Connector assembly and in-vehicle connector device

Abstract

The present invention alleviates posture restrictions during use. A connector assembly (100) is provided with: a flat printed wiring board (30) having a first region (30a) and a second region (30b); an interface connector (40) having a non-watertight structure and mounted on the first area (30a); a waterproof sealing member (60) covering the boundary (30c); and a housing having an opening (73) and housing the printed wiring board (30), the interface connector (40), and the waterproof sealing member (60). The waterproof sealing member (60) separates the inside of the housing (70) into a first region (30a) side and a second region (30b) side. The second region (30b) side in the housing (70) is a waterproof region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly which can be mounted on other equipment such as a vehicle and used. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technology of waterproof connectors, there is a technology for reliably preventing water or the like from entering through gaps between components constituting the connector due to a capillary phenomenon (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a diagram for explaining a waterproof connector of the prior art. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the waterproof connector comprises: a contact 2 with excellent conductivity, a metal cover 3 composed of a metal tubular body in which the contact is arranged, an electrically insulating shell 4 for fixing the contact 2, and an externally mounted waterproof sealing component 8 composed of an annular sealing gasket having an opening of a size that can be installed on the outer periphery of the shell 4. The shell 4 is formed by resin molded bodies 4a~4e and 4e1 that are arranged inside the metal cover 3 so that the contact 2 is separated from the inner wall and electrically insulated, and are integrally molded by injecting an electrically insulating synthetic resin.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-59540

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, regarding the waterproof connector 1 of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, if the front opening 3 F When the waterproof connector 1 is installed in the upward state on the equipment, the connector plugging side of the waterproof connector 1 will continue to be used in the upward state. Since the waterproof connector 1 does not have a drainage structure, if water enters the housing 4 for some reason, the water will be retained inside the housing 4. Even if a small amount of water enters, if the water continues to be retained, the front ends of the plurality of contacts 2 of the waterproof connector 1 exposed in the housing 4 may rust. Since the waterproof connector 1 of the above-mentioned patent document 1 cannot be used in the state where the connector plugging side is upward, there is a need, for example, to open the front 3 F The problem is that the device is installed in a downward position on a device, and the installation posture on the device is restricted. Summary of the invention

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can relax posture restrictions during use.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the connector assembly of the present embodiment comprises: a printed circuit board, an interface connector, a waterproof sealing component and a housing. The flat printed circuit board has a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area. The interface connector is mounted on the first area of ​​the printed circuit board and has a cover with a non-watertight structure. The waterproof sealing component covers the boundary between the first area and the second area of ​​the printed circuit board. The housing has an opening portion through which the connector on the other side of the interface connector can be plugged in and out, and accommodates the printed circuit board, the interface connector and the waterproof sealing component. The waterproof sealing component covers the outer periphery of the boundary on the printed circuit board and the inner periphery of the housing opposite to the outer periphery of the boundary in a tightly fitting manner, and the inside of the housing is separated into a first area side and a second area side with the waterproof sealing component as the boundary. The second area side in the housing is a waterproof area.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present embodiment, an interface connector having a non-watertight structure is installed on the first area side in the shell. Therefore, even if the opening portion is installed facing upward and water is retained in the first area, as long as the water is a small amount, the water will not continue to be retained in the interface connector, but will be drained to the outside of the interface connector. On the other hand, the second area side in the shell becomes a waterproof area to exert a waterproof function. Therefore, the connector assembly of the present embodiment can relax the restrictions on the posture during use. In particular, when the connector assembly of the present embodiment is used as a vehicle-mounted connector device having a retaining member for installation on the handlebar of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, the freedom of the installation angle on the handlebar can be ensured, and it can also be installed with the opening portion facing upward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A It is a diagram for explaining a conventional waterproof connector.

[0013] Figure 1B It is a diagram for explaining a conventional waterproof connector.

[0014] Figure 2A It is a perspective view showing an example of a connector assembly according to the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A side view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0016] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A Rear view of the connector assembly shown.

[0017] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A CC line profile in.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0019] Figure 5A It means in Figure 2A A perspective view of a printed circuit board 35 in the connector assembly is shown.

[0020] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A side view of a printed wiring board 30 is shown.

[0021] Fig. 6A It is a perspective view of a printed circuit board 35 with which a waterproof seal member 60 is integrally formed.

[0022] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view when the connector assembly 100 is cut along a plane including the boundary 30 c and viewed from the interface connector 40 side.

[0023] Fig. 7A It is a perspective view in which the waterproof seal member 61 is disassembled when the waterproof seal member 61 is mounted on the printed circuit board 35 .

[0024] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view when the connector assembly 100 equipped with the waterproof seal member 61 is cut along a plane including the boundary 30 c as viewed from the interface connector 40 side.

[0025] Fig. 8A It is a rear view showing one embodiment of the connector assembly having a rear cover 80 .

[0026] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A CC line profile in.

