JP2022075413A - Cable with connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cable with connector in which a connected portion between terminals that becomes high temperature can be cooled.SOLUTION: A cable with connector used in charging/discharging to an electric vehicle comprises: a plug connector; a cable which is connected to the plug connector; and a case which covers a connection part between the plug connector and the cable. The plug connector comprises: a first terminal which is connected to a second terminal provided in the electric vehicle; and a housing which stores the first terminal. The connection part comprises: a connection member which connects the first terminal to a conductor of the cable; and a heat radiation member which is arranged on the outer side of the housing and on the outer periphery of the connection member. The case includes an exhaust port which communicates with the inside and outside of the case. The case also includes an air supply port arranged so as to face the heat radiation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to cables with connectors.

Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. The charging device includes a charging cable. The charging cable includes an electric cable, a charging connector, and a handle portion. The electric cable supplies charging power. The charging connector is provided at the tip of the electric cable and is connected to the inlet of the electric vehicle. The handle portion is provided so as to surround the charging connector in a cylindrical shape, and is used for inserting and removing the charging connector from the inlet. An annular passage is formed between the charging connector and the handle. Outside air is introduced into the circular passage. The handle is cooled by the introduction of outside air into the annular passage.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-187141

When a cable with a connector is connected to an inlet of an electric vehicle to charge or discharge the battery, the connection point between the terminal provided on the electric vehicle and the terminal provided on the cable with the connector becomes a high temperature point due to heat generation. In a cable with a connector, it is required to cool the high temperature part. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is room for further improvement in cooling of the high temperature portion.

One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to provide a cable with a connector capable of cooling a connection point between terminals having a high temperature.

The cables with connectors of this disclosure are
A cable with a connector used for charging and discharging electric vehicles.
With a plug connector,
The cable connected to the plug connector and
A case for covering the connection portion between the plug connector and the cable is provided.
The plug connector is
The first terminal connected to the second terminal provided in the electric vehicle and the first terminal
A housing for accommodating the first terminal is provided.
The connection part is
A connecting member that connects the first terminal and the conductor of the cable,
A heat radiating member arranged on the outer periphery of the connecting member and outside the housing is provided.
The case is provided with an exhaust port that communicates with the inside and outside of the case.
The case is provided with an air supply port arranged so as to face the heat radiation member.

The cable with a connector of the present disclosure can cool the connection points between terminals that become hot.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a cable with a connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the cable with a connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connection portion between the plug connector and the cable in the cable with a connector of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a heat conduction path in the cable with a connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the cable in the cable with a connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the position of the cooling device in the cable with a connector of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shielding structure in the cable with a connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shielding structure in the cable with a connector according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shielding structure in the cable with a connector according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

(1) The cable with a connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is
A cable with a connector used for charging and discharging electric vehicles.
With a plug connector,
The cable connected to the plug connector and
A case for covering the connection portion between the plug connector and the cable is provided.
The plug connector is
The first terminal connected to the second terminal provided in the electric vehicle and the first terminal
A housing for accommodating the first terminal is provided.
The connection part is
A connecting member that connects the first terminal and the conductor of the cable,
A heat radiating member arranged on the outer periphery of the connecting member and outside the housing is provided.
The case is provided with an exhaust port that communicates with the inside and outside of the case.
The case is provided with an air supply port arranged so as to face the heat radiation member.

The cable with a connector of the present disclosure can efficiently cool the contact point between the first terminal and the second terminal, which become hot, and the vicinity thereof when the cable is connected to the inlet of an electric vehicle to charge or discharge. Hereinafter, the contact point between the first terminal and the second terminal and the vicinity thereof are referred to as a high temperature point. The cable with a connector can release heat from the high temperature portion to the outside of the housing via a connecting member and a heat radiating member. The cable with a connector is provided with a supply port facing the heat radiating member, so that the heat released from the heat radiating member can be immediately air-cooled. Since the case is provided with an exhaust port, the air heated to a high temperature due to heat is discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the case. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot air from accumulating in the case. From the above, the cable with a connector can efficiently cool the high temperature portion by transferring heat from the high temperature portion to the heat radiating member and air-cooling the radiating member.

(2) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure,
The connecting member includes a first heat transfer member and a second heat transfer member.
The first heat transfer member has a first end portion thermally connected to the first terminal and a second end portion thermally connected to the second heat transfer member.
The second heat transfer member is provided so as to connect the first terminal and the conductor.
The thermal conductivity of the first heat transfer member may be superior to the thermal conductivity of the first terminal.

In the above embodiment, by providing the first heat transfer member having higher thermal conductivity than the first terminal, the heat of the high temperature portion can be efficiently transferred to the heat dissipation member side. In the above embodiment, the first heat transfer member and the second heat transfer member are individually provided as the connecting member, so that the connecting portion can be easily configured.

(3) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure in which the connecting member includes a first heat transfer member and a second heat transfer member.
The first heat transfer member includes a heat pipe and has a heat transfer member.
The first end portion comprises an evaporation portion of the heat pipe.
The second end portion may include a condensing portion of the heat pipe.

In the above embodiment, since the first heat transfer member includes a heat pipe, the heat at the high temperature portion can be efficiently transferred to the second heat transfer member side.

