Relay connector

Abstract

Provided is a relay connector that can be reduced in size. A relay connector (10) is provided with a terminal, a connector housing (20) that holds the terminal, and a sealing member (40) that seals between the connector housing (20) and a machine housing. The sealing member (40) has: an annular sealing body section (41) sandwiched between the connector housing (20) and the machine housing in a compressed state; and a fixing piece (42) which extends from the sealing main body part (41) to the outer peripheral side of the sealing main body part (41). The connector housing (20) has a positioning column (52) that passes through the fixing piece (42) and holds the fixing piece (42), and that is fitted into a positioning recess provided in the machine housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay connector. Background Art

[0002] For example, patent document 1 records a relay connector installed on a machine housing. The relay connector is a connector for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the machine housing. The relay connector includes a terminal, a connector housing for holding the terminal, and a sealing member for sealing the connector housing and the machine housing. The sealing member has an annular sealing body and a plurality of locking pieces extending from the sealing body toward the inner circumference. The connector housing has locking protrusions at positions corresponding to the locking pieces of the sealing member. The locking protrusions are inserted into the holes of the locking pieces provided in the sealing member. Thus, the sealing member is retained in the connector housing. Moreover, the sealing body of the sealing member is clamped between the connector housing and the machine housing in a compressed state, thereby sealing the connector housing and the machine housing. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125078 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned relay connector, when it is necessary to position the connector housing relative to the machine housing, it is considered to provide the connector housing with a positioning protrusion that can be engaged with a recess provided in the machine housing. However, as in the connector housing described in the above-mentioned patent document 1, only providing the positioning protrusion will lead to the problem of enlarging the connector housing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a relay connector that can be miniaturized. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The relay connector disclosed in the present invention is installed on a machine housing and is used to electrically connect the interior and exterior of the machine housing. The relay connector includes a terminal, a connector housing that holds the terminal, and a sealing component that seals the connector housing and the machine housing. The sealing component includes: an annular sealing body portion that is clamped between the connector housing and the machine housing in a compressed state; and a fixing plate that extends from the sealing body portion toward the outer peripheral side of the sealing body portion. The connector housing has a positioning column that passes through the fixing plate to hold the fixing plate and is engaged with a positioning recess provided in the machine housing. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the relay connector of the present disclosure, miniaturization can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a front view of the relay connector in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the relay connector in the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a bottom view of the relay connector in the embodiment. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The 4-4 line section view in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described. The relay connector of the present disclosure is configured as follows: [1] Installed on a machine housing and used to electrically connect the interior and exterior of the machine housing, the relay connector comprising a terminal, a connector housing for holding the terminal, and a sealing member for sealing the connector housing and the machine housing, the sealing member comprising: an annular sealing body portion clamped between the connector housing and the machine housing in a compressed state; and a fixing plate extending from the sealing body portion toward the outer peripheral side of the sealing body portion, the connector housing having a positioning column, the positioning column passing through the fixing plate to hold the fixing plate, and engaging with a positioning recess provided in the machine housing.

[0010] According to this structure, the positioning post of the connector housing can be used for both positioning relative to the machine housing and fixing the sealing member. Therefore, compared with a structure in which a convex portion for positioning relative to the machine housing and a convex portion for fixing the sealing member are separately provided, the connector housing can be miniaturized.

[0011] [2] Preferably, in the above [1], the positioning post has an anti-detachment structure for preventing the fixing piece from detaching from the positioning post. According to this configuration, the anti-drop structure provided on the positioning post can prevent the fixing piece of the sealing member from dropping out from the positioning post.

[0012] [3] Preferably, in the above [2], the positioning post has a cutout portion as the anti-detachment structure, the cutout portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the positioning post, and the fixing piece is locked in the cutout portion.

[0013] According to this configuration, by causing the fixing piece of the sealing member to be locked to the notch portion provided in the positioning post, it is possible to better suppress the fixing piece from falling off the positioning post.

[0014] [4] Preferably, in any one of the above [1] to [3], the connector housing comprises: a fixing flange fixed to the machine housing in a manner covering an opening portion provided in the machine housing; and an insertion portion extending from the fixing flange and inserted into the opening portion, the fixing flange comprising an annular receiving groove for receiving the sealing body portion and a fixing portion fixed to the machine housing, the fixing portion and the positioning column being provided at a portion on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove in the fixing flange.