[0027] Fig. 9A This is a diagram showing a state where the connector assembly 100 is mounted on a handlebar of a motorcycle using a holder as an example of mounting the connector assembly 100 on other equipment such as a vehicle.

[0028] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A Side view of .

[0029] Fig. 9C yes Fig. 9A , which is a rear view showing a portion of the housing holding portion 210 and the harness connector 400. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0031] (Connector Components)

[0032] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an example of a connector assembly of this embodiment, Figure 2B This is its side view. Figure 3A yes Figure 2A Rear view of the connector assembly shown. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A CC line profile in. Figure 4 yes Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the connector assembly is shown. Figure 3A In the figure, the potting encapsulation resin 130 described later is not shown. Figure 3B In the figure, the electronic component 50 is not shown.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment is composed of a printed wiring board 30, an interface connector 40, an electronic component 50, a waterproof sealing member 60, a housing 70, and a rear connector 90 as main components (elements).

[0034] (Printed circuit board 30)

[0035] The printed wiring board 30 is, for example, a single-layer or multi-layer wiring board made of glass epoxy resin as a main material. Figure 5A It means in Figure 2A A perspective view of a printed circuit board 35 in the connector assembly shown, Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A side view of a printed wiring board 30 is shown.

[0036] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the printed wiring board 30 of the present embodiment has a flat plate shape consisting of a substantially rectangular upper surface 30A and a lower surface 30B, and has an end 32 having an end surface abutting against one end in the longitudinal direction, and an end 33 having an end surface on the opposite side of the end 32. The printed wiring board 30 has a first region 30a extending from the end 32 to the end 33, and a second region 30b adjacent to the first region 30a and extending to the end 33. When the surface of the boundary between the first region 30a and the second region 30b is defined as a boundary 30c, the first region 30a is a region from the end 32 to the boundary 30c in the printed wiring board 30, and the second region 30b is a region from the boundary 30c to the end 33 in the printed wiring board 30.

[0037] The interface connector 40, the electronic component 50, and the back connector 90 are mounted on the upper surface 30A of the printed wiring board 30. In this embodiment, the printed wiring board 30 on which the interface connector 40, the electronic component 50, and the back connector 90 are mounted is referred to as a "printed circuit board 35". Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the printed circuit board 35 is received in the housing 70 .

[0038] (Interface connector 40)

[0039] An interface connector 40 connected to a connector of a smartphone or the like is mounted on the upper surface 30A of the printed wiring board 30 at the end 32 side of the first region 30A. FIG. 3B to FIG. 5A As shown, the terminal 42 of the interface connector 40 is covered by a cover 41 formed of a metal non-watertight structure, and is configured to face the outside of the shell 70 through an opening portion 73 provided in a front panel portion 74 of the shell 70. The interface connector 40 of the present embodiment is a USB Type-C connector. However, there is no particular limitation on the type of the interface connector 40 as long as it is an interface connector with a non-watertight structure. For example, other interface connectors such as a USB Type-A connector or an HDMI (registered trademark) connector may also be used. Since the interface connector 40 has a non-watertight structure, even if water enters the interface connector 40 through the opening portion 73, the water will not be retained in the interface connector 40 as long as it is a small amount of water, but will be drained to the outside of the interface connector.

[0040] (Electronic component 50)

[0041] On the upper surface 30A of the printed wiring board 30, electronic components 50 such as surface mounted components such as IC chips and capacitors are mounted on the second region 30b side. Figure 5A As shown, a plurality of electronic components 50 are installed. However, the number of electronic components 50 on the printed circuit board 30 of the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment is not limited to a plurality. In addition, as described later, in the present embodiment, the first area 30a side in the housing 70 is used as a non-waterproof area, and the second area 30b side is used as a waterproof area. Therefore, the electronic components 50 in the present embodiment may also include electronic components that require a higher waterproofing measure than the interface connector 40. In addition, if the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment can be realized even without the electronic components 50, the electronic components 50 may not necessarily be installed.

[0042] (Waterproof sealing member 60)

[0043] On the printed wiring board 30, a waterproof seal member 60 made of a hot-melt material is formed on the outer periphery 30c1 of the border 30c. Fig. 6A It is a perspective view of a printed circuit board 35 with which a waterproof seal member 60 is integrally formed. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view when the connector assembly 100 is cut along a plane including the boundary 30c and viewed from the interface connector 40 side. Figure 6B In the figure, the printed wiring board 30 and the back connector 90 on the rear side (back side) of the boundary 30c are not shown.

