JP7468334B2 - Terminal assembly and charging connector - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a terminal assembly and a charging connector.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle. A terminal assembly attached to the charging connector includes a terminal and a temperature sensor member capable of measuring the temperature of the terminal. Terminal temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor member can be used to control the charging of the battery.

JP 2019-114517 A

The present inventors have been studying how to improve the temperature detection of the terminal by the temperature sensor member in the above-mentioned terminal assembly.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal assembly and a charging connector that can improve the accuracy of terminal temperature detection.

The terminal assembly disclosed herein is a terminal assembly that is attached to a charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, and includes a terminal, a metal connection member fixed to the terminal, a temperature sensor member fixed to the connection member, and a metal fixing member that fixes the connection member to the terminal, the connection member having a fixed portion that contacts the terminal, and the fixing member fixing the fixed portion to the terminal.

The charging connector of the present disclosure is a charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, and includes a terminal assembly having a terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the terminal. The terminal assembly includes a metal connecting member fixed to the terminal, a temperature sensor member fixed to the connecting member, and a metal fixing member that fixes the connecting member to the terminal. The connecting member has a fixed portion that contacts the terminal, and the fixing member fixes the fixed portion to the terminal.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a terminal assembly and a charging connector that can improve the accuracy of terminal temperature detection.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a charging connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the charging connector of the same configuration. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the terminal assembly in the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connection member and a temperature sensor member in the terminal assembly of the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly in the same embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connection member and a temperature sensor member in a terminal assembly according to a modified example.

[Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
The terminal assembly of the present disclosure comprises:
[1] A terminal assembly to be attached to a charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a terminal, a metal connecting member fixed to the terminal, a temperature sensor member fixed to the connecting member, and a metal fixing member fixing the connecting member to the terminal, wherein the connecting member has a fixed portion that contacts the terminal, and the fixing member fixes the fixed portion to the terminal.

According to this configuration, the fixed portion of the metal connection member is fixed to the terminal by the metal fixing member. Therefore, the metal connection member and the metal fixing member can efficiently transfer heat from the terminal to the temperature sensor member. As a result, it is possible to improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal in the terminal assembly attached to the charging connector.

[2] The terminal has a first electrical connection portion connectable to a mating terminal, a second electrical connection portion connectable to a conductive member, and an intermediate portion provided between the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion, and the connection member has a sensor fixing portion to which the temperature sensor member is fixed, and the sensor fixing portion is in contact with the intermediate portion.

With this configuration, the sensor fixing portion of the connection member is in contact with the middle portion of the terminal. This allows heat to be transferred more efficiently from the terminal to the temperature sensor member. As a result, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal.

[3] The intermediate portion has a first surface facing the connecting member and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the connecting member has an extension portion extending from the sensor fixing portion, the sensor fixing portion contacting the first surface, and the extension portion contacting the second surface.

According to this configuration, the connection member sandwiches the middle part of the terminal from the first surface side and the second surface side between the sensor fixing portion and the extension portion. Therefore, the connection member is firmly fixed to the middle part of the terminal, and as a result, it is possible to stabilize the attachment state of the connection member. Furthermore, the extension portion contacts the second surface of the middle part, which prevents the sensor fixing portion from moving away from the first surface of the middle part. In other words, it is possible for the extension portion to maintain the state in which the sensor fixing portion contacts the first surface. As a result, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal.

[4] The intermediate portion has a first surface facing the connecting member, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a fixing hole recessed from the first surface, the connecting member has a first extending portion extending from the first surface side toward the second surface side, the fixing member is a screw fixed to the fixing hole, the fixed portion is fixed to the intermediate portion by the screw, and the first extending portion faces the terminal in the direction of rotation of the screw toward the fixing side.

With this configuration, when the fixed portion of the connection member is fixed to the terminal by screwing, the first extension portion of the connection member can be brought into contact with the terminal. Therefore, the first extension portion can prevent the connection member from rotating together with the screw and becoming misaligned.

[5] The connection member has a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion, the second extension portion facing the second surface and capable of contacting the second surface.
According to this configuration, the second extending portion contacts the second surface of the intermediate portion, thereby preventing the sensor fixing portion from moving away from the first surface of the intermediate portion. In other words, the second extending portion can maintain the state in which the sensor fixing portion contacts the first surface. As a result, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal.

