Relay connector

Abstract

To provide a relay connector capable of suppressing deterioration of connection reliability.SOLUTION: A relay connector 10 includes a first housing 11 for holding a plurality of conductive terminals 90, and a second housing 50 assembled to the first housing 11 along a first direction X1. The relay connector 10 includes a potting material 100 injected into the recess 23 and a first sealing member 110. The second housing 50 includes a plurality of insertion holes 63 through which the plurality of terminals 90 individually penetrate. In the first seal member 110, the first seal portion 111 and the second seal portion 112 are integrally formed. The first seal portion 111 is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a state of being compressed toward the X1 in the first direction. The first seal portion 111 is formed so as to surround the plurality of terminals 90. The second seal portion 112 is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the first housing 11.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 pitch of the terminals 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 is a relay connector that is attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case, and 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 attached to the first housing, wherein the second housing has a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of terminals individually pass, and the first seal member is integrally formed with a first seal portion that seals between the first housing and the second housing and a second seal portion that seals between the first housing and the mounting hole, and the first seal portion is provided between the first housing and the second housing in a state compressed in the first direction, and the first seal portion is formed to surround the plurality of terminals, and the second seal portion is provided outside the first seal portion and is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The relay connector of the present disclosure has the effect of suppressing a decrease in connection reliability. [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 an exploded perspective view showing a first housing and a first seal member according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a first step in the method for manufacturing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a second step in the method for manufacturing the relay connector of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a third 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 is a relay connector to be attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case, and 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 attached to the first housing, wherein the second housing has a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of terminals individually pass; the first seal member is integrally formed with a first seal portion that seals between the first housing and the second housing and a second seal portion that seals between the first housing and the mounting hole; the first seal portion is provided between the first housing and the second housing in a state compressed in the first direction; the first seal portion is formed to surround the plurality of terminals; and the second seal portion is provided outside the first seal portion and is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first housing.

[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] Furthermore, the first seal member attached to the first housing is integrally formed with a first seal portion that seals between the first housing and the second housing, and a second seal portion that seals between the first housing and the mounting hole. This allows the single first seal member to have the function of sealing between the first housing and the second housing, and the function of sealing between the first housing and the mounting hole. This reduces the number of parts in the relay connector compared to when the first seal portion and the second seal portion are separate parts.

[0012] [2] In the above [1], the first housing may have a first main body portion that holds the multiple terminals, a cylindrical first connector fitting portion that protrudes in the first direction from a first end face of the first main body portion that faces the first direction, and 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 the opposite direction to the first direction, and the second housing may have a second main body portion that has a third end face opposite the second end face and the multiple insertion holes, and the second seal portion may be formed to surround the outer periphery of the first main body portion.

[0013] According to this configuration, the second seal portion of the first seal member is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first body portion that holds the multiple terminals, and this second seal portion can seal between the outer periphery of the first body portion and the inner periphery of the mounting hole.

[0014] [3] In the above [2], the first housing has a first engagement portion that can engage with the second housing, the second housing has a second engagement portion that can engage with the first engagement portion, the first engagement portion has a flexible piece that extends along the first direction and is flexible and deformable, and an engagement protrusion that protrudes from an end of the flexible piece in the first opposite direction toward an intersecting direction that intersects with the first direction, the first seal member has a through hole through which the first engagement portion passes, and each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be provided outside the first seal member.

[0015] According to 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 deflection deformation of the deflection piece of the first engaging portion. The engagement between the engaging protrusion of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion allows the first housing and the second housing to be suitably maintained in an assembled state (combined state). However, in the assembled state, a gap may be formed between the first housing and the second housing. Such a gap may allow liquid such as water to penetrate 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 portion that surrounds the multiple terminals and is located inside the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. This first seal portion is disposed between the first housing and the second housing in a state compressed in a first direction. This first seal portion allows for a suitable seal between the first housing and the second housing. This makes it possible to effectively prevent liquid from entering the space inside the first seal portion even if a gap is formed near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, thereby effectively preventing liquid from entering between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and the outer circumferential surface of the terminal.