(4) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure in which the connecting member includes a first heat transfer member and a second heat transfer member.
The first terminal is a rod-shaped member inserted into the second terminal.
The outer surface of the first terminal includes a contact that is electrically connected to the second terminal when the first terminal is inserted into the second terminal.
The first end portion may be located on the tip end side of the first terminal with respect to the contact point.

In the above embodiment, since the first end portion of the first heat transfer member is located on the tip end side of the first terminal, the heat of the high temperature portion can be efficiently transferred to the first heat transfer member.

(5) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure in which the connecting member includes a first heat transfer member and a second heat transfer member.
The second heat transfer member may include a heat spreader.

In the above embodiment, since the second heat transfer member includes the heat spreader, the heat transferred from the first heat transfer member to the second heat transfer member can be efficiently transferred to the heat dissipation member side.

(6) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure,
The heat radiating member may include a plurality of fins.

In the above embodiment, the heat radiating member includes a plurality of fins, so that the contact area between the radiating member and the air can be increased. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the heat released from the heat radiating member can be efficiently air-cooled.

(7) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure,
The cable comprises an air supply tube provided side by side with the conductor.
The supply port may be in the form of a first end portion of the air supply tube.

In the above embodiment, since the supply port is the first end of the air supply pipe, the air sent out from the air supply pipe can be immediately supplied to the heat dissipation member. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the heat released from the heat radiating member can be efficiently air-cooled. In the above mode, since the air supply tube is parallel to the conductor of the cable, the cable can be cooled.

(8) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure,
An example includes a form including a cooling device for cooling the air introduced into the case from the supply port.

In the above embodiment, by providing a cooling device, cooled air can be supplied toward the heat radiating member. Therefore, the above-mentioned form can cool the high-temperature part more quickly.

(9) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure provided with a cooling device,
The cooling device may include a vortex tube.

In the above embodiment, the cooling device includes a vortex tube, so that the air introduced into the case can be efficiently cooled. Therefore, the above-mentioned form can cool the high-temperature part more quickly.

(10) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure provided with a cooling device,
The cable comprises an air supply tube provided side by side with the conductor.
The supply port is a first end portion of the air supply tube.
The cooling device may be connected to the second end of the air supply tube.

In the above embodiment, the cooling device is arranged on the outside of the case, and the structure inside the case of the cable with a connector can be simplified. By simplifying the structure inside the case, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the case and improve the operability of the cable with a connector.

(11) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure,
The exhaust port may be arranged so as to face the heat radiating member.

In the above embodiment, the cooled air of the heat released from the heat radiating member can be immediately discharged to the outside of the case, and the high temperature air can be suppressed from accumulating around the heat radiating member. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the heat radiating member can be cooled by the low temperature air, and the high temperature portion can be cooled more efficiently.

(12) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure,
The case may be provided with a shielding structure that allows exhaust from the exhaust port but prevents foreign matter from entering.

The above-mentioned form can prevent foreign matter from entering from the exhaust port, and can prevent damage to members such as plug connectors housed in the case.

(13) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure provided with a shielding structure,
The shielding structure may include a filter arranged at the exhaust port.

In the above embodiment, by providing a filter as a shielding structure, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the exhaust port with a simple configuration.

(14) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure provided with a shielding structure,
The shielding structure comprises a wall portion provided to face the exhaust port on at least one of the inside and outside of the case.
The wall portion may be arranged at intervals with respect to the case.

In the above form, by providing a wall portion as a shielding structure, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the exhaust port with a simple configuration.

(15) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure provided with a shielding structure,
The shielding structure is
With the lid
A hinge that supports the lid to the case so as to open and close the exhaust port, and
A stopper that regulates the range in which the lid can be opened,
Equipped with an elastic body,
The elastic body urges the lid to close the exhaust port when air is not supplied from the supply port, and when air is supplied from the supply port, the elastic body is said to be within the range regulated by the stopper. There is a form in which the lid is deformed to open.

In the above embodiment, the lid is provided as a shielding structure, so that the exhaust port can be closed by an elastic body when the cable with a connector is not used for charging or discharging. In the above embodiment, the lid can be opened by supplying air from the supply port. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiment has a simple configuration in which a motor or the like for opening and closing the lid can be omitted.

(16) As an example of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure provided with a shielding structure,
The shielding structure is
With the lid
A hinge that supports the lid to the case so as to open and close the exhaust port, and
A stopper that regulates the range in which the lid can be opened,
A motor for driving the lid so as to open and close the exhaust port within the range regulated by the stopper is provided.
The motor may be linked to the presence or absence of air supply from the supply port.

In the above embodiment, by providing a lid as a shielding structure, the exhaust port can be closed when the cable with a connector is not used for charging or discharging. In the above embodiment, the lid can be opened by a motor, so that the lid can be opened inside the case, for example. In this case, it is possible to prevent the stopper and the open lid from protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the case.