[6] The connection member has a third extension portion that extends from the first surface side toward the second surface side, and the third extension portion faces the terminal in the direction opposite to the rotation direction.

This configuration makes it possible for the third extension of the connection member to come into contact with the terminal in the rotation direction that loosens the screw. Therefore, the third extension can prevent the screw from loosening.

[7] The connection member has a fourth extension portion extending from the third extension portion, the fourth extension portion facing the second surface and capable of contacting the second surface.
According to this configuration, the fourth extension portion contacts the second surface of the middle portion, thereby preventing the sensor fixing portion from moving away from the first surface of the middle portion. In other words, the fourth extension portion can maintain the state in which the sensor fixing portion contacts the first surface. As a result, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal.

[8] The terminal assembly includes an adhesive that adheres the temperature sensor member to the connection member, the adhesive being a thermosetting resin.
According to this configuration, the temperature sensor member is integrated with the connection member by the thermosetting resin as the adhesive, which is more suitable for use as a terminal assembly for a charging connector that may become hot.

In addition, the charging connector of the present disclosure is
[9] A charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a terminal assembly having a terminal; and a connector housing accommodating the terminal, wherein the terminal assembly comprises a metal connecting member fixed to the terminal, a temperature sensor member fixed to the connecting member, and a metal fixing member fixing the connecting member to the terminal, wherein the connecting member has a fixed portion in contact with the terminal, and the fixing member fixes the fixed portion to the terminal.

According to this configuration, the fixed portion of the metal connection member is fixed to the terminal by the metal fixing member. Therefore, the metal connection member and the metal fixing member can efficiently transfer heat from the terminal to the temperature sensor member. As a result, it is possible to improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal in the terminal assembly attached to the charging connector.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the terminal assembly and charging connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configurations may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In addition, "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification do not only mean strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also include roughly parallel or orthogonal within the range of the action and effect of this embodiment. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Note that "cylindrical" as used in the description of this specification does not only refer to a shape with a continuous wall formed around the entire circumference, but also includes a shape made by combining multiple parts into a cylindrical shape, or a C-shape that has a notch in part of the circumference. Also, "cylindrical" shapes include circles, ellipses, and polygons with sharp or rounded corners.

In addition, "facing" in this specification refers to surfaces or components facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. In addition, "facing" in this specification includes both cases where there is a component separate from the two parts between the two parts, and cases where there is nothing between the two parts.

The vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a charging inlet 11, a charger 12, a battery 13, and a power control unit 14.

The charging inlet 11 can be connected to an external connector connected to an external power source (not shown). The charger 12 is connected to the charging inlet 11 and the battery 13. The charger 12 converts, for example, AC power supplied from the charging inlet 11 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 13. The battery 13 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The power control unit 14 includes an inverter and a converter. The power control unit 14 controls, for example, a motor generator (not shown) for driving the wheels.

As shown in FIG. 2, the charging inlet 11 includes a charging connector 15. The charging connector 15 includes a connector housing 16 and a terminal assembly 17. The terminal assembly 17 has terminals 20. The connector housing 16 has a housing portion 18 that houses the terminals 20. Although only one terminal assembly 17 is shown in the drawing, the charging connector 15 has multiple terminal assemblies 17.

(Configuration of terminal assembly 17)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the terminal assembly 17 includes a terminal 20 , a connection member 30 , a temperature sensor member 40 , and a fixing member 50 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature sensor member 40 includes a sensor body 41 and a signal line 42 drawn from the sensor body 41. The sensor body 41 is configured by housing a sensor element (not shown) connected to the signal line 42 in a housing made of resin, for example. The sensor body 41 is, for example, substantially rectangular. The sensor element outputs a signal corresponding to a temperature change via the signal line 42. The signal line 42 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) that controls charging of the battery 13 based on the signal from the sensor element. Note that, for example, an NTC thermistor, a PTC thermistor, a PT sensor, or the like can be used as the temperature sensor member 40.

(Configuration of terminal 20)
The terminal 20 is made of a conductor. The terminal 20 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. The terminal 20 has a first electrical connection portion 21, a second electrical connection portion 22, and an intermediate portion 23. The first electrical connection portion 21 is provided, for example, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 20. The second electrical connection portion 22 is provided, for example, at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 20. The intermediate portion 23 is provided between the first electrical connection portion 21 and the second electrical connection portion 22.

