electronic control device

Abstract

The electronic control device of the present application is provided to suppress the overflow of the sealant at the three-way portion of the sealant near the connector. The electronic control device includes a first seal portion (51) that seals between a base member (40) and a cover member (30), a second seal portion (52) that seals between the base member (40) and a connector housing (20), and a third seal portion (53) that is connected to the first seal portion (51) and the second seal portion (52) and seals between the cover member (30) and the connector housing (20). At a portion (three-way portion) where the first seal portion (51), the second seal portion (52), and the third seal portion (53) intersect, a space portion (41JA1) that is connected to the recess portion (41) and is further recessed from a face where the recess portion (41) is formed is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the structure of an electronic control device with a waterproof structure. Background Technology

[0002] As background technology in this field, a waterproof control unit described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-76758 (Patent Document 1) is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof control unit comprising a housing that encloses a circuit board in a base, a cover, and a connector housing. The cover has a third sealing recess forming a third sealing gap with the base; a first sealing recess located on the trapezoidal inclined side of the cover within a first sealing gap between the three trapezoidal sides of the connector housing (whose end face is trapezoidal); and a supplementary inclined side as part of the trapezoidal inclined side. Thus, in the waterproof control unit of Patent Document 1, after applying a waterproof sealant to the first sealing gap surface, when the connector housing is installed, the waterproof sealant applied to the supplementary inclined side is used to replenish it, preventing the waterproof sealant from being scraped off and becoming thin (see abstract of specification).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-76758 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the waterproof control unit (hereinafter referred to as the electronic control device) of Patent Document 1, which has a right-angle connector with a connection direction parallel to the circuit board surface, three sealing parts are required: a "lower sealing part of the connector" and a "higher sealing part of the connector" for waterproofing the area around the connector, and an "outer peripheral sealing part" for waterproofing the area between the cover and the base outside the connector. Therefore, a three-way joint for sealant is formed at the intersection of the three sealing parts near the connector.

[0009] Due to the sealant application path, the T-junction inevitably requires two or more applications of sealant, resulting in excessive sealant application. Therefore, this leads to an increased amount of sealant overflow after assembling the base, connector housing, and cover at the sealant T-junction.

[0010] In the electronic control device described in Patent Document 1, although it is considered to replenish the waterproof sealant applied to the supplementary bevel when setting the connector housing to prevent the sealant (waterproof sealant) from being scraped off and becoming thin, it does not consider suppressing the overflow of sealant at the tee portion of the sealant.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic control device that suppresses the overflow of sealant at the tee portion near the connector.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the electronic control device of the present invention includes:

[0014] A base component having a recessed portion on its outer periphery, wherein a storage space for a circuit board is formed on the inner side of the recessed portion;

[0015] A cover component that covers the circuit board and is mounted on the base component; and

[0016] A connector housing having a connector, at least a portion of which is housed between the base component and the cover component;

[0017] A first sealing portion disposed in the recess seals the base component and the cover component;

[0018] A second sealing portion disposed in the recess seals the base component and the connector housing; and

[0019] A third sealing part, connected to the first and second sealing parts, seals the cover component between the cover component and the connector housing.

[0020] At the intersection of the first sealing portion, the second sealing portion and the third sealing portion, a space portion is formed that is connected to the recessed portion and further recessed from the surface where the recessed portion is formed.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress sealant overflow at the tee portion of the sealant near the connector of the electronic control device.

[0023] Other issues, structures, and effects not described above will be explained through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of one embodiment of the electronic control device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view (expanded perspective) of the electronic control device.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the application trajectory of the sealant according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view of the sealing structure viewed from above.

[0028] Figure 4B It means Figure 4A A summary cross-sectional view of the IVB-IVB section.

[0029] Figure 4C It means Figure 4A A summary cross-sectional view of the IVC-IVC section.

[0030] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion of the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view of the sealing structure viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 5B It means Figure 5A A summary cross-sectional view of the VB-VB section.

[0032] Figure 5C It means Figure 5A A summary cross-sectional view of the VC-VC section.

[0033] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure at the tee section in the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the sealing structure. Figure 6B (VIA-VIA cross-sectional view).

[0034] Figure 6B It means Figure 6A A summary cross-sectional view of the VIB-VIB section.

[0035] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the sealing structure. Figure 7B (Sectional view of VIIA-VIIA).

[0036] Figure 7B It means Figure 7A A summary cross-sectional view of sections VIIB-VIIB.

[0037] Figure 8 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of the appearance of a modified example of an electronic control device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The electronic control device of the present invention has a waterproof structure, making it particularly suitable for vehicle use.

[0039] The following section describes the electronic control unit (ECU: engine control unit) installed in the engine compartment.