[0044] Depend on Figure 1A and Figure 1B The outer waterproof sealing member 8 composed of the annular sealing gasket shown in the figure cannot be installed on the flat printed circuit board 30, but Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the waterproof sealing member 60 of this embodiment covers and closely adheres to the printed wiring board 30 along the outer periphery 30c1 of the boundary 30c of the printed wiring board 30, and is formed integrally with the printed wiring board 30. Figure 6B As shown, the waterproof sealing component 60 formed on the printed wiring board 30 has pressing surfaces 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D that press the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 72 when inserted into the housing 70. The pressing surface 60A and the pressing surface 60B, the pressing surface 60B and the pressing surface 60C, the pressing surface 60C and the pressing surface 60D, and the pressing surface 60D and the pressing surface 60A are continuous, so as to form a continuous surface as a whole. The pressing surfaces 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D are configured to be closely attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 72 by pressing on the inner periphery 72c of the cylindrical portion 72 of the housing 70 and opposite to the outer periphery 30c1. By configuring the waterproof sealing component 60 as described above, the waterproof sealing component 60 isolates the inside of the housing 70 into the first area 30a side and the second area 30b side.

[0045] In addition, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 in this embodiment is a waterproof area. Specific examples of realizing the waterproof area include injecting a potting resin 130 or providing a rear connector 90, which will be described in detail later.

[0046] By providing the waterproof seal member 60 and using the second area 30b side in the housing 70 as a waterproof area, it is not necessary to mention water intrusion from the opening 73 of the housing 70. Even if water intrusion is received from the rear end side of the housing 70 (the side opposite to the front panel portion 74 in the housing 70), the second area 30b side can still exert a waterproof function. Therefore, no matter how the connector assembly 100 is installed relative to other equipment such as a vehicle, the printed wiring board 30 and the electronic component 50 on the second area 30b side in the housing 70 will not be affected by water intrusion.

[0047] The waterproof sealing member 60 of the present embodiment is formed integrally with the printed wiring board 30 by, for example, insert molding. In order to form the waterproof sealing member 60, it is necessary to prepare the printed wiring board 35 in advance. The printed wiring board 35 is obtained by printing a paste solder paste at the component mounting position on the printed wiring board 30, mounting the interface connector 40, the electronic component 50, and the back connector 90 on the printed wiring board 30, and performing a soldering process by heating in a reflow furnace.

[0048] After the printed circuit board 35 is prepared, the printed circuit board 35 is mounted in a mold for the waterproof sealing component 60 prepared in advance and the mold is closed, and the hot melt material is injected after the mold is closed to implement embedded molding. Thus, the waterproof sealing component 60 is formed integrally on the printed circuit board 30 (printed circuit board 35). As the temperature during embedded molding, it is preferred to adjust the material of embedded molding and the process of reflow treatment in a manner that can be formed at a lower temperature (for example, 180°C to 200°C) than the temperature of the soldering process in the above-mentioned reflow furnace (also referred to as "applied temperature"). As the main component of the hot melt material, low-melting-point thermoplastic resins such as EVA, olefins, synthetic rubber, polyamide, and polyester can be listed. However, as long as the above-mentioned embedded molding method can be implemented, and from the perspective of waterproofing, the inside of the housing 70 can be isolated as the first area 30a side and the second area 30b side, it is not limited to these materials.

[0049] Implementing the waterproof seal member 60 by insert molding can achieve effects such as improving the bonding strength and durability, reducing the number of assembly steps, and improving the positional accuracy.

[0050] (Modification of Waterproof Sealing Member 60)

[0051] The waterproof sealing member 60 is formed as one component by a method of being integrally formed with the printed circuit board 35. However, the waterproof sealing member 60 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to being formed as one component. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the waterproof sealing member 61 may be composed of a plurality of non-annular members.

[0052] Fig. 7A It is a perspective view of a case where the waterproof seal member 61 is mounted on the printed circuit board 35 and the waterproof seal member 61 is exploded. Figure 7B 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 100 equipped with the waterproof seal member 61, when the connector assembly 100 is cut along a plane including the boundary 30c and viewed from the interface connector 40 side. Figure 7B In the figure, the printed wiring board 30 and the back connector 90 on the rear side (back side) of the boundary 30c are not shown. Fig. 7AAs shown, the waterproof sealing member 61 of this modified example is composed of a combination of two waterproof sealing members, a first waterproof sealing member 610 and a second waterproof sealing member 620. As examples of the material of the waterproof sealing member 61, similarly to the waterproof sealing member 60, low melting point thermoplastic resins such as EVA, olefins, synthetic rubber, polyamide, and polyester can be cited, but the present invention is not limited to these materials, which is the same as the waterproof sealing member 60.

[0053] like Fig. 7A As shown, the first waterproof sealing member 610 is composed of a pair of spacers 611, 612 and a connecting portion 613 connecting the spacers 611, 612 in a substantially U-shape. Figure 7B As shown, the first waterproof sealing member 610 has: clamping surfaces 610a, 610b, 610c for clamping the upper surface 30A and the lower surface 30B of the printed wiring board 30, and pressing surfaces 610A, 610B, 610C for pressing the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 72. Fig. 7A As shown, the second waterproof sealing member 620 is composed of a pair of spacers 621, 622 and a connecting portion 623 connecting the spacers 621, 622 in a substantially U-shape. Figure 7B As shown, the second waterproof sealing member 620 has: clamping surfaces 620a, 620b, 620c for clamping the upper surface 30A and the lower surface 30B of the printed wiring board 30, and pressing surfaces 620A, 620B, 620C for pressing the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 72. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the first waterproof sealing member 610 and the second waterproof sealing member 620 have shapes asymmetrical to each other, but by combining them together, they form a shape substantially the same as the waterproof sealing member 60 .