[0016] [4] In the above [3], the first main body portion has an attachment portion recessed from the second end face of the first main body portion toward the first direction, the attachment portion being formed to surround the recess, and the first seal portion may be attached to the attachment portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first seal portion of the first seal member is attached to the attachment portion that is recessed toward the first direction from the second end face of the first main body portion facing the first opposite direction. Therefore, the movement of the first seal member can be restricted by the inner wall surface of the attachment portion. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the first seal member from shifting in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] [5] In the above [4], the first seal portion may have a first lip protruding toward the bottom surface of the mounting portion and a second lip protruding toward the third end face, and each of the first lip and the second lip may be formed around the entire circumferential circumference of the first main body portion.

[0019] With this configuration, the first lip is in close contact with the bottom surface of the mounting portion, and the second lip is in close contact with the third end surface of the second main body. The first seal portion, which includes the first and second lips, can effectively seal the gap between the bottom surface of the mounting portion of the first housing and the third end surface of the second main body of the second housing. This effectively prevents liquid from entering the space inside the first seal portion, even if a gap is formed near the engagement between the first and second engagement portions.

[0020] [6] In any of the above [3] to [5], the second main body portion may have an outer peripheral wall located outside the first seal portion, and the second engagement portion may be an engagement hole formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall in the thickness direction.

[0021] According to this configuration, the second engagement portion is formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall located outside the first seal portion. The second engagement portion is engaged with the first engagement portion, which has a flexible piece and an engagement protrusion. A gap is likely to form between the first housing and the second housing near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. In contrast, in the relay connector, the first seal portion is provided inside the first and second engagement portions. This first seal portion can effectively seal the gap between the first and second housings. This effectively prevents liquid from penetrating into the space inside the first seal portion, even if a gap forms near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion.

[0022] [7] In any of the above [3] to [6], the internal space of the equipment case is an oil environment and the external space of the equipment case is an air environment, 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, 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] [8] In the above [7], 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] [9] In any of [2] to [8] above, 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, the second seal member being positioned closer to the first direction than the first seal member, and the retainer being engageable with the second seal member and restricting movement of the second seal member in the first direction.

[0027] According to this configuration, the first housing and the mounting hole can be doubly sealed by the first seal member and the second seal member. This allows for an optimal seal between the first housing and the mounting hole. Furthermore, 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. This effectively prevents the second seal member from falling off the first connector fitting portion.

[0028] [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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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 Fig. 3, 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. As shown in Fig. 2, the relay connector 10 includes a first seal member 110, a second seal member 120, and a retainer 130.

[0034] (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.

[0035] 1, the first housing 11 has a first main body portion 20, a cylindrical first connector fitting portion 30, and a plurality of first engagement portions 40. The first housing 11 is a single component in which the first main body portion 20, the first connector fitting portion 30, and the first engagement portions 40 are integrally formed.

[0036] (Configuration of the first main body portion 20) As shown in Fig. 2, 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 partial recesses or protrusions.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The first main body portion 20 has a recess 23 provided in the second end surface 22 and an attachment portion 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.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion 24 is formed so as to be recessed from the second end face 22 in the first direction X1. In a plan view seen in the first direction X1, the mounting portion 24 is formed so as to surround the two recesses 23. In a plan view seen in the first direction X1, the mounting portion 24 is formed so as to surround the multiple (eight in this embodiment) terminals 90. The mounting portion 24 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the first main body portion 20. The mounting portion 24 is formed so as to open radially outward from the first main body portion 20. A first seal member 110 is attached to the mounting portion 24.

[0040] In other words, the first main body portion 20 has a protruding portion 26 that protrudes from the bottom surface 25 of the attachment portion 24 in the first opposite direction X2. The protruding portion 26 is provided in the center of the first main body portion 20 in a plan view seen in the first direction X1. A recess 23 is formed in the end surface of the protruding portion 26 in the first opposite direction X2, i.e., the second end surface 22, so as to be recessed from the second end surface 22 in the first direction X1.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] (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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] (Configuration of the first engagement portion 40) The multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided on the first main body portion 20. The multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided on the bottom surface 25 of the mounting portion 24. The multiple first engagement portions 40 are provided on the outer circumferential edge of the mounting portion 24. As shown in FIG. 3 , 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.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1 , each first engagement portion 40 has a flexible piece 41 extending along the first direction X1 and capable of being flexibly deformed, 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 25 of the mounting portion 24 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 25 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 tip end of the flexible piece 41, i.e., the end of the flexible piece 41 in the first opposite direction X2, is formed to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 beyond the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20.

