thermistor. In this way, by providing a thermistor attached to the power line and a waterproofing member that covers the power line connection portion and thermistor, it is possible to provide a wired connector that can be made smaller and that can monitor the temperature of the power terminals.

(2) In the wired connector of (1), the thermistor may be positioned so as to overlap the retainer in the insertion/removal direction, the inner end of the water-stopping member in the insertion/removal direction may be located inside the retainer, and the power line may have a bent portion inward of the retainer in the insertion/removal direction. This prevents stress such as bending from being placed on the water-stopping member, thereby suppressing deterioration of the water-stopping member.

(3) In the wire-attached connector of (1) or (2), the power terminal may have a retaining portion between the tubular portion and the power line connection portion, and the outer end of the water-stopping member in the insertion/removal direction may be positioned inside the retaining portion in the insertion/removal direction. This ensures that the power terminal is securely fixed between the housing and the retainer.

(4) In any one of the wire-attached connectors (1) to (3), the waterproofing member may be a heat-shrinkable tube. This allows the thermistor to be easily and reliably attached to the power line.

(5) In the wire-attached connector of (4), the heat-shrinkable tube may be attached so as to cover the thermistor, which is temporarily fastened to the power line with a temporary fastening member. This makes it easier to attach the thermistor in a fixed position within the heat-shrinkable tube.

(6) In any one of the wire-connected connectors (1) to (5), the power terminal may be a part formed by pressing a single metal plate. This simplifies the manufacture of the power terminal, enabling cost reductions.

(7) In any one of the wire-equipped connectors (1) to (6), the housing may further have a signal terminal accommodating portion above the terminal accommodating portion that accommodates a signal terminal, and the thermistor may be attached below the power line. This allows the thermistor to be attached to the power line while avoiding interference with components on the signal terminal side.

(8) The wire-equipped connector of any one of (1) to (7) may further include an earth terminal accommodated in an earth terminal accommodating portion of the housing and having a tubular portion and an electric wire connection portion, an earth wire connected to the electric wire connection portion of the earth terminal, and an earth waterproofing member covering the electric wire connection portion and a portion of the earth wire, and the earth terminal may be disposed between the pair of power terminals. This prevents water from getting on the connection portion between the electric wire connection portion and the earth wire between the pair of power terminals.

(9) In any one of the wire-attached connectors (1) to (8), the retainer has an opening through which the power line is drawn out, a wall surrounding the power line, and a drainage section provided in part of the wall. This allows water that has seeped in around the water-stopping member to be smoothly drained through the drainage section formed in part of the wall.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the wired connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, a wire-equipped connector according to a first embodiment will be described.

<About the vehicle>
First, a vehicle in which a wired connector is mounted will be described.

The vehicle on which the wired connector is mounted is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery and a motor. The vehicle travels by driving the motor with power from the battery. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle equipped only with a motor as a drive source, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with a motor and an engine. The vehicle's battery is charged with power supplied from an external power source. The wired connector is used to charge the vehicle's battery. The wired connector is matable with the external charging connector 200 (see Figure 4). This electrically connects the wired connector and the external charging connector 200. The external charging connector 200 is a connector for a charging cable extending from a power supply device outside the vehicle. Note that, throughout this specification, "inside" refers to the inside of the vehicle in the insertion/removal direction of the external charging connector 200, and "outside" refers to the outside of the vehicle in the insertion/removal direction of the external charging connector 200.

Generally, vehicle battery charging methods include normal charging and rapid charging. Rapid charging allows for charging in a shorter time than normal charging by passing a larger current than normal charging. For normal charging, a household power source or an equivalent external power source is expected to be used. For rapid charging, a dedicated power source, such as a charging station, is expected to be used. The following describes wired connectors that are compatible with normal charging. Unless inconsistent, the following descriptions of wired connectors can also be applied to wired connectors that are compatible with rapid charging.

<Wired connectors in vehicles>
The manner in which a wired connector is assembled in a vehicle will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a wired connector 10 according to a first embodiment and its assembled manner.

The wired connector 10 is attached to a mounting portion 100 provided on the outer surface of the body of a vehicle, for example. Figure 1 shows an example of the mounting portion 100. The mounting portion 100 is formed, for example, in a recessed shape where part of a panel constituting the body is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle. A through-hole 104 is formed in the bottom panel 102 of the mounting portion 100.