[0054] When the waterproof seal member 61 is mounted on the printed circuit board 35, the clamping surfaces 610a, 610b, 610c of the first waterproof seal member 610 and the clamping surfaces 620a, 620b, 620c of the second waterproof seal member 620 are brought into contact along the outer periphery 30c1 of the printed circuit board 30. In addition, the end 611a of the first waterproof seal member 610 and the end 621a of the second waterproof seal member 620, and the end 611b of the first waterproof seal member 610 and the end 621b of the second waterproof seal member 620 are brought into contact with each other. Similarly, the end 612a of the first waterproof seal member 610 and the end 622a of the second waterproof seal member 620, and the end 612b of the first waterproof seal member 610 and the end 622b of the second waterproof seal member 620 are brought into contact with each other. These abutments are fixed using adhesive or the like so as to maintain this state, that is, in a manner that there is no positional displacement, and the waterproof sealing member 61 is arranged so as to be integrated with the printed circuit board 35. The sizes of the first waterproof sealing member 610 and the second waterproof sealing member 620 are configured so that the waterproof sealing member 61 as a whole is of the same size as the waterproof sealing member 60. In addition, in the waterproof sealing member 61 of this modified example, the shape of the abutment portion between the first waterproof sealing member 610 and the second waterproof sealing member 620 is configured such that the first waterproof sealing member 610 side is formed into a concave shape and the second waterproof sealing member 620 side is formed into a convex shape, but the shape of the abutment portion is not limited thereto, and for example, a more complex shape such as a mortise and tenon structure can be adopted, so that a stronger joint than the joint using the above-mentioned waterproof sealing member 61 can be achieved.

[0055] When the waterproof sealing component is provided as a plurality of components like the waterproof sealing component 61, there is no need to prepare a mold for embedding and by preparing the necessary number of waterproof sealing components 61 in advance, a waterproof sealing component integrated with the printed wiring board 30 (printed circuit board 35) can be formed in a joining process alone.

[0056] (Housing 70)

[0057] The printed circuit board 35 integrally formed with the waterproof seal member 60 or the printed circuit board 35 integrally joined to the waterproof seal member 61 is housed in the housing 70. The housing 70 is a molded product formed of a thermoplastic resin such as ABS.

[0058] like Figures 2A to 4As shown, the housing 70 has: cylindrical parts 71 and 72 in the shape of a square cylinder; and a front panel part 74 located at the front end of the cylindrical part 72. The cylindrical part 71 has a cylindrical shape that is one circle larger than the cylindrical part 72. An opening part 73 is formed on the front panel part 74 of the cylindrical part 72, through which the connector of the other side of the interface connector 40 can be plugged in and out. On the cylindrical part 72, that is, on the first area 30a side of the housing 70, two drainage holes 76 are formed below the left and right sides across the front panel part 74. These openings 73 and drainage holes 76 are connected to the internal space of the cylindrical part 72. By providing the drainage holes 76, even if water is received from the opening part 73 side, the water will not continue to stay on the first area 30a side in the housing 70, but will be discharged to the outside of the housing 70 through the drainage holes 76. As described above, since the interface connector 40 has a non-watertight structure, the water received by the interface connector 40 is discharged to the outside of the interface connector 40. As a result, the incoming water temporarily stays on the first area 30a side in the housing 70. However, the incoming water discharged from the interface connector 40 will eventually be discharged to the outside of the housing 70 through the drain hole 76. Therefore, even if a large amount of water enters from the opening 73 side, the incoming water will not continue to stay on the first area 30a side in the housing 70. Therefore, no matter how the connector assembly 100 is installed relative to other equipment such as a vehicle, the terminal 42 of the interface connector 40 will not rust due to the influence of the incoming water.

[0059] The printed circuit board 35 integrally formed with the waterproof seal member 60, or the printed circuit board 35 joined with the waterproof seal member 61 on the printed circuit board 30, is pressed and inserted (pressed) from the rear end side of the cylindrical portion 71 (the side opposite to the front panel portion 74 in the housing 70), and is accommodated in the housing 70. Figure 3A As shown, sliders 71a, 71b, 71c, and 71d are formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 71 at the side regions on both sides. When the printed circuit board 35 integrally formed with the waterproof seal member 60 (or the waterproof seal member 61) is pressed into the housing 70, one end of the printed circuit board 30 in the width direction is inserted between the sliders 71a and 71b, and the other end is inserted between the sliders 71c and 71d and pressed at the same time. Figure 3B As shown, the interface connector 40, the electronic component 50, the waterproof sealing component 60 (or the waterproof sealing component 61) located on the printed circuit board 30, and the back connector 90 except the fitting portion 91a are stored at a specified position in the housing 70 at a specified height together with the printed circuit board 30.

