ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH CONNECTOR HOUSING AND COMMUNICATION HOLE

Abstract

Electronic device (1) comprising: a printed circuit board (2) on which an electronic component (2a) is mounted; a housing (3) having an opening section and accommodating the printed circuit board (2); a connector (4) comprising a connection terminal (41) enabling an electrical connection of the printed circuit board (2) to an external connector, and a connector housing (42) holding the connection terminal (41) and closing the opening section of the housing (3), and having a communication hole penetrating the connector housing (42) and enabling an interior and exterior space of the housing (3) to communicate with each other; and a filter (9) attached to the connector housing (42) such that it covers a first opening (52f) of the communication hole, the first opening (52f) being open to an interior side of the housing (3), and through which air moves, the connector housing (42) comprising a shielding wall (60).which surrounds a perimeter of a second opening (52s) of the communication hole, wherein the second opening (52s) is open to an outside side of the housing (3) and projects from the second opening (52s) of the communication hole to the outside side of the housing (3), wherein the connector housing (42) contains several connector mounting sections which have a tubular shape, project to an outside side of the housing (3) and are attached to the external connector, the connector mounting sections are arranged at intervals from one another, and the communication hole is formed such that the second opening (52s) is positioned between a first connector mounting section (46), which is one of the connector mounting sections, and a second connector mounting section (47), which is adjacent to the first connector mounting section (46), characterized in that: the shielding wall (60) has a first wall section (61), a second wall section (62),which is provided in a position facing the first wall section (61), includes a third wall section (63) connecting the first wall section (61) and the second wall section (62), and a fourth wall section (64) located on one side opposite the third wall section (63) beyond a position of the communication hole and connecting the first wall section (61) and the second wall section (62), the first wall section (61) being configured by a part of the first connector fastening section (46) and the second wall section (62) being configured by a part of the second connector fastening section (47).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device mounted on a vehicle and in particular to an electronic device which includes a connector. Technical background

[0002] An electronic device comprises a housing containing a printed circuit board and a connector, partially exposed by the housing, which allows connection to an electrical wire of an external device. In recent years, in the automotive sector, engine compartment space has been restricted to ensure adequate room within the vehicle interior, and a degree of freedom in assembly and arrangement is required for an electronic device mounted in the engine compartment. For example, electronic devices are increasingly being mounted on the underside of a vehicle within the engine compartment. When the electronic device is mounted on the underside of the vehicle, it can, for example, be immersed in a puddle on the road or splashed with high-pressure water used during vehicle cleaning.Therefore, it is necessary to ensure resistance to immersion and splashing.

[0003] Since the electronic device used in such an environment contains a waterproof structure that seals the interior of the housing, a ventilation system is provided. This system includes a breathable filter and a vent hole to adjust the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the device. The breathable filter allows air to pass through it but prevents water or foreign matter from passing through it under normal operating conditions. Even if a pressure differential occurs between the inside and outside of the electronic device, air flows through the breathable filter and the vent hole into either the inside or outside of the device, thus allowing the pressure differential between the two to be adjusted.

[0004] Some electronic devices that incorporate a breathing and ventilation structure include a breathable filter and a vent hole located on the connector side rather than the housing side (see, for example, PTL 1). In a waterproof control device (an electronic device) described in PTL 1, a water-repellent filter (a breathable filter) is in close contact with the inner wall of a partition of a connector housing, which is partially exposed through an opening in a housing that hermetically seals a printed circuit board. A water-shielding wall is arranged on three sides of an open surface of a breathing vent hole that penetrates the partition, allowing ambient air to enter the water-repellent filter. A water-splash-prevention wall is provided on an upper or lower section of the water-shielding wall. List of prior art patent literature

[0005] PTL 1: JP 2017-139057 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0006] Meanwhile, if excessive pressure from high-pressure water, such as that used for vehicle washing, is applied directly to a breathable filter, the pressure exceeds the filter's water pressure resistance, and water may penetrate the electronic device. Additionally, if droplets of the high-pressure water enter the vent hole and remain on the surface of the breathable filter, its gas permeability (respiration) is inhibited, potentially compromising its pressure equalization function. Therefore, a structure is needed that prevents water from entering the interior of the electronic device and does not impair the breathable filter's pressure equalization function, even when subjected to an external load such as high-pressure water.

[0007] In the waterproof control device described in PTL 1, a water-shielding wall is provided over one front surface of the open surface of the vent hole and in two opposite directions around the front surface. A water-splash-prevention wall is provided in the remaining one direction around the open surface of the vent hole. That is, one circumference of the vent hole is enclosed by the water-shielding wall and the water-splash-prevention wall in three of the four directions, but the remaining one direction is always open. Therefore, depending on the angle at which the high-pressure water is injected, a water-repellent filter can be directly splashed with water, such that a filter stress is exceeded. In this case, liquid enters the control device through the water-repellent filter.Furthermore, in the waterproof control device described in PTL 1, even if the water-repellent filter is not directly splashed with water, the air permeability can be impaired if water is present in the breathing vent hole, thus inhibiting the water-repellent filter's ability to breathe. In this case, the pressure adjustment function of the water-repellent filter is lost.

[0008] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to create an electronic device capable of preventing water from entering the interior of the electronic device and maintaining a pressure adjustment function of a breathable filter. Solution to the problem

[0009] The present application contains several means for solving the problems described above, and examples thereof include a printed circuit board on which an electronic component is mounted, a housing having an opening section and receiving the printed circuit board, a connector comprising a connection terminal enabling an electrical connection of the printed circuit board to an external connector, and a connector housing holding the connection terminal and closing the opening section of the housing, and having a communication hole penetrating the connector housing and allowing an interior and exterior space of the housing to communicate with each other, and a filter attached to the connector housing such that it covers a first opening of the communication hole, the first opening being open to an interior side of the housing, and through which air moves, wherein the connector housing includes a shielding wall.which surrounds a perimeter of a second opening of the communication hole, wherein the second opening is open to an outside side of the housing, and projects from the second opening of the communication hole to the outside side of the housing. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the shielding wall, which projects towards the outside, surrounds the circumference of the second opening of the communication hole in order to protect the filter from a direct impact of high-pressure water or the like and to prevent the ingress of high-pressure water or the like into the second opening of the communication hole, such that it is possible to prevent excessive pressure of a liquid on the filter and to prevent the communication hole from closing completely. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the interior of the device through the filter and to maintain the pressure adjustment function of the filter.