[0040] In one embodiment of the electronic control device of the present invention, using Figures 1 to 3 Please provide an explanation. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of the electronic control device 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view (expanded perspective view) of the electronic control device 1. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the application trajectory of the sealant 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, the height direction H, width direction W, and depth direction D are based on... Figure 2 Defined. The height direction H is along the vertical direction (up and down), and the width direction W and depth direction D are along the horizontal direction (lateral). The vertical (up and down) and horizontal (lateral) directions in this embodiment are based on... Figure 2 The definition does not specify the orientation of the electronic control device 1 in its installation state.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electronic control device 1 of the present invention includes a connector 21 connected to the vehicle wiring harness side, a circuit board 60 on which electronic components 61 are mounted, a cover (cover component) 30 and a base (base component) 40 for housing the connector 21 and the circuit board 60, and a sealing component 50 provided at the boundary portion of the connector 21, the cover 30 and the base 40.

[0043] The cover (cover component) 30 covers the circuit board 60 and is mounted on the base (base component) 40.

[0044] The cover 30 is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above and below, and has a top surface 31 that serves as the highest surface of the electronic control device 1, and three side walls 32, 33, and 34 that surround the periphery of the electronic control device 1. The side walls 32, 33, and 34 are arranged continuously to surround the sides of the electronic control device 1 in three directions. Side wall 32 forms the side wall of the back side of the electronic control device 1, and side walls 33 and 34 form the side walls of one side of the two sides in the width direction W of the electronic control device 1.

[0045] The front side 30F of the cover 30 is open, and this open portion is edged by the front edge 311 of the top surface 31 and the front edges 331 and 341 of the side walls 33 and 34. The front edge 311 of the top surface 31 is transverse, and the front edges 331 and 341 of the side walls 33 and 34 are in the height direction. Furthermore, the front edges 331 and 341 are inclined in a manner that recedes towards the back side (side wall 32) from the top surface 31 side towards the base 40 side.

[0046] On the side walls 32, 33, and 34 of the cover 30, a flange portion 36 protruding to the side (outward in the horizontal direction) is provided on the side of the top surface 31 of the cover 30 compared to the lower end (lower edge) 35.

[0047] The flange 36 is located near the lower end 35 of the cover 30.

[0048] Cover 30 is made of resins such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PA (nylon), or metals with aluminum or iron as the main components.

[0049] The connector housing 20 has a front surface 201 that is substantially perpendicular to the top surface 31 of the cover 30, and a plurality of connectors 21 are provided on the front surface 201. The sides 203, 204 of the connector housing 20 are generally trapezoidal in shape. Therefore, the rear portion 202 of the connector housing 20 is inclined in such a way that it protrudes toward the rear side (side wall 32) from the top side toward the bottom side.

[0050] In the connector housing 20, the rear portion 202 is inclined in a manner that slopes along the front edges 331, 341 of the side walls 33, 34 of the cover 30, and fits into the opening portion of the front surface 30F of the cover 30 when the cover 30 is assembled.

[0051] Additionally, the connector housing 20 has a protruding shape 23 on its bottom surface that protrudes downward (to one side of the base 40). The protruding shape 23 is disposed on the inner side relative to the front 201 and the sides 203, 204 along the front 201 and the sides 203, 204.

[0052] The connector housing 20 has a connector 21, at least a portion of which is housed between the base member 40 and the cover member 30. In this case, the front 201 and the two sides 203, 204 of the connector housing 20 are exposed to the outside of the base member 40 and the cover member 30.

[0053] The connector housing 20, including the connector 21, is made of resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PA (polyamide), or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). That is, the connector 21 is integrally formed from the same resin material as the connector housing 20. The connector 21 has multiple connector terminals 211 of a metal primarily composed of copper.

[0054] Connector terminal 211 transmits voltage and current between electronic control device 1 and external equipment.

[0055] Connector terminal 211 is electrically connected to circuit board 60 by means of soldering or crimping.

[0056] The circuit board 60 is fixed to the connector housing 20 and is integrated with the connector housing 20. The connector 21 is composed of a right-angle connector 21 whose connection direction is parallel to the circuit board surface (mounting surface of electronic component 61) of the circuit board 60.

[0057] The connector housing 20 has a sealing groove 22. The sealing groove 22 has a sealing groove portion (upper sealing groove portion of connector) 221 formed on the upper side of the connector 21, and sealing groove portions (side sealing groove portions of connector) 222, 223 formed at both ends (side portions) in the width direction W of the connector housing 20. The sealing groove portions 222, 223 are formed in such a way that they connect the upper and lower parts of the connector housing 20, and are inclined in such a way that they protrude rearward (towards the back surface 32 side) from the upper side to the lower side of the connector housing 20. That is, the sealing groove portions 222, 223 are inclined in such a way that they are inclined along the front edges 331, 341 of the sides 33, 34 of the cover 30.

