Relay connector

Abstract

To provide a relay connector capable of suppressing deterioration of connection reliability due to deformation of a terminal.SOLUTION: The relay connector 10 includes the first housing 11 for holding the plurality of terminals 90 and the second housing 50 to be assembled with the first housing 11 along the first direction X1. The relay connector 10 includes the potting material 100 injected into the recess 23 and the first sealing member 110 provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 while being compressed toward the X1 in the first direction. The first housing 11 includes a first body part 20 and a first engagement part 40. The second housing 50 includes a second body part 60 having a plurality of insertion holes 65 through which the plurality of terminals 90 individually penetrate, and a second engagement part 80 engageable with the first engagement part 40. The first seal member 110 is formed so as to surround the plurality of terminals 90. The first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80 are provided on the outside of the first seal member 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, relay connectors attached to equipment cases that contain oil, such as transmission cases, have been known as connectors for vehicles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The relay connector is a connector for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the equipment case. In this type of relay connector, the oil-stopping function is enhanced by a potting material to prevent oil, etc., from leaking from inside the equipment case to the outside of the equipment case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-157256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the potting material shrinks when it hardens. This shrinkage can cause deformation of the terminals sealed with the potting material. When the terminals deform, the terminal pitch varies, causing problems such as reduced connection reliability with the mating connector.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a relay connector that can suppress a decrease in connection reliability due to deformation of terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The relay connector of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of conductive terminals, a first housing that holds the plurality of terminals and has a recess, a second housing that is assembled to the first housing along a first direction, potting material injected into the recess, and a first seal member that is arranged between the first housing and the second housing in a state compressed in the first direction, wherein the first housing has a first main body portion that holds the plurality of terminals, a cylindrical first connector mating portion that protrudes toward the first direction from a first end face of the first main body portion facing the first direction, the recess that is recessed toward the first direction from a second end face of the first main body portion facing a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, and a first engagement portion that can engage with the second housing, and the second housing has a second main body portion that has a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of terminals individually pass, and a second engagement portion that can engage with the first engagement portion, and the first seal member is formed to surround the plurality of terminals, and each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is arranged outside the first seal member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The relay connector of the present disclosure has the effect of suppressing a decrease in connection reliability due to deformation of the terminals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a relay connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first housing and the second housing of the embodiment, viewed from different directions. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first step in the method for manufacturing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second step in the method for manufacturing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a third step in the method for manufacturing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth step in the method for manufacturing the relay connector of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The relay connector of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of conductive terminals, a first housing that holds the plurality of terminals and has a recess, a second housing that is assembled to the first housing along a first direction, a potting material injected into the recess, and a first seal member that is compressed in the first direction and is provided between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing has a first main body portion that holds the plurality of terminals, a cylindrical first connector mating portion that protrudes in the first direction from a first end face of the first main body portion that faces the first direction, the recess that is recessed in the first direction from a second end face of the first main body portion that faces a first opposite direction that is opposite the first direction, and a first engaging portion that can engage with the second housing, and the second housing has a second main body portion that has a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of terminals individually pass, and a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion, and the first seal member is formed to surround the plurality of terminals, and each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is provided outside the first seal member.

[0010] According to this configuration, the second housing is assembled to the first housing along the first direction. In other words, the first housing and the second housing are constructed as separate parts. Therefore, after a potting material is injected into the recess of the first housing, the second housing can be assembled to the first housing after the terminals have deformed, for example, due to the hardening of the potting material. At this time, the second housing has multiple insertion holes through which the terminals individually pass. By inserting the terminals into the multiple insertion holes, the deformation of the terminals can be corrected, and the pitch of the terminals can be corrected based on the pitch of the multiple insertion holes. In this way, by assembling the second housing to the first housing after the potting material has been formed, the pitch of the terminals can be corrected to approach the desired pitch. This effectively prevents a decrease in connection reliability with the mating connector.

[0011] In addition, in the relay connector, the first and second housings are maintained in an assembled state (combined state) by the engagement between the first engaging portion of the first housing and the second engaging portion of the second housing. However, in the assembled state, a gap may be formed between the first and second housings. Such a gap may allow liquid, such as water, to seep between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and the outer circumferential surface of the terminal. In response to this, the relay connector includes a first seal member surrounding the terminals, located inside the first and second engaging portions. This first seal member is positioned between the first and second housings in a compressed state in the first direction. This first seal member can effectively seal the gap between the first and second housings. This effectively prevents liquid from seeping into the space inside the first seal member, even if a gap is formed near the engagement between the first and second engaging portions. As a result, liquid can effectively prevent liquid from seeping between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and the outer circumferential surface of the terminal.

[0012] [2] In the above [1], the first engagement portion may have a flexible piece extending along the first direction and capable of being flexibly deformed, and an engagement protrusion protruding from an end of the flexible piece in the first opposite direction toward a cross direction that intersects with the first direction.

[0013] With this configuration, the engaging protrusion of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be suitably engaged by a snap fit method that utilizes the bending deformation of the bending piece of the first engaging portion. By engaging the engaging protrusion of the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion, the assembled state of the first housing and the second housing can be suitably maintained.

[0014] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the first main body portion may have an accommodating recess recessed from the second end face of the first main body portion toward the first direction, the accommodating recess being formed to surround the recess, and the first seal member may be accommodated in the accommodating recess.