[Details of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
The details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals in the figure indicate the same names. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. The dimensional ratio of each part in the drawing may also differ from the actual one. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

<Embodiment 1>
The cable 1 with a connector of the first embodiment is used for charging and discharging an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle is a vehicle equipped with at least a rechargeable capacitor. The capacitor may be capable of discharging to an external device. An example of an external device is a power conditioner. Examples of the electric vehicle include an electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle. Electric vehicles include light vehicles, ordinary vehicles, and large vehicles.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cable 1 with a connector of the first embodiment includes a plug connector 2, a cable 3, and a case 5. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the plug connector 2 includes a first terminal 21 and a housing 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the first terminal 21 is connected to the second terminal 90 provided in the electric vehicle. The housing 22 houses the first terminal 21. The cable 3 is connected to the plug connector 2. The case 5 covers the connection portion 4 between the plug connector 2 and the cable 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the cable 1 with a connector is connected to the inlet 9 of the electric vehicle to charge or discharge, the contact 100 between the second terminal 90 and the first terminal 21 and its vicinity are hot spots. (See FIG. 5). In FIGS. 1 and 2, the inlet 9 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line. One of the features of the cable 1 with a connector of the first embodiment is that the heat of the high temperature portion is released to the outside of the housing 22 and the released heat is air-cooled. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connection portion 4 is provided with a connecting member 40 and a heat radiating member 45 as a configuration for releasing heat from a high temperature portion to the outside of the housing 22. As shown in FIG. 2, as a configuration for air-cooling the released heat, a supply port 6 for introducing air into the case 5 and an exhaust port 51 for discharging air to the outside of the case 5 are provided. Hereinafter, the configuration of the cable 1 with a connector will be described first, and then the heat conduction path and the air-cooled structure will be described.

≪Plug connector≫
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the plug connector 2 includes a first terminal 21 and a housing 22.

[First terminal]
The first terminal 21 is a power terminal that supplies electric power to the electric vehicle. The shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the first terminal 21 are designed in accordance with predetermined specifications. Examples of the specifications of the connector for an electric vehicle include Chaoji. Examples of the material of the first terminal 21 include copper or a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like.

The first terminal 21 of this example is a rod-shaped member having a first end portion 21a and a second end portion 21b. The first end portion 21a is located on the side of the second terminal 90. The second end portion 21b is located on the cable 3 side.

The first terminal 21 is inserted into the second terminal 90. The outer surface of the first terminal 21 includes a contact 100 that is electrically connected to the second terminal 90 when the first terminal 21 is inserted into the second terminal 90. The contact 100 and its vicinity are high temperature points.

The second end portion 21b includes a storage hole 210 that opens at the end surface on the cable 3 side. The shaft of the storage hole 210 and the shaft of the first terminal 21 are coaxial. The storage hole 210 is a blind hole into which the first end portion 41a side of the first heat transfer member 41, which will be described later, can be inserted. The storage hole 210 is provided from the end surface on the cable 3 side to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the first terminal 21. The storage hole 210 of this example has a circular cross section corresponding to the outer diameter of the first heat transfer member 41.

The first terminal 21 of this example includes a male screw portion 211 at the second end portion 21b. The male screw portion 211 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first terminal 21. The male screw portion 211 is fitted to the female screw portion 421a in the second heat transfer member 42, which will be described later.

The first terminal 21 of this example is provided with a flange portion 212 on the side of the first end portion 21a with respect to the male screw portion 211. The outer diameter of the flange portion 212 is larger than the outer diameters of the first end portion 21a and the second end portion 21b. As shown in FIG. 5, the second terminal 90 of this example includes a storage hole that opens at the tip end portion. The tip of the second terminal 90 includes a projecting piece protruding inward in the radial direction. The first terminal 21 of this example is inserted into the storage hole of the second terminal 90 and comes into contact with the projecting piece. The flange portion 212 serves as a stopper when the first terminal 21 is inserted into the storage hole of the second terminal 90. Further, the flange portion 212 serves as a retaining portion when the male screw portion 211 and the female screw portion 421a are fitted together.

〔housing〕
The housing 22 is a resin molded body that covers the first terminal 21. The housing 22 includes a main body portion 221 and a tubular portion 222. The main body portion 221 and the tubular portion 222 are an integral part.

<Main body>
The main body portion 221 is a portion inserted into the inlet 9 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In this example, the three-dimensional shape of the main body portion 221 is a rectangular block shape. The rectangle includes a square in addition to the rectangle. Although not shown, the main body 221 is provided with a plurality of through holes for accommodating the first terminal 21 and the like.

<Cylinder>
The tubular portion 222 is a portion that is not inserted into the inlet 9 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The tubular portion 222 extends from the main body portion 221 to the cable 3 side. The tubular portion 222 is provided according to the number of electric wires 31 in the cable 3. In this example, two tubular portions 222 are provided. The two tubular portions 222 are connected by a connecting portion 223 (FIG. 3). The inner diameter of each cylinder portion 222 is set corresponding to the outer diameter of the second heat transfer member 42, which will be described later. The thickness of each cylinder portion 222 is thin enough not to hinder heat transfer between the second heat transfer member 42 and the heat dissipation member 45 described later.

≪Cable≫
As shown in FIG. 7, the cable 3 includes two electric wires 31. One electric wire 31 is a positive electrode wire, and the other electric wire 31 is a negative electrode wire. The cable 3 of this example includes an air supply tube 32. In this example, the first end portion 32a of the air supply tube 32 constitutes the supply port 6 (see FIG. 2). The air supply pipe 32 is a flow path for air supplied to the supply port 6. Examples of the material of the air supply tube 32 include rubber and a flexible resin. Examples of the rubber include silicone rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber and the like. Examples of the resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and the like. Although not shown, the cable 3 also includes a ground line, a signal line necessary for controlling charging and the like between the cable and the electric vehicle, and the like.

