Vehicle-mounted equipment connection device

Abstract

This prevents condensation from forming around electrical connectors and prevents condensation from coming into contact with the electrical connectors. [Solution] The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is a device that electrically connects an antenna device 81, which is located outside the vehicle and attached to the vehicle's roof panel 72, with a navigation device and the like, which is installed inside the vehicle. The device includes an electrical connector 2 that is connected from inside the vehicle to a mating electrical connector 87 that faces the inside of the vehicle through an opening formed in the roof panel 72, cables 11 and 12 that connect the electrical connector 2 to the navigation device and the like, and a cover 15 that covers the electrical connector 2 connected to the mating electrical connector 87 from inside the vehicle. The cover 15 is in close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 and includes shielding parts 20 and 21 that block the space inside the cover 15 from the space outside the cover 15 in the space inside the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted device connection apparatus that electrically connects an external vehicle device disposed outside a vehicle and attached to an outer panel of the vehicle, and an in-vehicle device provided inside the vehicle, to each other.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-86410 (Patent Document 1) describes a wireless communication apparatus having a configuration in which an antenna and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) are electrically connected to each other via a cable. In this wireless communication apparatus, the antenna is disposed outside the vehicle and attached to the roof panel of the vehicle. Further, the ECU is provided inside the vehicle.

[0003] Thus, a vehicle may be provided with a system having a configuration in which an external vehicle device disposed outside the vehicle and attached to an outer panel of the vehicle, and an in-vehicle device provided inside the vehicle, are electrically connected to each other via a cable.

[0004] Also, in such a system, a configuration in which the external vehicle device and the cable are connected using an electrical connector may be adopted, and the electrical connector may be disposed on the inner surface of the outer panel of the vehicle (the surface of the outer panel facing the inside of the vehicle), or at a position extremely close to the inner surface of the outer panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In systems where external and internal vehicle equipment are electrically connected to each other via cables, and electrical connectors are used to connect the external equipment to the cables, and these electrical connectors are located on or very close to the inner surface of the vehicle's outer panel, condensation may adhere to the electrical connectors, potentially leading to deterioration of the connector terminals.

[0007] In other words, if the humidity inside the vehicle (for example, inside the cabin) is high and the temperature outside the vehicle is lower than the temperature inside the vehicle, condensation may form on the inner surface of exterior panels such as metal roof panels, and condensed water may adhere to the inner surface of the exterior panels. If condensed water adheres to the area around where electrical connectors are located on the inner surface of the exterior panels, it is possible that the condensed water will adhere to the electrical connectors. Furthermore, even if condensed water adheres to an area on the inner surface of the exterior panels far from where electrical connectors are located, it is possible that the condensed water will flow along the inner surface of the exterior panels toward the electrical connectors, approach them, and then adhere to them. If condensed water adheres to the electrical connectors and comes into contact with the terminals of the electrical connectors, the terminals may corrode due to the condensed water, potentially leading to premature deterioration of the terminals.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the problems described above, for example, and the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle-mounted equipment connection device that can suppress condensation around an electrical connector and prevent condensation water from approaching an electrical connector in a system in which external equipment and internal equipment are electrically connected to each other via a cable, an electrical connector is used to connect the external equipment and the cable, and the electrical connector is located on or very close to the inner surface of the outer panel of a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a vehicle-mounted equipment connection device for electrically connecting external equipment located outside a vehicle and attached to the outer panel of the vehicle with in-vehicle equipment provided inside the vehicle, comprising: an electrical connector connected from inside the vehicle to a connection portion of the external equipment facing the inside of the vehicle through an opening formed in the outer panel; a cable connecting the electrical connector and the in-vehicle equipment; and a cover made of an elastic material that covers the electrical connector connected to the connection portion from inside the vehicle, wherein the cover comprises a bottom wall portion and the peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion The cover is characterized by comprising: a peripheral wall portion rising from the side portion; a barrier portion formed on the tip side of the peripheral wall portion and in close contact with the surface of the outer panel facing the interior of the vehicle, thereby blocking the space inside the vehicle from the space inside the cover and the space outside the cover; a connector fixing portion that connects the electrical connector and the cover by fixing the electrical connector to the inside of the cover; and a cable pull-out portion formed on the bottom wall portion or the peripheral wall portion, which pulls the cable connected to the electrical connector from the inside of the cover to the outside of the cover.