[0015] According to this configuration, the first seal member is accommodated in the accommodation recess that is recessed in the first direction from the second end face of the first main body portion facing the opposite direction to the first direction. Therefore, the movement of the first seal member can be restricted by the inner wall surface of the accommodation recess. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the first seal member from shifting in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] [4] In the above [3], the first main body portion may have a first outer wall surrounding the first seal member and a notch portion formed to cut out the first outer wall, and the first engagement portion may be provided in the notch portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first seal member is surrounded by the first outer peripheral wall, which can restrict movement of the first seal member, thereby effectively preventing displacement of the first seal member.

[0018] [5] In the above [4], the second main body portion has a rear wall having a third end face facing the second end face of the first main body portion, and a second outer peripheral wall protruding from the rear wall in the first direction, the second outer peripheral wall being formed to surround the first outer peripheral wall, the first sealing member being in close contact with the third end face of the rear wall and also in close contact with a bottom surface of the accommodating recess, and the second engaging portion may be an engaging hole formed to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall in the thickness direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, the second engaging portion is formed to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall formed to surround the first outer peripheral wall. The second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion provided inside a notch formed to cut out the first outer peripheral wall. A gap is likely to occur between the first housing and the second housing near the engaging portion between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. In response to this, in the relay connector, the first seal member is provided inside the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. This first seal member can effectively seal the gap between the first housing and the second housing. As a result, even if a gap is formed near the engaging portion between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, it is possible to effectively prevent liquid from entering the space inside the first seal member.

[0020] [6] In any of the above [1] to [5], the relay connector is a relay connector that is attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case whose internal space is an oil environment and whose external space is an air environment, and the second housing has a second connector fitting portion that protrudes in the first opposite direction from a fourth end face of the second main body portion facing the first opposite direction, the first connector fitting portion is arranged to protrude into the internal space of the equipment case, and the second connector fitting portion is arranged to protrude into the external space of the equipment case, and the engaging portion between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be arranged in the external space of the equipment case.

[0021] With this configuration, the engagement portion between the first and second engagement portions is provided in the external space of the device case, which is an air environment, and therefore the engagement portion between the first and second engagement portions, i.e., the portion where a gap is likely to occur between the first and second housings, can be prevented from being exposed to an oil environment.

[0022] [7] In the above [6], the second main body portion may have a fixing portion extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction and fixing the relay connector to the equipment case, the fixing portion having a bolt hole, and the second main body portion may be formed integrally with the second connector fitting portion.

[0023] With this configuration, the relay connector can be fixed to the device case by fastening a bolt inserted into the bolt hole of the fixing portion. Furthermore, the second main body portion having the fixing portion for fixing the relay connector to the device case can be formed integrally with the second connector fitting portion. This reduces the number of parts in the relay connector compared to when the second main body portion having the fixing portion and the second connector fitting portion are formed as separate parts.

[0024] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the connector may have a second seal member attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion, and a retainer attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion, wherein the retainer is engageable with the second seal member and restricts movement of the second seal member in the first direction.

[0025] According to this configuration, the retainer attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion restricts movement of the second seal member attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion in the first direction, thereby preferably preventing the second seal member from falling off the first connector fitting portion.

[0026] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of relay connectors according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ between the drawings. In this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" do not necessarily mean strictly orthogonal or parallel, but also include roughly orthogonal or parallel within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. In this specification, "facing" refers to two surfaces or components facing each other, including not only cases where they are completely facing each other but also cases where they are partially facing each other. In this specification, "facing" refers not only to cases where two components are separated from each other but also cases where two components are in contact with each other. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical object formed with a continuous peripheral wall along the entire circumference, but also includes a cylindrical object formed by combining multiple components and a cylindrical object with a notch in a circumferential direction, such as a C-shape or U-shape. The "cylindrical" shape includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with pointed or rounded corners. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used merely to distinguish between objects and do not rank them. Each drawing illustrates a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. Each drawing illustrates a first direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a first opposite direction X2, which is another direction along the first axis X and opposite to the first direction X1. Each drawing illustrates a second direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is another direction along the second axis Y and opposite to the second direction Y1. Each drawing illustrates a third direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is another direction along the third axis Z and opposite to the third direction Z1. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0027] (Overall composition) As shown in Fig. 1, the relay connector 10 is attached to an equipment case 200 mounted on a vehicle. The relay connector 10 can be attached to the equipment case 200 in any orientation depending on the attitude of the equipment case 200. The relay connector 10 is fixed to the equipment case 200 with bolts or the like. The relay connector 10 is a connector for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the equipment case 200. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the attitude of the relay connector 10 when in use.

[0028] The device case 200 is, for example, a transmission case. The device case 200 is made of, for example, metal. The internal space of the device case 200 is an oil environment, and the external space of the device case 200 is an air environment. Electrical components such as a motor and a sensor are provided inside the device case 200. The device case 200 has a mounting hole 210 through which the relay connector 10 passes. The mounting hole 210 is formed to communicate between the inside and outside of the device case 200.

[0029] The mounting hole 210 has a first hole portion 211 and a second hole portion 212. The first hole portion 211 is in communication with the second hole portion 212. The first hole portion 211 is provided at the end of the mounting hole 210 in the first opposite direction X2. The planar size of the first hole portion 211 is larger than the planar size of the second hole portion 212. The first hole portion 211 is formed concentrically with the second hole portion 212.

[0030] The relay connector 10 is fitted into a mounting hole 210 of the device case 200. Outside the device case 200, the relay connector 10 is electrically connected to a first mating connector (not shown) provided in a control unit that houses a control circuit and the like. Inside the device case 200, the relay connector 10 is electrically connected to a second mating connector (not shown) provided inside the device case 200. The control circuit provided in the control unit is electrically connected to an electrical component provided inside the device case 200 via the first mating connector, the relay connector 10, and the second mating connector.