[0015] According to this structure, the portion on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove in the fixed flange is the portion required for setting the fixing portion on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove. Therefore, by setting the positioning column together with the fixing portion on the portion on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove in the fixed flange, the structure of the inner peripheral side of the receiving groove in the fixed flange can be simplified. Therefore, by reducing the length between the insertion portion and the receiving groove in the fixed flange, the miniaturization of the fixed flange can be achieved. In addition, the circumferential length of the receiving groove and the sealing body portion accommodated in the receiving groove can be reduced, thereby helping to improve the sealing performance of the sealing body portion.

[0016] [Detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure] The following is a specific example of the relay connector disclosed in the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, for the sake of convenience, some structures may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the size ratios of each part may be different in each of the drawings. In addition, "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification are not limited to strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also include approximately parallel or orthogonal situations within the scope of being able to achieve the functions and effects of this embodiment. In addition, the term "annular" used in this specification may refer to any structure that forms a loop or a continuous shape without ends, as well as a generally annular structure with a gap such as a C-shaped shape. In addition, regarding the shape of "annular", it includes a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with a sharp corner or a rounded corner, but is not limited to these shapes. In addition, "opposite" in this specification refers to the situation where the faces or components are in front of each other, including not only the situation where they are completely in the front position, but also the situation where a part is in the front position. In addition, "opposite" in this specification includes the situation where other components are involved between the two parts and the situation where no other components are involved between the two parts. Terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish objects and do not indicate the rank of objects. Additionally, the present invention is not limited to these examples but is represented by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0017] (Overall structure) like Figure 1As shown, the relay connector 10 is mounted on a machine housing 11 mounted on a vehicle. The relay connector 10 is fixed to the machine housing 11 by, for example, bolts. The relay connector 10 is a connector for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the machine housing 11. The machine housing 11 is, for example, a transmission case. The machine housing 11 is made of, for example, metal. The inside of the machine housing 11 is, for example, an oil environment, and the outside of the machine housing 11 is a gas environment. Electrical components such as a motor or a sensor are provided inside the machine housing 11. The machine housing 11 has an opening 12 through which the relay connector 10 passes. The opening 12 is formed in the machine housing 11 in such a manner as to connect the internal space of the machine housing 11 and the external space. The relay connector 10 is mounted on the opening 12 of the machine housing 11 along the first direction D1. In addition, in the following description, the direction opposite to the first direction D1 is referred to as the second direction D2.

[0018] (Structure of Relay Connector 10) The relay connector 10 includes a connector housing 20 , a terminal 30 , and a sealing member 40 . The connector housing 20 is formed of an insulator such as synthetic resin, for example. The relay connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 30 , for example. Each terminal 30 is formed of a conductor. Each terminal 30 is held in the connector housing 20 .

[0019] (Structure of Connector Housing 20) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector housing 20 includes a fixing flange 21 , an internal connection portion 22 as an insertion portion, and an external connection portion 23 .

[0020] The fixing flange 21 is, for example, flat and extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The fixing flange 21 is fixed to the outer surface of the device housing 11 by bolts or the like so as to cover the opening 12. In the fixing flange 21, the side surface facing the device housing 11 in the first direction D1 is referred to as a first side surface 21a, and the side surface opposite to the first side surface 21a is referred to as a second side surface 21b.

[0021] The internal connection portion 22 extends, for example, from the first side surface 21a of the fixing flange 21 in the first direction D1. The internal connection portion 22 is inserted into the opening 12 of the device housing 11 in the first direction D1. The external connection portion 23 extends from the second side surface 21b of the fixing flange 21. The external connection portion 23 is provided with a fitting portion 24 for fitting with a mating connector (not shown). In addition, the fitting portion 24 may also be potted.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, each terminal 30 in the relay connector 10 is partially buried in the connector housing 20. Each terminal 30 has a first connection end 31 exposed in the internal connection portion 22 and a second connection end 32 exposed in the fitting portion 24 of the external connection portion 23. The first connection end 31 of each terminal 30 is electrically connected to an internal component not shown and provided inside the machine housing 11. The second connection end 32 of each terminal 30 is electrically connected to a counterpart connector fitted in the fitting portion 24. The counterpart connector is provided, for example, in a control unit that accommodates a control circuit and the like. That is, the control circuit provided in the control unit is electrically connected to the aforementioned internal component via the relay connector 10.