Each wire 31 includes a conductor 311 and a coating layer 312. Examples of the material of the conductor 311 include copper or a copper alloy, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Examples of the material of the coating layer 312 include polyvinyl chloride and the like. At the tip of each wire 31 connected to the first terminal 21, the conductor 311 is exposed from the coating layer 312.

In addition, the cable 3 includes inclusions 33 and a sheath 34. The inclusions 33 are provided around each electric wire 31 and the air supply pipe 32. Examples of the material of the inclusions 33 include ethylene and propylene rubber. The sheath 34 integrally covers each electric wire 31, the air supply pipe 32, and the inclusions 33. Examples of the material of the sheath 34 include chloroprene rubber and the like.

≪Connection part≫
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the connection portion 4 between the plug connector 2 and the cable 3 includes a connecting member 40 and a heat radiating member 45. The connection portion 4 is an inner peripheral member that connects the first terminal 21 of the plug connector 2 and the conductor 311 of the cable 3, and an outer peripheral member that is arranged inside the case 5 so as to cover the outer periphery of the inner peripheral member. Is. In this example, the first heat transfer member 41 and the second heat transfer member 42, which will be described later, correspond to the inner peripheral member. Further, the tubular portion 222 and the heat radiating member 45 correspond to the outer peripheral member. The connecting member 40 connects the first terminal 21 and the conductor 311. The connecting member 40 of this example includes a first heat transfer member 41 and a second heat transfer member 42. The heat radiating member 45 is arranged on the outer periphery of the connecting member 40 via the housing 22 of the plug connector 2. The first terminal 21, the first heat transfer member 41, the second heat transfer member 42, and the heat dissipation member 45 of this example are individually provided members.

[First heat transfer member]
The first heat transfer member 41 is a rod-shaped member having a first end portion 41a and a second end portion 41b. The first end portion 41a is thermally connected to the first terminal 21. In this example, the first end portion 41a is inserted into the storage hole 210 provided in the first terminal 21. The second end portion 41b is thermally connected to the second heat transfer member 42 described later. Thermally connected means that the first heat transfer member 41 and the second heat transfer member 42 are connected so that heat transfer is performed. The first heat transfer member 41 and the second heat transfer member 42 preferably have a portion that is in mechanical contact, but may have a portion that is partially non-contact.

The first heat transfer member 41 is superior in thermal conductivity to the first terminal 21. Specifically, the first heat transfer member 41 has higher thermal conductivity in terms of material or structure than the first terminal 21, which is entirely made of a uniform material. For example, the first heat transfer member 41 may be made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the constituent material of the first terminal 21. Alternatively, the first heat transfer member 41 may have a structure capable of more efficient heat conduction than the first terminal 21.

The first heat transfer member 41 of this example is a heat pipe. The heat pipe is provided with a capillary structure on the inner wall by vacuum-sealing a small amount of hydraulic fluid in a closed container having an evaporating part and a condensing part. When the temperature of the evaporating part becomes high, the hydraulic fluid absorbs heat in the evaporating part and evaporates, and the vapor moves to the condensing part at high speed. Steam is cooled in the condensing section. The cooled vapor condenses and returns to a liquid, and returns to the evaporation part by capillarity. The hydraulic fluid circulates in the heat pipe due to the temperature difference between the evaporating part and the condensing part, and heat transfer from the evaporating part to the condensing part occurs. The first end portion 41a is an evaporation portion of the heat pipe, and the second end portion 41b is a condensation portion of the heat pipe.

As described above, the first terminal 21 of this example includes the contact 100 on the outer surface in a state of being inserted into the second terminal 90. As shown in FIG. 5, the first end portion 41a is located on the tip end side of the first terminal 21 with respect to the contact 100. The tip end side of the first terminal 21 is the tip end side in the insertion direction of the first terminal 21 into the second terminal 90. In other words, the contact 100 is located closer to the second heat transfer member 42, which will be described later, than the first end portion 41a. The contact 100 is located between the midpoint between the first end 41a and the second end 41b and the first end 41a. With this configuration, the contact 100 between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 90 is located on the outer periphery of the evaporation portion of the heat pipe. The storage hole 210 of the first terminal 21 is provided corresponding to the position of the contact 100. The first heat transfer member 41 has a length in which the second end portion 41b is exposed from the storage hole 210 of the first terminal 21. The portion exposed from the storage hole 210 in the first heat transfer member 41 is the connection portion with the second heat transfer member 42.

[Second heat transfer member]
The second heat transfer member 42 is a tubular member provided with a through hole 420. The through hole 420 includes a first region 421, a second region 422, and a third region 423 in order from the first heat transfer member 41 side. The first region 421, the second region 422, and the third region 423 have different inner diameters. The outer diameter of the second heat transfer member 42 is uniform.

The second end 21b of the first terminal 21 is inserted into the first region 421. On the inner peripheral surface of the first region 421, a female threaded portion 421a compatible with the male threaded portion 211 is provided. The first terminal 21 and the second heat transfer member 42 are connected by fitting the male screw portion 211 and the female screw portion 421a.