[0051] 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). 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 second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20.

[0052] (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.

[0053] (Configuration of the first seal member 110) 3, the first seal member 110 is attached to the attachment portion 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 direction.

[0054] The first seal member 110 has a first seal portion 111 that seals between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50, and a second seal portion 112 that seals between the first housing 11 and the device case 200 (see FIG. 1). The first seal member 110 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0055] The first seal member 110 has a plurality of through holes 113 through which the plurality of first engagement portions 40 individually pass. The plurality of through holes 113 are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the first seal member 110. The plurality of through holes 113 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first seal member 110. As shown in FIG. 1 , each through hole 113 passes through the first seal member 110 along the first axis X. Each through hole 113 is provided in a portion of the first seal member 110 that connects the first seal portion 111 and the second seal portion 112. The first seal member 110 is a single component in which the first seal portion 111, the second seal portion 112, and the portion that connects the first seal portion 111 and the second seal portion 112 are integrally formed.

[0056] The first seal portion 111 is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. The first seal portion 111 is provided between the bottom surface 25 of the attachment portion 24 and a third end surface 61 of the second housing 50 facing the first opposite direction X2 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. The first seal portion 111 is provided inside the first engagement portion 40. The first seal portion 111 is in close contact with the bottom surface 25 of the attachment portion 24 over the entire circumferential direction, and is also in close contact with the third end surface 61 of the second housing 50 over the entire circumferential direction. The first seal portion 111 seals between the end surface of the first housing 11 in the first direction X1 and the end surface of the second housing 50 in the first opposite direction X2. Specifically, the first seal portion 111 is compressed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50, and the gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 is liquid-tightly sealed by a face seal.

[0057] One or more (two in this embodiment) first lips 114 protruding toward the bottom surface 25 are provided on an end surface of the first seal portion 111 facing the bottom surface 25 of the mounting portion 24. The two first lips 114 are provided side by side along the radial direction of the first seal member 110. Each first lip 114 is formed to protrude in the first direction X1 from the end surface of the first seal portion 111 facing the bottom surface 25. Each first lip 114 is formed to be in close contact with the bottom surface 25. Each first lip 114 is formed in an annular shape extending continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the first seal member 110.

[0058] One or more (two in this embodiment) second lips 115 protruding toward the third end face 61 are provided on an end face of the first seal portion 111 facing the third end face 61 of the second housing 50. The two second lips 115 are arranged side by side along the radial direction of the first seal member 110. Each second lip 115 is formed to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 from the end face of the first seal portion 111 facing the third end face 61. Each second lip 115 is formed to be in close contact with the third end face 61. As shown in FIG. 5, each second lip 115 is formed in an annular shape extending continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the first seal member 110. As shown in FIG. 1, each second lip 115 is provided at a position overlapping with a corresponding first lip 114 in a plan view seen in the first direction X1.

[0059] The second seal portion 112 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first main body portion 20. The second seal portion 112 is provided outward of the first engagement portions 40. The second seal portion 112 is formed to surround the periphery of the multiple first engagement portions 40 in a plan view seen in the first direction X1. The second seal portion 112 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the first seal member 110. When the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210, the second seal portion 112 comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion 20 over the entire circumferential circumference, and also comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first hole portion 211 of the mounting hole 210 over the entire circumferential circumference. The second seal portion 112 seals between the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 11 and the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 210.

[0060] An end face of the second seal portion 112 facing the first direction X1 is provided with one or more (one in this embodiment) protruding portions 116 that protrude in the first direction X1 from the end face. The protruding portion 116 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the first seal member 110. When the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210, the protruding portion 116 comes into close contact with an end face 213 of a step portion formed by the first hole portion 211 and the second hole portion 212, the end face facing the first opposite direction X2, over the entire circumferential circumference.

[0061] The second seal portion 112 has an end face facing the first opposite direction X2 provided with one or more (one in this embodiment) protruding portions 117 protruding from the end face in the first opposite direction X2. The protruding portion 117 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the first seal member 110. When the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210, the protruding portion 117 comes into close contact with the third end face 61 of the second housing 50 over the entire circumferential circumference.