[0058] The sealing groove (upper sealing groove of connector) 221 and the sealing groove (side sealing groove of connector) 222, 223 form a connected sealing groove 22.

[0059] The base 40 has four sides 401, 402, 403, and 404, forming a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above. Side 401 forms one side of the front. Side 402 forms one side of the back. Sides 403 and 404 form the sides in the width direction W. The base 40 has multiple mounting brackets 42 protruding laterally (outside the width direction W) from sides 403 and 404.

[0060] The base (base component) 40 has a sealing groove (recess) 41 on its outer periphery, and a storage space (bottom part) 43 for the circuit board 60 is formed inside the sealing groove 41.

[0061] The sealing groove 41 is formed along the four sides 401, 402, 403, and 404 of the base 40, surrounding the central bottom portion 43 of the base 40. The sealing groove 41 has a sealing groove portion 411 formed along the side 401, a sealing groove portion 412 formed along the side 402, a sealing groove portion 413 formed along the side 403, and a sealing groove portion 414 formed along the side 404. The four sealing groove portions 411, 412, 413, and 414 form a connected sealing groove 41.

[0062] The base 40 is made of resins such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PA (nylon), or metals with aluminum or iron as the main components.

[0063] The connector housing 20 has a sealing structure consisting of sealing grooves 22 (221, 222, 223) and protruding shapes 23. The cover 30 has a sealing structure consisting of the inner portion of the top surface 31 along the front edge 311, the front edges 331, 341 of the side walls 33 and 34 of the cover 30, and the lower end (lower edge) 35 of the cover 30. The base 40 has a sealing structure consisting of sealing grooves 41 (411, 412, 413, 414).

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, when assembling the connector housing 20 with the base 40, the protruding shape 23 of the connector housing 20 is inserted into the sealing grooves 411, 413, and 414 of the sealing groove 41 of the base 40, thereby combining the sealing structure of the connector housing 20 with the sealing structure of the base 40. When assembling the connector housing 20 with the cover 30, the front edges 331 and 341 of the side walls 33 and 34 of the cover 30 are inserted into the sealing grooves 222 and 223 of the sealing groove 22 of the connector housing 20, and the inner surface of the top surface 31 along the front edge 311 is opposite to the sealing groove 221, thereby combining the sealing structure of the connector housing 20 with the sealing structure of the cover 30. When assembling the cover 30 with the base 40, the lower end (lower edge) 35 of the cover 30 is inserted into the sealing grooves 412, 413, and 414 of the sealing groove 41 of the base 40, thereby combining the sealing structure of the cover 30 with the sealing structure of the base 40. In this case, the waterproofness of the electronic control device 1 is ensured by applying a sealant that constitutes the sealing component 50 to each sealing structure part.

[0065] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sealing component 50 is composed of three sealing parts: a first sealing part (outer peripheral sealing part) 51 for waterproofing the area between the cover 30 (excluding the connector part) and the base; a second sealing part (lower connector sealing part) 52 for waterproofing the periphery of the connector housing 20; and a third sealing part (upper connector sealing part) 53.

[0066] That is, the first sealing part 51 is provided in the recess 41 to seal between the base component 40 and the cover component 30. In addition, the second sealing part 52 is provided in the recess 41 to seal between the base component 40 and the connector housing 20. Furthermore, the third sealing part 53 is connected to the first sealing part 51 and the second sealing part 52 to seal between the cover component 30 and the connector housing 20.

[0067] At the intersection of the three sealing parts 51, 52, and 53, a three-way (intersection) 50J of the sealing component 50 is formed.

[0068] In this embodiment, the electronic control device 1 is rectangular when viewed from the top-bottom direction H. The intersection of the first sealing part 51, the second sealing part 52, and the third sealing part 53 (T-junction) 50J is provided on two of the four sides of the outer periphery of the electronic control device 1, on the side of the surface on which the connector 21 is mounted. These two surfaces correspond to the edges 403 and 404 of the base 40.

[0069] The sealing component 50 is formed by applying a liquid sealant to the sealing groove 41 and then allowing the sealant to cure. In this specification, the sealing component (sealing part) is referred to by the reference numeral 50, and sometimes the liquid sealant is also referred to by the reference numeral 50.

[0070] The sealing groove 41 functions to retain the sealant. A first sealing portion 51 and a second sealing portion 52 are formed in the sealing groove 41, and a third sealing portion 53 is formed in the sealing groove 22. A three-way (intersection) 41J of the sealing grooves 22 and 41 is formed at the intersection of the sealing grooves 22 and 41. A three-way portion 50J of the sealing member 50 is formed on the three-way portion 41J of the sealing grooves 22 and 41.