Among the first heat transfer members 41, the second end portion 41b exposed from the storage hole 210 of the first terminal 21 is inserted into the second region 422. The inner diameter of the second region 422 is set corresponding to the outer diameter of the second end portion 41b. By inserting the second end portion 41b into the second region 422, the first heat transfer member 41 and the second heat transfer member 42 are connected.

The conductor 311 of the cable 3 is inserted into the third region 423. The inner diameter of the third region 423 is set corresponding to the outer diameter of the conductor 311. For example, the second heat transfer member 42 and the cable 3 are connected by compression-connecting with the conductor 311 inserted in the third region 423.

The second heat transfer member 42 is made of a conductive material. As described above, by connecting the first terminal 21 and the conductor 311 to the second heat transfer member 42, respectively, the first terminal 21 and the conductor 311 are electrically connected via the second heat transfer member 42. Will be done. Examples of the material of the second heat transfer member 42 include copper or a copper alloy. The material of the second heat transfer member 42 may be the same as or different from the material of the first terminal 21.

It is preferable that the second heat transfer member 42 has higher thermal conductivity in terms of material or structure as compared with the first terminal 21 which is made of a uniform material as a whole. For example, the second heat transfer member 42 may have a structure capable of conducting heat more efficiently than the first terminal 21. The second heat transfer member 42 of this example is a heat spreader. The second heat transfer member 42 of this example has an outer diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the first terminal 21. In this example, the maximum diameter of the first terminal 21 is the outer diameter of the flange portion 212. Since the outer diameter of the second heat transfer member 42 is larger than the outer diameter of the first terminal 21, the surface area can be increased as compared with the case where the outer diameter of the first terminal 21 is the same. The surface of the second heat transfer member 42 is a heat transfer surface to the heat radiation member 45. Therefore, since the surface area of the second heat transfer member 42 is large, efficient heat transfer can be performed. The second heat transfer member 42 of this example has a larger volume than the first terminal 21. Since the volume of the second heat transfer member 42 is larger than the volume of the first terminal 21, the heat capacity of the second heat transfer member 42 can be made larger than that of the first terminal 21. The second heat transfer member 42 functions as a heat spreader due to its large heat capacity.

The second heat transfer member 42 is housed in the tubular portion 222 of the housing 22.

[Heat dissipation member]
The heat radiating member 45 is arranged on the outer periphery of the second heat transfer member 42 and outside the tubular portion 222. The heat radiating member 45 is a tubular member that covers the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 222. The heat radiating member 45 may include a member capable of increasing the surface area of the outer peripheral surface. The heat radiating member 45 may include a plurality of rod-shaped members or plate-shaped members. The heat dissipation member 45 of this example includes a plurality of fins 450. The fins 450 of this example extend in the axial direction of the tubular portion 222 and are provided so as to line up in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 222. The fins 450 of this example are arranged on the entire outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 222. As shown in FIG. 3, the fin 450 of this example is provided not only in the tubular portion 222 but also in the connecting portion 223.

〔others〕
The connecting portion 4 further includes a waterproof rubber 47 and a back retainer 48. The waterproof rubber 47 is a tubular member. The waterproof rubber 47 is arranged at the end of the tubular portion 222 with the second heat transfer member 42 housed in the tubular portion 222 of the housing 22. The waterproof rubber 47 prevents moisture from entering the tubular portion 222. The waterproof rubber 47 of this example is arranged in a region extending from the conductor 311 of the electric wire 31 to the covering layer 312. The back retainer 48 is a member having a circular bottom surface and a cylindrical peripheral surface. A through hole corresponding to the outer diameter of the covering layer 312 of the cable 3 is formed on the bottom surface of the back retainer 48. The back retainer 48 is arranged at the end of the tubular portion 222 so as to cover the waterproof rubber 47. The back retainer 48 of this example is fixed to the outer periphery of the tubular portion 222 by screw-coupling with the end portion of the tubular portion 222.

≪Case≫
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 5 includes a main body portion 50 and a grip portion 55. The case 5 is configured by combining two split pieces. FIG. 2 shows a state in which one of the divided pieces is removed. The material of the case 5 may be metal or resin. Examples of the metal include aluminum and aluminum alloys. The case 5 of this example is made of metal.

The main body portion 50 covers the connection portion 4 between the plug connector 2 and the cable 3. The main body portion 50 may cover at least the connection portion 4. The main body portion 50 of this example covers the range from the connection side of the main body portion 221 of the housing 22 with the tubular portion 222 to the sheath 34 of the cable 3.

The main body 50 includes an exhaust port 51 that communicates with the inside and outside of the case 5. The exhaust port 51 is provided to discharge the air introduced into the case 5 from the supply port 6 to the outside of the case 5. The exhaust port 51 is arranged so as to face the heat radiating member 45. The exhaust port 51 of this example is provided at the lower part of the case 5 (lower side of FIG. 2). Further, the exhaust port 51 of this example is provided on the mating surface of the two divided pieces. The size and number of the exhaust ports 51 can be appropriately selected. In this example, the three exhaust ports 51 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the case 5.