[0011] Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above are clarified by the following description of embodiments. List of characters [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic control unit as an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is described in Fig. 1 is illustrated. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a top view illustrating a connection state with an external electrical wire in the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from arrows VV, which are shown in Fig. 4 are illustrated. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and in Fig. 5 is indicated by a reference sign VI. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a first amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a second amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. [ Fig. 11] Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XI-XI, which are shown in Fig. 10 are illustrated. [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 13] Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XIII-XIII, which are shown in Fig. 12 are illustrated. [ Fig. 14] Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which is designated by reference numeral XIV in Fig. Figure 13 is shown in an enlarged state. [ Fig. 15] Fig. Figure 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. [ Fig. 16] Fig. Figure 16 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to an amendment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 17] Fig. Figure 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 18] Fig. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XVIII-XVIII, which are shown in Fig. 17 are illustrated. [ Fig. 19] Fig. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is designated by reference numeral XIX in Fig. Figure 18 is shown in an enlarged state. [ Fig. 20] Fig. Figure 20 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a first amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 21] Fig. Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in an electronic device according to a first amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, shown by arrows XXI-XXI, which are shown in Fig. 20 are illustrated. [ Fig. 22] Fig. Figure 22 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when an electronic device according to a second amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. [ Fig. 23] Fig. Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a breathing structure in an electronic device according to a second amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, shown by arrows XXIII-XXIII, which are shown in Fig. 22 are illustrated. Description of the embodiments

[0012] In the following, embodiments of an electronic device of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is described by illustrating a case in which the present invention is applied to an electronic control unit. [First embodiment]

[0013] First, a configuration of an electronic control unit is described as an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 described. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the electronic control unit as the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view illustrating a connection state with an external electrical wire in the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 For example, the electronic control unit 1 forms an engine control unit (ECU) that controls the operation of an engine in a vehicle, an automatic transmission control unit that controls the shifting of an automatic transmission in the vehicle, and the like, and is mounted in an engine compartment of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 1 includes a circuit board 2 on which an electronic component 2a is mounted, a housing 3 that receives the circuit board 2, and a connector 4 for electrically connecting an external connector 100 (see Fig. 3) a cable harness connected to an external device (not illustrated) to the circuit board 2.

[0015] The housing 3, for example, has a box shape with an opening section 3a on one side and includes a base 31 to which the printed circuit board 2 is attached, and a cover 32 which, together with the base 31, forms an interior space for receiving the printed circuit board 2. The opening section 3a of the housing 3 is closed by the connector 4.

[0016] The base 31 comprises, for example, a flat plate section 31a, which has a rectangular shape, as a main body, and several mounting sections 31b projecting from the flat plate section 31a. A first groove section 31c, which has an annular shape, is formed in an annular frame section provided on an outer circumferential edge of the flat plate section 31a of the base 31. A first sealing element, which has an annular shape 6, is arranged in the first groove section 31c. The base 31 is made of a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or nylon (PA), or a metallic material containing aluminum, iron, or the like as a main component.

[0017] The cover 32 includes a circumferential wall section 32a, configured to rise with respect to the flat plate section 31a of the base 31, and surrounds three sides of the perimeter of the printed circuit board 2, and a cover surface section 32b, which extends on one side (the top side) Fig. 2) The cover 32 is positioned opposite the flat plate section 31a of the base 31 with the printed circuit board 2 arranged between them. The cover 32 covers the printed circuit board 2 and is formed as a single unit with the circumferential wall section 32a in a state in which it faces the printed circuit board 2. The cover 32 is configured such that a circumferential edge section of the circumferential wall section 32a is arranged in the first groove section 31c of the base 31. Similar to the base 31, the cover 32 is formed from a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or nylon (PA), or from a metallic material containing aluminum, iron, or the like as a major component.

[0018] Connector 4 contains a connection port 41 (see Fig. 4 (which is described later), which enables an electrical connection of the printed circuit board 2 to the external connector 100, and a connector housing 42 that holds the connection terminal 41. The connection terminal 41 is, for example, made of a metal material containing copper as a major component. The connector housing 42 is made of a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and is formed by casting the resin material into a mold. In the present embodiment, as described in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates that connector 4 is configured to be connectable to a first external connector 101, a second external connector 102 and a third external connector 103, which are the three external connectors 100.

[0019] Specifically, the connection terminal 41 of the connector 4 contains several first connection terminals 41a (see Fig. 4), which can be electrically connected to the first external connector 101, several second connection terminals 41b (see Fig. 4), which can be electrically connected to the second external connector 102, and several third connection terminals (not illustrated) which can be electrically connected to the third external connector 103. One side of each of the first connection terminal 41a, the second connection terminal 41b, and the third connection terminal is connected to the printed circuit board 2 by soldering, press-fitting, or the like.

[0020] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the connector housing 42 includes, for example, a partition section 44 which holds the multiple first connection terminals 41a, the second connection terminals 41b and the third connection terminals and closes the opening section 3a of the housing 3, and a first connector mounting section 46, a second connector mounting section 47 and a third connector mounting section 48 which project from an outer surface of the partition section 44 to an outside side of the housing 3 and can be attached to the first external connector 101, the second external connector 102 and the third external connector 103 respectively.

[0021] In the partition wall section 44, a second groove section 441 is formed along a contact section with the circumferential wall section 32a of the cover 32 and the end-edge section of the cover surface section 32b. A second sealing element 7 is arranged in the second groove section 441.

[0022] Each of the first connector fastening section 46, the second connector fastening section 47, and the third connector fastening section 48 is a tubular wall section having a rectangular opening on one side. Each of the first connector fastening section 46, the second connector fastening section 47, and the third connector fastening section 48 surrounds the multiple first connection terminals 41a, the second connection terminals 41b, and the third connection terminals that project from the outer surface of the partition wall section 44 on the exterior side. The first connector fastening section 46, the second connector fastening section 47, and the third connector fastening section 48 are arranged in this order from one side to the other (in Fig. 1 from the right side to the left side) of the partition section 44 with a gap between them. That is, the second connector fastening section 47 is arranged in a position between the first connector fastening section 46 and the third connector fastening section 48 and is adjacent to the first connector fastening section 46 and the third connector fastening section 48.

[0023] The base 31, the cover 32, and the connector 4 are assembled in a state in which the circumferential edge section of the circumferential wall section 32a of the cover 32 and part of the end edge section of the partition wall section 44 of the connector 4 are pressed into the first groove section 31c of the base 31, in which the first sealing element 6 is located, and the end edge sections of the circumferential wall section 32a and the cover surface section 32b of the cover 32 are pressed into the second groove section 441 of the connector 4, in which the second sealing element 7 is located, thereby ensuring the watertight property of the electronic control unit 1. An adhesive made of a material such as...a silicon-based material, an epoxy-based material or a urethane-based material, or an O-ring made from a rubber-based material may be used.

[0024] The electronic control unit 1 is configured to be in a sealed state by assembling the base 31 and the cover 32 of the housing 3 and the connector 4, which closes the opening section 3a of the housing 3 by means of the first sealing element 6 and the second sealing element 7. Therefore, the electronic control unit 1, configured in the sealed state, has a breathing structure to adjust a pressure difference between the interior and the exterior.

[0025] Next, a breathing structure of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 described. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view illustrating the breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from arrows VV, which are shown in Fig. 4 are illustrated. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, designated by reference numeral VI in Figure 6. Fig. The figure given in point 5 illustrates this. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 black arrows indicate water flows.

[0026] In Fig. 4 and Fig. In the connector housing 42 of the connector 4, a convex section 50 is provided, projecting towards the outer side of the housing 3, between the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47 on the outer surface of the partition section 44. The convex section 50 is designed such that it gradually extends from the circumferential section to the central section, which has the central section as its upper section. For example, the convex section 50 is designed such that its outer surface has a curved surface (a spherical surface) with a constant curvature.