[0031] (Configuration of relay connector 10) 2 to 4, the relay connector 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 50 assembled to the first housing 11. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the relay connector 10 includes a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) conductive terminals 90 held in the first housing 11, and a potting material 100 that seals the plurality of terminals 90. The relay connector 10 includes a first seal member 110, a second seal member 120, and a retainer 130.

[0032] (Configuration of first housing 11) The first housing 11 is a separate part from the second housing 50. The first housing 11 is made of synthetic resin. The first housing 11 has a first main body 20, a cylindrical first connector fitting portion 30, and a plurality of first engaging portions 40. The first housing 11 is a single part in which the first main body 20, the first connector fitting portion 30, and the first engaging portions 40 are integrally formed.

[0033] (Configuration of the first main body portion 20) The first main body portion 20 is formed in a disk shape as a whole. In this specification, "disk shape" refers to a shape that is circular in plan view and has a predetermined thickness. Note that the "disk shape" does not matter whether the thickness is large or small relative to the diameter. In addition, the term "disk shape" also includes shapes that have partially formed recesses or protrusions.

[0034] 1, the first main body portion 20 has a first end face 21 and a second end face 22. The first end face 21 is an end face facing the inside of the device case 200 and facing the first direction X1. The second end face 22 is an end face provided opposite the first end face 21. The second end face 22 faces the second housing 50 and facing the first opposite direction X2.

[0035] The first main body portion 20 has a recess 23 provided in the second end surface 22 and an accommodating recess 24 provided in the second end surface 22 . The recess 23 is formed to be recessed from the second end face 22 in the first direction X1. As shown in FIG. 3, the recess 23 is provided in a central region of the second end face 22. The first main body portion 20 of this embodiment has two recesses 23. Each recess 23 is formed to collectively surround a plurality of terminals 90 (four in this embodiment) in a plan view seen in the first direction X1. In other words, four terminals 90 are housed inside one recess 23. Each recess 23 extends along the second axis Y. The two recesses 23 are provided side by side along the third axis Z.

[0036] The accommodating recess 24 is formed so as to recess from the second end face 22 in the first direction X1. The accommodating recess 24 is formed so as to surround the two recesses 23 in a plan view seen in the first direction X1. The accommodating recess 24 is formed so as to surround the multiple terminals 90 (eight in this embodiment) in a plan view seen in the first direction X1. The accommodating recess 24 in this embodiment is formed in an annular shape. The accommodating recess 24 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the first main body portion 20. The accommodating recess 24 accommodates a first seal member 110.

[0037] The first main body portion 20 has a first outer peripheral wall 25 that surrounds the accommodating recess 24, and a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) notches 26 formed by cutting out the first outer peripheral wall 25. As shown in Fig. 4, the first outer peripheral wall 25 is formed to surround the first seal member 110 accommodated in the accommodating recess 24. The first outer peripheral wall 25 constitutes the inner wall surface of the accommodating recess 24. The first outer peripheral wall 25 is formed around the entire circumferential circumference of the first main body portion 20. As shown in Fig. 3, an end of the first outer peripheral wall 25 in the first opposite direction X2 protrudes further than the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0038] The plurality of cutouts 26 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion 20. The plurality of cutouts 26 are equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first outer peripheral wall 25. Each cutout 26 is formed by cutting out the first outer peripheral wall 25 from an end in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. Each cutout 26 opens radially outward from the first main body portion 20. Each cutout 26 communicates with the accommodating recess 24. More specifically, each cutout 26 is formed to communicate between the interior of the accommodating recess 24 and the outside of the first housing 11. Each cutout 26 is formed to be recessed in the first direction X1 further than the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24. In other words, the bottom surface 27 of each cutout 26 is located closer to the first direction X1 than the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first main body portion 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 210 of the device case 200. The first main body portion 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 210 along the first direction X1. The first main body portion 20 is fitted into the first hole portion 211 of the mounting hole 210. The outer peripheral surface of the first main body portion 20 is formed into a shape that follows the inner peripheral surface of the first hole portion 211. The end of the first main body portion 20 in the first opposite direction X2 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 beyond the end face of the device case 200 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0040] The first body portion 20 holds a plurality of terminals 90. The first body portion 20 tightly covers the outer peripheral surface of each terminal 90 over the entire circumferential direction. The first body portion 20 holds each terminal 90 with an axially intermediate portion embedded. In other words, a portion of each terminal 90 is embedded inside the first housing 11. Each terminal 90 is integrally formed with the first housing 11 by, for example, insert molding.

[0041] (Configuration of terminal 90) Here, each terminal 90 is made of metal. Each terminal 90 is formed in a rod shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 3 , the eight terminals 90 are spaced apart along the second axis Y in a plan view in the first direction X1, and are also spaced apart along the third axis Z. The eight terminals 90 are arranged in a lattice or matrix in a plan view in the first direction X1. The eight terminals 90 of this embodiment are arranged in a 4×2 matrix.

[0042] 1, each terminal 90 has a first terminal portion 91 protruding in the first direction X1 from the first end surface 21 of the first body portion 20, and a second terminal portion 92 protruding in the first opposite direction X2 from the bottom surface of the recess 23. Each terminal 90 has a connecting portion 93 connecting the first terminal portion 91 and the second terminal portion 92.

[0043] Each first terminal portion 91 extends along the first axis X. Of the eight first terminal portions 91, four first terminal portions 91 aligned along the second axis Y are arranged so as to be aligned at a first pitch along the second axis Y. Each second terminal portion 92 extends along the first axis X. Of the eight second terminal portions 92, four second terminal portions 92 aligned along the second axis Y are arranged so as to be aligned at a second pitch along the second axis Y. Here, the second pitch is larger than the first pitch. Each connecting portion 93 has a bent portion for converting the pitch of each terminal 90 from the first pitch to the second pitch. Each connecting portion 93 is embedded in the first main body portion 20.