[0010] In the present invention described above, the peripheral wall portion has an outer peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral wall portion provided on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall portion, a space is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion, and the blocking portion may be formed on the tip side of the outer peripheral wall portion and the tip side of the inner peripheral wall portion, respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention described above, the cable outlet portion may have a cable insertion hole that penetrates the bottom wall portion or the peripheral wall portion and through which the cable is inserted, and a contact portion may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole that is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cable inserted into the cable insertion hole. Furthermore, in the present invention described above, the cable outlet portion may have a cable insertion hole that penetrates the peripheral wall portion and through which the cable is inserted, and a slit may be formed in the peripheral wall portion, the blocking portion and the cable outlet portion, extending from the tip of the blocking portion to the inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present invention described above, the electrical connector may have a locking mechanism for locking the electrical connector to the connection portion, and by locking the electrical connector to the connection portion with the locking mechanism, the electrical connector is electrically connected to the connection portion, the electrical connector is covered from the inside of the vehicle by the cover, and the state in which the shielding portion is in close contact with the surface of the outer panel facing the inside of the vehicle is maintained. Furthermore, in the present invention described above, a handle portion may be provided on the outer surface of the bottom wall portion or the peripheral wall portion for pulling a part of the cover away from the surface of the outer panel facing the inside of the vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention described above, the external equipment may be fixed to the outer panel using fastening members, and the cover may cover the electrical connector connected to the connection portion and the portion of the fastening member facing the interior of the vehicle from the inside of the vehicle. In this case, on the inside of the cover, a water-absorbing material or a heat-insulating material may be provided on the portion of the bottom wall facing the fastening member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, in a system in which external equipment and internal equipment are electrically connected to each other via cables, and an electrical connector is used to connect the external equipment and the cable, and the electrical connector is located on or very close to the inner surface of the vehicle's outer panel, it is possible to suppress condensation around the electrical connector and the approach of condensed water to the electrical connector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the antenna device mounted on the roof panel of a vehicle, viewed from the left. [Figure 3]It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a roof panel with an antenna device attached as seen from below. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a roof panel and an antenna device cut along the cutting line IV-IV in FIG. 3 as seen from the front. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of an antenna device attached to a roof panel and a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the antenna device as seen from the left. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a roof panel with an antenna device attached and a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the antenna device as seen from below. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a roof panel, an antenna device, and a vehicle-mounted device connection device cut along the cutting line VII-VII in FIG. 6 as seen from the front. [Figure 8] It is an external view showing a state of a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a vehicle-mounted device connection device cut along the cutting line IX-IX in FIG. 8 as seen from the front. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing an electrical connector in a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between an electrical connector and a mating electrical connector in a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is an external view showing a state of a cover in a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a cover cut along the cutting line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12 as seen from the front. [Figure 14] It is an external view showing a state of a cover in a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the right. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing a state of a cover in a vehicle-mounted device connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the lower right rear. [Figure 16] The perspective view which shows the state which looked at the cover in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection apparatus of the embodiment of this invention from the upper left back. [Figure 17] The perspective view which shows the state which looked at the cover in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection apparatus of the embodiment of this invention from the upper right back. [Figure 18] The explanatory drawing which shows the method of assembling an electrical connector to a cover in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection apparatus of the embodiment of this invention. [Figure 19] The explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the cover in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection apparatus of the embodiment of this invention. [Figure 20] The explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the cover in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection apparatus of the embodiment of this invention. [Figure 21] The explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection apparatus of the embodiment of this invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, when referring to the directions of front (Fd), rear (Bd), upper (Ud), lower (Dd), left (Ld), and right (Rd), follow the arrows drawn in the lower right of FIGS. 1 to 17, 19, and 21.

[0017] (Overview of Vehicle-Mounted Equipment Connection Device) FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 71 provided with a vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is a device that electrically connects an external device and an in-vehicle device to each other. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 has a function of protecting the electrical connector 2 in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 from condensation in addition to the function of electrically connecting the external device and the in-vehicle device to each other.

[0018] External equipment refers to devices located outside the vehicle and attached to the vehicle's exterior, which use electricity. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, an antenna device 81 is given as an example of external equipment. External equipment may also be a laser radar or an imaging device, etc. In-vehicle equipment refers to devices installed inside the vehicle, which use electricity. In this embodiment, a multi-functional navigation device 95 equipped with navigation and audio functions, etc., and a power supply device 96 are given as examples of in-vehicle equipment. In-vehicle equipment may also be a communication device, audio device, television, recording device, or ECU, etc. Vehicle-mounted equipment refers to equipment mounted on the vehicle, and includes both external and in-vehicle equipment.