[0027] Additionally, the connector housing 42 is provided with a group of air holes 52 that penetrates the partition section 44 and allows communication between the interior and exterior of a housing 3. The breathable filter 9 is positioned such that it covers all the first openings 52f of the group of air holes 52 that open towards the interior side of the housing 3. An annular raised section 54 is provided on an inner surface of a partition section 44 on the interior side of a housing 3 such that it surrounds the circumference of the breathable filter 9. The breathable filter 9 is made of a non-woven fabric, primarily composed of PTFE or the like, and is designed to allow passage by a gas such as air, but not by foreign matter or water under a pressure within a specified range.The breathing hole group 52 and the breathable filter 9 have the function of adjusting a pressure in the electronic control unit 1.

[0028] The ventilation hole group 52 contains three through holes, e.g., a first communication hole 521, a second communication hole 522, and a third communication hole 523. The first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522, and the third communication hole 523 are configured such that the second opening 52s, which opens to the outside of the housing 3, is located on the surface of the convex section 50. The first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522, and the third communication hole 523 are arranged such that they are offset from each other with respect to the arrangement of the other two holes, and, e.g., the second opening 52s is located along the circumferential edge section of the convex section 50. The first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522, and the third communication hole 523 are configured such that the distances between the second openings 52s of adjacent holes are equal.This means that the first communication holes 521, the second communication holes 522, and the third communication holes 523 are arranged at equal intervals (intervals at a central angle of 120° around the upper section of the convex section 50) in the circumferential direction within the circumferential edge section of the essentially spherical convex section 50 and are formed such that they are not arranged in a row. For example, the first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522, and the third communication hole 523 are round holes (circular outline).

[0029] Furthermore, the first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522, and the third communication hole 523, for example, have the same hole diameter and length and are, as in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that H ≥ D is satisfied if each hole diameter is D and each hole length is H (in Fig. Figure 6 merely illustrates the hole diameter and the length of the third communication hole 523). The breathing hole group 52 is formed such that the ventilation resistance (Rh) of all the first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522 and the third communication hole 523 is equal to or less than the ventilation resistance (Rf) of the breathing filter 9.

[0030] A shielding wall 60 is provided on the outer surface of the partition section 44 of the connector housing 42 on the outside side of the housing 3, which surrounds the perimeter of the second opening 52s of the breathing hole group 52, which contains the first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522 and the third communication hole 523, and projects from the second opening 52s to the outside side of the housing 3.The shielding wall 60 comprises a first wall section 61, formed by a section of the first connector fastening section 46 (a tubular wall section) located on the side of the second connector fastening section 47; a second wall section 62, positioned facing the first wall section 61 and formed by a section of the second connector fastening section 47 (a tubular wall section) located on the side of the first connector fastening section 46; and a third wall section 63, which comprises an end section of the first wall section 61 on the side of the cover 32 (the top side in . Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) and connects an end section of the second wall section 62 in a straight line on the side of the cover 32, and a fourth wall section 64, which is provided on the side opposite the third wall section 63 beyond the second opening section 52s of the breathing hole group 52, and an end section of the first wall section 61 on the side of the base 31 (the underside in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) and connects an end section of the second wall section 62 in a straight line on the side of the base 31. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the shielding wall 60 is configured such that the inner surfaces 631 and 641 (in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates only the third wall section 63 and the fourth wall section 64, which are located on the side of the breathing hole group 52 of the first wall section 61, the second wall section 62, the third wall section 63, and the fourth wall section 64, and are gradually inclined from the base to the tip towards the sides of the outer surfaces 632 and 642 of the shielding wall 60. In other words, the inner surfaces of the first wall section 61, the second wall section 62, the third wall section 63, and the fourth wall section 64 of the shielding wall 60 are inclined such that the area enclosed by the shielding wall 60 increases from the base to the tip.

[0031] Next, an operation of a respiratory structure in the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 7 described. Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 indicates the airflow with a double-dotted line.

[0032] In the electronic control unit 1, which is mounted in the engine compartment of a vehicle, the electronic control unit 1 can be splashed with water while driving through a puddle or the like on the roadway, or with high-pressure water used for cleaning the vehicle. However, in the present embodiment, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the high-pressure water, which spreads towards the second opening 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523, is shielded by the shielding wall 60, thus preventing direct contact of the high-pressure water with the breathable filter 9. Therefore, even if a liquid reaches the breathable filter 9 via the first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522 and the third communication hole 523, no excessive pressure is exerted on the breathable filter 9, and the entry of the liquid into the housing 3 of the electronic control unit 1 is prevented.

[0033] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, when the first external connector 101 and the second external connector 102 are attached to the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47 of the connector 4, respectively, a portion of the wiring harness is positioned facing the second opening 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523. In this case, because a portion of the wiring harness acts as a shielding wall, protecting the opening direction side of the second opening 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523, even when high-pressure water is dispersed from the front surface of the connector 4, a direct impact on the second opening 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 can be prevented.Therefore, no excessive pressure is exerted on the breathable filter 9 and it is possible to prevent liquid from entering the housing 3 of the electronic control unit 1.

[0034] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, it is possible to reduce the diameters of communication holes 521, 522, and 523, while ensuring a necessary airflow, by forming three communication holes instead of one, which are connected to the breathable filter (the filter) 9. Therefore, even if the high-pressure water directly impacts the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523, the resistance of the liquid as it passes through these holes prevents excessive pressure from being exerted on the breathable filter 9.

[0035] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second openings 52s of the three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 are prevented from being arranged in a straight line. As a result, regardless of where the electronic control unit 1 is mounted, the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 are not aligned in a horizontal direction, and any one of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 is positioned relatively downwards. Therefore, a water droplet flowing down the outer surface of the connector housing 42 easily flows into the communication hole located at the top, thus preventing the inflow into the communication hole located at the bottom. Even if one of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 is blocked, the air permeability of the remaining communication holes can be ensured.

[0036] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the second openings 52s of the three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 are arranged on the surface of the convex section 50, which bulges outwards towards the outer space of the housing 3. In this case, even if moisture flowing down the outer surface of the connector housing 42 flows along the surface of the convex section 50, an ingress into the third communication hole, which is located below the upper section of the convex section 50 between the three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523, is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 from being closed simultaneously.

[0037] Furthermore, as stated in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, even if foreign bodies C adhere to the surface of the convex section 50, the convex section 50 projects outwards, thus ensuring a gap between the second opening 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 and the foreign bodies C. Accordingly, the second opening 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 cannot be blocked by the foreign bodies C, and the air permeability of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 can be maintained.

[0038] An electronic control unit 1, as an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, comprises the printed circuit board 2 on which the electronic component 2a is mounted, the housing 3 which has the opening section 3a and accommodates the printed circuit board 2, the connector 4 which includes the connection terminal 41, which enables an electrical connection of the printed circuit board 2 to the external connector 100, and the connector housing 42 which holds the connection terminal 41 and closes the opening section 3a of the housing 3, and has the communication holes 521, 522 and 523 which penetrate the connector housing 42 and allow an interior and an exterior space of the housing 3 to communicate with each other, and the breathable filter (the filter) 9 which is attached to the connector housing 42 to cover the first openings 52f of the communication holes 521, 522 and 523.wherein the first openings 52f are open to the interior side of the housing 3, and air passes through them, wherein the connector housing 42 contains the shielding wall 60, which surrounds the circumferences of the second openings 52s of the communication holes 521, 522 and 523, wherein the second openings 52s are open to the exterior side of the housing 3, and project from the second openings 52s of the communication holes 521, 522 and 523 to the exterior side of the housing 3.