[0044] (Configuration of first connector fitting portion 30) The first connector fitting portion 30 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the first end surface 21 of the first main body portion 20. The first connector fitting portion 30 protrudes toward the internal space of the device case 200. A second mating connector (not shown) provided inside the device case 200 is fitted into the first connector fitting portion 30.

[0045] The first connector fitting portion 30 is open in the first direction X1. The first connector fitting portion 30 surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal portion 91 of the terminal 90. An annular second seal member 120 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first connector fitting portion 30. The second seal member 120 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the first connector fitting portion 30. When the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210, the second seal member 120 comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 210 over the entire circumferential circumference, thereby sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the device case 200. The second seal member 120 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0046] A retainer 130 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first connector fitting portion 30. The retainer 130 is attached at a position closer to the second seal member 120 in the first direction X1. The retainer 130 is engageable with the second seal member 120 on the first axis X. The retainer 130 restricts movement of the second seal member 120 in the first direction X1. The retainer 130 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0047] (Configuration of the first engagement portion 40) 3, the multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided on the first main body portion 20. The multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided in the multiple cutout portions 26, respectively. The multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion 20. The multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion 20.

[0048] Each first engagement portion 40 has a flexible piece 41 that extends along the first direction X1 and is flexible and deformable, and an engagement protrusion 42 provided at an end of the flexible piece 41 in the first opposite direction X2. The flexible piece 41 extends from the bottom surface 27 of the cutout portion 26 in the first opposite direction X2. The flexible piece 41 is formed in a cantilever shape with a base end connected to the bottom surface 27 as a fixed end and a tip end opposite the base end as a free end. The flexible piece 41 is configured to be flexible in a transverse direction (here, the radial direction of the first main body portion 20) that intersects with the length direction of the flexible piece 41 (here, the first direction X1). The end face of the flexible piece 41 in the first opposite direction X2 is provided, for example, on the same plane as the end face of the first outer peripheral wall 25 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0049] The engagement protrusion 42 protrudes from the tip of the flexible piece 41 in a direction intersecting the first direction X1 (here, radially outward from the first main body portion 20). As shown in FIG. 1 , the engagement protrusion 42 has a first engagement surface 43. The first engagement surface 43 is formed to face the first direction X1. The first engagement surface 43 is formed on a plane that is perpendicular to both the length direction of the flexible piece 41 and the protruding direction of the engagement protrusion 42. The first engagement surface 43 is formed parallel to the YZ plane. The first engagement surface 43 is provided, for example, on the same plane as the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24.

[0050] (Configuration of potting material 100) The potting material 100 is injected into the recess 23. The potting material 100 is formed so as to fill the recess 23. The potting material 100 is formed so as to surround each of the plurality of terminals 90. The potting material 100 is a sealing material that seals the insert holes of the plurality of terminals 90. The potting material 100 tightly covers the outer peripheral surface of each terminal 90 all around the circumferential direction.

[0051] (Configuration of the second housing 50) The second housing 50 is formed so as to be attachable to the first housing 11 along the first direction X1. The second housing 50 is formed so as to be detachable from the first housing 11. The second housing 50 is made of synthetic resin. The material of the second housing 50 may be the same type of material as the material of the first housing 11, or may be a material different from the material of the first housing 11.

[0052] The second housing 50 has a second main body 60, a cylindrical second connector fitting portion 70, and a plurality of second engagement portions 80. The second housing 50 is a single component in which the second main body 60, the second connector fitting portion 70, and the second engagement portions 80 are integrally formed.

[0053] (Configuration of second main body portion 60) 4, the second main body portion 60 is formed in a concave shape that opens in the first direction X1. The second main body portion 60 has a back wall 61 that closes the opening in the first opposite direction X2. The second main body portion 60 has a second outer peripheral wall 62 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the back wall 61 in the first direction X1.

[0054] The rear wall 61 is formed in a disk shape overall. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear wall 61 has a third end face 63 and a fourth end face 64. The third end face 63 faces the first housing 11 and is an end face facing the first direction X1. The third end face 63 is formed in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The fourth end face 64 is an end face provided opposite the third end face 63. The fourth end face 64 is an end face facing the first opposite direction X2.

[0055] The second main body portion 60 has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) insertion holes 65 through which a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) terminals 90 individually pass. Each insertion hole 65 is formed to pass through the rear wall 61 along the first axis X. As shown in FIG. 4 , the eight insertion holes 65 are arranged in the same manner as the eight terminals 90 in a plan view seen in the first opposite direction X2. In this embodiment, the eight insertion holes 65 are arranged in a 4×2 matrix in a plan view seen in the first opposite direction X2. Of the eight insertion holes 65, four insertion holes 65 aligned along the second axis Y are arranged so as to be aligned at a second pitch along the second axis Y.