[0019] Vehicle 71 is, for example, a passenger car. The vehicle may also be a truck, bus, special vehicle, or construction machinery. The exterior of the vehicle is formed from metal plates such as steel plates. In this embodiment, the roof panel 72 is given as an example of the exterior of the vehicle. The exterior of the vehicle may also be the hood, trunk lid, or outer door panel. The interior of the vehicle is, for example, the cabin. The trunk or engine compartment are also considered part of the interior of the vehicle.

[0020] (Antenna device) Figure 2 shows the antenna device 81 attached to the roof panel 72, viewed from the left. Figure 3 shows the roof panel 72 to which the antenna device 81 is attached, viewed from below. Specifically, Figure 3 shows the portion of the roof panel 72 to which the antenna device 81 is attached, viewed from inside the cabin of the vehicle 71, with the ceiling lining removed. Figure 4 shows the cross-section of the roof panel 72 and the antenna device 81, cut along the cutting line IV-IV in Figure 3, viewed from the front (left in Figure 3).

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the antenna device 81 comprises a base 82, a circuit board 83, an antenna, an antenna casing 84, and a mating electrical connector 87 as a connection point. The circuit board 83 is fixed on the base 82. Although not shown, the antenna is fixed to the base 82 or the circuit board 83. The antenna casing 84 covers the base 82, the circuit board 83, and the antenna from above. The antenna device 81 can be equipped with, for example, an antenna for radio, an antenna for mobile communication networks, and an antenna for satellite positioning systems.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the antenna device 81 is fixed to the roof panel 72 by fastening a bolt 85, which acts as a fastening member, to the base 82 from inside the vehicle 71 through a through hole 73 formed in the roof panel 72. The bolt 85 is made of metal. A washer 86 is provided between the head of the bolt 85 and the roof panel 72.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the mating electrical connector 87 faces the interior of the vehicle 71 through an opening 74 formed in the roof panel 72. As shown in Figure 3, the mating electrical connector 87 comprises four coaxial terminals 88, a power terminal 89, and a connector housing 90. Each coaxial terminal 88 and power terminal 89 is supported by the connector housing 90. The connector housing 90 is formed of, for example, resin and has a concave mating portion 91. The mating portion 91 opens downward. The convex mating portion 6 of the electrical connector 2 of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is mated into the mating portion 91. The upper ends of each coaxial terminal 88 and power terminal 89 are connected to an electrical circuit formed on the substrate 83. The lower ends of each coaxial terminal 88 and power terminal 89 are located within the mating portion 91.

[0024] (Details of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device) Figure 5 shows the antenna device 81 attached to the roof panel 72 and the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 attached to the antenna device 81, viewed from the left. Figure 6 shows the roof panel 72 with the antenna device 81 attached and the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 attached to the antenna device 81, viewed from below. Specifically, Figure 6 shows the portion of the roof panel 72 to which the antenna device 81 is attached and the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 attached to the antenna device 81, viewed from inside the cabin of the vehicle 71, with the ceiling lining removed. Figure 7 shows the cross-sections of the roof panel 72, antenna device 81 and vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 cut along the cutting line VII-VII in Figure 6, viewed from the front (left in Figure 6). Figure 8 shows the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 viewed from above. Figure 9 shows the cross-section of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 cut along the cutting line IX-IX in Figure 8, viewed from the front (left in Figure 8).

[0025] As shown in Figures 5-9, the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 comprises an electrical connector 2, four coaxial cables 11, a power cable 12, and a cover 15. The electrical connector 2 is removably connected from inside the vehicle 71 to the mating electrical connector 87 of the antenna device 81. Each coaxial cable 11 connects the electrical connector 2 to the navigation device 95, and the power cable 12 connects the electrical connector 2 to the power supply 96 (see Figure 1). The cover 15 covers the electrical connector 2 connected to the mating electrical connector 87, and the parts of the bolts 85 that secure the antenna device 81 to the roof panel 72 that face into the vehicle 71 (the heads of the bolts 85), from inside the vehicle 71.