[0039] According to this configuration, the shielding wall 60, which projects towards the outside, surrounds the circumferences of the second openings 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 in order to protect the breathable filter 9 from a direct impact of high-pressure water or the like and to prevent the ingress of high-pressure water or the like into the second openings 52s of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure of a liquid on the breathable filter 9 and to prevent the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 from becoming completely blocked.Therefore, it is possible to prevent the entry of liquid into the interior of the device through the breathable filter (the filter) 9 and to maintain the pressure adjustment function of the breathable filter (the filter) 9.

[0040] In the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the connector housing 42 further comprises the several tubular connector mounting sections 46, 47 and 48, which project towards the outer side of the housing 3 and can be attached to the external connector 100. The connector mounting sections 46, 47 and 48 are arranged at intervals from one another, and the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 are formed such that the second opening 52s between the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47 is positioned adjacent to the first connector mounting section 46.According to this configuration, since the position of the second opening 52s of each of the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 is clamped between the wall sections of the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47, the wall sections of the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47 protect the breathable filter (the filter) 9 from direct impact by high-pressure water or the like, and the wall sections of the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47 act as the shielding wall of the breathable filter 9.

[0041] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the shielding wall 60 includes the first wall section 61, the second wall section 62, which is provided in a position facing the first wall section 61, the third wall section 63, which connects the first wall section 61 and the second wall section 62, and the fourth wall section 64, which is provided on the side opposite the third wall section 63 beyond the positions of the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523 and connects the first wall section 61 and the second wall section 62, wherein the first wall section 61 is configured by a part of the first connector fastening section 46 and the second wall section 62 is configured by a part of the second connector fastening section 47.According to this configuration, since a part of the wall section of each of the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47 forms part of the shielding wall 60, it is possible to simplify the structure of the connector housing 42 compared to a case in which the first connector mounting section and the second connector mounting section and the shielding wall are formed completely separately.

[0042] Furthermore, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the shielding wall 60 comprises the first wall section 61, the second wall section 62, which is positioned facing the first wall section 61, the third wall section 63, which connects the first wall section 61 and the second wall section 62, and the fourth wall section 64, which is located on the side opposite the third wall section 63, beyond the position of the communication hole, and connects the first wall section 61 and the second wall section 62. The shielding wall 60 is configured such that at least one inner surface 631 or 641 of the first wall section 61, the second wall section 62, the third wall section 63, or the fourth wall section 64 gradually slopes from the base side to the tip side towards the outer surfaces 632 and 642 of the shielding wall 60. According to this configuration, as shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the liquid that has entered the interior of the shielding wall 60 can simply be emptied outside the shielding wall 60 without being retained by the inclined inner surfaces 631 and 641 of the shielding wall 60. Therefore, the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 can be protected from being blocked by liquid.

[0043] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, all inner surfaces 631 and 641 of the shielding wall 60 are configured such that they are gradually inclined from the base to the tip towards the outer surfaces 632 and 642 of the shielding wall 60. According to this configuration, even if the electronic control unit 1 is mounted in any direction in the vehicle, the inner surfaces 631 and 641 of the wall section located on the underside of the shielding wall 60 are inclined downwards from the base to the tip, thus making it possible to discharge the liquid that has entered the interior of the shielding wall 60 to the outside of the shielding wall 60 without retaining the liquid.

[0044] An electronic control unit 1, as an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, comprises the printed circuit board 2 on which the electronic component 2a is mounted, the housing 3 which has the opening section 3a and accommodates the printed circuit board 2, and the connector 4 which includes the connection terminal 41, which enables an electrical connection of the printed circuit board 2 to the external connector 100, and the connector housing 42, which holds the connection terminal 41 and closes the opening section 3a of the housing 3, wherein the connector 4 has at least three communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 which penetrate the connector housing 42 and enable the interior and exterior of the housing 3 to communicate with each other, and the electronic device further comprises the breathable filter (the filter) 9 which is attached to the connector housing 42.to completely cover the first opening 52f, which is open to the interior side of the housing 3 in the at least three communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523, and through which air passes, and the at least three communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 are formed such that at least one of the second openings 52s, which are open to the exterior side of the housing 3, is arranged such that it is offset from a straight line.

[0045] According to this configuration, by forming at least three communication holes connected to the breathable filter (filter) 9, it is possible to reduce the hole diameters of the communication holes 521, 522, and 523 while ensuring a necessary airflow rate. Therefore, since the resistance of the fluid increases when passing through the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being exerted on the breathable filter (filter) 9. Furthermore, by avoiding the alignment of the second openings 52s of the at least three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 in a straight line, one of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 is positioned relatively downwards.Therefore, since a water droplet flowing down the outer surface of the connector housing 42 flows into the communication hole located at the top, it is possible to restrict the inflow into the communication hole located at the bottom and to ensure the air permeability of each of the first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523. That is, it is possible to prevent the entry of liquid into the interior of the device through the breathable filter 9 and to maintain the pressure-adjusting function of the breathable filter 9.

[0046] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 are configured such that the distances between the second openings 52s of the adjacent communication holes are equal. According to this configuration, since there is no variation in the arrangement of the three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523, it is possible to prevent the easy ingress of liquid into the first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523, depending on the mounting position of the electronic control unit 1.

[0047] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the at least three first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523 is configured such that H ≥ D is satisfied, where D is the hole diameter of each of the communication holes 521, 522 and 523 and H is the length of each of the communication holes 521, 522 and 523. According to this configuration, since the pressure loss can increase as the fluid passes through the first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523, the water pressure exerted on the breathable filter 9 can be reduced.

[0048] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the at least three first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523 are configured such that the ventilation resistance of all at least three communication holes is equal to or less than the ventilation resistance of the breathable filter 9. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523 from having an excessively small hole diameter, and it is possible to ensure the airflow rate without impairing the pressure adjustment function of the breathable filter 9.

[0049] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the connector housing 42 is convex towards the outer side of the housing 3, the central section of the connector housing has the convex section 50 in its upper section, and the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 are formed such that the second openings 52s are all located on the surface of the convex section 50. In this configuration, it is possible to position one of the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 below the upper section of the convex section 50, depending on the mounting position of the electronic control unit 1.In this case, if the fluid flowing down the outer surface of the connector housing 42 flows along the surface of the convex section 50, it is possible to prevent the fluid from entering the communication hole located below the upper section of the convex section 50 and to prevent the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 from being blocked simultaneously.

[0050] In addition, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 are configured such that the second openings 52s are distributed along the circumferential edge section of the convex section 50. According to this configuration, one of the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 can be positioned below the upper section of the convex section 50, regardless of the mounting position of the electronic control unit 1, and thus it is possible to prevent the at least three first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 from being closed simultaneously.