A connection portion for connecting with the external charging connector 200 is provided on the front side of the wired connector 10. The connection portion includes a portion into which the external charging connector 200 is inserted for electrical connection. A portion of the wired connector 10, including the connection portion, passes through the through-hole 104 and is exposed to the outside of the panel 102. Another portion of the wired connector 10 is positioned further inside the vehicle than the panel 102. The mounting portion 100 may be provided with an openable and closable vehicle body cover. When the vehicle body cover is closed, it covers the opening of the panel 102. When the vehicle body cover is open, the wired connector 10 is exposed, allowing access to the wired connector 10 from the outside. When the external charging connector 200 is mated and connected to the wired connector 10, the battery 230 installed in the vehicle is charged.

1, of the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, the X direction is defined as the direction parallel to the direction in which the wired connector 10 passes through the through-hole 104 in the panel 102. The wired connector 10 and the external charging connector 200 are connected in the X direction. That is, the X direction is the insertion/removal direction of the external charging connector 200. The Y direction is the direction in which a pair of power terminals 20P (see FIGS. 2 to 6), which will be described later, are aligned. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. For example, if the wired connector 10 is provided on the side of a vehicle, the X direction may be the width direction of the vehicle, the Y direction may be the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction may be the vertical direction. Furthermore, for example, if the wired connector 10 is provided on the front or rear of the vehicle, the X direction may be the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the Y direction may be the width direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction may be the vertical direction.

<Overall structure>
The overall configuration of the wire-equipped connector 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 6 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a rear view showing the wire-equipped connector 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the wire-equipped connector 10. Note that in Figs. 1 and 2, the grommet 80, which is an exterior member, is drawn with imaginary lines. Also, the wire 30 is omitted in Fig. 6.

The wire-equipped connector 10 comprises a terminal 20, a wire 30, a thermistor unit 40, a housing 50, a retainer 60, a lid 70, and a grommet 80.

<Terminal>
The terminals 20 are accommodated in the housing 50. The terminals 20 are connected to terminals 210 of the external charging connector 200. The number and type of terminals 20 are set appropriately depending on the standards of the wired connector 10, etc. In this embodiment, the terminals 20 include two power terminals 20P, one earth terminal 20E, and two signal terminals 20S. The power terminals 20P are used to supply power to the battery 230. The earth terminal 20E is used for grounding. The signal terminals 20S are used, for example, to control charging. The earth terminal 20E is disposed between the pair of power terminals 20P.

9 and 10 , each terminal 20 has a tubular portion 21, a wire connection portion 22, and a protrusion 24 serving as a retaining portion. The tubular portion 21 is electrically connected to a terminal 210 of the external charging connector 200. The terminal 210 of the external charging connector 200 is inserted from one end of the tubular portion 21. The wire connection portion 22 is provided on the other end of the tubular portion 21. The wire 30 corresponding to each terminal 20 is connected to the wire connection portion 22. Here, the wire connection portion 22 is a crimping portion having a crimping piece 22a. In each terminal 20, the crimping piece 22a is crimped to the end of the corresponding wire 30. The protrusion 24 is provided in the middle of each terminal 20. The protrusion 24 is located between the tubular portion 21 and the wire connection portion 22. The protrusion 24 is held down by the retainer 60. Therefore, the protrusion 24 serves as a retaining portion. The protrusion 24 protrudes from the connecting portion 23, which connects the tubular portion 21 and the wire connection portion 22, in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting portion 23. The protrusion 24 has a first protrusion 24a that protrudes in the Y direction from the connecting portion 23, and a second protrusion 24b that protrudes in the Z direction from the tip of the first protrusion 24a (see Figures 7 and 8). Each terminal 20 is a component formed by pressing (bending) a flat metal plate.

As shown in Figures 2 and 6, multiple types of terminals 20 with different sizes are used as the multiple terminals 20. In this example, the power terminals 20P are larger in the radial direction and insertion/removal direction than the signal terminals 20S. The wire connection portion 22 of the power terminal 20P is the power line connection portion. The ground terminal 20E is the same size as the power terminal 20P.