The first electrical connection portion 21 can be connected to the mating terminal T shown in FIG. 2. The mating terminal T is provided on the external connector. When the first electrical connection portion 21 is electrically connected to the mating terminal T, power from the external power source can be supplied to the battery 13. The first electrical connection portion 21 is, for example, substantially cylindrical. The pin-shaped mating terminal T is inserted into the first electrical connection portion 21 to be mechanically connected.

The second electrical connection portion 22 can be connected to a conductive member C. As the conductive member C, for example, a wire with a terminal, a wire without a terminal, a bus bar, etc. can be used. The second electrical connection portion 22 is electrically connected to the charger 12 via the conductive member C.

As shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate portion 23 has a first surface 23a facing the connecting member 30 and a second surface 23b opposite the first surface 23a. The first surface 23a and the second surface 23b are, for example, planar surfaces parallel to each other. The intermediate portion 23 also has a fixing hole 24. The fixing hole 24 is a hole recessed from the first surface 23a. In this embodiment, the fixing hole 24 penetrates the intermediate portion 23 in the plate thickness direction, for example, from the first surface 23a to the second surface 23b.

The intermediate portion 23 also has a pair of side surfaces 23c as shown in FIG. 3. Each side surface 23c connects the first surface 23a and the second surface 23b. The side surfaces 23c are provided on both edges of the intermediate portion 23 in the width direction.

(Configuration of the connection member 30)
The connection member 30 is made of metal. The connection member 30 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. The connection member 30 has a fixed portion 31, a sensor fixing portion 32, a first extending portion 33, and a second extending portion 34.

5, the fixed portion 31 is fixed to the intermediate portion 23 by a fixing member 50. The fixed portion 31 has, for example, a through hole 31a that passes through the fixed portion 31.
The fixing member 50 is made of metal. The fixing member 50 is, for example, a screw. That is, the fixing member 50 has a threaded portion 51 having a thread on its outer circumferential surface. Meanwhile, for example, a thread groove (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 24 of the intermediate portion 23. The threaded portion 51 is inserted through the through hole 31a of the fixed portion 31 and is screwed into the fixing hole 24. As a result, the fixed portion 31 is fixed in a state of contact with the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23.

The sensor fixing portion 32 is connected to the fixed portion 31. The sensor body portion 41 of the temperature sensor member 40 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 32. The sensor fixing portion 32 has a third surface 32a and a fourth surface 32b opposite to the third surface 32a. The sensor body portion 41 is fixed to the third surface 32a. The fourth surface 32b is in direct contact with the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the connection member 30 is fixed to the terminal 20, the fixed portion 31 and the sensor fixing portion 32 are aligned, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 20. In addition, the fixed portion 31 is located on the first electrical connection portion 21 side, and the sensor fixing portion 32 is located on the second electrical connection portion 22 side.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor fixing portion 32 has, for example, a wall portion 35 protruding from the third surface 32a. For example, a pair of walls 35 are provided. The pair of walls 35 face each other in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction of the terminal 20. The sensor main body 41 is housed between the pair of walls 35.

The terminal assembly 17 includes an adhesive 60 that bonds the sensor body 41 to the connection member 30. The sensor body 41 is bonded to the sensor fixing portion 32 by the adhesive 60. The adhesive 60 is, for example, a thermosetting resin. For example, an epoxy resin can be used as the adhesive 60.

The adhesive 60 is applied, for example, to the third surface 32a of the sensor fixing portion 32 or to the surface of the sensor main body 41 that faces the third surface 32a. Each wall portion 35 serves to hold back the adhesive 60 that is pushed out from between the sensor main body 41 and the third surface 32a. Each wall portion 35 also serves to position the sensor main body 41 relative to the sensor fixing portion 32.

The wall portion 35 also has a positioning portion 36, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. The positioning portion 36 extends, for example, from the end of the wall portion 35 on the fixed portion 31 side. The positioning portion 36 contacts the sensor main body portion 41 in the length direction of the terminal 20. This positions the sensor main body portion 41 in the length direction of the terminal 20. The positioning portion 36 is provided, for example, on each wall portion 35.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first extension portion 33 extends from, for example, the sensor fixing portion 32. The first extension portion 33 extends from, for example, a side surface that connects the third surface 32a and the fourth surface 32b of the sensor fixing portion 32. The first extension portion 33 is also provided at the end of the sensor fixing portion 32 opposite the fixed portion 31.