[0051] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the convex section 50 is formed such that its outer surface has a curved surface with a constant curvature. According to this configuration, since the surface shape of the convex section 50 is spherical, it is easy to produce a mold for the connector housing 42 containing the convex section 50. [Modification of the first embodiment]

[0052] Next, electronic devices according to a first amendment and a second amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the first amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the second amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are components that are designated by the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. The 7 parts are similar and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0053] An electronic control unit 1A according to the first amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. The electronic control unit 1 of the first embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8, differs in that the shape of a shielding wall 60A of a connector housing 42A of a connector 4A is different. Structures other than the shielding wall 60A are the same as those of the first embodiment. Specifically, a third wall section 63A and a fourth wall section 64A of the shielding wall 60A are each formed in a curved shape projecting in a direction away from the ventilation hole group 52, specifically in an arc shape. Additionally, the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A are configured such that their inner surfaces 631 and 641 slope gradually from the base to the tip towards the sides of the outer surfaces 632 and 642.

[0054] Additionally, an electronic control unit 1B according to the second amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. Figure 9 illustrates that the electronic control unit 1 of the first embodiment differs in that the shape of a shielding wall 42B of a connector housing 60B of a connector 4B is different. Structures other than the shielding wall 60B are similar to those of the first embodiment. Specifically, in each of a third wall section 63B and a fourth wall section 64B of the shielding wall 60B, a central section, arranged between the two end sections connected to the first connector mounting section 46 and the second connector mounting section 47, is bent in a direction away from the breathing hole group 52.In other words, each of the third wall section 63B and the fourth wall section 64B contains first inclined surface sections 634 and 644, which are connected to the first connector fastening section 46, and second inclined surface sections 635 and 645, which are connected to the second connector fastening section 47, and the connecting section between the first inclined surface sections 634 and 644 and the second inclined surface sections 635 and 645 is formed at a position that is farther from the breathing hole group 52 than the line segment that connects the connecting section between the first connector fastening section 46 of the first inclined surface sections 634 and 644 and the connecting section between the second connector fastening section 47 of the second inclined surface sections 635 and 645.Similar to the first embodiment, the third wall section 63B and the fourth wall section 64B are configured such that the inner surfaces of the first inclined surface sections 634 and 644 and the second inclined surface sections 635 and 645, which are arranged on the side of the breathing hole group 52, slope from the base side to the tip side (see . Fig. 5) are gradually inclined towards the outer surface.

[0055] In the first and second amendments of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, as in the first embodiment, the shielding walls 60A and 60B, which project towards the outside, surround the circumferences of the second openings 52s of the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523 in order to protect the breathable filter 9 from a direct impact of high-pressure water or the like and to prevent the ingress of high-pressure water or the like into the second openings 52s of the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure of a liquid on the breathable filter 9 and to prevent complete blockage of the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523.

[0056] In addition, in the electronic control unit 1A according to the first amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention, the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A of the shielding wall 60A are each formed in a curved shape, which projects in a direction away from the first to third communication hole (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523.According to this configuration, in the curved third wall section 63A and the curved fourth wall section 64A, the distances from both end sections of the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A to the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 can be shortened compared to the third wall section 63 and the fourth wall section 64 of the first embodiment, which runs in a straight line from the first wall section 61 to the second wall section 62, and it is possible to improve the shielding performance of the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A with respect to the breathable filter 9.

[0057] Furthermore, in the electronic control unit 1A, according to the first amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention, the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A of the shielding wall 60A are each formed in an arc shape. According to this configuration, the distances from both end sections of the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A to the central section with respect to the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522, and 523 are essentially the same. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the shielding performance of the third wall section 63A and the fourth wall section 64A is essentially the same with respect to the injection direction of the high-pressure water or the like.

[0058] In the electronic control unit 1B according to the second amendment of the first embodiment of the present invention, in each of the third wall section 63B and the fourth wall section 64B of the shielding wall 60B, the section which is arranged between the two end sections which are connected to the first connector fastening section 46 and the first connector fastening section 46 is bent in a direction away from the first to third communication hole (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523.According to this configuration, in the curved third wall section 63B and the curved fourth wall section 64B, the distances from both end sections of the third wall section 63B and the fourth wall section 64B to the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522 and 523 can be shortened compared to the third wall section 63 and the fourth wall section 64 of the first embodiment, which extend in a straight line from the first wall section 61 to the second wall section 62, and it is possible to improve the shielding performance of the third wall section 63B and the fourth wall section 64B with respect to the breathable filter 9.

[0059] Next, an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 described. Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XI-XI, which are shown in Fig. 10 are illustrated. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are components that are designated by the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. The components illustrated in section 9 are similar, and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0060] An electronic control unit 1C according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 illustrates the electronic control unit 1 according to the first embodiment, which differs mainly in that a second opening 52s of a breathing hole group 52 is provided on a bottom surface 560 of a recess 56, which is provided on an outer surface on an outer side of a housing 3 in a partition section 44 of a connector housing 42C of a connector 4C, and causes side walls 561, 562, 563 and 564, which form the recess 56, to act as a shielding wall 60C.

[0061] Specifically, the connector housing 42C has a recess 56 on the outer surface of the partition section 44, which is located between a first connector fastening section 46 and a second connector fastening section 47. For example, the recess 56 has an opening formed in a rectangular shape and contains the base surface 560, a first side wall 561 rising from the base surface 560, a second side wall 562 rising from the base surface 560 and facing the first side wall 561, a third side wall 563 rising from the base surface 560 and connecting one end of the first side wall 561 and one end of the second side wall 562, and a fourth side wall 564 rising from the base surface 560 and facing the third side wall 563 and connecting the other end of the first side wall 561 and the other end of the second side wall 562.The first side wall 561 is continuous with the outer surface of the wall section of the first connector fastening section 46. The second side wall 562 is continuous with the outer surface of the wall section of the second connector fastening section 47.

[0062] In a central section of the base surface 560 of the recess 56 of the connector housing 42C, a convex section 50 is arranged in which the second opening 52s of the ventilation hole group 52 is open. The side wall formed by the first side wall 561, the second side wall 562, the third side wall 563 and the fourth side wall 564 of the recess 56 comprises the entire side wall surrounding the convex section 50 and projecting from the convex section 50 to the outer side of the housing 3, and forms a shielding wall 60C.That is, the shielding wall 60C of the present embodiment is configured by a first wall section 61C, which is configured by the first side wall 561 of the recess 56, a second wall section 62C, which is configured by the second side wall 561 of the recess 56, a third wall section 63C, which is configured by the third side wall 563 of the recess 56, and a fourth wall section 64C, which is configured by the fourth side wall 564 of the recess 56. As in . Fig. As illustrated in Figure 11, each of the first side wall 561, the second side wall 562, the third side wall 563 and the fourth side wall 564 of the recess 56 forming the shielding wall 60C is inclined such that an angle formed with the bottom surface 560 is an obtuse angle.

[0063] In the second embodiment of the present invention, described above, as in the first embodiment, the shielding wall 60C, which projects towards the outside, surrounds the circumferences of the second opening 52s of the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523 in order to protect the breathable filter 9 from direct impact by high-pressure water or the like and to prevent the ingress of high-pressure water or the like into the second opening 52s of the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure of a liquid on the breathable filter 9 and to prevent the first to third communication hole(s) 521, 522 and 523 from becoming completely blocked.