[0023] (Structure of Sealing Member 40) The sealing member 40 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the fixing flange 21 and the outer surface of the machine housing 11. Figure 2 As shown, the sealing member 40 has an annular sealing body 41 and a fixing piece 42 extending from the outer edge of the sealing body 41 to the outer peripheral side of the sealing body 41. The fixing piece 42 has a through hole 43 that penetrates the fixing piece 42. The sealing member 40 of this embodiment has, for example, two fixing pieces 42. The sealing member 40 including the sealing body 41 and each fixing piece 42 is formed of an elastic body such as rubber as a whole.

[0024] (Detailed Structure of the Fixing Flange 21) like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fixing flange 21 has an annular receiving groove 51 provided on the first side surface 21a and a positioning column 52 provided on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove 51 in the first side surface 21a. When viewed in the second direction D2, the receiving groove 51 is provided in a manner to surround the internal connection portion 22. The sealing body portion 41 of the sealing member 40 is accommodated in the receiving groove 51. Before the fixing flange 21 is fixed to the machine housing 11, a portion of the sealing body portion 41 protrudes from the receiving groove 51 in the first direction D1.

[0025] The fixing flange 21 has an outer peripheral portion 21c, which is a portion on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove 51 in the fixing flange 21. On the first side surface 21a of the fixing flange 21, a fixing sheet receiving groove 53 for receiving the fixing sheet 42 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 21c. The number of the fixing sheet receiving grooves 53 is the same as the number of the fixing sheets 42. In the present embodiment, two fixing sheet receiving grooves 53 are provided. When viewed in the second direction D2, each fixing sheet receiving groove 53 extends from the outer edge of the receiving groove 51 to the outer peripheral side. Each fixing sheet receiving groove 53 extends, for example, from the outer edge of the receiving groove 51 to the outer edge of the fixing flange 21.

[0026] In the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21, for example, a cylindrical collar 54 serving as a fixing portion is embedded, and the collar 54 is fixed to the machine housing 11. The collar 54 is made of metal, for example. That is, the collar 54 is, for example, configured as a separate body from the resin member forming the fixing flange 21. The collar 54 is provided so that its penetration direction is along the first direction D1. In the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21, for example, two collars 54 are provided. Bolts for fastening and fixing the fixing flange 21 to the machine housing 11 are inserted through each collar 54. That is, the portion of the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21 including the collar 54 is fastened and fixed to the machine housing 11 by bolts.

[0027] (Structure of positioning column 52) The fixing flange 21 has, for example, two positioning posts 52. The positioning posts 52 are respectively disposed in two fixing piece receiving grooves 53 in the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21. Each positioning post 52 extends from the fixing piece receiving groove 53 along the first direction D1. Figure 3 As shown, when viewed in the second direction D2, the distance X1 from the central axis L1 of the sealing body 41 to the axis L2 of the positioning post 52 is set shorter than the distance X2 from the central axis L1 of the sealing body 41 to the axis L3 of the collar 54. The central axis L1 and the axes L2 and L3 are parallel to the first direction D1.

[0028] The two positioning posts 52 in the fixing flange 21 are arranged at positions symmetrical to each other with the central axis L1 of the sealing body 41 as the center. Similarly, the two shaft rings 54 are arranged at positions symmetrical to each other with the central axis L1 of the sealing body 41 as the center. In this way, even if the sealing member 40 is turned 180° with the central axis L1 as the center, the sealing member 40 can be installed in the receiving groove 51 and each positioning post 52 in the fixing flange 21. Figure 3 When assembled to the fixing flange 21 in the state rotated 90° about the central axis L1 as shown, the fixing pieces 42 of the sealing member 40 are sandwiched between the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21 and the device housing 11. This makes it easier for the operator to notice the mis-assembly of the sealing member 40.

[0029] like Figure 4As shown, the positioning column 52 has a column body 61 that is fitted into the positioning recess 13 and a cutout portion 62 formed at the base end of the positioning column 52. The cutout portion 62 is provided on the positioning column 52 as an anti-slip structure that prevents the fixing piece 42 of the sealing member 40 from falling off from the positioning column 52. The cutout portion 62 is a shape in which the outer peripheral surface of the positioning column 52 is cut toward the inner diameter side. The cutout portion 62 is, for example, partially provided in the circumferential direction of the positioning column 52. In addition, the cutout portion 62 is provided in a manner including an angular position farthest from the receiving groove 51 in the circumferential direction of the positioning column 52. The column body 61 is a portion of the positioning column 52 where the cutout portion 62 is not formed. The cross-sectional shape of the column body 61 is, for example, circular.