[0062] When the relay connector 10 is fitted into the mounting hole 210, the second seal portion 112 is provided between the end face 213 of the device case 200 and the third end face 61 of the second housing 50 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. The second seal portion 112 seals between the end face 213 of the device case 200 and the third end face 61 of the second housing 50.

[0063] (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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] (Configuration of second main body portion 60) The second main body portion 60 is formed in a disk shape as a whole. The second main body portion 60 has a third end face 61 and a fourth end face 62. The third end face 61 faces the first housing 11 and is an end face facing the first direction X1. The third end face 61 is formed on a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The fourth end face 62 is an end face provided opposite the third end face 61. The fourth end face 62 is an end face facing the first opposite direction X2.

[0066] The second main body portion 60 has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) insertion holes 63 through which a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) terminals 90 individually pass. Each insertion hole 63 is formed to pass through the second main body portion 60 along the first axis X. As shown in FIG. 4 , the eight insertion holes 63 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 63 are arranged in a 4×2 matrix in a plan view seen in the first opposite direction X2. Of the eight insertion holes 63, four insertion holes 63 aligned along the second axis Y are arranged so as to be aligned at a second pitch along the second axis Y.

[0067] Each insertion hole 63 is formed so that the second terminal portion 92 of each terminal 90 can pass therethrough. The inner diameter of each insertion hole 63 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second terminal portion 92. A guide surface 63A is provided at the end of each insertion hole 63 in the first direction X1. The guide surface 63A is formed so that the opening width of the insertion hole 63 increases toward the opening end of the insertion hole 63 in the first direction X1. The guide surface 63A has the function of smoothly guiding the second terminal portion 92 of the terminal 90 into the insertion hole 63 when the second terminal portion 92 is inserted into the insertion hole 63. Note that the guide surface 63A 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 63. As shown in FIG. 1, each second terminal portion 92 penetrates each insertion hole 63 and protrudes beyond the bottom surface of the second connector fitting portion 70 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the second main body portion 60 has a recess 64 provided in the third end face 61 and an accommodating recess 65 provided in the third end face 61 . The recess 64 is formed so as to recess from the third end face 61 toward the first opposite direction X2. The recess 64 is provided in a central region of the third end face 61. The recess 64 is formed so as to collectively surround a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) insertion holes 63 in a plan view seen in the first opposite direction X2. In other words, eight insertion holes 63 are formed in the bottom surface of the recess 64. The recess 64 is formed so that the protrusion 26 of the first main body portion 20 can be fitted inside.

[0069] The accommodating recess 65 is formed to be recessed from the third end face 61 toward the first opposite direction X2. The accommodating recess 65 is formed to surround the recess 64 in a plan view seen in the first opposite direction X2. The accommodating recess 65 is formed to surround the multiple (eight in this embodiment) insertion holes 63 in a plan view seen in the first opposite direction X2. The accommodating recess 65 in this embodiment is formed in an annular shape. The accommodating recess 65 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the second main body portion 60. The accommodating recess 65 is formed so that the first engaging portion 40 of the first housing 11 can be inserted therein.

[0070] The second main body portion 60 has an outer peripheral wall 66 that surrounds the accommodating recess 65. The outer peripheral wall 66 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the multiple first engagement portions 40. The outer peripheral wall 66 constitutes the inner wall surface of the accommodating recess 65. The outer peripheral wall 66 is formed continuously over the entire circumferential direction of the second main body portion 60. As shown in FIG. 1 , the end face of the outer peripheral wall 66 in the first direction X1 is in contact with the protrusion 117 of the first seal member 110. The outer peripheral wall 66 is provided in the external space of the device case 200 when the first housing 11 is fitted into the mounting hole 210.

[0071] The second main body 60 has a fixing portion 67 that fixes the relay connector 10 to the device case 200. The fixing portion 67 is formed to protrude from the outer peripheral wall 66 in the second direction Y1. The fixing portion 67 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 67 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 67 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 67 is formed in a plate shape. The fixing portion 67 has a bolt hole 68 that penetrates the fixing portion 67 along the first axis X. A fixing bolt (not shown) is inserted into the bolt hole 68. The second housing 50 is fixed to the device case 200 by fastening the bolt inserted into the bolt hole 68.

[0072] (Configuration of second connector fitting portion 70) The second connector fitting portion 70 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the fourth end surface 62 of the second main body portion 60. 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] (Configuration of second engagement portion 80) 4, the second engagement portions 80 are provided on the outer peripheral wall 66 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.