The first extension portion 33 extends from the first surface 23a side of the intermediate portion 23 toward the second surface 23b side. The first extension portion 33 faces one side surface 23c of the intermediate portion 23 in the direction of rotation of the fixing member 50 as a screw toward the fixed side. The direction of rotation of the fixing member 50 toward the fixed side is, for example, a clockwise direction D1 centered on the axis of the fixing member 50 as viewed from the head side of the screw. The first extension portion 33 is capable of contacting one side surface 23c of the intermediate portion 23.

The second extension portion 34 extends from the first extension portion 33. The second extension portion 34 is, for example, a bent portion. The second extension portion 34 extends, for example, from the tip of the first extension portion 33 along the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23. The second extension portion 34 faces the second surface 23b and can contact the second surface 23b. When the fourth surface 32b of the sensor fixing portion 32 contacts the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23, for example, a gap may be formed between the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23 and the second extension portion 34. Note that when the connection member 30 is removed from the terminal 20, the second extension portion 34 faces the fourth surface 32b of the sensor fixing portion 32.

The operation of this embodiment will be described.
For example, when the wiring path of the signal line 42 of the temperature sensor member 40 is set in a direction away from the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23, the sensor main body 41 and the connection member 30 are pulled by the signal line 42, and a force is applied to the connection member 30 in a direction away from the first surface 23a. At this time, in this embodiment, the second extension portion 34 of the connection member 30 contacts the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23, thereby preventing the sensor fixing portion 32 from moving away from the first surface 23a. This maintains the state in which the sensor fixing portion 32 contacts the first surface 23a.

When fixing the connection member 30 to the terminal 20, the fixing member 50 as a screw is attached in the clockwise direction D1. At this time, there is a risk that the connection member 30 will rotate together with the fixing member 50 in the clockwise direction D1, but in this embodiment, the first extension portion 33 that can contact the side surface 23c of the middle portion 23 functions as a stopper. This prevents the connection member 30 from rotating together with the fixing member 50 when it is fixed.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The connection member 30 that holds the temperature sensor member 40 is made of metal. The fixed portion 31 of the connection member 30 is fixed to the terminal 20 by a metal fixing member 50. That is, the metal connection member 30 and the metal fixing member 50 enable efficient transfer of heat from the terminal 20 to the temperature sensor member 40. As a result, the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal 20 in the terminal assembly 17 attached to the charging connector 15 can be improved.

(2) The terminal 20 has a first electrical connection portion 21 connectable to the mating terminal T, a second electrical connection portion 22 connectable to the conductive member C, and an intermediate portion 23 provided between the first electrical connection portion 21 and the second electrical connection portion 22. The connection member 30 has a sensor fixing portion 32 to which the temperature sensor member 40 is fixed. The sensor fixing portion 32 is in contact with the intermediate portion 23. With this configuration, the sensor fixing portion 32 of the connection member 30 is in contact with the intermediate portion 23 of the terminal 20. This makes it possible to more efficiently transfer heat from the terminal 20 to the temperature sensor member 40. As a result, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal 20.

(3) The intermediate portion 23 has a first surface 23a facing the connecting member 30, a second surface 23b opposite to the first surface 23a, and a fixing hole 24 recessed from the first surface 23a. The fixing member 50 is a screw fixed to the fixing hole 24. The fixed portion 31 is fixed to the intermediate portion 23 by the fixing member 50 as a screw. The connecting member 30 has a first extending portion 33 extending from the first surface 23a side toward the second surface 23b side. The first extending portion 33 faces the terminal 20 in the rotation direction toward the fixed side of the fixing member 50. With this configuration, when the fixed portion 31 of the connecting member 30 is fixed to the terminal 20 by screwing the screw, the first extending portion 33 of the connecting member 30 can be brought into contact with the terminal 20. Therefore, the first extending portion 33 can prevent the connecting member 30 from rotating with the screw and becoming misaligned.

The first extension portion 33 is provided at the end of the sensor fixing portion 32 opposite the fixed portion 31. This allows the first extension portion 33 to be set at a position farther away from the fixed portion 31. Therefore, when the connecting member 30 tries to rotate together with the fixing member 50 when the fixing member 50 is fixed, the first extension portion 33 is configured to appropriately resist the force of the rotation.