[0071] The three-way (intersection) 41J of the sealing grooves 22 and 41 is formed on the sealing groove portions 413 and 414. A first sealing portion 51 is formed spanning the sealing groove portions 412, 413, and 414. In this case, the first sealing portion 51 is formed on the sealing groove portions 413 and 414, on the back side (one side of the sealing groove portion 412) starting from the three-way portion 41J. A second sealing portion 52 is formed spanning the sealing groove portions 411, 413, and 414. The second sealing portion 52 is formed on the front side (one side of the sealing groove portion 411) starting from the three-way portion 41J.

[0072] In the three-way section 41J of the sealing grooves 22 and 41, due to the application trajectory of the sealant, it is unavoidable to apply it two or more times, resulting in excessive application and a large amount of sealant overflow after the cover 30 is assembled. Furthermore, the three-way section 41J of the sealing grooves 22 and 41 is the starting or ending point for applying the sealant that constitutes the second sealing section 52, making it a location where the sealant applied from the nozzle is unstable and the application amount is difficult to adjust. Therefore, a sealing structure that suppresses sealant overflow is required.

[0073] Furthermore, the three-way portion 41J of the sealing grooves 22 and 41 is the part where the connector housing 20, the cover 30 and the base 40 intersect. It is the part where high stress will be generated in the sealing member 50 when the other connector applies torsional force to the connector 21 when it is inserted or removed. Therefore, if the coating amount is reduced, there is a risk of reduced reliability of the sealing part.

[0074] In the following description, the term "three-way section" refers to the three-way section (intersection) 50J of the sealing component 50. However, unless there is a significant contradiction, "three-way section 50J" can be considered synonymous with "three-way section 41J" of the sealing grooves 22 and 41.

[0075] The first sealing portion 51 is formed by a sealant applied to the outer periphery of the electronic control device 1. The second sealing portion 52 is formed by a sealant applied to the outer periphery of the electronic control device 1, constituting a sealing portion between the bottom surface of the connector housing 20 and the base 40. The third sealing portion 53 is formed by a sealant applied to one side of the top surface of the connector housing 20, forming a planar seal between the top surface of the connector housing 20 and the inner surface (plane) of the top surface 31 along the front edge 311. Alternatively, a protruding shape portion may be provided on the inner surface of the top surface 31 along the front edge 311, which can be inserted into the sealing groove portion 221 of the sealing groove 22 of the connector housing 20.

[0076] use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first sealing part 51, the second sealing part 52 and the third sealing part 53 will be described in further detail.

[0077] After the second sealing portion (lower sealing portion of connector) 52 is formed, the third sealing portion (upper sealing portion of connector) 53 and the first sealing portion (outer peripheral sealing portion) 51 are formed, constituting the sealing component 50.

[0078] As a method for forming the second sealing part 52, firstly, sealant is applied to the sealing grooves 412, 413, and 414 corresponding to the sealing part 52 below the connector on the base 40. Then, the circuit board 60 with the connector housing 20 mounted on it is assembled onto the base 40. At this time, the sealant is pushed and extended by the bottom surface (lower sealing surface) and the protruding shape 23 of the connector housing 20, and the sealant is filled into the gaps in the sealing grooves 412, 413, and 414 to form the second sealing part 52.

[0079] In this case, the two ends of the second sealing part 52 are located at the three-way part 50J of the sealing members 51, 52, and 53, and at the three-way part 41J of the sealing groove 22 (222, 223) and the sealing groove 41 (413, 414).

[0080] Regarding the third sealing part 53 and the first sealing part 51, a sealant is first applied to the sealing groove 221 on the top surface of the connector housing 20 assembled when the second sealing part 52 is formed.

[0081] In addition, the connector housing 20 has sealing grooves 222 and 223 on both sides in the width direction W, which descend from the top of the connector housing 20 to the two ends of the second sealing part 52, and sealant is also applied to the sealing grooves 222 and 223.

[0082] Therefore, the third sealing part 53 has a top sealing part 531 and side sealing parts (inclined sealing parts) 533 and 534. The two ends 533A and 534A of the side sealing parts 533 and 534 of the third sealing part 53 are as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the sealant is applied in such a way that the two ends of the tee section 41J of the sealing groove 22 and the sealing groove 41 meet with the two ends of the second sealing section 52.

[0083] Furthermore, starting from the junction of the second sealing portion 52 and the third sealing portion 53, sealant is also applied to the outer periphery of the base 40 where the second sealing portion 52 is not formed, forming the first sealing portion 51. After applying the sealant to the first sealing portion 51, when the cover 30 is assembled onto the base 40, the sealant is pushed and extended by the sealing structure of the cover 30, thereby filling the gaps in the sealing grooves 22, 412, 413, and 414 with sealant, forming the third sealing portion 53 and the first sealing portion 51.

[0084] When illustrating the application path of the sealant constituting the sealing portions 51, 52, and 53, the application path roughly resembles the following: Figure 3 The shape shown. Additionally... Figure 3 The sealing parts 51, 52, and 53 indicate the shapes of the sealing components formed by the curing of the sealant.