[0030] Each positioning post 52 is inserted into the through hole 43 of each fixing piece 42 in the sealing member 40. Furthermore, each fixing piece 42 is locked to the cutout portion 62 formed at the base end of each positioning post 52. That is, each fixing piece 42 is hooked to the cutout portion 62 of each positioning post 52 in the first direction D1, thereby maintaining the state in which the sealing body 41 is accommodated in the accommodation groove 51.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the column body 61 in the positioning column 52 is engaged with the positioning recess 13 provided in the machine housing 11 along the first direction D1. The shape of the positioning recess 13 in the cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 is, for example, a circle having the same shape as the column body 61. By engaging the column body 61 of the positioning column 52 with the positioning recess 13, the fixed flange 21 is positioned in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Moreover, by positioning the fixed flange 21 by the positioning column 52 and the positioning recess 13, the operability can be improved, for example, when the fixed flange 21 is fastened to the machine housing 11 by bolts. In this way, the positioning column 52 is constructed so that a portion of its top end is engaged with the positioning recess 13, and the base end of the positioning column 52 is clamped by the fixing piece 42 of the sealing member 40.

[0032] The operation of this embodiment will be described. When the sealing member 40 is assembled to the fixing flange 21 of the connector housing 20, each positioning post 52 is inserted into the through hole 43 of each fixing piece 42 in the sealing member 40, and each fixing piece 42 is locked in the cutout portion 62 of each positioning post 52. Since the fixing piece 42 is hooked in the cutout portion 62, it is possible to prevent each fixing piece 42 from falling off from each positioning post 52, so that the sealing body 41 can be kept in a state of being accommodated in the accommodation groove 51.

[0033] When the connector housing 20 is assembled to the machine housing 11, the internal connection portion 22 is inserted into the opening portion 12 of the machine housing 11 along the first direction D1. Then, the column body portion 61 of each positioning column 52 is fitted into each positioning recess 13 of the machine housing 11 along the first direction D1. As a result, the fixing flange 21 is positioned relative to the machine housing 11 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1. At a position surrounding the opening portion 12 of the machine housing 11, the sealing body portion 41 accommodated in the accommodation groove 51 is sandwiched between the fixing flange 21 and the machine housing 11 in a compressed state. In this way, the fixing flange 21 and the machine housing 11 are sealed by the sealing body portion 41.

[0034] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector housing 20 has a positioning post 52, which passes through the fixing piece 42 to hold the fixing piece 42 and is fitted into the positioning recess 13 provided in the device housing 11. According to this structure, the positioning post 52 of the connector housing 20 can be used for both positioning the device housing 11 and fixing the sealing member 40. Therefore, compared with a structure in which a convex portion for positioning the device housing 11 and a convex portion for fixing the sealing member 40 are provided separately, the connector housing 20 can be miniaturized.

[0035] (2) The positioning post 52 has a cutout portion 62 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the positioning post 52 as a structure for preventing the fixing piece 42 from falling off the positioning post 52. The fixing piece 42 is locked in the cutout portion 62. According to this structure, the fixing piece 42 of the sealing member 40 is locked in the cutout portion 62 provided in the positioning post 52, thereby better preventing the fixing piece 42 from falling off the positioning post 52. As a result, the sealing member 40 can be prevented from falling off from the fixing flange 21.

[0036] (3) The connector housing 20 includes: a fixing flange 21 fixed to the device housing 11 so as to cover the opening 12 provided in the device housing 11; and an internal connection portion 22 as an insertion portion extending from the fixing flange 21 and inserted into the opening 12. The fixing flange 21 includes an annular receiving groove 51 for receiving the sealing body 41; and a collar 54 as a fixing portion fixed to the device housing 11. The collar 54 and the positioning post 52 are provided at a portion (i.e., the outer peripheral portion 21c) on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove 51 in the fixing flange 21. According to this structure, the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21 is a portion required to provide the collar 54 on the outer peripheral side of the receiving groove 51. Therefore, by providing the positioning post 52 together with the collar 54 on the outer peripheral portion 21c of the fixing flange 21, the structure of the inner peripheral side of the receiving groove 51 in the fixing flange 21 can be simplified. Therefore, by reducing the length between the insertion portion of the fixing flange 21 and the receiving groove 51, the fixing flange 21 can be miniaturized. In addition, the circumferential length of the receiving groove 51 and the sealing body 41 received in the receiving groove 51 can be reduced, which helps to improve the sealing performance of the sealing body 41.