[0026] (Electrical connector) Figure 10 shows an electrical connector 2. As shown in Figure 10, the electrical connector 2 is an L-shaped electrical connector in which the insertion / removal direction for the mating electrical connector 87 and the exit direction for the cables 11 and 12 are perpendicular to each other. The electrical connector 2 comprises four coaxial terminals 3, a power terminal 4, and a connector housing 5. The coaxial terminals 3 and power terminals 4 are each formed in an L-shape, as shown in Figure 9. Each coaxial terminal 3 and power terminal 4 is housed and supported within the connector housing 5. The connector housing 5 is made of, for example, resin and has a convex mating portion 6 that protrudes upward. A coaxial cable 11 is connected to the right end (left end in Figure 9) of each coaxial terminal 3. A power cable 12 is connected to the right end (left end in Figure 9) of the power terminal 4. The upper ends of each coaxial terminal 3 and power terminal 4 are located within the mating portion 6.

[0027] Furthermore, the connector housing 5 is provided with a locking mechanism 7 for locking the electrical connector 2 to the mating electrical connector 87. When the electrical connector 2 is connected to the mating electrical connector 87, the locking mechanism 7 locks the electrical connector 2 to the mating electrical connector 87. The locking mechanism 7 has an operating lever 8 whose base end is coupled to the connector housing 5 and whose tip end is a free end, and a locking projection 9 that protrudes from the outer surface of the operating lever 8. Although not shown in the figures, the connector housing 90 of the mating electrical connector 87 has a locking recess or locking hole into which the locking projection 9 is inserted. When the electrical connector 2 is connected to the mating electrical connector 87, the locking projection 9 of the electrical connector 2 is inserted into the locking recess or locking hole of the mating electrical connector 87, thereby locking the electrical connector 2 to the mating electrical connector 87.

[0028] As the electrical connector 2, the connector described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-185858 can be used.

[0029] Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the connection between two electrical connectors, 2 and 87. As shown in Figure 11, within the electrical connector 2, the internal terminals 3A of each coaxial terminal 3 and the internal conductor 11A of the coaxial cable 11 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Also, the external terminals 3B of each coaxial terminal 3 and the external conductor 11B of the coaxial cable 11 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Although not shown in the figure, the power terminal 4 and the conductor of the power cable 12 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected.

[0030] When electrical connector 2 and the mating electrical connector 87 are connected to each other, the internal terminals 3A of the four coaxial terminals 3 of electrical connector 2 and the internal terminals 88A of the four coaxial terminals 88 of the mating electrical connector 87 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Also, the external terminals 3B of the four coaxial terminals 3 of electrical connector 2 and the external terminals 88B of the four coaxial terminals 88 of the mating electrical connector 87 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Furthermore, the power terminal 4 of electrical connector 2 and the power terminal 89 of the mating electrical connector 87 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected.

[0031] (cover) Figure 12 shows the cover 15 viewed from above. Figure 13 shows the cross-section of the cover 15 cut along the cutting line XIII-XIII in Figure 12, viewed from the front (left in Figure 12). Figure 14 shows the cover 15 viewed from the right. Figure 15 shows the cover 15 viewed from the lower right rear. Figure 16 shows the cover 15 viewed from the upper left rear. Figure 17 shows the cover 15 viewed from the upper right rear.

[0032] As described above, the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 has a function to protect the electrical connector 2 from condensation. This function is mainly achieved by the cover 15. Specifically, the cover 15 has a function (space barrier function) that blocks the space inside the cover 15 from the space outside the cover 15 in the interior space of the vehicle 71. This space barrier function provides the effect of blocking heat (thermal insulation effect) and the effect of blocking moisture (moisture barrier effect) between the inside and outside of the cover 15. When the temperature of the space outside the cover 15 in the interior space of the vehicle 71 is higher than the temperature outside the vehicle 71, the thermal insulation effect of the cover 15 can suppress the temperature of the space inside the cover 15 from rising from the temperature outside the vehicle 71 to the temperature of the space outside the cover 15 in the interior space of the vehicle 71. Furthermore, if the humidity in the space outside the cover 15 within the interior space of the vehicle 71 is higher than the humidity outside the vehicle 71, the moisture-blocking effect of the cover 15 can prevent the humidity inside the cover 15 from rising from the humidity outside the vehicle 71 to the humidity outside the cover 15 within the interior space of the vehicle 71. Therefore, the heat insulation and moisture-blocking effects of the cover 15 can prevent condensation from forming on the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 in the area located inside the cover 15. This prevents condensation from forming around the electrical connector 2 located inside the cover 15.