(4) The connection member 30 has a second extension portion 34 extending from the first extension portion 33. The second extension portion 34 faces the second surface 23b and can contact the second surface 23b. With this configuration, the second extension portion 34 contacts the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23, thereby preventing the sensor fixing portion 32 from moving away from the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23. In other words, the second extension portion 34 can maintain the state in which the sensor fixing portion 32 contacts the first surface 23a. As a result, the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal 20 can be further improved.

(5) The terminal assembly 17 includes an adhesive 60 that bonds the temperature sensor member 40 to the connection member 30. The adhesive 60 is a thermosetting resin. With this configuration, the temperature sensor member 40 is integrated with the connection member 30 by the thermosetting resin that serves as the adhesive 60. For this reason, it is more suitable as a terminal assembly 17 for a charging connector 15 that can become hot.

This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.
The second extending portion 34 may be configured to contact the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23 when the fourth surface 32b of the sensor fixing portion 32 is in contact with the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23. With this configuration, the intermediate portion 23 of the terminal 20 is sandwiched between the sensor fixing portion 32 and the second extending portion 34 from the first surface 23a side and the second surface 23b side. This allows the connection member 30 to be firmly fixed to the intermediate portion 23. As a result, the attachment state of the connection member 30 and the temperature sensor member 40 can be stabilized.

- In the above embodiment, the first extension portion 33 is configured to be able to contact the side surface 23c of the intermediate portion 23, but is not particularly limited to this. For example, the first extension portion may be configured to be inserted into a through hole that penetrates the intermediate portion 23. In this configuration, the first extension portion comes into contact with the through hole, thereby making it possible to prevent the connection member 30 from rotating when the fixing member 50 is fixed.

- In the connection member 30 of the above embodiment, the second extension portion 34 may be omitted. Also, in the connection member 30 of the above embodiment, the first extension portion 33 may be omitted. If the second extension portion 34 is omitted, there is a risk that the sensor fixing portion 32 may easily become separated from the terminal 20. However, since the connection member 30 and the fixing member 50 are made of metal, and the fixed portion 31 fixed to the terminal 20 by the fixing member 50 contacts the terminal 20, it is possible to efficiently transfer heat from the terminal 20 to the temperature sensor member 40 through the fixed portion 31.

In the connection member 30 of the above embodiment, for example, a third extending portion 71 and a fourth extending portion 72 shown in FIG. 6 may be additionally provided.
6, the third extending portion 71 extends from, for example, the sensor fixing portion 32. The third extending portion 71 extends from, for example, a side surface of the sensor fixing portion 32 that connects the third surface 32a and the fourth surface 32b. The third extending portion 71 extends from a side surface of the sensor fixing portion 32 opposite to the side surface on which the first extending portion 33 is provided. In addition, the third extending portion 71 is provided at an end of the sensor fixing portion 32 opposite to the fixed portion 31.

The third extension portion 71 extends from the first surface 23a side of the intermediate portion 23 toward the second surface 23b side. The third extension portion 71 faces one side surface 23c of the intermediate portion 23 in the rotation direction toward the side toward which the fixing member 50 loosens. The rotation direction toward the side toward which the fixing member 50 loosens is, for example, the counterclockwise direction D2 centered on the axis of the fixing member 50 as viewed from the head side of the screw. The third extension portion 71 can contact one side surface 23c of the intermediate portion 23. The side surface 23c that the third extension portion 71 can contact is the side surface 23c opposite to the side surface 23c that the first extension portion 33 can contact.

The fourth extension portion 72 extends from the third extension portion 71. The fourth extension portion 72 is, for example, a bent portion. The fourth extension portion 72 extends, for example, from the tip of the third extension portion 71 along the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23. The fourth extension portion 72 faces the second surface 23b and can contact the second surface 23b.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to bring the third extension 71 of the connection member 30 into contact with the terminal 20 in the rotation direction that loosens the fixing member 50. Therefore, the third extension 71 makes it possible to suppress loosening of the screw. In addition, the fourth extension 72 comes into contact with the second surface 23b of the intermediate portion 23, thereby suppressing the sensor fixing portion 32 from moving away from the first surface 23a of the intermediate portion 23. As a result, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the terminal 20. Note that in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the second extension 34 or the fourth extension 72 can be omitted.