<Electric wire>
One end of each electric wire 30 is connected to the terminal 20. The other end of each electric wire 30 extends from the grommet 80 to the outside. When the wire-equipped connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle, the other end of each electric wire 30 is connected to another device mounted on the vehicle. Such device is appropriately set depending on the type of the electric wires 30, and is assumed to be, for example, a battery 230 or an electronic control unit (ECU). The number and type of the electric wires 30 correspond to the number and type of the terminals 20. In this embodiment, two power lines 30P, one earth line 30E, and two signal lines 30S are provided as the electric wires 30. One end of the power line 30P is connected to the power terminal 20P. The other end of the power line 30P is connected to, for example, the vehicle battery 230. The vehicle battery 230 and an external power supply device are connected via the power terminal 20P and the power lines 30P. One end of the ground wire 30E is connected to the ground terminal 20E. The other end of the ground wire 30E is connected to, for example, a ground of the vehicle. One end of the signal wire 30S is connected to the signal terminal 20S. The other end of the signal wire 30S is connected to, for example, an ECU of the vehicle. For example, the ECU of the vehicle and an external power supply device are communicatively connected via the signal terminal 20S and the signal wire 30S.

Each electric wire 30 is a coated electric wire. The coated electric wire has a core wire 31 and a coating 32 that covers the core wire 31. The core wire 31 is formed, for example, by twisting together multiple metal wires. The core wire 31 may also be a single-core wire. The coating 32 is formed, for example, by extruding an insulating resin around the core wire 31. The multiple electric wires 30 are made of multiple types of electric wires 30 that differ in thickness. In this example, the power wire 30P is thicker than the signal wire 30S. The earth wire 30E has the same thickness as the power wire 30P.

One end of the electric wire 30 is inserted into the retainer 60. The other end of the electric wire 30 extends from the retainer 60, is bent within the grommet 80, and is directed toward the electric wire outlet 84 of the grommet 80, as shown in FIG. 1. Multiple electric wires 30 extend together from one electric wire outlet 84 to the outside of the grommet 80.

<Thermistor unit>
The thermistor unit 40 measures the temperature of the power circuit. By using the thermistor unit 40 to monitor the temperature of the power circuit, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the power circuit from becoming too high. The thermistor unit 40 has a thermistor 42 and a thermistor wire 44 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In this example, a thermistor 42 is attached to each of a pair of power lines 30P, and the temperature of each of the pair of power lines 30P is measured.

Due to the overall need for miniaturization of the housing 50, the power terminal accommodating portion 53P, described below, is preferably formed large enough to accommodate the power terminal 20P. Therefore, it may be difficult to secure space in the power terminal accommodating portion 53P to accommodate components such as the thermistor 42 in addition to the power terminal 20P. However, because a large current flows through the power terminal 20P, temperature management is important. For this reason, the thermistor 42 is not directly attached to the power terminal 20P, but is attached to the power line 30P located close to the power terminal 20P. In this way, the temperature of the power line 30P located close to the power terminal 20P is detected, allowing the heat generation state of the power terminal 20P to be understood. Note that the "close position" refers to a portion of the power line 30P located within the retainer 60 in the insertion/removal direction, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7. In other words, the thermistor 42 is located so that it overlaps with the retainer 60 in the insertion/removal direction. Preferably, the thermistor 42 is located in a portion of the power line 30P arranged inside the retainer 60 that is forward of the center in the insertion/removal direction.

Furthermore, when the thermistor 42 is attached to the power terminal 20P, water that flows in through the opening 51A must be drained away from the thermistor 42. However, when the thermistor 42 is not directly attached to the power terminal 20P, the drainage area for water that flows in through the opening 51A increases by the area of the thermistor 42. Therefore, when the thermistor 42 is not directly attached to the power terminal 20P, it is possible to simultaneously reduce the size of the housing 50 and improve drainage performance.

One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to the thermistor 42. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends outward from the grommet 80, similar to the other end of the wire 30. When the wired connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle, the other end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to, for example, an ECU. The thermistor wire 44 is thinner than the power wire 30P.

The thermistor 42 is positioned so that it overlaps with the retainer 60 in the X direction. In other words, as shown in Figure 4, the thermistor 42 is positioned so that it is covered by the retainer 60 in a side view.

<Housing>
Housing 50 holds terminal 20 in a predetermined position (a position where terminal 20 can be connected to terminal 210 of external charging connector 200). Housing 50 includes a housing main body 51 and a vehicle attachment portion 58.