[0075] Each second engagement portion 80 is formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 66 in the thickness direction. Each second engagement portion 80 is an engagement hole formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 66 in the radial direction of the second main body portion 60. Each second engagement portion 80 communicates with the accommodating recess 65. Each second engagement portion 80 is formed to communicate between the interior of the accommodating recess 65 and the exterior of the second housing 50. Each second engagement portion 80 is provided at the end of the outer peripheral wall 66 in the first opposite direction X2. Each second engagement portion 80 extends along the circumferential direction of the second main body portion 60.

[0076] 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 the 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 assembled state (combined state) in which the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are assembled. 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.

[0077] When the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are assembled together, the bottom surface of the recess 64 of the second main body 60 contacts the second end surface 22 of the first main body 20 and the end surface of the potting material 100 in the first opposite direction X2. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 are assembled together, the third end surface 61 of the second main body 60 contacts the end surface of the first opposite direction X2 of the first seal member 110. At this time, the first seal member 110 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the third end surface 61, which is 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.

[0078] (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. 6, 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. 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 attachment portion 24 surrounding the recess 23.

[0079] Next, the first seal member 110 is attached to the first housing 11. The first seal member 110 is attached to the attachment portion 24 of the first main body portion 20. At this time, the multiple first engagement portions 40 pass through the multiple through holes 113 of the first seal member 110. At this time, the end of the first seal member 110 in the first opposite direction X2 is provided on the same plane as the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Next, in the second step shown in FIG. 7 , 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, and the tip positions of the second terminal portions 92 may vary.

[0082] 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 an insertion hole 63, a recess 64, an accommodating recess 65, an outer peripheral wall 66, and a fixing portion 67. 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 61 of the second housing 50 face each other.

[0083] 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 63, 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 63. For example, each second terminal portion 92 is press-fit into each insertion hole 63. Inserting each second terminal portion 92 into each insertion hole 63 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 63. As the assembly of the second housing 50 to the first housing 11 continues, the outer peripheral wall 66 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 fixes 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 portion 111 of 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. Furthermore, the end of the protrusion 26 of the first housing 11 facing the first opposite direction X2 is fitted into the recess 64 of the second housing 50. The bottom surface of the recess 64 is in contact with the second end surface 22 of the protrusion 26 and also with the end surface of the potting material 100 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0084] 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.

[0085] (1) The relay connector 10 is attached to the mounting hole 210 of the device case 200. 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 the first direction X1. The relay connector 10 includes a potting material 100 formed in the recess 23 and a first seal member 110 attached to the first housing 11. The second housing 50 has a plurality of insertion holes 63 through which the plurality of terminals 90 individually pass. The first seal member 110 is integrally formed with a first seal portion 111 that seals between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 and a second seal portion 112 that seals between the first housing 11 and the mounting hole 210. The first seal portion 111 is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a state compressed in the first direction X1. The first seal portion 111 is formed so as to surround the plurality of terminals 90. The second seal portion 112 is provided outside the first seal portion 111 and is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the first housing 11.

[0086] 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 63 through which the terminals 90 individually pass. By inserting the terminals 90 into the multiple insertion holes 63, 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 multiple insertion holes 63. 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.

[0087] (2) The first seal member 110 is integrally formed with the first seal portion 111 that seals between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50, and the second seal portion 112 that seals between the first housing 11 and the mounting hole 210. This allows the single first seal member 110 to have both the function of sealing between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 and the function of sealing between the first housing 11 and the mounting hole 210. This reduces the number of parts in the relay connector 10 compared to when the first seal portion 111 and the second seal portion 112 are configured as separate parts. As a result, the assembly workability of the relay connector 10 can be improved.

[0088] (3) The first seal portion 111 of 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. With this configuration, for example, when vibration is applied to the second connector fitting portion 70, the first seal portion 111 can absorb the vibration. This reduces the transmission of vibration to the first housing 11 when vibration is applied to the second connector fitting portion 70. In this manner, the first seal portion 111 can function as a vibration buffer for the relay connector 10, particularly for vibration in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. As a result, the vibration resistance of the relay connector 10 in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2 can be improved. Therefore, even when vibration is applied to the second connector fitting portion 70, the effect of the vibration on the contact portion between the relay connector 10 and the mating connector (not shown) can be reduced.