The case 5 includes a shielding structure 8 that allows exhaust from the exhaust port 51 but prevents foreign matter from entering. The shielding structure 8 of this example includes a wall portion 81 provided inside the case 5 so as to face the exhaust port 51. The wall portions 81 are arranged at intervals with respect to the case 5. The wall portion 81 is arranged to such an extent that foreign matter can be prevented from entering the case 5 from the exhaust port 51. For example, the interval may be set to a size that does not allow a human finger to enter.

The grip portion 55 is configured by connecting a C-shaped member to the upper surface of the main body portion 50.

≪Supply port≫
As shown in FIG. 2, the supply port 6 is arranged so as to face the heat radiating member 45. The supply port 6 of this example is a first end portion 32a of the air supply pipe 32 provided in the cable 3.

The air supply pipe 32 is provided side by side with each electric wire 31 in the cable 3 (see FIG. 7). The air supply tube 32 is exposed from the inclusions 33 and the sheath 34 in the case 5. The exposed air supply tube 32 includes a bifurcated branch tube 320. In this example, since the two electric wires 31 are provided, there are two connecting portions 4 between the first terminal 21 and the conductor 311. Therefore, the air supply pipe 32 includes a bifurcated branch pipe 320 corresponding to the connection portion 4 of each electric wire 31. The open end of each branch pipe 320 is the first end portion 32a. Each branch pipe 320 is fixed to the inner surface of the case 5 so that air can be supplied to each connection portion 4. For example, each branch pipe 320 is screwed and fixed to the inner surface of the case 5.

The air introduced into the case 5 from the supply port 6 is preferably lower than the normal temperature. The cable 1 with a connector of this example includes a cooling device 7 for cooling the air introduced into the case 5 from the supply port 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the cooling device 7 may be connected to the second end portion 32b of the air supply pipe 32. The cooling device 7 cools the air by utilizing the adiabatic expansion of the air compressed by the compressor 70. In FIG. 8, for easy understanding, the plug connector 2 and the cable 3 are mainly shown, and the case 5 is omitted. When the cooling device 7 is connected to the second end portion 32b, the cooled air flows along the longitudinal direction of the cable 3 along with the conductor 311. Therefore, when the cooling device 7 is connected to the second end portion 32b, the conductor 311 can also be cooled. The cooling device 7 is not essential. For example, instead of the cooling device, a blower device that sends air to the supply port 6 can be used. As the cooling device 7, it is sufficient that air having a temperature lower than the normal temperature can be supplied, and a commercially available refrigerating device, a refrigerating device, or the like equipped with a heat exchanger can be used.

As the cooling device 7, for example, a vortex tube can be used. In the vortex tube, compressed air generates a swirling airflow in the tube, and the swirling airflow separates cold air and warm air. By guiding the cold air separated by the vortex tube to the supply port 6, low-temperature air can be efficiently supplied from the supply port 6 into the case 5. Vortex tubes do not require moving parts or other power sources as long as they can supply compressed air.

The supply of air to the supply port 6 may be performed in conjunction with connecting the cable 1 with a connector to the inlet 9 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the electric vehicle and starting charging or discharging. For example, the start of charging or discharging may be used as a trigger to drive a compressor 70, a fan, or the like that supplies air.

≪Heat conduction path≫
With reference to FIG. 6, a heat conduction path from a high temperature point when the cable 1 with a connector is connected to the inlet 9 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the electric vehicle to charge or discharge the cable 1 will be described. The black arrows shown in FIG. 6 indicate the heat conduction path.

First, the heat at the high temperature portion is transferred to the first heat transfer member 41. Since the first heat transfer member 41 is superior in thermal conductivity to the first terminal 21, the heat at the high temperature portion is efficiently transferred to the first heat transfer member 41. In particular, since the first end portion 41a of the first heat transfer member 41 is located closer to the tip end side of the first terminal 21 than the contact 100, the heat at the high temperature portion is efficiently transferred to the first heat transfer member 41. .. The heat transferred from the high temperature portion to the first heat transfer member 41 moves from the first end portion 41a toward the second end portion 41b. In particular, since the first heat transfer member 41 is a heat pipe, the heat in the first heat transfer member 41 efficiently moves from the first end portion 41a to the second end portion 41b. The heat transferred to the first end portion 41a radially moves from the inside to the outside of the second heat transfer member 42. In particular, since the second heat transfer member 42 is a heat spreader, the heat of the second heat transfer member 42 efficiently moves from the inside to the outside. The heat transferred to the outside of the second heat transfer member 42 is transferred to the heat dissipation member 45 via the tubular portion 222. Due to the above heat conduction path, the heat at the high temperature point is released to the outside of the housing 22.

≪Air-cooled structure≫
When the cable 1 with a connector is connected to the inlet 9 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the electric vehicle to start charging or discharging, air is introduced into the case 5 from the supply port 6 as shown in FIG. The supply port 6 is arranged so as to face the heat radiating member 45. Therefore, the heat transferred to the heat radiating member 45 is cooled by the air. In particular, when the heat radiating member 45 includes a plurality of fins 450, a large contact area between the heat radiating member 45 and air is secured, and the heat transferred to the heat radiating member 45 is efficiently air-cooled. Since the case 5 is provided with the exhaust port 51, the air heated to a high temperature by the heat is discharged from the exhaust port 51 to the outside of the case 5. In particular, since the exhaust port 51 is arranged so as to face the heat radiating member 45, the air heated by heat can be immediately discharged to the outside of the case 5, and the high temperature air collects around the heat radiating member 45. Can be suppressed.