[0056] Each insertion hole 65 is formed to allow the second terminal portion 92 of each terminal 90 to pass therethrough. The inner diameter of each insertion hole 65 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second terminal portion 92. A guide surface 65A is provided at the end of each insertion hole 65 in the first direction X1. The guide surface 65A is formed so that the opening width of the insertion hole 65 increases toward the opening end of the insertion hole 65 in the first direction X1. The guide surface 65A has the function of smoothly guiding the second terminal portion 92 of the terminal 90 into the insertion hole 65 when the second terminal portion 92 is inserted into the insertion hole 65. Note that the guide surface 65A is not shown in cross-sectional views such as FIG. 1 to simplify the drawing. Although not shown, a potting material 100 is poured into each insertion hole 65. Each second terminal portion 92 penetrates through each insertion hole 65 and protrudes beyond the bottom surface of the second connector fitting portion 70 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the second outer peripheral wall 62 protrudes from a third end surface 63 of the rear wall 61 in the first direction X1. The second outer peripheral wall 62 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the second main body portion 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the second outer peripheral wall 62 is formed to surround the first outer peripheral wall 25 of the first housing 11. The end of the first main body portion 20 in the first opposite direction X2 is fitted into the internal space of the second main body portion 60, specifically the space surrounded by the rear wall 61 and the second outer peripheral wall 62. As shown in FIG. 1, the second outer peripheral wall 62 is provided in the external space of the device case 200 when the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210.

[0058] The second main body 60 has a fixing portion 66 that fixes the relay connector 10 to the device case 200. The fixing portion 66 is formed to protrude from the second outer peripheral wall 62 in the second direction Y1. The fixing portion 66 is provided in the external space of the device case 200 when the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210. The fixing portion 66 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the first housing 11 into the mounting hole 210 (here, the first direction X1). An end face of the fixing portion 66 in the first direction X1 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the device case 200. The fixing portion 66 is formed in a plate shape. The fixing portion 66 has a bolt hole 67 that penetrates the fixing portion 66 along the first axis X. A fixing bolt (not shown) is inserted into the bolt hole 67. The second housing 50 is fixed to the device case 200 by fastening the bolt inserted into the bolt hole 67.

[0059] (Configuration of second connector fitting portion 70) The second connector fitting portion 70 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the fourth end face 64 of the rear wall 61. The second connector fitting portion 70 protrudes toward the external space of the device case 200. A first mating connector (not shown) provided outside the device case 200 is fitted into the second connector fitting portion 70.

[0060] The second connector fitting portion 70 is open in the first opposite direction X2. The second connector fitting portion 70 surrounds the outer periphery of the second terminal portion 92 protruding from the bottom surface of the second connector fitting portion 70.

[0061] (Configuration of second engagement portion 80) 4, the second engagement portions 80 are provided on the second outer peripheral wall 62 of the second main body portion 60. The second engagement portions 80 are provided corresponding to the first engagement portions 40, respectively. The second engagement portions 80 are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the second main body portion 60.

[0062] Each second engagement portion 80 is formed to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall 62 in the thickness direction. Each second engagement portion 80 is an engagement hole formed to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall 62 in the radial direction of the second main body portion 60. Each second engagement portion 80 is provided at the end of the second outer peripheral wall 62 in the first opposite direction X2. Each second engagement portion 80 is formed to expose a part of the third end face 63 of the rear wall 61. Each second engagement portion 80 extends along the circumferential direction of the second main body portion 60.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1 , each second engagement portion 80 is engageable with each first engagement portion 40. Each second engagement portion 80 has a second engagement surface 81 that is engageable with the first engagement surface 43 of each first engagement portion 40. The second engagement surface 81 is an end surface of the second engagement portion 80 that faces the first opposite direction X2. Each second engagement surface 81 is engaged with the first engagement surface 43 of the first engagement portion 40 along the first axis X. Each second engagement portion 80 and each first engagement portion 40 are engaged with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes bending deformation of the bending pieces 41 of the first engagement portion 40. The engagement between each second engagement portion 80 and each first engagement portion 40 maintains the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a combined state. When the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210, the engaging portions between the second engaging portions 80 and the first engaging portions 40 are provided in the external space of the device case 200.

[0064] When the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are assembled, the third end face 63 of the rear wall 61 is in contact with the second end face 22 of the first main body portion 20 and also with the end face of the potting material 100 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0065] (Configuration of the first seal member 110) The first seal member 110 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 24 of the first main body portion 20. The first seal member 110 is formed to surround the eight terminals 90 in a plan view seen in the first direction X1. The first seal member 110 of this embodiment is formed in an annular shape. The first seal member 110 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the first main body portion 20. The first seal member 110 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first seal member 110 is disposed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. The first seal member 110 is disposed between the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24 and the third end face 63 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. The first seal member 110 is in close contact with the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24 over the entire circumferential direction, and is also in close contact with the third end face 63 of the rear wall 61 over the entire circumferential direction. The first seal member 110 seals between the end face of the first housing 11 in the first direction X1 and the end face of the second housing 50 in the first opposite direction X2. Specifically, the first seal member 110 is compressed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50, and a liquid-tight seal is formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 by a face seal. At this time, the first seal member 110 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the third end surface 63 of the rear wall 61 formed on a plane parallel to the YZ plane, so that a uniform surface pressure can be applied to the first seal member 110. This improves the watertightness of the first seal member 110.

[0067] (Method of manufacturing relay connector 10) Next, a method for manufacturing the relay connector 10 will be described. First, in the first step shown in Fig. 5, a structure is formed in which a plurality of terminals 90, each having a first terminal portion 91, a second terminal portion 92, and a connecting portion 93, and a first housing 11, each having a first main body portion 20, a first connector fitting portion 30, and a first engaging portion 40, are integrated together. This structure can be formed by insert molding using the plurality of terminals 90 as insert components. At this time, the connecting portions 93 of the terminals 90 are embedded in the first main body portion 20. The first main body portion 20 has a recess 23 and an accommodating recess 24 surrounding the recess 23.

[0068] Next, the second seal member 120 is attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30. Next, the retainer 130 is attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30. The retainer 130 restricts movement of the second seal member 120 in the first direction X1, and prevents the second seal member 120 from falling off the first connector fitting portion 30.