[0085] The three-way section 50J is the intersection of the overlapping sealing sections 51, 52, and 53, resulting in multiple overlaps of sealant on each sealing section 51, 52, and 53, leading to a relatively large amount of sealant applied. Furthermore, the three-way section 50J serves as the starting and ending point for the second sealing section 52 applied at the bottom of the connector; therefore, the sealant application control is unstable, resulting in a large amount of sealant applied. Consequently, at the three-way section 50J, a significant amount of sealant 50 overflows from the sealing groove after the connector housing 20, cover 30, and base 40 are assembled.

[0086] Sealant 50 is composed of materials such as silicone, epoxy, or polyurethane, and acts as an adhesive.

[0087] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sealing structure of the present invention will be described.

[0088] [Example 1]

[0089] use Figures 4A to 4C The first embodiment of the sealing structure will be described in this example.

[0090] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion 50J of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view of the sealing structure viewed from above. Figure 4B It means Figure 4A A summary cross-sectional view of the IVB-IVB section. Figure 4C It means Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view of the IVC-IVC section. For structures identical to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, structures different from those in the above embodiments will be described.

[0091] The sealing grooves (recesses) 41 (413, 414) of this embodiment have a concave portion (first concave portion) 41JA1 at the tee portion 50J where the bottom surface of the sealing groove 41 of the base 40 is recessed downward relative to the bottom surface of other sealing groove 41 portions. The first concave portion 41JA1 constitutes a space portion (first space portion) that is further recessed from the surface where the sealing groove (recess) 41 is formed, and constitutes a groove extension portion (first groove extension portion) that expands the internal space of the sealing groove 41. In this embodiment, the first concave portion 41JA1 expands the sealing groove 41 in the depth direction (height direction). The first concave portion 41JA1 is formed on the bottom surface of the sealing grooves 413, 414 and is located on the extension line of the sealing grooves 222, 223.

[0092] The sealant 50 enters the first concave portion 41JA1, thereby forming a sealing extension portion (first sealing extension portion) 50JA1.

[0093] In this embodiment, the sealing groove (recess) 41 is formed on the base 40 in a recessed manner along the thickness direction (height direction H). Furthermore, the first concave portion (space portion) 41JA1 is formed on the base 40 in a manner that is deeper in the thickness direction than the recess 41. In this case, the first concave portion (space portion) 41JA1, being deeper in the thickness direction than the recess 41, can be formed only on the inner side of the recess 41 of the base 40. Therefore, excess sealant can be absorbed without increasing the width of the sealing groove 41, and the width of the electronic control device 1 can be reduced.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the amount of sealant 50 becomes excessive, the first concave portion 41JA1 becomes a receptacle for the excess sealant, and the excess sealant is absorbed by the first concave portion 41JA1. Therefore, the leakage of sealant 50 from the electronic control device 1 to the outside is suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of sealant 50 applied to the sealing groove 41 at the tee portion 50J can be increased. This prevents the highest stress from occurring at the tee portion 50J when the connector 21 is twisted during insertion or removal of the other connector. By increasing the amount of sealant 50 applied to the sealing member 50 at the tee portion 50J, the stress generated at the tee portion 50J can be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a convex portion 352 is provided on the lower end 35 of the side walls 32 and 34 of the cover 30, which is inserted into the first concave portion 41JA1. As a result, the bonding area between the cover 30 formed by the sealant 50 and the base 40 at the three-way portion 50J is increased, thereby improving the bonding strength.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by forming the convex portion 352 such that the sealing thickness T2 formed between the bottom surface of the sealing groove 41 and the front end (lower end) of the convex portion 352 is greater than the sealing thickness T1 of other parts, excess sealant can be absorbed more reliably.

[0098] That is, with the structure having the convex portion 352, the electronic control device 1 is configured as described below. A sealing groove (recess) 41 is formed on the base 40 in a recessed manner in the thickness direction of the base 40. A first concave portion (space portion) 41JA1 is formed on the base 40 in a manner that is deeper than the concave portion 41 in the thickness direction of the base 40. The cover 30 has cover bodies 31, 32, 33, and 34 covering the circuit board 60 and an insertion portion 35 that inserts into the recess 41. The insertion portion 35 has a convex portion 352 that inserts into the space portion 41JA1.

[0099] Alternatively, the convex part 352 may not be provided, and the lower end 35 of the side walls 32 and 34 of the cover 30 may be straight as shown by the dashed line IL1.

[0100] [Example 2]

[0101] use Figures 5A to 5C A second embodiment of the sealing structure will be described.

[0102] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion 50J of the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view of the sealing structure viewed from above. Figure 5B It means Figure 5A A summary cross-sectional view of the VB-VB section. Figure 5C It means Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of the VC-VC section. For structures identical to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, structures different from those in the above embodiments will be described.