≪Effect≫
The cable 1 with a connector of the first embodiment can efficiently dissipate heat at a high temperature point to the outside of the housing 22 by the heat conduction path described above. In this example, since the first heat transfer member 41 is a heat pipe and the second heat transfer member 42 is a heat spreader, the heat at the high temperature portion can be efficiently transferred to the heat dissipation member 45 side. The cable 1 with a connector can efficiently cool the heat transferred to the heat radiating member 45 by the above-mentioned air cooling structure. In this example, by providing the heat radiating member 45 with a plurality of fins 450, a large contact area between the heat radiating member 45 and the air can be secured, and the heat transferred to the heat radiating member 45 can be efficiently cooled. As described above, the cable 1 with a connector can efficiently cool a high temperature portion, so that a large charging or discharging current value can be secured, and a large amount of power can be charged or discharged in a short time.

<Embodiment 2>
As shown in FIG. 9, the case 5 may include a filter 82 arranged at the exhaust port 51 as a shielding structure 8. In FIGS. 9 to 11, "in" indicates the inside of the case 5, and "out" indicates the outside of the case 5. The filter 82 is, for example, a porous filter having a plurality of pores fine enough for air to flow through. A mesh can be used as the porous filter.

<Embodiment 3>
As shown in FIG. 10, the case 5 may include a lid 83 for opening and closing the exhaust port 51 as a shielding structure 8. In this example, the shielding structure 8 includes a lid 83, a hinge 84, a stopper 85, and an elastic body 86. The hinge 84 supports the lid 83 on the case 5 so as to open and close the exhaust port 51 with the hinge pin 841 as the rotation axis. In the lid 83 of this example, the free end 832 side opens to the outside of the case 5 with the fixed end 831 supported by the hinge pin 841 as the rotation axis. The stopper 85 regulates the range in which the lid 83 can be opened. The stopper 85 of this example is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the case 5 to the outside of the case 5 so as to abut the free end 832 of the lid 83. The stopper 85 of this example is a protrusion having an arcuate cross section. The position of the stopper 85 can be appropriately selected according to the range of the opening operation of the lid 83. The range of the lid 83 opening operation can be appropriately selected so that air can flow and foreign matter cannot enter the case 5 from the exhaust port 51 due to mischief or the like. The elastic body 86 is deformed so that the lid 83 is urged to close the exhaust port 51 when the supply port 6 is not supplied, and the lid 83 is opened when air is supplied from the supply port 6. For the elastic body 86, for example, a torsion spring can be used.

In the shielding structure 8 of the third embodiment, the exhaust port 51 is opened and closed as follows. When not charging or discharging, the elastic body 86 is urged so that the free end 832 of the lid 83 abuts on the case 5 and closes the exhaust port 51. Due to the urging of the elastic body 86, the exhaust port 51 is closed by the lid 83. When charging or discharging, air is supplied from the air supply tube 32 into the case 5. This supply of air raises the internal pressure of the case 5. The internal pressure of the case 5 causes the lid 83 to rotate against the urging force of the elastic body 86. Due to the internal pressure of the case 5, the exhaust port 51 is opened by the lid 83.

The shielding structure 8 of the third embodiment has a simple configuration because the lid 83 can be opened by using the internal pressure of the case 5, and a drive source of the lid 83 such as a motor is not required.

<Embodiment 4>
As shown in FIG. 11, the case 5 may include a lid 83 that opens inside the case 5 as a shielding structure 8. In this example, the shielding structure 8 includes a lid 83, a hinge 84, a stopper 85, and a motor 87. The hinge 84 supports the lid 83 on the case 5 so as to open and close the exhaust port 51 with the hinge pin 841 as the rotation axis. In the lid 83 of this example, the free end 832 side opens inside the case 5 with the fixed end 831 supported by the hinge pin 841 as the rotation axis. The stopper 85 regulates the range in which the lid 83 can be opened. The stopper 85 of this example is provided so as to project from the inner peripheral surface of the case 5 to the inside of the case 5 so as to abut the free end 832 of the lid 83. The stopper 85 of this example is a protrusion having an L-shaped cross section. The position of the stopper 85 can be appropriately selected according to the range of the opening operation of the lid 83. The range of the lid 83 opening operation can be appropriately selected so that air can flow and foreign matter cannot enter the case 5 from the exhaust port 51 due to mischief or the like. The motor 87 is interlocked with the presence or absence of air supply from the supply port 6. When the supply of air is performed in conjunction with the start of charging or discharging, the motor 87 may be driven by the start of charging or discharging as a trigger.

In the shielding structure 8 of the fourth embodiment, the exhaust port 51 is opened and closed as follows. When not charging or discharging, the free end 832 of the lid 83 abuts on the case 5 to close the exhaust port 51. When charging or discharging, air is supplied from the air supply tube 32 into the case 5. The motor 87 is driven in conjunction with the supply of air to rotate the lid 83 until the free end 832 of the lid 83 abuts on the stopper 85.