[0069] Next, in the second step shown in FIG. 6 , the recess 23 of the first main body portion 20 is filled with the potting material 100. The potting material 100 can be injected into the recess 23 using, for example, a dispenser. At this time, since the second housing 50 (see FIG. 1 ) has not yet been assembled to the first housing 11, the nozzle of the dispenser can be shortened, improving the workability of injecting the potting material 100. Note that the potting material 100 shrinks when hardening. As the potting material 100 hardens and shrinks, the terminals 90 in the portions sealed with the potting material 100, i.e., the second terminal portions 92, may deform. If the second terminal portions 92 deform, the pitch of the second terminal portions 92 may vary, or the tip positions of the second terminal portions 92 may vary.

[0070] 7, the first seal member 110 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 24 of the first main body portion 20. At this time, the end of the first seal member 110 in the first opposite direction X2 protrudes further in the first opposite direction X2 than the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20.

[0071] 8, a second housing 50 is prepared, which has a second main body 60, a second connector fitting portion 70, and a second engagement portion 80. The second main body 60 has a rear wall 61, a second outer peripheral wall 62, and a fixing portion 66. Next, the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are arranged so that the second end surface 22 of the first housing 11 and the third end surface 63 of the second housing 50 face each other.

[0072] Next, the second housing 50 is assembled to the first housing 11 to which the first seal member 110 has been attached. The second housing 50 is assembled to the first housing 11 along the first direction X1. More specifically, with the eight second terminal portions 92 aligned with the eight insertion holes 65, the second housing 50 is brought relatively close to the first housing 11. As a result, the eight second terminal portions 92 are inserted into the corresponding eight insertion holes 65. For example, each second terminal portion 92 is press-fit into each insertion hole 65. Inserting each second terminal portion 92 into each insertion hole 65 in this manner corrects deformation of the second terminal portions 92 and also corrects the pitch of the second terminal portions 92 to match the pitch of the insertion holes 65. Subsequently, as the assembly of the second housing 50 to the first housing 11 progresses further, the second outer peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 50 comes into contact with the engaging protrusions 42 of the first engaging portion 40. As a result, the flexible piece 41 of the first engagement portion 40 is elastically deformed so as to bend radially inward. Thereafter, when the second engagement surface 81 overcomes the engagement protrusion 42, the first engagement portion 40 elastically returns to its original shape. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first engagement surface 43 of the first engagement portion 40 engages with the second engagement surface 81 of the second engagement portion 80. This engagement between the first engagement surface 43 and the second engagement surface 81 secures the second housing 50 to the first housing 11 and prevents the second housing 50 from separating from the first housing 11. At this time, the first seal member 110 is disposed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a compressed state in the first direction X1. Furthermore, the third end surface 63 of the second main body portion 60 of the second housing 50 contacts the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20 of the first housing 11 and also contacts the end surface of the potting material 100 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0073] Through the above manufacturing steps, the relay connector 10 of this embodiment can be manufactured. (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0074] (1) The relay connector 10 includes a plurality of conductive terminals 90, a first housing 11 that holds the plurality of terminals 90 and has a recess 23, and a second housing 50 that is assembled to the first housing 11 along a first direction X1. The relay connector 10 includes a potting material 100 formed in the recess 23, and a first seal member 110 that is compressed in the first direction X1 and is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50. The first housing 11 includes a first main body 20 that holds the plurality of terminals 90, and a cylindrical first connector fitting portion 30 that protrudes in the first direction X1 from a first end face 21 of the first main body 20 that faces the first direction X1. The first housing 11 includes a recess 23 that is recessed in the first direction X1 from a second end face 22 of the first main body 20 that faces a first opposite direction X2 that is the opposite direction to the first direction X1, and a plurality of first engaging portions 40 that can engage with the second housing 50. The second housing 50 has a second main body portion 60 having a plurality of insertion holes 65 through which a plurality of terminals 90 individually pass, and a plurality of second engagement portions 80 that can engage with the plurality of first engagement portions 40, respectively. The first seal member 110 is formed to surround the plurality of terminals 90. The first engagement portions 40 and the second engagement portions 80 are provided outside the first seal member 110.

[0075] According to this configuration, the second housing 50 is assembled to the first housing 11 along the first direction X1. In other words, the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are configured as separate parts. Therefore, after the potting material 100 is injected into the recess 23 of the first housing 11 and the terminals 90 are deformed due to, for example, contraction of the potting material 100, the second housing 50 can be assembled to the first housing 11. At this time, the second housing 50 has multiple insertion holes 65 through which the terminals 90 individually pass. By inserting the terminals 90 into the multiple insertion holes 65, the deformation of the terminals 90 can be corrected, and the pitch of the terminals 90 can be corrected based on the pitch of the insertion holes 65. In this way, by assembling the second housing 50 to the first housing 11 after the potting material 100 is injected and hardened, the pitch of the terminals 90 can be corrected to approach the desired pitch. This effectively prevents a decrease in connection reliability with the mating connector.

[0076] (2) In addition, in the relay connector 10, the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are maintained in an assembled state (combined state) by the engagement between the first engaging portion 40 of the first housing 11 and the second engaging portion 80 of the second housing 50. However, in the assembled state, a gap may be formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50. Such a gap may allow liquid such as water to seep between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 65 and the outer circumferential surface of the terminal 90. In response to this, the relay connector 10 of this embodiment is provided with a first seal member 110 that surrounds the multiple terminals 90 and is located inside the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80. The first seal member 110 is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. This first seal member 110 can provide an appropriate seal between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50. This makes it possible to preferably prevent liquid from penetrating into the space inside the first seal member 110, even if a gap is formed near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80. As a result, it is possible to preferably prevent liquid from penetrating between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 65 and the outer circumferential surface of the terminal 90.