The terminals 20 are accommodated in the housing main body 51. The housing main body 51 has an outer frame portion 52 and multiple terminal accommodating portions 53. Each of the multiple terminal accommodating portions 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating a corresponding terminal 20. The outer frame portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the multiple terminal accommodating portions 53. At the middle of the terminal accommodating portions 53, the multiple terminal accommodating portions 53 and the outer frame portion 52 are connected by a flat connecting portion. An opening 51A through which the external charging connector 200 is inserted and removed is formed in a portion of the outer frame portion 52 that faces the outside of the vehicle beyond the connecting portion (see FIG. 3). The terminal accommodating portion 53 is located inside the opening 51A when viewed along the insertion and removal direction of the external charging connector 200. A lid 70 is attached to the front of the housing main body 51. A retainer 60 is attached to the rear of the housing main body 51.

The terminal housing 53 has a power terminal housing 53P, an earth terminal housing 53E, and a signal terminal housing 53S. The signal terminal housing 53S is located above the power terminal housing 53P and the earth terminal housing 53E. A power terminal 20P is housed in the power terminal housing 53P. A ground terminal 20E is housed in the earth terminal housing 53E. A signal terminal 20S is housed in the signal terminal housing 53S.

The vehicle mounting portion 58 is used to mount the wired connector 10 to the mounting portion 100. The vehicle mounting portion 58 is formed in the middle of the housing main body 51 as a plate that protrudes around the periphery of the outer frame portion 52. The vehicle mounting portion 58 is attached to the mounting portion 100, for example, with screws.

<Retainer>
The retainer 60 is attached to the inside of the housing 50 (the side opposite the opening 51A) along the X direction. The retainer 60 prevents the terminal 20 from coming out of the housing 50. The retainer 60 holds the terminal 20 together with the housing 50. The retainer 60 covers the terminal 20 and a portion of the wire 30. The retainer 60 has a terminal pressing portion 61.

The terminal retaining portion 61 presses the rear of the terminal 20 housed in the housing 50. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal retaining portion 61E presses the rear of the ground terminal 20E, and as shown in Figure 4, the terminal retaining portion 61P presses the rear of the power terminal 20P. This prevents the terminal 20 from slipping out rearward from the housing 50. The terminal retaining portion 61 includes a rear cover portion 62 and multiple protruding tubular portions 63.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear cover portion 62 covers the rear opening of the outer frame portion 52. The rear cover portion 62 has multiple through holes formed in positions corresponding to the terminal accommodating portions 53. Each electric wire 30 passes through each through hole.

The multiple protruding tubular portions 63 protrude forward (toward the housing 50) from the rear cover portion 62. The multiple protruding tubular portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to each terminal accommodating portion 53. Each protruding tubular portion 63 communicates with a corresponding through-hole. The tip of each protruding tubular portion 63 is inserted into the corresponding terminal accommodating portion 53, pressing down on the corresponding protruding portion 24 from behind. The peripheral surface of the protruding tubular portion 63 forms a wall that surrounds each electric wire 30.

The protruding tubular portion 63 corresponding to the power terminal 20P and the protruding tubular portion 63 corresponding to the ground terminal 20E protrude rearward from the rear cover portion 62 in the X direction. The positions of the ends of the power line 30P and the ground line 30E are regulated via these protruding tubular portions 63. The power line 30P is pulled out from the rear opening 64a of the protruding tubular portion 63 corresponding to the power terminal 20P.

A drainage section 65 is provided on the wall of the protruding tubular section 63 corresponding to the power terminal. The drainage section 65 opens in a direction that intersects with the opening. In this example, the drainage section 65 is formed so that it opens to the side at a position lower than the center of the power terminal 20P. The diameter of the drainage section 65 is the same as or larger than the diameter of the power line 30P.

Drainage sections 65 are provided for each of the two power terminals 20P. The two drainage sections 65 are formed in directions that move away from each other and in the direction that follows the alignment of the pair of power terminals 20P.

<Lid>
Lid 70 is attached to housing 50 so as to be able to open and close. When lid 70 is open, opening 51A is exposed. This allows external charging connector 200 to be inserted into opening 51A. When lid 70 is closed, opening 51A is closed.