The manner in which the sensor body 41 is fixed to the sensor fixing portion 32 is not limited to bonding with the adhesive 60, and the sensor body 41 may be fixed in a manner other than bonding.
In the above embodiment, the screw portion 51 of the fixing member 50 is screwed into the fixing hole 24 of the terminal 20, thereby fixing the fixed portion 31 of the connection member 30 to the intermediate portion 23 of the terminal 20. However, other than this, for example, the fixing hole 24 may be configured not to have a thread groove, and a nut may be screwed onto the screw portion 51 inserted into the through hole 31a and the fixing hole 24 from the second surface 23b side of the intermediate portion 23, thereby fixing the fixed portion 31 to the intermediate portion 23. Note that as long as the fixing member 50 is made of metal, it can be changed to a rivet or the like other than a screw or a bolt.

- In the above embodiment, the sensor fixing portion 32 is configured to contact the middle portion 23 of the terminal 20, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor fixing portion 32 may be configured to contact the first electrical connection portion 21.

- In the above embodiment, the fixed portion 31 of the connection member 30 is fixed to the middle portion 23 of the terminal 20, but other configurations are also possible, for example, in which the fixed portion 31 is fixed to the first electrical connection portion 21 of the terminal 20.

- The terminal assembly 17 in the above embodiment is used in the charging connector 15 of the vehicle 10, but is not limited thereto and can be used in connectors other than the charging connector 15 in the vehicle 10.

The embodiments and modifications disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 vehicle 11 charging inlet 12 charger 13 battery 14 power control unit 15 charging connector 16 connector housing 17 terminal assembly 18 storage section 20 terminal 21 first electrical connection section 22 second electrical connection section 23 intermediate section 23a first surface 23b second surface 23c side surface 24 fixing hole 30 connection member 31 fixed section 31a through hole 32 sensor fixing section 32a third surface 32b fourth surface 33 first extension section 34 second extension section (extension section)
35 Wall portion 36 Positioning portion 40 Temperature sensor member 41 Sensor body 42 Signal line 50 Fixing member 51 Screw portion 60 Adhesive 71 Third extension portion 72 Fourth extension portion C Conductive member D1 Direction D2 Direction T Counterpart terminal

Claims (7)

A terminal assembly to be attached to a charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, comprising:
The terminals and
a metal connection member fixed to the terminal;
a temperature sensor member fixed to the connection member;
a metal fixing member that fixes the connection member to the terminal,
the connection member has a fixed portion that contacts the terminal,
The fixing member fixes the fixed portion to the terminal ,
The terminal is
A first electrical connection portion connectable to a mating terminal;
A second electrical connection portion connectable to the conductive member;
an intermediate portion provided between the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion;
the connecting member has a sensor fixing portion to which the temperature sensor member is fixed,
the sensor fixing portion is in contact with the intermediate portion,
The intermediate portion has a first surface facing the connecting member and a second surface opposite to the first surface,
the connecting member has an extension portion extending from the sensor fixing portion,
the sensor fixing portion is in contact with the first surface,
The extension portion is in contact with the second surface,
The extending direction of the temperature sensor member is different from the direction in which the extending portion and the terminal face each other.
Terminal assembly. the intermediate portion has a first surface facing the connecting member, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a fixing hole recessed from the first surface,
the connecting member has a first extending portion extending from the first surface side toward the second surface side,
the fixing member is a screw fixed to the fixing hole,
the fixed portion is fixed to the intermediate portion by the screw,
The first extension portion faces the terminal in a rotation direction of the screw toward a fixed side.
The terminal assembly of claim 1 . The connection member has a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion,
The second extension portion faces the second surface and is capable of contacting the second surface.
The terminal assembly of claim 2 . the connecting member has a third extending portion extending from the first surface side toward the second surface side,
The third extension portion faces the terminal in a direction opposite to the rotation direction.
The terminal assembly according to claim 2 or 3 . the connecting member has a fourth extending portion extending from the third extending portion,
The fourth extension portion faces the second surface and is capable of contacting the second surface.
The terminal assembly of claim 4 . an adhesive for bonding the temperature sensor member to the connection member;
The adhesive is a thermosetting resin.
The terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . A charging connector for charging a battery mounted on a vehicle,
a terminal assembly having a terminal;
a connector housing for accommodating the terminals;
The terminal assembly is a terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
Charging connector.