[0064] In the electronic control unit 1C according to the present embodiment, the connector housing 42C additionally has the recess 56, which is provided on the outer surface on the outside side of the housing 3. The first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522, and 523 are formed such that the second opening 52s is positioned on the bottom surface 560 of the recess 56, and the shielding wall 60C is configured by the side walls 561, 562, 563, and 564 of the recess 56. According to this configuration, in contrast to the shielding wall 60 of the first embodiment, since no thin plate-shaped structural section is required as a wall section of the shielding wall 60C, the shape of the connector housing 42C is simplified, the area in which the flowability of the resin is reduced during the molding of the connector housing 42C is reduced, and the formability of the product is improved. [Third embodiment]

[0065] Next, an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 12 to Fig. 14 described. Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XIII-XIII, which are shown in Fig. 12 are illustrated. Fig. Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention and designated by reference numeral XIV in Fig. 13 is designated. Fig. 12 to Fig. 14 are components that have the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. The 11 parts shown are similar, and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0066] An electronic control unit 1D according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 illustrates a difference between the electronic control unit 1 of the first embodiment and the convex section 50D, which is provided on an outer surface on an outer side of a housing 3 of a partition section 44 in a connector housing 42D of a connector 4D, in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the outer surface of the convex section 50 has a curved surface (a spherical surface) with a constant curvature (see Figure 13). Fig. 5) Meanwhile, in the third embodiment, as in Fig. 12 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 13, the convex section 50D is formed in a triangular pyramid shape. The triangular pyramid-shaped convex section 50D has a vertex 500 in a central section, and its outer surface is formed by three surfaces 501, 502, and 503, which share the vertex 500. A first communication hole 521, a second communication hole 522, and a third communication hole 523 are formed such that a second opening 52s is positioned on a first surface 501, a second surface 502, and a third surface 503, which are the three surfaces that form the outer surface of the convex section 50D. That is, the second openings 52s of the first communication hole 521, the second communication hole 522 and the third communication hole 523 are formed in the circumferential edge section of the vertex 500 of the convex section 50D.

[0067] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 14, the second openings 52s of three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 are positioned on three surfaces 501, 502, and 503 of a triangular-pyramidal convex section 50D projecting toward the outer side of a housing 3. In this case, when the fluid flowing down the outer surface of the connector housing 42D flows along the surface of the convex section 50D, the ingress of fluid into the third communication hole 523, located below the apex 500 of the convex section 50D between the three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523, is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the three first to third communication holes 521, 522, and 523 from being closed simultaneously.

[0068] In the electronic control unit 1D according to the third embodiment of the present invention, described above, the convex section 50D is formed such that it has a triangular pyramid shape, and the first to third communication holes (the communication holes) 521, 522, and 523 are formed such that the second opening 52s is located on one of the three surfaces 501, 502, and 503 that form the outer surface of the convex section 50D. According to this configuration, the inclination of the three surfaces 501, 502, and 503 that form the outer surface of the convex section 50D is greater than the inclination of the surface of the convex section 50D in the first embodiment.Therefore, compared to the case of the convex section 50 of the first embodiment, it is difficult for a fluid flowing along the surface of the convex section 50D to enter the third communication hole 523, which is located below the apex 500 of the convex section 50D. It is possible to more reliably prevent the three communication holes 521, 522, and 523 from being closed simultaneously. [Fourth embodiment]

[0069] Next, an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 15 described. Fig. Figure 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. 15 are components that are identified by the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 are illustrated, are labelled, similar components and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0070] While the electronic control unit 1 according to the first embodiment is configured such that the hole diameters of the three first communication holes 521, second communication holes 522 and third communication holes 523 in the connector housing 42 of the connector 4 are all the same, in an electronic control unit 1E according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is configured in Fig. Figure 15 illustrates that the hole diameters of the first three communication holes 521E, second communication holes 522E, and third communication holes 523E in the connector housing 42E of a connector 4E are all different. For example, the second communication hole 522E, the third communication hole 523E, and the first communication hole 521E, in that order, have smaller hole diameters.

[0071] In the electronic control unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, described above, the at least three first to third communication holes 521E, 522E, and 523E are configured to have different hole diameters. According to this configuration, when the second openings 52s of the first to third communication holes 521E, 522E, and 523E are sprayed with water, the communication hole 522E, which has a larger hole diameter, attracts moisture more readily than the other communication holes 521E and 523E due to the surface tension generated at the opening edge of the second opening 52s. Consequently, the open states of the communication holes 521E and 523E, which have smaller hole diameters, are more easily maintained. Therefore, the possibility of the first to third communication holes 521E, 522E, and 523E being closed simultaneously can be reduced. [Amendment to the fourth embodiment]

[0072] Next, an electronic device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 16 described. Fig. Figure 16 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the amendment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. Fig. 16 are components that are identified by the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. The 15 illustrated components are similar and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0073] An electronic control unit 1F according to the amendment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. Figure 16 illustrates that the electronic control unit 1 according to the first embodiment differs in the number of holes and the shape of a ventilation hole group 52F in a connector housing 42F of a connector 4F. In the first embodiment, the ventilation hole group 52F comprises the first three communication holes 521, second communication holes 522, and third communication holes 523, each having a circular outline. In contrast, in the present amendment, the ventilation hole group 52F comprises seven communication holes 525 and 526, each having a regular hexagonal outline.Specifically, the breathing hole group 52F comprises a central communication hole 525, wherein a second opening 52s is formed at the position of a central section (an upper section) of a convex section 50 of a connector housing 42, and six circumferential edge communication holes 526, wherein the second opening 52s is formed at the position of a circumferential edge section of the convex section 50. The circumferential edge communication holes 526 are arranged at equal intervals (intervals at a central angle of 60° around the central section of the convex section 50) along the outer circumference of the circumferential edge section of the convex section 50.

[0074] In the electronic control unit 1F according to the modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention described above, the breathing hole group 52F includes seven communication holes 525 and 526. According to this configuration, compared to the fourth embodiment, which includes the breathing hole group 52E containing the three communication holes 521E, 522E, and 523E, the possibility of the seven communication holes 525 and 526 being blocked simultaneously is reduced, and the resistance during the passage of the liquid through the communication holes 525 and 526 can be increased while ensuring the necessary airflow through the breathing hole group 52F. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being exerted on the breathable filter 9 and to prevent all seven communication holes 525 and 526 from being blocked simultaneously.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the present amendment, all seven communication holes 525 and 526 in the electronic control unit are configured with a hexagonal outline. This configuration allows for an increase in the number of holes that can be arranged in the same area compared to a communication hole with a circular outline. Therefore, it is possible to ensure sufficient airflow through all communication holes 525 and 526. [Fifth embodiment]

[0076] Next, an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 19 described. Fig. Figure 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XVIII-XVIII, which are shown in Fig. 17 are illustrated. Fig. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the breathing structure of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 to Fig. 19 are components that have the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. The 16 parts shown are similar, and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0077] An electronic control unit 1G according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. 17 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 18, the electronic control unit 1 according to the first embodiment differs in that a connector housing 42G of a connector 4G has a partition section 58 instead of the convex section 50. Specifically, a partition section 58, projecting towards an outer side of a housing 3, is provided on an outer surface of a partition section 44 of a connector housing 42G, at a position between adjacent second openings 52s of a first to third communication hole 521, 522 and 523 of a ventilation hole group 52.The partition section 58 comprises a first partition section 581, positioned between the second openings 52s of the first communication hole 521 and the second communication hole 522; a second partition section 582, positioned between the second openings 52s of the first communication hole 521 and the third communication hole 523; and a third partition section 583, positioned between the second openings 52s of the second communication hole 522 and the third communication hole 523. One end of the first partition section 581, one end of the second partition section 582, and one end of the third partition section 583 are connected to each other, thus forming the partition section 58 in a Y-shape. The remaining ends of the first partition section 581, the remaining end of the second partition section 582, and the remaining end of the third partition section 583 are configured to have a gap from a shielding wall 60.