<Grommet>
The grommet 80 collectively covers the retainer 60 and the terminals 20 from the opposite side of the opening 51A of the housing 50. The grommet 80 covers the rear end of the housing main body 51 and the retainer 60. The grommet 80 is an elastic member. The grommet 80 is made of an elastomer such as EPDM. The grommet 80 is a molded product formed, for example, using a mold. The grommet 80 is an example of a grommet 80 as an exterior member that collectively covers the retainer 60 and the terminals 20. The exterior member does not need to be an elastic member and may be made of a hard resin, metal, or the like. In other words, the exterior member may be a protector or a grommet.

The grommet 80 is formed with a housing outlet 81, a drain outlet 83, and an electric wire outlet 84. The housing outlet 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The housing outlet 81 covers the rear end of the housing 50. The front end of the housing main body 51 extends to the outside of the grommet 80 through the housing outlet 81. The drain outlet 83 is an opening for draining water that has entered the inside of the wired connector 10 to the outside. It is expected that such water may enter from the front end of the housing main body 51 when the lid 70 is open, for example. The drain outlet 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction. The other end of the electric wire 30 extends to the outside of the grommet 80 through the electric wire outlet 84. In this example, there is one electric wire outlet 84, through which the power line 30P, signal line 30S, earth wire 30E, and thermistor wire 44 are all passed. Multiple wire outlets 84 may be provided, and multiple wires 30 may be routed through the multiple wire outlets 84.

Here, the insertion/removal direction, the direction in which the wire outlet 84 opens, and the direction in which the drain outlet 83 opens intersect with one another. Here, the insertion/removal direction is the X direction. The direction in which the wire outlet 84 opens is the Y direction. The direction in which the drain outlet 83 opens is the Z direction. The insertion/removal direction, the direction in which the wire outlet 84 opens, and the direction in which the drain outlet 83 opens are perpendicular to one another, but may intersect at an angle other than perpendicular.

<Wire with terminal>
The terminals 20 and the electric wires 30 are electrically connected to each other and fixed together by crimping or the like during the manufacturing process of the wired connector 10. Such an integrated electric wire 30 and terminal 20 is sometimes called a terminal-attached electric wire. In this example, an electric wire with a terminal (a terminal-attached power wire) in which a power line 30P and a power terminal 20P are integrated, an electric wire with a terminal in which a signal line 30S and a signal terminal 20S are integrated, and an electric wire with a terminal in which a ground wire 30E and a ground terminal 20E are integrated are provided.

An example of a terminal-equipped electric wire will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a plan view showing a terminal-equipped power wire 34P in which a power terminal 20P and a power wire 30P are integrated. Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the manufacturing process of the terminal-equipped power wire 34P.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a terminal-equipped power line 34P may be provided with a water-stopping member 36. The water-stopping member 36 covers the connection between the power terminal 20P and the power line 30P. For example, the water-stopping member 36 covers the portion of the power terminal 20P forward of the connection to the power line 30P, up to the portion of the power line 30P where the sheath 32 is located. More specifically, the water-stopping member 36 covers the core wire 31 at the end of the power line 30P from above the thermistor 42 attached to the power line 30P. This prevents water from getting on the core wire 31 and thermistor 42, which form the connection between the power line 30P and the power terminal 20P. Furthermore, since water is not getting on the core wire 31, water penetration into the sheath 32 is suppressed. Here, the water-stopping member 36 is a shrinkable tube. Note that the water-stopping member 36 may also be an elastic rubber tube or a resin such as an adhesive.

The shrink tube 36 serving as the water-stopping member 36 is, for example, a heat-shrinkable tube that shrinks when heated. The shrink tube 36 is placed over the terminal-attached power line 34P in its large-diameter state before being heated. When the shrink tube 36 is then heated and shrunk, it conforms to the shape of the connection, thereby adhering closely to the connection. For example, before heating, the tip of the shrink tube 36 may fit into a recess formed in the first protruding piece 24a of the protrusion 24 and be positioned by abutting against the first protruding piece 24a. After shrinking, the tip of the shrink tube 36 may remain fitted into the recess formed in the first protruding piece 24a of the protrusion 24. After shrinking, the tip of the shrink tube 36 may slip rearward beyond the recess. Using a heat-shrinkable tube 36 as the water-stopping member 36 is believed to reduce the number of parts compared to using other water-stopping structures. Furthermore, using a heat-shrinkable tube 36 as the water-stopping member 36 also facilitates attachment of the thermistor 42 to the power line 30P.