[0103] In this embodiment, the sealing groove 41 (413, 414) has a concave portion (second concave portion) 41JA2 at the tee portion 50J, which causes the inner sidewall (inner side surface) of the sealing groove 41 to be recessed in the horizontal direction (lateral direction) towards the inside of the electronic control device 1. The second concave portion 41JA2 constitutes a space portion (second space portion) that is further recessed from the surface forming the sealing groove (recessed portion) 41, and constitutes a groove extension portion (second groove extension portion) that expands the sealing groove 41 in the groove width direction (lateral direction). In addition, the second concave portion 41JA2 constitutes a width-increasing portion that increases the width of the sealing groove 41 in the groove width direction.

[0104] In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the second concave portion 41JA2 is configured to have the same depth as the bottom surface of the other sealing grooves 41. The second concave portion 41JA2 is formed on the inner side surface of the sealing grooves 413 and 414, and the extension lines of the sealing grooves 222 and 223 are located on the side of the intersection position where they intersect with the sealing grooves 41 (413 and 414).

[0105] In this embodiment, the sealing groove (recess) 41 is formed on the base 40 in a recessed manner in the thickness direction of the base 40. Furthermore, the second concave portion (space portion) 41JA2 is formed on the base 40 in a recessed manner from the inner side of the recess 41 toward the inner side of the base 40.

[0106] In this embodiment, in addition to the first concave portion 41JA1, the second concave portion 41JA2 also serves as a receptacle for excess sealant, and the excess sealant is absorbed by the second concave portion 41JA2. In this case, the volume of the receptacle for excess sealant can be increased. The sealant 50 enters the second concave portion 41JA2, thereby forming a sealing extension portion (second sealing extension portion) 50JA2.

[0107] In this embodiment, the second concave portion 41JA2 is provided together with the first concave portion 41JA1 of Embodiment 1, but it may also be a structure without the first concave portion 41JA1. In this case, the second concave portion 41JA2 can also be used to form a retraction portion for excess sealant. Furthermore, by making the bottom surface of the second concave portion 41JA2 the same depth as the bottom surface of the other sealing groove portions 41, the height dimension (thickness) of the electronic control device 1 can be reduced without requiring space in the height direction of the electronic control device 1.

[0108] Alternatively, the bottom surface of the second concave portion 41JA2 can be made as follows: Figure 5C As shown by the dashed line IL2, it is configured to have the same depth as the bottom surface of the first concave portion 41JA1, thereby further increasing the volume of the retraction portion of excess sealant.

[0109] [Example 3]

[0110] use Figure 6A and Figure 6B The third embodiment of the sealing structure will be described in this embodiment.

[0111] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion 50J of the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the sealing structure. Figure 6B (VIA-VIA cross-sectional view). Figure 6B It means Figure 6A A schematic cross-sectional view of the VIB-VIB section. For structures identical to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, structures different from those in the above embodiments will be described.

[0112] In this embodiment, a third concave portion 41JA3 is formed at the three-way portion 50J by thinning the thickness portion of the lower end (lower edge) 35 of the side walls 32, 34 of the cover 30 inserted into the sealing groove 41. The third concave portion 41JA3 constitutes a groove extension portion (third groove extension portion) that expands the sealing groove 41 in the groove width direction (lateral direction). That is, the third concave portion 41JA3 is formed by a thinner portion 351 formed at the three-way portion 50J on the lower end 35 of the side walls 32, 34 of the cover 30. The thinner portion 351 increases the space within the sealing groove 41.

[0113] In this embodiment, a third concave portion 41JA3 is also provided in addition to the first concave portion 41JA1 of Embodiment 1. The third concave portion 41JA3, together with the first concave portion 41JA1, serves as a receptacle for excess sealant, and the excess sealant is also absorbed by the third concave portion 41JA3. In this case, the volume of the receptacle for excess sealant can be increased. Sealant 50 enters the third concave portion 41JA3, thereby forming a sealing extension portion (third sealing extension portion) 50JA3.

[0114] In this embodiment, excess sealant can be absorbed without increasing the width of the sealing groove 41, thus reducing the width of the electronic control device 1.

[0115] In this embodiment, the third concave portion 41JA3 is provided together with the first concave portion 41JA1 of Embodiment 1, but it may also be a structure without the first concave portion 41JA1. In this case, the third concave portion 41JA3 can also be used to form a retraction portion for excess sealant.

[0116] Furthermore, if the width of the electronic control device 1 is not considered a problem, the third concave portion 41JA3 of this embodiment can be constructed together with the second concave portion 41JA2 of Embodiment 2. In this case, a structure in which all three portions—the third concave portion 41JA3, the second concave portion 41JA2, and the first concave portion 41JA1—are provided can be used. Additionally, regarding the depth of the sealing groove 41 in the first concave portion 41JA1 and the second concave portion 41JA2 in this case, the structures described in Embodiments 1 and 2 can be appropriately adopted.