[0060] The housing 70 is separated into the first area 30a side and the second area 30b side by the waterproof seal member 60 (or the waterproof seal member 61). That is, when the waterproof seal member 60 is used as the waterproof seal member, Figure 6BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the pressing surfaces 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D of the waterproof seal member 60 press the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 72. Thus, the waterproof seal member 60 separates the inside of the housing 70 into the first area 30a side and the second area 30b side. Figure 7B As shown, the pressing surfaces 610A, 610B, 610C of the first waterproof seal member 610 and the pressing surfaces 620A, 620B, 620C of the second waterproof seal member 620 press the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 72. Thus, the waterproof seal member 61 separates the interior of the housing 70 into the first area 30a side and the second area 30b side.

[0061] (Back connector 90)

[0062] On the upper surface 30A of the printed wiring board 30, a rear connector 90 connected to a harness connector 400 described later is mounted on the end 33 side of the second region 30b. Figure 4 As shown, the rear connector 90 is composed of a housing 91 and a terminal 92. The housing 91 is cylindrical and is composed of a fitting portion 91a that fits with the harness connector 400 and a base portion 91b that covers the base end of the fitting portion 91a. Figure 3A As shown, two terminal press-in holes 91c are formed in the base 91b. The rear connector 90 in this embodiment has two terminals 92. The terminal 92 has a shape bent into an L-shape, and a pair of protrusions 92a protruding to both sides in the width direction are formed on one side of the L-shape. Figure 3B and Figure 4 As shown, one side of the L-shaped terminal 92 is pressed into the terminal press-in hole 91c and mounted to the housing 91. One side of the pressed-in terminal 92 is exposed in the fitting portion 91a so as to be connected to the harness connector 400. On the other hand, the other side of the L-shaped terminal 92 is inserted into the through hole 31a provided on the end 33 side of the printed wiring board 30 and connected by welding.

[0063] (Specific example 1 for realizing waterproof area: pouring encapsulation resin 130)

[0064] After the waterproof seal member 60 (or waterproof seal member 61) and the printed circuit board 35 are housed in the housing 70, a potting resin 130 is injected into the second region 30b side of the housing 70. Examples of the material of the potting resin 130 include, but are not limited to, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, and silicone resin. Figure 3B In the figure, the injected potting encapsulation resin 130 is indicated by reference numerals, but in order to be distinguished from the cylindrical portion 71 and the printed wiring board 30, no oblique lines or the like are used and no patterns are marked. Figure 3BAs shown, the potting resin 130 is injected until the second area 30b side in the housing 70 is filled with the potting resin 130. By filling the potting resin 130, the first area 30a side in the housing 70 can be made a non-waterproof area and the second area 30b side can be made a waterproof area.

[0065] (Specific example 2 for realizing a waterproof area: rear cover 80)

[0066] The second region 30 b side in the housing 70 may be configured to be hollow without injecting the potting resin 130 , and a rear cover 80 may be provided on the cylindrical portion 71 to achieve waterproofing.

[0067] Fig. 8A 8 is a rear view showing an embodiment of a connector assembly with a rear cover 80. Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A The CC line profile in. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the connector assembly 100 shown, Figure 3A and Figure 3B Unlike the embodiment of the present invention, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 is not filled with the potting encapsulation resin 130. Instead, the rear end of the cylindrical portion 71 of the housing 70, that is, the end on the second area 30b side in the housing 70, is covered by the rear cover 80. The rear cover 80 has a circular flat plate having the same shape as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 71. The abutting portion of the rear cover 80 and the housing 70, that is, the inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the cylindrical portion 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear cover 80 are firmly bonded by an adhesive or the like. By covering the rear end of the cylindrical portion 71 with the rear cover 80, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 is made waterproof.

[0068] In the case where the rear cover 80 is provided, the rear cover 80 may be formed integrally between the fitting portion 91a and the base portion 91b. Thus, the base portion 91b becomes a part of the rear cover 80, and the fitting portion 91a protrudes further rearward than the rear cover 80. On the other hand, the rear cover 80 may be formed separately from the rear connector 90. For example, the rear cover 80 may be a structure that holds the rear connector 90. The rear cover 80 may be formed of a member of the same material as the waterproof sealing member 60, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The rear cover 80 may be configured to have an annular groove formed on its outer circumferential surface, and an annular rubber seal is installed in the annular groove so that the rubber seal is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the rear end of the cylindrical portion 71 and the outer circumferential surface of the rear cover 80. Thus, the waterproof function of the second area 30b side in the housing 70 becomes more complete.