[0089] (4) The first housing 11 includes a first main body portion 20 that holds the multiple 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 portion 20 that faces the first direction X1. The first housing 11 includes a recess 23 that recesses in the first direction X1 from a second end face 22 of the first main body portion 20 that faces the first opposite direction X2. The second housing 50 includes a second main body portion 60 that has a third end face 61 that faces the second end face 22 and multiple insertion holes 63. The second seal portion 112 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first main body portion 20. With this configuration, the second seal portion 112 of the first seal member 110 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first main body portion 20 that holds the multiple terminals 90. The second seal portion 112 provides an appropriate seal between the outer periphery of the first main body portion 20 and the inner periphery of the mounting hole 210.

[0090] (5) The first housing 11 has a first engagement portion 40 that can engage with the second housing 50. The second housing 50 has a second engagement portion 80 that can engage with the first engagement portion 40. The 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 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. The first seal member 110 has a through hole 113 through which the first engagement portion 40 passes. The first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80 are provided outside the first seal portion 111.

[0091] According to this configuration, the engaging protrusions 42 of the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80 can be suitably engaged with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the bending deformation of the flexible pieces 41 of the first engaging portion 40. The engagement between the engaging protrusions 42 of the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80 allows the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 to be suitably maintained in an assembled state (combined state). 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 penetrate between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 63 and the outer circumferential surface of the terminal 90. In response to this, the relay connector 10 of this embodiment includes a first seal portion 111 that surrounds the multiple terminals 90 and is located inside the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80. The first seal portion 111 is disposed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 in a compressed state in the first direction X1. Such first seal portion 111 can provide an appropriate seal between first housing 11 and second housing 50. This can effectively prevent liquid from penetrating into the space inside first seal portion 111, even if a gap is formed near the engagement portion between first engagement portion 40 and second engagement portion 80. As a result, liquid can be effectively prevented from penetrating between the inner circumferential surface of insertion hole 63 and the outer circumferential surface of terminal 90.

[0092] (6) The first seal member 110 is attached to the attachment portion 24, which is recessed in the first direction X1 from the second end surface 22 of the first main body portion 20 facing the first opposite direction X2. Therefore, the movement of the first seal member 110 can be restricted by the inner wall surface of the attachment portion 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.

[0093] (7) The first seal portion 111 has a first lip 114 that protrudes toward the bottom surface 25 of the mounting portion 24 and a second lip 115 that protrudes toward the third end face 61. The first lip 114 is formed around the entire circumferential circumference of the first main body portion 20. The second lip 115 is formed around the entire circumferential circumference of the first main body portion 20.

[0094] With this configuration, the first lip 114 is brought into close contact with the bottom surface 25 of the attachment portion 24, and the second lip 115 is brought into close contact with the third end surface 61 of the second main body portion 60. The first seal portion 111, which has the first lip 114 and the second lip 115, can provide an appropriate seal between the bottom surface 25 of the attachment portion 24 of the first housing 11 and the third end surface 61 of the second main body portion 60 of the second housing 50. This makes it possible to effectively prevent liquid from entering the space inside the first seal portion 111, even if a gap is formed near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80, for example.

[0095] (8) The second main body 60 has an outer peripheral wall 66 located outside the first seal portion 111. The second engagement portion 80 is an engagement hole formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 66 in the thickness direction. According to this configuration, the second engagement portion 80 is formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 66 located outside the first seal portion 111. The second engagement portion 80 is engaged with the first engagement portion 40 having the flexible piece 41 and the engagement protrusion 42. A gap is likely to occur 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 contrast, in the relay connector 10 of this embodiment, the first seal portion 111 is provided inside the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80. This first seal portion 111 can provide an appropriate seal between the first housing 11 and the second housing 50. This makes it possible to suitably prevent liquid from penetrating into the space inside the first seal portion 111, even if a gap is formed near the engagement portion between the first engagement portion 40 and the second engagement portion 80.

[0096] (9) 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 effectively prevents 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.

[0097] (10) The second main body 60 has a fixing portion 67 that extends along the second direction Y1 and fixes the relay connector 10 to the device case 200. The fixing portion 67 has a bolt hole 68. 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 68 of the fixing portion 67. Furthermore, the second main body 60 having the fixing portion 67 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 67 and the second connector fitting portion 70 are formed as separate parts.