[0078] In the electronic control unit 1G according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above, the connector housing 42G is configured to have the partition section 58, which projects towards the outer side of the housing 3, positioned between the adjacent communication holes of at least three first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523. According to this configuration, as described in Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 19 illustrates a flow path through which the fluid, flowing down the outer surface of partition section 44 of connector housing 42G, flows to the first three communication holes 521, 522, and 523, is divided by partition section 58. Therefore, even when the fluid flows down the outer surface of partition section 44, each of the first three communication holes 521, 522, and 523 can be kept open. This reliably prevents simultaneous blockage of the first three communication holes 521, 522, and 523 and maintains the pressure-adjusting function of the breathable filter 9. [First amendment to the fifth embodiment]

[0079] Next, an electronic device according to a first amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 described. Fig. Figure 20 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the first amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from a connector side. Fig. Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the first amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from arrows XXI-XXI, which are shown in Fig. 20 are illustrated. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 are components that are designated by the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. 19 are illustrated, similar parts and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0080] An electronic control unit 1H according to the first amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. 20 and Fig. Figure 21 illustrates a difference from the electronic control unit 1G according to the fifth embodiment in that a partition wall section 58H in a connector housing 42H of a connector 4H is configured to be connected to a shielding wall 60. Specifically, one end of a first partition section 581H of the partition wall section 58H is connected to a second partition section 582H and a third partition section 583H, and the other end is connected to a third wall section 63 of the shielding wall 60. One end of the second partition section 582H is connected to the first partition section 581H and the third partition section 583H, and the other end is connected to a wall section of a first connector mounting section 46, which forms a first wall section 61 of the shielding wall 60.One end of the third separating section 583H is connected to the second separating section 582H and the third separating section 583H, and the other end is connected to a wall section of a second connector fastening section 47, which forms a second wall section 62 of the shielding wall 60. That is, the interior of the shielding wall 60 is divided by the separating section 583H into three compartments: one compartment containing a first communication hole 521, one compartment containing a second communication hole 522, and one compartment containing a third communication hole 523.

[0081] In the first amendment of the fifth embodiment described above, it is similar to the fifth embodiment, since the flow path through which the fluid, which flows down the outer surface of the partition section 44 of the connector housing 42H, flows to the three first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523, is divided by the partition section 58H, it is possible to reliably prevent a simultaneous blockage of the three first to third communication holes 521, 522 and 523 and to maintain the pressure adjustment function of the breathable filter 9.

[0082] Additionally, in the electronic control unit 1H, according to the present modification, the partition section 58H is formed such that it is connected to the shielding wall 60. According to this configuration, sections of the mold for the connector housing 42H corresponding to the partition section 58H and the shielding wall 60 have a continuous shape. When the mold has a continuous shape, the flowability of a resin is greater than when the mold has a segmented shape. Therefore, since the flowability of the resin in the mold for the connector housing 42H is greater than in the case of the fifth embodiment, in which the partition section 58H and the shielding wall 60 have a segmented shape, the formability of the connector housing 42H is correspondingly improved. [Second amendment to the fifth embodiment]

[0083] Next, an electronic device according to a second amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 described. Fig. Figure 22 is an enlarged view illustrating a breathing structure and its circumferential structure when the electronic device according to the second amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the connector side. Fig. Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the breathing structure in the electronic device according to the second amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, shown by arrows XXIII-XXIII, which are shown in Fig. 22 are illustrated. Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 are components that are designated by the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. 21 are illustrated, similar parts and therefore their exact description is omitted.

[0084] An electronic control unit 1I according to the second amendment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. 22 and Fig. Figure 23 illustrates a difference from the electronic control unit 1H according to the first amendment of the fifth embodiment in that a connector housing 42I of a connector 4I has an inner partition section 53 forming a perforated inner wall that separates a first communication hole 521I, a second communication hole 522I, and a third communication hole 523I of a ventilation hole group 52I from one another, and the inner partition section 53 and a partition section 58H are connected such that they are continuous. Specifically, the three first communication holes 521I, the second communication holes 522I, and the third communication holes 523I of the ventilation hole group 52I are formed in a shape in which a round hole is separated by the inner partition section 53, which has a three-part cross-section.This means that the inner partition section 53 separates the adjacent communication holes of the first three communication holes 521I, the second communication holes 522I, and the third communication holes 523I from one another and forms part of the inner wall of each communication hole. The inner partition section 53 is configured such that it is continuous with the foot end of the partition section 58H at the position of a second opening 52s and has the same cross-sectional shape as the central section of the partition section 58H.

[0085] In the first amendment of the fifth embodiment, since the sections forming the inner walls of the first three communication holes 521, the second communication holes 522, and the third communication holes 523 are not continuous with the partition section 58H, a small step surface S (the outer surface of the partition section 44 of the connector housing 42H) remains between the partition section 58H and the second opening 52s of the breathing hole group 52, as indicated by the reference numeral Y in Fig. The step surface S is a small area formed between the projection section and the hole opening section, and has a shape that requires time and effort to produce the mold.

[0086] Meanwhile, in the first amendment of the fifth embodiment, at the positions of the second openings 52s of the three first communication hole 521I, second communication hole 522I and third communication hole 523I, since the inner partition section 53 of the ventilation hole group 52l continues with the original cross-sectional shape to the partition section 58H, no small step surface is generated between the partition section 58H and the second opening 52s of the ventilation hole group 521 (first communication hole 521I, second communication hole 522I, third communication hole 523I), as indicated by the reference numeral Z in Fig. 23 is specified. Therefore, in the present amendment, it is easier to manufacture the mold for the connector housing 42I than in the configuration of the first amendment of the fifth embodiment.

[0087] In the electronic control unit 1I according to the second amendment of the fifth embodiment described above, the connector housing 42I has the inner partition section 53, which separates the at least three communication holes 521I, 522I, and 523I from one another in order to form part of the inner wall of the at least three communication holes 521I, 522I, and 523I. The inner partition section 53 is continuous to the bottom end of the partition section 58H at the position of the second opening 52s and is configured such that its cross-sectional shape is equal to at least part of the cross-sectional shape of the partition section 58H. According to this configuration, no small step surface is formed between the second openings 52s of the first communication hole 521I, the second communication hole 522I, and the third communication hole 523I and the partition section 58H, and thus the shape of the mold is simplified accordingly. [Other embodiments]

[0088] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes various modifications. The embodiments described above have been precisely described for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to those possessing all the described configurations. Part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced by the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, and replace further configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

[0089] For example, in the first embodiment of the second amendment to the fifth embodiment described above, the example was described in which the connector housing contains the breathing hole group, which includes three communication holes and the shielding wall. However, if the connector housing includes a shielding wall, the breathing hole group can consist of a single communication hole. Since the shielding wall can prevent a direct impact of the high-pressure water on the breathable filter 9, the need to increase fluid resistance through multiple communication holes is reduced. Additionally, if the breathing hole group includes three or more communication holes, a configuration is also possible in which the connector housing does not include a shielding wall.By increasing the fluid resistance with three or more communication holes, it is possible to avoid exerting excessive pressure on the breathable filter 9, thus reducing the need to block the high-pressure water through the shielding wall.