For example, a hot melt adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the shrink tube 36. This allows the hot melt adhesive to fill the gap between the shrink tube 36 and the terminal 20, and the gap between the shrink tube 36 and the power line 30P, improving the waterproofing properties of the shrink tube 36. The hot melt adhesive does not have to be applied to the inner surface of the shrink tube 36. In the terminal-equipped power line 34P, the shrink tube 36 may not be applied to the connection portion between the power line 30P and the power terminal 20P, and the connection portion may be exposed.

The thermistor 42 is located on the outer periphery of the coating 32, away from (e.g., slightly away from) the connection between the power line 30P and the power terminal 20P. The thermistor 42 is also located inside the shrink tube 36 along with the power line 30P. One end of the thermistor wire 44, which is connected to the thermistor 42, is located inside the shrink tube 36. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends out from the end of the shrink tube 36. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends out of the grommet 80 together with the power line 30P, ground wire 30E, and signal wire 30S. The wire connection portion 22 of the power terminal 20P and the thermistor 42 are located on the drainage path A3, which will be described later.

The thermistor 42 may be positioned on the sheath 32 using a temporary fastening member such as adhesive tape 46 before the shrink tube 36 is attached. This increases the accuracy of the positional relationship of the thermistor 42 with respect to the terminal-equipped power line 34P. In this case, the temporary fastening member such as adhesive tape 46 is also located inside the shrink tube 36. In other words, the shrink tube 36 is attached so as to cover the thermistor 42, which has been temporarily fastened to the sheath 32 with a temporary fastening member such as adhesive tape 46. For example, with the thermistor 42 positioned so as to contact the outer surface of the power line 30P, adhesive tape 56 is wrapped around the power line 30P and thermistor 42. The adhesive tape 56 need only be wrapped enough to hold the thermistor 42 in a fixed position relative to the power line 30P; it is not necessary for the adhesive tape 56 to cover the entire periphery of the thermistor 42. It is preferable for the shrink tube 36 to cover the entire adhesive tape 56.

The shrink tube 36 may also be provided on the terminal-attached electric wire 34E, in which the ground terminal 20E and the ground wire 30E are integrated, and on the terminal-attached electric wire 34S, in which the signal terminal 20S and the signal wire 30S are integrated. In this case, the shrink tube 36 covers the wire connection portion 22 of the ground terminal 20E and a portion of the ground wire 30E (the core wire 31E portion). The shrink tube 36 also covers the wire connection portion 22 of the signal terminal 20S and a portion of the signal wire 30S (the core wire 31S portion). This prevents water from getting on the connection portion between the wire connection portion 22 and the ground wire 30E or the signal wire 30S. In Figures 3 and 5, the heat-shrink tube covering the wire connection portion 22 of the ground terminal 20E and a portion of the ground wire 30E (the core wire 31E portion and the end of the coating) is indicated by a two-dot chain line. This heat-shrink tube is the grounding water-stopping member 38.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the power line 30P has a bent portion 33 in the X direction, which is more inward (of the vehicle) than the retainer 60. This prevents stress such as bending from being placed on the water-stopping member 36, which is expected to prevent deterioration of the water-stopping member 36. From another perspective, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner end 36I in the X direction of the shrink tube 36 is located inside the retainer 60. This prevents the bent portion 33 of the power line 30P from being covered by the water-stopping member 36, which prevents stress such as bending from being placed on the water-stopping member 36.

<Drainage route>
In the wired connector 10, a liquid such as water (hereinafter referred to as water) is allowed to flow from the opening 51A in the housing 50 to the internal space of the grommet 80. Water that has entered through the opening 51A flows toward the outside of the grommet 80 along a drainage path in the wired connector 10. The drainage path in the wired connector 10 will be described in more detail. Arrows A1, A2, A3, and A4 in Figures 3 to 5 indicate some of the drainage paths in the wired connector 10.

The drainage path A1 shown in Figure 3 is a drainage path that passes through the drainage hole 51h formed below the opening 51A of the housing 50. The drainage path A1 is a drainage path that does not pass through the terminal accommodating portion 53. Water that seeps in through the drainage hole 51h of the housing 50 passes through the lower passage of the terminal accommodating portion 53 and the drainage hole 62h of the retainer 60, and is discharged from the drainage port 83 of the grommet 80.