[0070] By providing the back cover 80, even when the second area 30b side in the housing 70 is set as a waterproof area, in order to further improve the waterproof function, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 can be filled with the potting resin 130. In addition, when the potting resin 130 is not injected, even when the back cover 80 is provided, a moisture-proof coating can be applied to the printed wiring board 30 from the viewpoint of water resistance. As the coating agent, for example, a room temperature type fluorine coating agent can be used, and a coating agent having a film component of a resin such as a polyurethane, acrylic, or silicone can also be used.

[0071] The back cover 80 , like the potting resin 130 , can not only exhibit a waterproof function on the second region 30 b side in the housing 70 , but can also realize the waterproof function at a lower cost than the potting resin 130 .

[0072] The connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment has been described above. The waterproof sealing components (waterproof sealing components 60, 61) of the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment separate the inside of the housing 70 into the first area 30a side and the second area 30b side. In addition, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 becomes a waterproof area.

[0073] The interface connector 40 is accommodated on the first area 30a side of the housing 70 as a non-waterproof area, but the interface connector 40 in this embodiment has a non-watertight structure. Therefore, even if the connector assembly 100 is mounted on other equipment such as a vehicle with the opening 73 facing upward and water enters, that is, as a result of the interface connector 40 being continuously used with the interface connector 40 facing upward, even if water remains in the space on the first area 30a side of the housing 70, as long as the water is a small amount, the water will not continue to remain in the interface connector 40, but will be discharged to the outside of the interface connector 40. Therefore, the terminal 42 of the interface connector 40 will not rust due to the influence of water.

[0074] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 becomes a waterproof area, and exerts a waterproof function. In the case where water enters from the opening 73 side of the housing 70, the connector assembly 100 has a waterproof seal member 60, so the water does not enter the second area 30b side in the housing. Even if water enters through the waterproof seal member 60, the second area 30b side becomes a waterproof area, so the water does not enter the second area 30b side in the housing. Even if water enters from the rear end side of the housing 70, the second area 30b side in the housing 70 becomes a waterproof area, so the water does not enter the second area 30b side in the housing 70. Therefore, no matter how the connector assembly 100 is installed relative to other equipment such as a vehicle, the printed wiring board 30 and the electronic component 50 stored in the second area 30b side of the housing 70 will not be affected by the water.

[0075] As described above, the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment can ease the restriction of posture during use, but the connector assembly of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it can be a pigtail type connector assembly that directly connects a cable to the printed circuit board 30 and leads it out instead of the back connector 90. Furthermore, it can also be a connector assembly that does not have external connections other than the interface connector 40.

[0076] (Automotive Connector Device)

[0077] Hereinafter, the vehicle-mounted connector device according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 9A This is a diagram showing a state where the connector assembly 100 is mounted on a handlebar of a motorcycle using a holder as an example of mounting the connector assembly 100 on other equipment such as a vehicle. Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A Side view of Fig. 9C yes Fig. 9A The rear view is a diagram showing a portion of the housing holding portion 210 and the harness connector 400. The vehicle-mounted connector device 500 of this embodiment includes a connector assembly 100 and a holding member 200. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the vehicle-mounted connector device 500 is a device for mounting the connector assembly 100 on the handlebar 300 of a motorcycle via the holder 200 . Fig. 9B The connector assembly 100 shown by the middle dotted line is installed with the opening 73 facing the driver's seat side and the opening 73 being horizontal with respect to the rear connector 90 (parallel to the ground).

[0078] In this embodiment, the handle bar 300 extends horizontally relative to the driver when the driver is sitting on the driver's seat (not shown). Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Although not shown in the figure, the handle bar 300 is integrated with the main body of the motorcycle via other supporting members and the like.

[0079] The holder 200 has a housing holding portion 210 and a handle holding portion 220 as main components.

[0080] (Casing holding portion 210)

[0081] The housing holding portion 210 is used to hold the outer periphery of the housing 70 of the connector assembly 100. The housing holding portion 210 includes a pair of first holding portions 211 having a box-like appearance, a second holding portion 212, a cap 216, and a holding base 215.

[0082] like Fig. 9A As shown, the outer shape of the shell retaining portion 210 is formed into a box shape by fitting the first retaining portion 211 corresponding to the cover and the second retaining portion 212 corresponding to the base together. In addition, the inner shape of 210 is formed so that the connector assembly 100 having a cylindrical shape as a whole is accommodated in a tightly fitting manner with the inner shape of the shell retaining portion 210. The front surface 211a of the first retaining portion 211 and the front surface 212a of the second retaining portion 212 form the front surface 210a of the shell retaining portion 210, and the interface connector 40 and the opening portion 73 of the connector assembly 100 face the front surface 210a, and an opening portion 213 is formed between the interface connector 40, for example, in a manner that allows the connector of an electronic device such as a smartphone to be plugged in and out. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9C As shown, the rear surface 211b of the first holding portion 211 and the rear surface 212b of the second holding portion 212 form the rear surface 210b of the housing holding portion 210, and an opening 214 is formed on the rear surface 210b so that the cable portion of the harness connector 400 connected to the rear connector 90 of the connector assembly 100 can be inserted. In addition, a drainage hole (not shown) may be provided on the side or bottom surface of the second holding portion 212 so that water discharged from the drainage hole 76 of the connector assembly 100 can be discharged.