[0033] Furthermore, the spatial barrier function of the cover 15 prevents condensation from entering the inside of the cover 15 if condensation occurs on the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 in a location outside the cover 15 (condensation water intrusion suppression effect). This prevents condensation from approaching the electrical connector 2.

[0034] Thus, the cover 15 prevents condensation from forming around the electrical connector 2 and prevents the condensed water from approaching the electrical connector 2, thereby preventing condensed water from adhering to the electrical connector 2. This prevents corrosion of terminals 3 and 4 of the electrical connector 2 and prevents terminals 3 and 4 from deteriorating prematurely. In addition, it prevents short circuits between two of terminals 3 and 4 via condensed water, which can prevent the formation of an abnormal electrical circuit due to a short circuit between terminals, and as a result, prevent malfunctions in the operation of the antenna device 81, navigation device 95, or power supply device 96, or cause these devices to fail.

[0035] The cover 15 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the cover 15 is formed in a bowl-like or box-like shape with an open top. The cover 15 has a bottom wall portion 16 and a peripheral wall portion that rises from the peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion 16. The peripheral wall portion consists of an outer peripheral wall portion 17 and an inner peripheral wall portion 18. The inner peripheral wall portion 18 is provided on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall portion 17. A space 19 is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion 17 and the inner peripheral wall portion 18. As shown in Figure 12, the outer peripheral wall portion 17 and the inner peripheral wall portion 18 each extend around the entire circumference of the cover 15. The space 19 is formed around the entire circumference of the cover 15, except for the portion where the cable outlet portion 22 is formed. Also, there are no holes formed in the bottom wall portion 16 of the cover 15 that would allow the inside and outside of the cover 15 to communicate. Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall portion 17 and the inner peripheral wall portion 18 of the cover 15 do not have any holes that connect the inside and outside of the cover 15, except for the cable insertion holes 23 and 24 which will be described later. In addition, the heads of the electrical connector 2 and bolts 85 are positioned on the bottom wall portion 16 of the cover 15 (or above the bottom wall portion 16) and inside the inner peripheral wall portion 18.

[0036] Furthermore, an outer blocking portion 20 is formed on the tip side of the outer peripheral wall portion 17. Also, an inner blocking portion 21 is formed on the tip side of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. The outer blocking portion 20 and the inner blocking portion 21 each adhere closely to the surface of the roof panel 72 that faces the interior of the vehicle 71, i.e., the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, thereby blocking the space inside the cover 15 from the space outside the cover 15 in the interior space of the vehicle 71.

[0037] The outer shielding portion 20 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral wall portion 17. As shown in Figure 9, when the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is not attached to the antenna device 81 (when the electrical connector 2 is not connected to the mating electrical connector 87), the outer shielding portion 20 extends upward while inclining outward, expanding from the tip side of the outer peripheral wall portion 17. At this time, the tip of the outer shielding portion 20 is located above the tip surface of the mating portion 6 of the connector housing 5 of the electrical connector 2 fixed to the cover 15. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, when the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81 (when the electrical connector 2 is connected to the mating electrical connector 87), the outer shielding portion 20 is pressed against the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, causing it to elastically deform and bend outward around its entire circumference, and the inner surface of the outer shielding portion 20 comes into strong contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 over a wide area, making close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72.

[0038] The inner shielding portion 21 is formed around the entire circumference of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. As shown in Figure 9, when the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is not attached to the antenna device 81, the inner shielding portion 21 extends upward from the tip side of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. Alternatively, the inner shielding portion 21 may be formed to extend upward while inclining outward to expand from the tip side of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. Furthermore, the tip of the inner shielding portion 21 is located below the tip of the outer shielding portion 20. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, when the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81, the inner shielding portion 21 is pressed against the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, causing it to elastically deform and bend outward around its entire circumference, and the inner surface of the inner shielding portion 21 comes into strong contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 over a wide area, becoming tightly attached to the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72.

[0039] The roof panel 72 may be gently curved for purposes such as ensuring the rigidity of the roof panel 72 or improving the aerodynamic characteristics or design of the vehicle 71. When the roof panel 72 is gently curved, when the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81, the outer shielding portion 20 and the inner shielding portion 21 each elastically deform in accordance with the curvature of the roof panel 72 and adhere tightly to the inner surface 72A of the curved roof panel 72.

[0040] As the outer sealing portion 20 and the inner sealing portion 21 are in close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, the space inside the cover 15 and the space outside the cover 15 are sealed off within the interior space of the vehicle 71, thereby realizing the above-mentioned space sealing function. This provides the above-mentioned heat insulation effect, moisture-blocking effect, and condensation water intrusion suppression effect.