[0117] [Example 4]

[0118] use Figure 7A and Figure 7B The fourth embodiment of the sealing structure will be described.

[0119] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure at the three-way portion 50J according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the sealing structure. Figure 7B (Sectional view of VIIA-VIIA). Figure 7B It means Figure 7A A schematic cross-sectional view of sections VIIB-VIIB. For structures identical to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, structures different from those in the above embodiments will be described.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first concave portion 41JA1 of Embodiment 1 is positioned at a position offset from the lower end (sealing structure portion) 35 of the side walls 32 and 34 of the cover 30 towards the inside of the electronic control device 1 within the sealing groove 41.

[0121] Similar to Example 1, sealant 50 enters the first concave portion 41JA1, thereby forming a sealing extension portion 50JA1.

[0122] In this embodiment, when the sealant 50 is applied to the sealing groove 41 and the cover 30 is assembled, the sealant 50 can be pressed against the bottom surface of the sealing groove 41 by the lower ends 35 of the side walls 32 and 34 of the cover 30. That is, compared with the case in Embodiment 1 where the first concave portion 41JA1 is formed across the entire width of the sealing groove 41, the gap between the lower ends 35 of the side walls 32 and 34 of the cover 30 and the bottom surface of the sealing groove 41 is narrower, and the pressing effect of the lower ends 35 of the side walls 32 and 34 on the sealant 50 is improved. Therefore, in this embodiment, the filling properties of the sealant 50 into the sealing groove 41 are improved.

[0123] [Example 5]

[0124] use Figure 8A fifth embodiment with a modified structure of the electronic control device 1 will be described. Figure 8 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of the appearance of a modified example of the electronic control device 1. For structures identical to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, structures different from those in the above embodiments will be described.

[0125] In this embodiment, the electronic control device 1 has a fixing part 70 for the cover 30 on both sides, in addition to the mounting bracket 42 for the vehicle.

[0126] That is, the electronic control device 1 has a mounting bracket 42 for the vehicle near the intersection of the first sealing part 51, the second sealing part 52 and the third sealing part 53 (the three-way part) 50J.

[0127] In addition, near the intersection of the first sealing part 51, the second sealing part 52 and the third sealing part 53 (the three-way part) 50J, the electronic control device 1 has a fixing part 70 for fixing the cover 30 to the base 40.

[0128] In the electronic control device 1, if the amount of sealant 50 overflowing at the three-way section 50J increases, the overflowing sealant 50 will adhere to the mounting bracket 42 and the fixing part 70 of the cover 30. In this case, the overflowing sealant may interfere with the fixing tools used to install the electronic control device 1 to the vehicle, or the fixing part 70 may not be able to be fixed smoothly.

[0129] By applying the first concave portion 41JA1, the second concave portion 41JA2, and the third concave portion 41JA3 of the above embodiments, these problems can be improved.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the three-way portions 50J provided at two locations are described in terms of the first concave portion 41JA1, the second concave portion 41JA2, and the third concave portion 41JA3, but they can also be applied to at least one of the three-way portions 50J.

[0131] The electronic control device 1 of the above embodiments has any one of the following structures (1) or (2).

[0132] (1) An electronic control device comprising:

[0133] A base component 40 has a recess (sealing groove) 41 on its outer periphery, wherein a storage space for a circuit board 60 is formed on the inner side of the recess 41.

[0134] Cover component 30 covering circuit board 60 and mounted on base component 40; and

[0135] A connector housing 20 having a connector 21, at least a portion of which is housed between a base member 40 and a cover member 30;

[0136] A first sealing part 51 provided in the recess 41 seals the base part 40 and the cover part 30;

[0137] A second sealing portion 52, provided in the recess 41, seals the space between the base component 40 and the connector housing 20; and

[0138] A third sealing part 53, connected to the first sealing part 51 and the second sealing part 52, seals the space between the cover part 30 and the connector housing 20.

[0139] At the intersection of the first sealing portion 51, the second sealing portion 52 and the third sealing portion 53 (the three-way portion) 50J, a space portion is formed that is connected to the recessed portion 41 and is further recessed from the surface where the recessed portion 41 is formed.

[0140] Here, the space portion is formed by at least one of the first concave portion 41JA1 or the second concave portion 41JA2.

[0141] (2) An electronic control device comprising:

[0142] A base component 40 has a recess (sealing groove) 41 on its outer periphery, wherein a storage space for a circuit board 60 is formed on the inner side of the recess 41.

[0143] Cover component 30 covering circuit board 60 and mounted on base component 40; and

[0144] The connector 21 and connector housing 20 are at least partially housed between the base member 40 and the cover member 30.