[0083] The cap 216 is rotatably supported on the first holding portion 211 of the housing holding portion 210. The cap 216 includes: a cover portion 216a that covers the opening portion 213 of the front surface 210a; and a pair of arm portions 216b and 216c that are integrally formed with the cover portion 216a on the back side of the cover portion 216a based on the covered state. A convex portion not shown is provided at each end of the arm portions 216b and 216c toward the inside, and each convex portion and the side surface of the first holding portion 211 are rotatably supported. Thus, the cover portion 216a can be used to cover the opening portion 213 when the connector assembly 100 is not in use. In addition, when the connector assembly 100 is used, that is, when the connector of the electronic device is connected to the interface connector 40 from the driver's seat side, the connector connection can be performed by lifting the cover portion 216a so that the interface connector 40 faces the outside. Fig. 9B In FIG. 1 , the direction in which the cap 216 rotates is indicated by an arrow, and the cap 216 in a covered state is indicated by a dashed line.

[0084] A holding base 215 is formed integrally with the second holding portion 212 on the bottom surface of the second holding portion 212 of the housing holding portion 210. The holding base 215 serves to fix the housing holding portion 210 and the handle holding portion 220.

[0085] (Handle holding portion 220)

[0086] The handle holding part 220 is used to hold the handlebar 300 of the motorcycle. The handle holding part 220 has a base part 221, a belt 222, and a fixing part 223.

[0087] The base 221 serves to fix the housing holding portion 210 and the handle holding portion 220. That is, the base 221 of the handle holding portion 220 and the holding base 215 of the housing holding portion 210 are fixed firmly by adhesive or the like, and the two are integrated. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B In the embodiment, the base 221 and the holding base 215 are completely fixed and cannot move relative to each other, but a rotation mechanism that supports the base 221 and the holding base 215 to be rotatable may be provided between the base 221 and the holding base 215. In this case, the connector assembly 100 mounted on the handle bar 300 via the holder 200 can be set to a desired orientation by the rotation mechanism.

[0088] The base 221 is integrally formed with a band 222 made of an elastic member so as to annularly hold the outer periphery of the handlebar 300. The band 222 has a length that can annularly hold the outer periphery of the handlebar 300 having a circular cross section, and the fastening strength of the band 222 to the handlebar 300 is adjusted by the fixing portion 223. By adjusting the fastening strength, the handlebar 300 of the motorcycle is held by the handle holding portion 220.

[0089] The above is the structure of the vehicle-mounted connector device 500. The method of installing the connector assembly 100 on the handlebar 300 of a two-wheeled vehicle using the retaining member 200 is as follows. First, the handlebar 300 is retained using the handle retaining portion 220 (step S1). Specifically, Fig. 9B As shown, the handle bar 300 having a circular cross section is held in the circumferential direction by the belt 222, and the fastening strength of the belt 222 to the handle bar 300 is adjusted by the fixing portion 223. When the handle bar 300 is held by the belt 222, the mounting angle of the belt 222 is adjusted by the fixing portion 223 so that the opening 213 of the housing holding portion 210 formed integrally with the handle holding portion 220 faces a desired direction when viewed from the driver. Therefore, for example, the connector assembly 100 can be mounted to the handle bar 300 in a posture in which the opening 73 faces upward.

[0090] Next, the connector assembly 100 is held by the housing holding portion 210 (step S2). Specifically, the engagement between the first holding portion 211 and the second holding portion 212 is released, the first holding portion 211 as a cover is opened, and the connector assembly 100 is mounted in the second holding portion 212. At this time, the opening portion 73 of the connector assembly 100 faces the opening portion 213 side of the housing holding portion 210, and the connector assembly 100 is mounted in the second holding portion 212 in such a manner that the cable portion of the harness connector 400 mounted on the rear connector 90 of the connector assembly 100 is inserted through the opening portion 214 of the housing holding portion 210. After the connector assembly 100 is mounted in the second holding portion 212, the first holding portion 211 is covered, the first holding portion 211 is engaged with the second holding portion 212, and the connector assembly 100 is stored in the housing holding portion 210. In addition, when the holder 200 of the rotating mechanism is provided, the connector assembly 100 can be adjusted to a desired orientation by utilizing the rotating support function of the rotating mechanism after step S2. Therefore, for example, the connector assembly 100 can be mounted on the handle bar 300 with the opening 73 facing upward.