The shielding structure 8 of the fourth embodiment can open the lid 83 regardless of the internal pressure of the case 5. For example, the lid 83 can be opened by the motor 87 even when the internal pressure of the case 5 is small. In the shielding structure 8 of the third embodiment, an internal pressure sufficient to open the lid 83 against the urging force of the elastic body 86 (FIG. 10) is required, and an air supply amount sufficient to reach the internal pressure is required. Is. On the other hand, in the shielding structure 8 of the fourth embodiment, the lid 83 can be opened even with the minimum amount of air supplied for air cooling at a high temperature portion. By opening and closing the lid 83 by the motor 87, it is possible to secure a large selection range of the amount of air supplied to the case 5. The shielding structure 8 of the fourth embodiment can open the lid 83 inside the case 5. In this case, it is possible to prevent the stopper 85 and the open lid 83 from protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the case 5.

In this example, as the shielding structure 8, a wall portion 81 is further provided on the outside of the case 5. The wall portion 81 of this example faces the exhaust port 51 and is arranged at a distance from the case 5. This wall 81 is not essential.

1 Cable with connector 2 Plug connector 21 1st terminal, 21a 1st end, 21b 2nd end 210 storage hole, 211 male thread, 212 flange 22 housing,
221 Main body, 222 Cylinder, 223 Connection 3 Cable 31 Wire, 311 Conductor, 312 Coating layer 32 Air supply pipe, 320 Branch pipe, 32a 1st end, 32b 2nd end 33 Intervention, 34 Sheath 4 Connection 40 Connecting member,
41 1st heat transfer member, 41a 1st end, 41b 2nd end 42 2nd heat transfer member 420 Through hole 421 1st area, 421a Female thread part, 422 2nd area, 423 3rd area 45 Heat transfer member, 450 Fin 47 Water stop rubber 48 Back retainer 5 Case 50 Main body, 51 Exhaust port, 55 Grip part 6 Supply port 7 Cooling device, 70 Compressor 8 Shielding structure 81 Wall part, 82 Filter 83 Lid, 831 Fixed end, 832 Free end 84 Hinge, 841 hinge pin, 85 stopper, 86 elastic body, 87 motor 9 inlet, 90 second terminal 100 contacts

Claims (16)

A cable with a connector used for charging and discharging electric vehicles.
With a plug connector,
The cable connected to the plug connector and
A case for covering the connection portion between the plug connector and the cable is provided.
The plug connector is
The first terminal connected to the second terminal provided in the electric vehicle and the first terminal
A housing for accommodating the first terminal is provided.
The connection part is
A connecting member that connects the first terminal and the conductor of the cable,
A heat radiating member arranged on the outer periphery of the connecting member and outside the housing is provided.
The case is provided with an exhaust port that communicates with the inside and outside of the case.
The case is provided with an air supply port arranged so as to face the heat radiation member.
Cable with connector. The connecting member includes a first heat transfer member and a second heat transfer member.
The first heat transfer member has a first end portion thermally connected to the first terminal and a second end portion thermally connected to the second heat transfer member.
The second heat transfer member is provided so as to connect the first terminal and the conductor.
The cable with a connector according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conductivity of the first heat transfer member is superior to the thermal conductivity of the first terminal. The first heat transfer member includes a heat pipe and has a heat transfer member.
The first end portion comprises an evaporation portion of the heat pipe.
The cable with a connector according to claim 2, wherein the second end portion includes a condensing portion of the heat pipe. The first terminal is a rod-shaped member inserted into the second terminal.
The outer surface of the first terminal includes a contact that is electrically connected to the second terminal when the first terminal is inserted into the second terminal.
The cable with a connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first end portion is located on the tip end side of the first terminal with respect to the contact. The cable with a connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second heat transfer member includes a heat spreader. The cable with a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat radiating member includes a plurality of fins. The cable comprises an air supply tube provided side by side with the conductor.
The cable with a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the supply port is a first end portion of the air supply tube. The cable with a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cooling device for cooling the air introduced into the case from the supply port. The cable with a connector according to claim 8, wherein the cooling device includes a vortex tube. The cable comprises an air supply tube provided side by side with the conductor.
The supply port is a first end portion of the air supply tube.
The cable with a connector according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cooling device is connected to the second end of the air supply pipe. The cable with a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the exhaust port is arranged so as to face the heat radiating member. The cable with a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the case allows exhaust from the exhaust port, but has a shielding structure for preventing foreign matter from entering. The cable with a connector according to claim 12, wherein the shielding structure includes a filter arranged at the exhaust port. The shielding structure comprises a wall portion provided to face the exhaust port on at least one of the inside and outside of the case.
The cable with a connector according to claim 12, wherein the wall portion is arranged at intervals with respect to the case. The shielding structure is
With the lid
A hinge that supports the lid to the case so as to open and close the exhaust port, and
A stopper that regulates the range in which the lid can be opened,
Equipped with an elastic body,
The elastic body urges the lid to close the exhaust port when air is not supplied from the supply port, and when air is supplied from the supply port, the elastic body is said to be within the range regulated by the stopper. 12. The cable with connector according to claim 12, which is modified to open the lid. The shielding structure is
With the lid
A hinge that supports the lid to the case so as to open and close the exhaust port, and
A stopper that regulates the range in which the lid can be opened,
A motor for driving the lid so as to open and close the exhaust port within the range regulated by the stopper is provided.
The cable with a connector according to claim 12, wherein the motor is linked to the presence or absence of air supply from the supply port.

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