The drainage path A2 shown in Figures 3 and 5 is a drainage path that passes through the ground terminal housing 53E. In the drainage path A2, water flows downward from the opening in the retainer 60 connected to the rear of the ground terminal housing 53E. It is then discharged from the drainage opening 83 in the grommet 80.

Drainage path A3 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a drainage path that passes through the power terminal accommodating portion 53P. In drainage path A3, like drainage path A2, water flows downward from the opening in the retainer 60 connected to the rear of the power terminal accommodating portion 53P. It then passes through the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the grommet 80 and is discharged from the drainage port 83 of the grommet 80.

The drainage path A4 shown in Figure 5 is a drainage path that passes through the power terminal accommodating portion 53P and is separate from the drainage path A3. In the drainage path A4, water flows sideways from the drainage portion 65 of the power terminal pressing portion 61P and is discharged from the drainage opening 83 of the grommet 80.

The drainage path via the power terminal accommodating portion 53P allows water to flow along any path between drainage path A3 and drainage path A4. In the wired connector 10, water is able to flow through the terminal accommodating portion 53 from the opening 51A in the housing 50 to the space in the retainer 60 that covers the power line 30P. Water that seeps in through the opening 51A flows toward the outside of the grommet 80 along drainage path A3, drainage path A4, or any drainage path between them.

The drainage path via the signal terminal housing portion 53S is not shown, but is essentially the same as drainage paths A2 and A3. In other words, water flows downward from the rear opening in the signal terminal retaining portion 61S. It then passes through the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the grommet 80 and is discharged from the drainage port 83 of the grommet 80.

<Effects, etc.>
The wired connector 10 configured as described above includes the thermistor 42 attached to the power line 30P and the waterproofing member 36 that covers the wire connection portion 22 and the thermistor 42, making it possible to provide a wired connector 10 that can be miniaturized and that can monitor the temperature of the power terminals 20P. In other words, since there is no need to secure space in the power terminal accommodating portion 53P to accommodate the thermistor 42, the wired connector 10 can be miniaturized, particularly when viewed from the front. Furthermore, there is no need to use a rubber stopper or the like to waterproof the gap between the housing 50 and the power terminals 20P, which increases design flexibility.

The thermistor 42 is positioned so that it overlaps the retainer 60 in the X direction, and the inner end 36I of the water-stopping member 36 in the X direction is located inside the retainer 60. The power line 30P may also have a bent portion 33 inward of the retainer 60 in the X direction. This prevents stress such as bending from being placed on the water-stopping member 36, thereby suppressing deterioration of the water-stopping member 36.

The power terminal 20P has a protrusion 24 between the tubular portion 21 and the wire connection portion 22 as a retaining portion. This ensures that the power terminal 20P is securely fixed between the housing 50 and the retainer 60.

The waterproofing member 36 may be a heat-shrinkable tube. This allows the thermistor 42 to be attached to the power line 30P simply and reliably.

The heat-shrinkable tube serving as the waterproofing member 36 may be attached so as to cover the thermistor 42, which is temporarily secured to the power line 30P with a temporary securing member such as adhesive tape 46. This makes it easier to secure the thermistor 42 in a fixed position within the heat-shrinkable tube.

The power terminal 20P may be a pressed part made from a single metal plate. This simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs compared to machined or die-cast power terminals. When the power terminal 20P is a pressed part, covering the wire connection portion 22 and thermistor 42 with a waterproofing member 36 is particularly effective for the following reason. When the power terminal 20P is a pressed part, it may be difficult to achieve a waterproof structure for the inside and outside of the housing 50 using a rubber ring or similar. Therefore, by covering the wire connection portion 22 and thermistor 42 with the waterproofing member 36, even if water reaches the inside of the housing 50, it passes through the outside of the waterproofing member 36. This allows waterproofing measures to be implemented for the wire connection portion 22 and thermistor 42, even when the power terminal 20P is a pressed part. The power terminal 20P does not necessarily have to be a pressed part; for example, it may be formed by cutting a metal bar.

The housing 50 further includes a signal terminal accommodating portion 53S above the terminal accommodating portion 53, which accommodates the signal terminal 20S. The thermistor 42 may also be attached below the power line 30P. This ensures sufficient space for the thermistor 42 attached to the power line 30P, while avoiding interference with the signal line 30S extending from the signal terminal 20S.