[0091] As described above, the vehicle-mounted connector device 500 of the present embodiment has the connector assembly 100, and thus can obtain the same effects as the above-mentioned connector assembly 100. In addition, since the vehicle-mounted connector device 500 has the retainer 200, it is actually possible to install the connector assembly 100 on a vehicle such as a two-wheeled motor vehicle in such a manner that the connector assembly 100 faces the direction desired by the user. In particular, when the vehicle-mounted connector device 500 is used as a retainer for installing the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment on the handlebar of the two-wheeled motor vehicle, the degree of freedom of the installation angle on the handlebar can be ensured, and the vehicle can also be installed in a posture with the opening 73 facing upward.

[0092] In addition, the method of installing the vehicle-mounted connector device 500 on the vehicle is not limited to the above method. For example, the order of step S1 and step S2 can be exchanged, or they can be implemented in parallel. In addition, the connector assembly 100 and the vehicle-mounted connector device 500 described in this embodiment can of course be appropriately changed within the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

[0093] Explanation of symbols

[0094] 30: Printed circuit board

[0095] 30A: Upper surface

[0096] 30B: Lower surface

[0097] 30c: Boundary

[0098] 30c1: Periphery

[0099] 31a: Through hole

[0100] 32, 33: End

[0101] 35: Printed Circuit Board

[0102] 40: Interface connector

[0103] 41: Hood

[0104] 42: Terminal

[0105] 50: Electronic components

[0106] 60, 61: Waterproof sealing parts

[0107] 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D: Pressing surface

[0108] 70: Shell

[0109] 71, 72: Cylindrical part

[0110] 71a, 71b, 71c and 71d: Sliders

[0111] 72c: Inner week

[0112] 73: Opening

[0113] 74: Front panel

[0114] 76: Drainage hole

[0115] 80: Back cover

[0116] 90: Rear connector

[0117] 91: Shell

[0118] 91a: Chimeric part

[0119] 91b: Base

[0120] 91c: Terminal press-in hole

[0121] 92: Terminal

[0122] 92a: protrusion

[0123] 100: Connector assembly

[0124] 200: Retaining parts

[0125] 210: Shell holding portion

[0126] 210a, 211a, 212a: front surface

[0127] 210b, 211b, 212b: rear surface

[0128] 211: First holding unit

[0129] 212: Second holding unit

[0130] 213, 214: Opening

[0131] 215: Keep the base

[0132] 216: Cap

[0133] 216a: Cover

[0134] 216b, 216c: Arm

[0135] 220: Handle holding part

[0136] 221: Base

[0137] 222: belt

[0138] 223: Fixed part

[0139] 300: handlebar (of an automatic two-wheeled vehicle)

[0140] 400: Wiring harness connector

[0141] 500: Automotive connector device

[0142] 610: First waterproof sealing component

[0143] 610a, 610b, 610c: Clamping surface

[0144] 610A, 610B, 610C: Pressing surface

[0145] 611, 612, 621, 622: Isolation Department

[0146] 611a, 612a, 621a, 622a: End

[0147] 611b, 612b, 621b, 622b: End

[0148] 613, 623: Connection

[0149] 620: Second waterproof sealing component

[0150] 620a, 620b, 620c: Clamping surface

[0151] 620A, 620B, 620C: Pressing surface.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: A flat printed wiring board having a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area; an interface connector having a cover of a non-watertight structure mounted on the first area of ​​the printed wiring board; a waterproof sealing component covering a boundary between the first area and the second area of ​​the printed circuit board; a housing having an opening for inserting and removing a counterpart connector of the interface connector and accommodating the printed circuit board, the interface connector and the waterproof sealing member, The waterproof sealing component covers the outer periphery of the boundary on the printed circuit board and the inner periphery of the housing opposite to the outer periphery of the boundary in a tightly fitting manner, and the inside of the housing is separated into the first area side and the second area side with the waterproof sealing component as the boundary. The second area side in the housing is a waterproof area.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The waterproof sealing member is formed integrally with the printed wiring board by insert molding.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The waterproof sealing member is composed of a plurality of non-annular members.

4. The connector assembly according to claims 1 to 3, wherein: The housing is provided with a drainage hole on the first area side.

5. The connector assembly according to claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second region side in the housing becomes a waterproof region by being filled with potting resin.

6. The connector assembly according to claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second region side in the housing becomes a waterproof region by providing a rear cover that covers an end portion of the second region side.

7. A vehicle-mounted connector device comprising: the connector assembly according to claims 1 to 3, and a holder for mounting the connector assembly on a handlebar of a motorcycle, The retaining member has: A handle holding portion, which is used to hold the handle bar of the automatic two-wheeled vehicle; A housing holding portion is used to hold the outer periphery of the housing of the connector assembly.

8. The vehicle-mounted connector device according to claim 7, wherein: The connector assembly is mounted on the handlebar of the motorcycle in a posture where the opening portion of the connector assembly faces upward.

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