[0041] Furthermore, when the outer sealing portion 20 and the inner sealing portion 21 are in close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, the space 19 between the outer peripheral wall portion 17 and the inner peripheral wall portion 18 becomes a sealed space surrounded and closed by the outer peripheral wall portion 17, the outer sealing portion 20, the inner peripheral wall portion 18, the inner sealing portion 21, and the roof panel 72, as shown in Figure 7. This sealed space functions as an insulating layer. By forming a sealed space between the outer peripheral wall portion 17 and the inner peripheral wall portion 18 over almost the entire circumference in this way, the insulating effect of the cover 15 is enhanced.

[0042] Furthermore, the cover 15 is provided with cable exit sections 22 that allow each coaxial cable 11 and power cable 12, which are connected to the electrical connector 2 located inside the cover 15, to be drawn out from the inside of the cover 15 to the outside of the cover 15. As shown in Figure 12, the cable exit sections 22 are formed in part of the outer peripheral wall 17 and the inner peripheral wall 18. As shown in Figure 13, the cable exit sections 22 extend to the right from the inner peripheral wall 18 through the space 19 to reach the outer peripheral wall 17, and then protrude slightly to the right from the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 17. The cable exit sections 22 have four cable insertion holes 23 through which each of the four coaxial cables 11 is inserted, and a cable insertion hole 24 through which the power cable 12 is inserted. The cable insertion holes 23 and 24 penetrate the inner peripheral wall 18, the outer peripheral wall 17, and the cable exit section 22 in the left-right direction, respectively. The cable insertion holes 23 have a diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the coaxial cable 11. The cable insertion hole 24 has a diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the power cable 12.

[0043] As shown in Figure 13, each cable insertion hole 23 has an adhesion portion 25 formed on its inner circumferential surface that adheres tightly to the outer surface of the coaxial cable 11 inserted into the cable insertion hole 23. The adhesion portion 25 is formed by reducing the inner diameter of a part of the cable insertion hole 23. As shown in Figure 9, when the coaxial cable 11 is inserted into the cable insertion hole 23, the adhesion portion 25 strongly contacts and adheres tightly to the outer surface of the coaxial cable 11 around its entire circumference. This eliminates the gap between the cable insertion hole 23 and the coaxial cable 11, effectively closing the cable insertion hole 23. The adhesion portion 25 prevents air or condensation from outside the cover 15 inside the vehicle 71 from entering the inside of the cover 15 through the cable insertion hole 23. The inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole 24 also has an adhesion portion formed that adheres tightly to the outer surface of the power cable 12 inserted into the cable insertion hole 24.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, a handle portion 26 is provided on the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 16 of the cover 15. The handle portion 26 protrudes downward from the rear outer surface of the bottom wall portion 16. When the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81 (when the electrical connector 2 is connected to the mating electrical connector 87), the user can lift the cover 15 and separate a part of the cover 15 from the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 by holding the handle portion 26 with their fingers and pulling it downward. By separating a part of the cover 15 from the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 in this way, the user can operate the operating lever 8 of the electrical connector 2 with their fingers. Then, the user can operate the operating lever 8 of the electrical connector 2 to release the lock between the electrical connector 2 and the mating electrical connector 87, remove the electrical connector 2 from the mating electrical connector 87, and detach the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 from the antenna device 81. Note that the position of the handle portion 26 is not limited to the position shown in Figure 15. For example, the handle portion may be provided on the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 17.

[0045] Furthermore, the cover 15 is provided with connector fixing portions 27, 28, and 29 that connect the electrical connector 2 and the cover 15 by fixing the electrical connector 2 to the inside of the cover 15. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the electrical connector 2 is positioned on the front inside of the cover 15 with the tip surface of the mating portion 6 facing upward. To fix this electrical connector 2 to the cover 15, two connector fixing portions 27 and 28 are provided on the right front part of the inner peripheral wall portion 18, and one connector fixing portion 29 is provided on the left front part of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. As shown in Figure 16, the connector fixing portions 27 and 28 provided on the right front part of the inner peripheral wall portion 18 protrude to the left from the inner surface of the right front part of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. Also, as shown in Figure 17, the connector fixing portion 29 provided on the left front part of the inner peripheral wall portion 18 protrudes to the right from the inner surface of the left front part of the inner peripheral wall portion 18. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the right end of the electrical connector 2 (the end from which cables 11 and 12 are pulled out) is held between the connector fixing parts 27 and 28 and the bottom wall part 16, and the left end of the electrical connector 2 (the end on which the locking mechanism 7 is located) is held between the connector fixing part 29 and the bottom wall part 16. In this way, the electrical connector 2 is fixed to the cover 15 by the connector fixing parts 27, 28 and 29.