[0037] (Other embodiments) The above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by modification as follows: The above-mentioned embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0038] According to the positioning column 52 of the above-mentioned embodiment, although the cutout portion 62 is provided as a structure for preventing the fixing piece 42 from coming off, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the positioning column 52 may be provided with a protrusion protruding toward the outer circumference from the entire circumference or a part of the circumference of the outer circumference of the column body portion 61 as a structure for preventing the fixing piece 42 from coming off. In this case, the fixing piece 42 is assembled to a portion closer to the base end side than the protrusion in the positioning column 52. Thus, the protrusion of the positioning column 52 can prevent the fixing piece 42 from coming off from the positioning column 52.

[0039] In the positioning post 52 of the above embodiment, the cutout portion 62 may be provided over the entire circumference of the positioning post 52 . The number of the positioning posts 52 in the fixing flange 21 is not limited to two as in the above embodiment, and may be one or three or more, for example.

[0040] The number of fixing pieces 42 in the sealing member 40 is not limited to 2 as in the above embodiment, and may be 1 or 3 or more. In addition, the number of fixing pieces 42 is preferably the same as or less than the number of positioning posts 52 .

[0041] In the fixing flange 21 of the above embodiment, a bolt insertion hole formed through the resin portion of the fixing flange 21 may be provided instead of the collar 54. Bolts for fixing to the device housing 11 are inserted through the bolt insertion hole. In this case, the portion of the fixing flange 21 including the bolt insertion hole constitutes a fixing portion fixed to the device housing 11.

[0042] The sealing member 40 in the above-described embodiment may be formed of an elastic body other than rubber. In the above embodiment, the relay connector 10 is specifically attached to the machine housing 11 as the transmission case, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also be applied to a relay connector of a machine housing other than the transmission case. In addition, the environment inside the machine housing 11 where the relay connector 10 is attached is not limited to the oil environment, and it can also be applied to a relay connector of a machine that does not use oil inside the machine housing 11.

[0043] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents. Description of Reference Numerals

[0044] 10 Relay connector 11 Machine housing 12 Opening 13 Positioning recess 20 Connector housing 21 Fixing flange 21a Side 1 21b Side 2 21c Periphery 22 Internal connection part (insertion part) 23 External connection 24 Chimeric part 30 terminals 31 1st connection end 32 2nd connection end 40 Sealing member 41 Sealing body 42 Fixing plate 43 Through hole 51 Storage Slot 52 Positioning column 53 Fixing plate storage slot 54 Shaft collar (fixing part) 61 Column body 62 Cutout (anti-slip structure) D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction L1 Center axis of seal body L2 Axis of the locating column L3 Axis of the collar X1, X2 distance

Claims

1. A relay connector, mounted on a machine housing, for electrically connecting the interior of the machine housing with the exterior, The relay connector includes a terminal, a connector housing for holding the terminal, and a sealing member for sealing between the connector housing and the device housing. The sealing member comprises: an annular sealing body portion sandwiched between the connector housing and the device housing in a compressed state; and a fixing piece extending from the sealing body portion toward the outer peripheral side of the sealing body portion. The connector housing has a positioning column, which passes through the fixing plate to hold the fixing plate and is engaged with a positioning recessed portion provided on the device housing.

2. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning column has an anti-dropping structure for preventing the fixing piece from falling off the positioning column.

3. The relay connector according to claim 2, wherein: The positioning post has a cutout portion as the anti-slip structure, and the cutout portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the positioning post. The fixing piece is locked in the cutout portion.

4. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connector housing includes: a fixing flange fixed to the device housing in a manner covering an opening provided in the device housing; and an insertion portion extending from the fixing flange and inserted into the opening. The fixing flange has an annular receiving groove for receiving the sealing body and a fixing portion fixed to the device housing. The fixing portion and the positioning column are provided at a portion of the fixing flange on an outer peripheral side of the receiving groove.

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