[0077] (3) The engagement between the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80 maintains the assembled state of the first housing 11 and the second housing 50. Therefore, relative movement between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 is permitted in the assembled state compared to when the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are integrated by welding or the like. As a result, for example, when vibration is applied to the second connector fitting portion 70, the vibration can be damped by the relative movement of the second housing 50 with respect to the first housing 11 and by the first seal member 110. Therefore, when vibration is applied to the second connector fitting portion 70, transmission of the vibration to the first housing 11 can be reduced.

[0078] (4) Each of the multiple first engagement portions 40 has a flexible piece 41 that extends along the first direction X1 and is flexible and deformable, and an engagement protrusion 42 that protrudes from an end of the flexible piece 41 in the first opposite direction X2 toward an intersecting direction that intersects with the first direction X1. With this configuration, the engagement protrusion 42 of the first engagement portion 40 can be suitably engaged with the second engagement portion 80 by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the flexible deformation of the flexible piece 41 of the first engagement portion 40. The engagement of the engagement protrusion 42 of the first engagement portion 40 with the second engagement portion 80 can suitably maintain the assembled state of the first housing 11 and the second housing 50.

[0079] (5) The first main body portion 20 has an accommodating recess 24 recessed from the second end face 22 of the first main body portion 20 toward the first direction X1. The accommodating recess 24 is formed to surround the recess 23. The first seal member 110 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 24. According to this configuration, the first seal member 110 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 24 recessed from the second end face 22 of the first main body portion 20 facing the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. Therefore, the movement of the first seal member 110 can be restricted by the inner wall surface of the accommodating recess 24. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the first seal member 110 from shifting in position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0080] (6) The first main body portion 20 has a first outer peripheral wall 25 that surrounds the first seal member 110 and a plurality of cutout portions 26 formed by cutting out the first outer peripheral wall 25. The plurality of first engagement portions 40 are provided in the plurality of cutout portions 26, respectively. With this configuration, the first seal member 110 is surrounded by the first outer peripheral wall 25. Therefore, the movement of the first seal member 110 can be restricted by the first outer peripheral wall 25. This makes it possible to suitably suppress displacement of the first seal member 110.

[0081] (7) The second main body portion 60 has a rear wall 61 having a third end face 63 facing the second end face 22 of the first main body portion 20, and a second outer peripheral wall 62 protruding from the rear wall 61 in the first direction X1. The second outer peripheral wall 62 is formed to surround the first outer peripheral wall 25. The first seal member 110 is in close contact with the third end face 63 of the rear wall 61 and also in close contact with the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24. Each of the multiple second engagement portions 80 is an engagement hole formed to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall 62 in the thickness direction.

[0082] According to this configuration, each second engagement portion 80 is formed to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall 62 formed to surround the first outer peripheral wall 25. Each second engagement portion 80 engages with a corresponding first engagement portion 40 provided inside a notch 26 formed by cutting out the first outer peripheral wall 25. A gap is likely to form between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80. In response to this, in the relay connector 10 of this embodiment, a first seal member 110 is provided inside the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80. This first seal member 110 can effectively seal the gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50. This effectively prevents liquid from penetrating into the space inside the first seal member 110, even if a gap forms near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80.

[0083] (8) The first seal member 110 is compressed between the third end surface 63 of the rear wall 61 and the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24. This allows a liquid-tight seal to be formed between the third end surface 63 of the rear wall 61 and the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 24 by a surface seal.

[0084] (9) The relay connector 10 is attached to the mounting hole 210 of the device case 200, the internal space of which is an oil environment and the external space of which is an air environment. The second housing 50 has a second connector fitting portion 70 that protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from a fourth end face 64 of the second main body portion 60 that faces the first opposite direction X2. The first connector fitting portion 30 is provided to protrude into the internal space of the device case 200. The second connector fitting portion 70 is provided to protrude into the external space of the device case 200. The engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80 is provided in the external space of the device case 200.

[0085] According to this configuration, the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80 is provided in the external space of the device case 200, which is an air environment. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80, i.e., the portion where a gap is likely to occur between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50, from being exposed to an oil environment.

[0086] (10) The second main body 60 has a fixing portion 66 that extends along the second direction Y1 intersecting the first direction X1 and fixes the relay connector 10 to the device case 200. The fixing portion 66 has a bolt hole 67. The second main body 60 is formed integrally with the second connector fitting portion 70. With this configuration, the relay connector 10 can be fixed to the device case 200 by fastening a bolt inserted into the bolt hole 67 of the fixing portion 66. Furthermore, the second main body 60 having the fixing portion 66 for fixing the relay connector 10 to the device case 200 can be formed integrally with the second connector fitting portion 70. This reduces the number of parts of the relay connector 10 compared to when the second main body 60 having the fixing portion 66 and the second connector fitting portion 70 are formed as separate parts.

[0087] (11) The connector includes a second seal member 120 attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30, and a retainer 130 attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30. The retainer 130 is engageable with the second seal member 120 and restricts movement of the second seal member 120 in the first direction X1. According to this configuration, the retainer 130 attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30 restricts movement of the second seal member 120 attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30 in the first direction X1. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the second seal member 120 from falling off the first connector fitting portion 30.