[0145] A first sealing part 51 provided in the recess 41 seals the base part 40 and the cover part 30;

[0146] A second sealing portion 52, provided in the recess 41, seals the space between the base component 40 and the connector housing 20; and

[0147] A third sealing part 53, connected to the first sealing part 51 and the second sealing part 52, seals the space between the cover part 30 and the connector housing 20.

[0148] The recess 41 is formed in the base member 40 in such a way that it is recessed in the thickness direction of the base member 40.

[0149] The cover component 30 has cover bodies 31, 32, 33, and 34 that cover the circuit board 60 and an insertion part 35 that can be inserted into the recess 41.

[0150] An extension portion (space portion) 41JA1, 41JA2, and 41JA3 is formed at the intersection of the first sealing portion 51, the second sealing portion 52, and the third sealing portion 53. This extension portion is formed by making the thickness of the insertion portion 35 thinner, or making the recessed portion 41 lower in the depth direction, or making it recessed from the inner side of the recessed portion 41 toward the inner side of the base member 40 to expand the internal space of the recessed portion 41.

[0151] In this case, there are at least one location where a space portion 41JA1, 41JA2 is formed that is further recessed from the surface where the recessed portion 41 is formed. In addition, there are at least one location where an extension portion 41JA1, 41JA2, 41JA3 is formed.

[0152] Spaces 41JA1, 41JA2, and 41JA3 constitute excess sealant storage portions that accommodate the excess portion of sealant 50 filled in the recessed portion 41. Furthermore, there are at least one location where space portions 41JA1 and 41JA2 are formed that are further recessed from the surface forming the sealing groove (recessed portion) 41, and at least one location where a space portion (expansion portion) 41JA3 is formed that expands the internal space of the sealing groove (recessed portion) 41.

[0153] In this embodiment, the first concave portion 41JA1, the second concave portion 41JA2, and the third concave portion 41JA3 are provided to form a retraction portion for excess sealant. Therefore, the first concave portion 41JA1, the second concave portion 41JA2, and the third concave portion 41JA3 are disposed near the intersection of the first sealing portion 51, the second sealing portion 52, and the third sealing portion 53 (tee portion) 50J. In this case, "near" refers to the range within which excess sealant in liquid form can flow into each of the concave portions 41JA1, 41JA2, and 41JA3.

[0154] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above embodiments are described in detail for ease of understanding of the present invention, and are not limited to having all the structures. In addition, a part of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, for a part of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0155] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0156] 1… Electronic control device, 21… Connector, 30… Cover, 31… Top surface of cover 30 (cover body), 32, 33, 34… Sides of cover 30 (cover body), 35… Insertion part of cover 30 into recess 41, 352… Protrusion, 40… Base, 403, 404… Two sides of base 40, 41… Sealing groove (recess), 41JA1… First recess (space), 41JA2… Second recess (space), 41JA3… Third recess (space), 42… Mounting bracket, 50… Sealing component (sealing part), 50J… T-junction of sealing component, 51… First sealing part, 52… Second sealing part, 53… Third sealing part, 60… Circuit board, 70… Fixing part for fixing cover 30 to base 40.

Claims

1. An electronic control device, characterized by comprising: The electronic control device includes: a base member having a recessed portion in an outer periphery, wherein a receiving space of a circuit board is formed on an inner periphery side of the recessed portion; a cover member covering the circuit board and mounted to the base member with a lower end portion of a side wall inserted into the recessed portion; and a connector housing having a connector, at least a portion of which is received between the base member and the cover member; a first seal provided in the recessed portion, which seals between the base member and the cover member; a second seal provided in the recessed portion, which seals between the base member and the connector housing; and a third seal connected to the first seal and the second seal, which seals between the cover member and the connector housing, the recessed portion has a space portion connected to the recessed portion and further recessed from a surface forming the recessed portion at a portion where the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal intersect, the recessed portion is formed in the base member in a manner of being recessed in a thickness direction of the base member, the space portion is formed in the base member in a manner of being recessed deeper than the recessed portion in the thickness direction of the base member, and is disposed in the recessed portion at a position offset toward an inner side of the base member with respect to a lower end portion of a side wall of the cover member.

2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein: the space portion is capable of receiving an excess portion of a sealant filled in the recessed portion.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein: a shape of the electronic control device when viewed in an up-down direction is rectangular, the portion where the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal intersect is located on two of four sides of an outer periphery of the electronic control device, which are on both sides of a side on which the connector is mounted.

4. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein: a mounting bracket for mounting to a vehicle is provided in a vicinity of the portion where the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal intersect.

5. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein: a fixing portion for fixing the cover member to the base member is provided in a vicinity of the portion where the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal intersect.

6. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein: there is at least one portion having a space portion further recessed from a surface forming the recessed portion.

Images