[0090] Furthermore, the first embodiment described above illustrates an example in which all inner surfaces 631 and 641 of the first wall section 61, the second wall section 62, the third wall section 63, and the fourth wall section 64 of the shielding wall 60 are configured such that they are gradually inclined towards the sides of the outer surfaces 632 and 642 of the shielding wall 60, from the base to the tip. However, it is also possible to configure the shielding wall such that only the inner surface of the wall section of the shielding wall 60 that is positioned on the underside (bottom side) is inclined when the electronic control unit 1 is attached. Even in this case, it is possible to ensure improved drainage of the liquid that has entered the shielding wall. Reference symbol list 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I Electronic control unit (electronic device) 2 circuit boards 2a Electronic component 3 cases 3a Opening section 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4I connectors 9 Breathable filter (filter) 41 Connection port 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, 42G, 42H, 42I Connector housing 46 First connector fastening section (connector fastening section) 47 Second connector fastening section (connector fastening section) 48 Third connector fastening section (connector fastening section) 50, 50D Convex Section 52f First opening 52s Second Opening 521, 521E, 521I First communication gap (communication gap) 522, 522E, 522I Second communication hole (communication hole) 523, 523E, 523I Third communication hole (communication hole) 525 Central communication hole (communication hole) 526 Perimeter edge communication hole (communication hole) 53 Interior partition wall section 56 recess 560 floor area 561 First side wall (side wall) 562 Second side wall (side wall) 563 Third side wall (side wall) 564 Fourth side wall (side wall) 58, 58H Partition wall section 60, 60A, 60B, 60C Shielding wall 61 First wall section 62 Second wall section 63, 63A, 63B Third wall section 631 Interior surface 632 Exterior surface 64, 64A, 64B Fourth wall section 641 Interior surface 642 Exterior surface 101 First external connector (external connector) 102 Second external connector (external connector) 103 Third external connector (external connector) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2017139057 A

[0005]

Claims

[1] Electronic device comprising the following: a printed circuit board to which an electronic component is mounted; a housing that has an opening section and accommodates the circuit board; a connector comprising a connection terminal that enables an electrical connection of the printed circuit board to an external connector, and a connector housing that holds the connection terminal and closes the opening section of the housing, and having a communication hole that penetrates the connector housing and allows an interior and exterior space of the housing to communicate with each other; and a filter which is attached to the connector housing in such a way that it covers a first opening of the communication hole, the first opening being open to an interior side of the housing, and through which air moves, wherein the connector housing contains a shielding wall that surrounds a perimeter of a second opening of the communication hole, the second opening being open to an outside side of the housing and projecting from the second opening of the communication hole to the outside side of the housing. [2] Electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The connector housing contains several connector mounting sections that are tubular in shape, protrude towards an outer side of the housing and are attached to the external connector. the connector fastening sections are arranged at intervals from each other and The communication hole is formed such that the second opening is positioned between a first connector fastening section, which is one of the connector fastening sections, and a second connector fastening section, which is adjacent to the first connector fastening section. [3] Electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding wall comprises a first wall section, a second wall section which is provided in a position facing the first wall section, a third wall section which connects the first wall section and the second wall section, and a fourth wall section which is provided on one side opposite the third wall section beyond a position of the communication hole and which connects the first wall section and the second wall section, the first wall section through a part of the first Connector mounting section is configured and the second wall section through a part of the second Connector mounting section is configured. [4] Electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the third wall section and the fourth wall section are each formed in a curved shape projecting in a direction away from the communication hole. [5] Electronic device according to claim 3, wherein in the third wall section and the fourth wall section, a section is arranged between the two end sections connected to the first connector fastening section and the first connector fastening section, and is bent in a direction away from the communication hole. [6] Electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the shielding wall comprises a first wall section, a second wall section which is provided in a position facing the first wall section, a third wall section which connects the first wall section and the second wall section, and a fourth wall section which is provided on one side opposite the third wall section beyond a position of the communication hole and which connects the first wall section and the second wall section and the shielding wall is configured such that an inner surface of the first wall section and / or the second wall section and / or the third wall section and / or the fourth wall section gradually slopes from a base side to a tip side to an outer surface side of the shielding wall. [7] Electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the connector housing has a recess that is provided in an outer surface of the housing on an outside side, the communication hole is formed in such a way that the second opening is arranged on a bottom surface of the recess, and The shielding wall is configured by a side wall of the recess. [8] Electronic device comprising the following: a printed circuit board to which an electronic component is mounted; a housing that has an opening section and accommodates the printed circuit board; and a connector comprising a connection terminal enabling an electrical connection of the printed circuit board to an external connector, and a connector housing that holds the connection terminal and closes the opening section of the housing, wherein The connector has at least three communication holes that penetrate the connector housing and allow an interior and an exterior area of ​​the housing to communicate with each other. the electronic device further includes a filter which is attached to the connector housing in such a way that it completely covers a first opening which is open to an inner side of the housing in the at least three communication holes, and through which air moves, and the at least three communication holes are formed such that at least one of the second openings, which are open to an outside side of the housing, is arranged such that it is offset from a straight line. [9] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the at least three communication holes are formed such that the distances between second openings of adjacent communication holes are equal. [10] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein each of the at least three communication holes is formed such that it satisfies H ≥ D, where D is a hole diameter of each communication hole and H is a length of each communication hole. [11] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the at least three communication holes are formed such that the ventilation resistance of the entire at least three communication holes is equal to or less than the ventilation resistance of the filter. [12] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the at least three communication holes are formed such that they have different hole diameters. [13] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein all of the at least three communication holes are formed such that they have a hexagonal outline shape. [14] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the connector housing is curved towards an outer side of the housing and a central section of the connector housing has a convex section of an upper section and the at least three communication holes are formed such that the second openings are all arranged on one surface of the convex section. [15] Electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the at least three communication holes are formed such that the second openings are distributed along a circumferential section of the convex section. [16] Electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the convex section is formed such that its outer surface has a curved surface with a constant curvature. [17] Electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the convex section is formed in such a way that it has a triangular pyramid shape, and the at least three communication holes are formed such that the second openings are arranged on three surfaces that form an outer surface of the convex section. [18] Electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the connector housing has a partition section which, when positioned between adjacent communication holes of the at least three communication holes, projects to an outside side of the housing. [19] Electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the connector housing further includes a shielding wall that surrounds a circumference of the second opening of the at least three communication holes and projects from the second opening to an outside side of the housing, and The partition wall section is formed in such a way that it is connected to the shielding wall. [20] Electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the connector housing has an internal partition section that separates the at least three communication holes from each other and forms part of the internal walls of the at least three communication holes, and The inner partition section is continuous with a foot end of the partition section at a position of the second opening and has a cross-sectional shape that is identical to at least part of a cross-sectional shape of the partition section.