[0046] The method for assembling and securing the electrical connector 2 to the cover 15 is as follows: First, as shown in Figure 18(A), insert the cables 11 and 12 through the cable insertion holes 23 and 24. Next, as shown in Figure 18(B), insert the right end of the electrical connector 2 between the connector fixing parts 27 and 28 and the bottom wall part 16. Next, as shown in Figure 18(C), insert the left end of the electrical connector 2 between the connector fixing part 29 and the bottom wall part 16.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the electrical connector 2 is assembled and fixed to the cover 15 before the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81 (before connecting the electrical connector 2 to the mating electrical connector 87). Also, before the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81, an empty space is formed at the rear inside of the cover 15. The head of the bolt 85 will be positioned in this space when the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81. In other words, the front part of the cover 15 covers the electrical connector 2, and the rear part of the cover 15 covers the head of the bolt 85.

[0048] (Installation and removal of vehicle-mounted equipment connection devices) Before the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 is attached to the antenna device 81, the electrical connector 2 and the cover 15 are joined and integrated by the connector fixing parts 27, 28, and 29. Therefore, when attaching the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 to the antenna device 81, the user can simultaneously connect the electrical connector 2 to the mating electrical connector 87 and attach the cover 15 to the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72 in a single action. When the electrical connector 2 is connected to and locked to the mating electrical connector 87, the outer shielding part 20 and the inner shielding part 21 of the cover 15 are pressed against the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, as shown in Figure 7, and become tightly attached. Then, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the entire electrical connector 2 and the entire head of the bolt 85 are covered by the cover 15 from inside the vehicle 71. The user can confirm that the electrical connector 2 is connected to and locked to the mating electrical connector 87 by the "click" sound emitted when the electrical connector 2 is locked to the mating electrical connector 87 by the locking mechanism 7 (for example, the sound of the operating lever 8 of the electrical connector 2 hitting the peripheral edge of the locking recess or locking hole of the mating electrical connector 87 when the locking projection 9 of the electrical connector 2 enters the locking recess or locking hole of the mating electrical connector 87).

[0049] The locking mechanism 7 locks the electrical connector 2 to the mating electrical connector 87, thereby maintaining the state in which the electrical connector 2 is electrically connected to the mating electrical connector 87, and maintaining the state in which the heads of the electrical connector 2 and bolt 85 are covered from the inside of the vehicle 71 by the cover 15, and maintaining the state in which the outer shielding portion 20 and inner shielding portion 21 of the cover 15 are in close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72.

[0050] When removing the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 from the antenna device 81, the user holds the handle portion 26 of the cover 15 with their fingers, peels back a part of the cover 15, operates the operating lever 8 of the electrical connector 2 with their fingers to release the lock between the electrical connector 2 and the mating electrical connector 87, and then removes the electrical connector 2 from the mating electrical connector 87. Since the electrical connector 2 and the cover 15 are connected to each other, removing the electrical connector 2 from the mating electrical connector 87 simultaneously causes the entire cover 15 to separate from the roof panel 72.

[0051] In this way, users can easily attach and detach the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 to the antenna device 81.

[0052] As described above, the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 15 that covers the electrical connector 2 connected to the mating electrical connector 87 from the inside of the vehicle 71. The cover 15 can block the space inside the cover 15 from the space outside the cover 15 in the space inside the vehicle 71, thereby obtaining the above-mentioned heat insulation effect, moisture-blocking effect, and condensation water intrusion suppression effect. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of condensation water to the electrical connector 2, suppress corrosion of the terminals 3 and 4 of the electrical connector 2 caused by the adhesion of condensation water, and prevent short circuits between terminals caused by the adhesion of condensation water.

[0053] Furthermore, the cover 15 in this embodiment has a double peripheral wall portion consisting of an outer peripheral wall portion 17 and an inner peripheral wall portion 18. An outer sealing portion 20 is formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 17, and an inner sealing portion 21 is formed on the inner peripheral wall portion 18. Moreover, when the outer sealing portion 20 and the inner sealing portion 21 are in close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72, the space 19 between the outer sealing portion 20 and the inner sealing portion 21 becomes a sealed space. This enhances the heat insulation effect.