[0098] (11) The relay connector 10 has 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 second seal member 120 is provided at a position closer to the first direction X1 than the first seal member 110. 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.

[0099] According to this configuration, the gap between the first housing 11 and the mounting hole 210 can be doubly sealed by the first seal member 110 and the second seal member 120. For example, if corrosive water such as a calcium chloride solution or salt water infiltrates between the first housing 11 and the mounting hole 210 from the external space of the device case 200, the first seal member 110 can prevent the corrosive water from infiltrating. This can prevent the second seal member 120 from being exposed to the corrosive water. This can improve the durability of the second seal member 120. As a result, the gap between the first housing 11 and the mounting hole 210 can be suitably sealed.

[0100] (12) Furthermore, 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 effectively prevents the second seal member 120 from falling off the first connector fitting portion 30.

[0101] (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.

[0102] The structure of the first seal member 110 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed. The first lip 114 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The second lip 115 in the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0103] The protrusion 116 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The protrusion 117 in the above embodiment may be omitted. 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.

[0104] 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. In the above embodiment, the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 80 may be omitted. In this case, the first housing 11 and the second housing 50 may be integrated by welding, press-fitting, or the like.

[0105] The structure of the first housing 11 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed. 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.

[0106] The attachment portion 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the second housing 50 is formed to have a structure including the fixing portion 67, but this is not limiting. For example, the fixing portion 67 may be provided on the first housing 11.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The second seal member 120 in the above embodiment may be omitted. 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.

[0113] 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]

[0114] 10 Relay connector 11 First Housing 20 First main body part 21 First end surface 22 Second end face 23 Recess 24 Mounting part 25 bottom 26 Protrusion 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 3rd end face 62 4th end face 63 Insertion hole 64 recess 65 Storage recess 66 Outer wall 67 Fixed part 68 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 111 First seal part 112 Second seal part 113 Through hole 114 First Lip 115 Second Lip 116 Protrusion 117 Protrusion 120 second seal member 130 Retainer 200 Equipment Cases 210 Mounting hole 211 1st hole 212 2nd hole 213 End face 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 relay connector to be attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case, 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 attached to the first housing, the second housing has a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of terminals individually pass, the first seal member is integrally formed with a first seal portion that seals between the first housing and the second housing and a second seal portion that seals between the first housing and the mounting hole, the first seal portion is provided between the first housing and the second housing in a state compressed in the first direction, the first seal portion is formed to surround the plurality of terminals, The second seal portion is provided outside the first seal portion and is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first housing.

2. 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 recess is 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, the second housing has a second main body portion having a third end surface opposite the second end surface and the plurality of insertion holes; The relay connector according to claim 1 , wherein the second seal portion is formed to surround an outer periphery of the first main body portion.

3. the first housing has a first engaging portion that is engageable with the second housing, the second housing has a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion, 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 an intersecting direction intersecting the first direction, the first seal member has a through hole through which the first engagement portion passes, The relay connector according to claim 2 , wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are each provided outside the first seal portion.

4. the first main body portion has an attachment portion recessed from the second end surface of the first main body portion toward the first direction, The attachment portion is formed to surround the recess, The relay connector according to claim 3 , wherein the first seal portion is attached to the attachment portion.

5. the first seal portion has a first lip that protrudes toward a bottom surface of the mounting portion and a second lip that protrudes toward the third end surface, The relay connector according to claim 4 , wherein each of the first lip and the second lip is formed over the entire circumferential circumference of the first seal member.

6. the second main body portion has an outer peripheral wall provided outside the first seal portion, The relay connector according to claim 3 , wherein the second engaging portion is an engaging hole formed so as to penetrate the outer peripheral wall in a thickness direction.

7. an internal space of the equipment case is an oil environment, and an external space of the equipment case 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 3 , wherein an engaging portion between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is provided in the external space of the device case.

8. 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 7 , wherein the second main body portion is formed integrally with the second connector fitting portion.

9. 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, the second seal member is provided at a position closer to the first direction than the first seal member, 3. The relay connector according to claim 2, wherein the retainer is engageable with the second seal member and restricts movement of the second seal member in the first direction.

Images