[0088] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 42 of the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80, which is an engaging hole, are engaged with each other, but the engagement form between the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80 is not limited to this. For example, the second engaging portion 80 may be formed with a structure having an engaging protrusion that engages with the engaging protrusion 42. Alternatively, the first engaging portion 40 may be formed as an engaging hole, and the second engaging portion 80 may be formed with a structure having a flexible piece and an engaging protrusion.

[0090] The number of first engagement portions 40 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. The number of second engagement portions 80 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. The structure of the first housing 11 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed.

[0091] In the above embodiment, two recesses 23 are provided on the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20, but this is not limiting. For example, one recess 23 that collectively surrounds eight terminals 90 may be provided on the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20.

[0092] The accommodating recess 24 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, the first seal member 110 is provided on the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20, for example. The structure of the second housing 50 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the second housing 50 is embodied as a single component in which the second main body 60 and the second connector fitting portion 70 are integrally formed, but this is not limiting. For example, the second main body 60 and the second connector fitting portion 70 may be separate components.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the second housing 50 is formed to have a structure including the fixing portion 66, but this is not limiting. For example, the fixing portion 66 may be provided on the first housing 11.

[0095] The structure of each terminal 90 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed. For example, the connecting portion 93 may be modified to have no bent portion. In this case, the first terminal portion 91, the connecting portion 93, and the second terminal portion 92 are formed to extend in a straight line.

[0096] The number of terminals 90 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In the above embodiment, the second seal member 120 is attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the second seal member 120 may be attached to the outer periphery of the first main body portion 20.

[0097] In the above embodiment, a fitting groove into which the second seal member 120 is fitted may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first connector fitting portion 30. In this case, the retainer 130 can be omitted.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the relay connector 10 is embodied as being attached to the equipment case 200, which is a transmission case, but is not limited to this. For example, the relay connector 10 may be applied to a relay connector used in an equipment case other than a transmission case. Note that the environment inside the equipment case 200 to which the relay connector 10 is attached is not limited to an oil environment, and the relay connector 10 may also be applied to a relay connector for equipment that does not use oil inside the equipment case 200.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Relay connector 11 First Housing 20 First main body part 21 First end surface 22 Second end face 23 Recess 24 Recessed storage area 25 1st outer peripheral wall 26 Notch 27 bottom 30 First connector fitting portion 40 first engagement portion 41 Flexure 42 Engagement protrusion 43 First engagement surface 50 Second Housing 60 Second main body part 61 Back wall 62 Second outer wall 63 3rd end face 64 4th end face 65 Insertion hole 66 Fixed part 67 Bolt holes 70 Second connector mating part 80 second engagement portion 81 Second engagement surface 90 terminals 91 1st terminal section 92 2nd terminal section 93 Connecting part 100 potting material 110 First sealing member 120 second seal member 130 Retainer 200 Equipment Cases 210 Mounting hole 211 1st hole 212 2nd hole X 1st axis X1 1st direction X2 1st opposite direction Y 2nd axis Y1 2nd direction Y2 2nd opposite direction Z 3rd axis Z1 3rd direction Z2 3rd opposite direction

Claims

1. a plurality of conductive terminals; a first housing that holds the plurality of terminals and has a recess; a second housing assembled to the first housing along a first direction; a potting material injected into the recess; a first seal member provided between the first housing and the second housing in a state compressed in the first direction, The first housing includes: a first body portion that holds the plurality of terminals; a cylindrical first connector fitting portion that protrudes in the first direction from a first end surface of the first main body portion that faces the first direction; the recessed portion recessed toward the first direction from a second end surface of the first main body portion facing a first opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction; a first engaging portion engageable with the second housing, The second housing includes: a second body portion having a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of terminals individually pass; a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion, the first seal member is formed to surround the plurality of terminals, The relay connector, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are each provided outside the first seal member.

2. 2. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion has a flexible piece extending along the first direction and capable of being flexibly deformed, and an engaging protrusion protruding from an end of the flexible piece in the first opposite direction toward a cross direction that intersects with the first direction.

3. the first main body portion has an accommodating recess recessed from the second end surface of the first main body portion toward the first direction, The accommodating recess is formed to surround the recess, The relay connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first seal member is accommodated in the accommodation recess.

4. the first main body portion has a first outer peripheral wall that surrounds the first seal member and a notch portion formed to cut out the first outer peripheral wall, The relay connector according to claim 3 , wherein the first engaging portion is provided in the notch.

5. the second main body portion has a rear wall having a third end surface facing the second end surface of the first main body portion, and a second outer peripheral wall protruding from the rear wall in the first direction, the second outer peripheral wall is formed to surround the first outer peripheral wall, the first seal member is in close contact with the third end surface of the rear wall and a bottom surface of the accommodating recess, The relay connector according to claim 4 , wherein the second engaging portion is an engaging hole formed so as to penetrate the second outer peripheral wall in a thickness direction.

6. The relay connector is a relay connector to be attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case whose internal space is an oil environment and whose external space is an air environment, the second housing has a second connector fitting portion that protrudes in the first opposite direction from a fourth end surface of the second main body portion that faces the first opposite direction, the first connector fitting portion is provided so as to protrude into the internal space of the device case, the second connector fitting portion is provided so as to protrude into the external space of the device case, The relay connector according to claim 1 , wherein an engagement portion between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is provided in the external space of the device case.

7. the second main body portion has a fixing portion that extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and fixes the relay connector to the device case, The fixing portion has a bolt hole, The relay connector according to claim 6 , wherein the second main body portion is formed integrally with the second connector fitting portion.

8. a second seal member attached to the outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion; a retainer attached to an outer periphery of the first connector fitting portion, 2. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is engageable with the second seal member and restricts movement of the second seal member in the first direction.

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