The device further includes an earth terminal 20E accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 53 of the housing 50 and having a tubular portion 21 and an electric wire connection portion 22, and an earth waterproofing member 38 covering the electric wire connection portion 22 and a portion of the earth wire 30E. The earth terminal 20E may also be positioned between a pair of power terminals 20P. This prevents water from getting into the connection portion between the electric wire connection portion 22 and the earth wire 30E.

The retainer 60 has a drainage section 65 provided in part of the wall surrounding the power line 30P, which improves the drainage of water that has entered the terminal accommodating section 53.

The configurations described in the above embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Connector with electric wire 20 Terminal 20E Earth terminal 20P Power terminal 20S Signal terminal 21 Cylinder portion 22 Electric wire connection portion 22a Crimping piece 23 Connecting portion 24 Protrusion 24a First protrusion piece 24b Second protrusion piece 30 Electric wire 30E Earth wire 30O Electric wire 30P Power line 30S Signal line 31 Core wire 32 Covering 33 Bent portion 34E Electric wire with terminal 34P Power wire with terminal 34S Electric wire with terminal 36 Shrinkable tube, water-stopping member 36I Inner end portion 38 Water-stopping member for earthing 40 Thermistor unit 42 Thermistor 44 Electric wire for thermistor 46 Adhesive tape 50 Housing 51 Housing body 51A Opening 51h Drain hole 52 Outer frame portion 53 Terminal accommodating portion 53E Ground terminal accommodating portion 53P Power terminal accommodating portion 53S Signal terminal accommodating portion 56 Adhesive tape 58 Vehicle mounting portion 60 Retainer 61 Terminal pressing portion 61P Power terminal pressing portion 61S Signal terminal pressing portion 62 Rear cover portion 62h Water drain hole 63 Protruding tube portion 64a Opening 65 Drainage portion 70 Lid 80 Grommet 81 Housing outlet 83 Drainage hole 84 Electric wire outlet 100 Mounting portion 102 Panel 104 Through hole 200 External charging connector 210 Terminal 230 Battery A1, A2, A3, A4 Drainage path

Claims (10)

A wired connector that mates with an external connector,
a power terminal having a connection portion to which a terminal of the external connector is connected from one end side and a power line connection portion provided on the other end side of the connection portion;
a power line connected to the power line connection portion of the power terminal;
a thermistor attached to the power line for detecting a temperature of the power line;
a housing having an opening for inserting and removing the external connector, and a terminal accommodating portion that is disposed inside the opening when viewed from the inserting and removing direction of the external connector and that accommodates the power terminal;
A wire-attached connector comprising: The wired connector according to claim 1,
The connecting portion is a cylindrical portion into which a terminal of the external connector is inserted. The connector with electric wire according to claim 1 or 2,
The wire-attached connector further includes a waterproofing member that covers the power line connection portion and the thermistor. The connector with electric wire according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The wired connector further includes a retainer attached to the inside of the housing along the insertion/removal direction, holding the power terminal together with the housing, and covering the power terminal and a portion of the power line. The connector with electric wire according to claim 4,
The wire-attached connector has fluid communication from the opening in the housing to the space in the retainer that covers the power lines via the terminal accommodating portion. The connector with electric wire according to claim 3,
a retainer attached to the inside of the housing along the insertion/removal direction, holding the power terminal together with the housing, and covering the power terminal and a portion of the power line;
the thermistor is disposed at a position overlapping the retainer in the insertion/removal direction,
an inner end portion of the water-stopping member in the insertion/removal direction is located inside the retainer,
The power line has a bent portion inward from the retainer in the insertion/removal direction. The connector with electric wire according to claim 3,
the power terminal has a retaining portion between the connection portion and the power line connection portion,
An outer end of the water-stopping member in the insertion/removal direction is positioned more inward than the retaining portion in the insertion/removal direction. The connector with electric wire according to claim 3 or claim 7,
The connector with electric wire, wherein the waterproofing member is a heat-shrinkable tube. The wired connector according to claim 8,
The heat shrinkable tube is attached to the wire-attached connector so as to cover the thermistor that is temporarily fixed to the power line by a temporary fixing member. The connector with electric wire according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The housing further includes a signal terminal accommodating portion above the terminal accommodating portion for accommodating a signal terminal,
The thermistor is mounted below the power line.