[0054] Furthermore, the sealing portions 25 provided in each cable insertion hole 23, 24 of the cover 15 prevent air or condensation water from the outside of the cover 15 inside the vehicle 71 from entering the inside of the cover 15 through the cable insertion holes 23, 24.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 of this embodiment, the electrical connector 2 is fixed to the cover 15 by connector fixing parts 27, 28, and 29. When the electrical connector 2 is connected to and locked to the mating electrical connector 87, the heads of the electrical connector 2 and bolt 85 are covered by the cover 15, and the cover 15 is in close contact with the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72. As a result, the user can easily attach the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 to the antenna device 81 in a single action.

[0056] Furthermore, the user can easily remove the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 from the antenna device 81 by holding the handle portion 26 provided on the cover 15, lifting the cover 15, and releasing the locking mechanism 7.

[0057] Furthermore, the cover 15 in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 of this embodiment covers not only the electrical connector 2 but also the head of the bolt 85 adjacent to the electrical connector 2. This allows the cover 15 to be formed in a simple bowl-shaped or box-shaped form with an open top, while the peripheral edges of the cover 15 (outer shielding portion 20 and inner shielding portion 21) can be tightly attached to the inner surface 72A of the roof panel 72.

[0058] (A variation of the cover) Figures 19 and 20 show modified examples of the cover in an embodiment of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device of the present invention. Hereinafter, the components of the modified cover 41 shown in Figures 19 and 20 that differ from those of the cover 15 shown in Figures 12-17 will be described. Components identical to those of the cover 15 will be given the same reference numerals as those in the cover 15, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0059] As shown in Figure 19(A), the cable outlet portion 42 of the cover 41 protrudes significantly to the right compared to the cable outlet portion 22 of the cover 15 shown in Figures 12-17. Also, as shown in Figures 19(A) and 19(B), three slits 43, 44, and 45 are formed in the portion of the cover 41 where the cable outlet portion 42 is provided. The slits 43, 44, and 45 are aligned in the front-to-back direction and all extend in the left-to-right direction from the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 18 and the inner shielding portion 21 to the right end surface of the cable outlet portion 42. Furthermore, slit 43 extends downward from the tip of the outer shielding portion 20 and the inner shielding portion 21 through the outer peripheral wall portion 17, the inner peripheral wall portion 18, and the cable outlet portion 42, reaching the inner surface of the cable insertion hole 23 located on the front-lower side of the four cable insertion holes 23 formed in the cable outlet portion 42. Slit 44 extends downward from the tips of the outer blocking portion 20 and the inner blocking portion 21 through the outer peripheral wall portion 17, the inner peripheral wall portion 18, and the cable outlet portion 42, reaching the inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole 24 formed in the cable outlet portion 42. Slit 45 extends downward from the tips of the outer blocking portion 20 and the inner blocking portion 21 through the outer peripheral wall portion 17, the inner peripheral wall portion 18, and the cable outlet portion 42, reaching the inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole 23 located at the rear lower of the four cable insertion holes 23 formed in the cable outlet portion 42.

[0060] Since the cover 41 is made of an elastic material, when assembling and fixing the electrical connector 2 to the cover 41, the user can insert two of the four coaxial cables 11 into the slit 43 from above while pushing open the slit 43, and place them in the two cable insertion holes 23 located on the front side of the four cable insertion holes 23. Similarly, the user can insert the remaining two coaxial cables 11 into the slit 45 from above, and place them in the two cable insertion holes 23 located on the rear side of the four cable insertion holes 23. Similarly, the user can insert the power cable 12 into the slit 44 from above, and place it in the cable insertion hole 24. Figure 20(A) shows the state in which the cables 11 and 12 are placed in the cable insertion holes 23 and 24, respectively.

[0061] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the outer surfaces of the cables 11 and 12, which are placed inside the cable insertion holes 23 and 24, are in close contact with the contact portions formed on the inner surfaces of the cable insertion holes 23 and 24, and to maintain this state, it is preferable to wrap a reinforcing member 46, such as tape, around the cable outlet portion 42, as shown in Figure 20(B). Note that this reinforcing member is not limited to tape, but may also be a ring-shaped member made of resin, for example.

[0062] With the cover 41, when assembling the electrical connector 2 to the cover 41, the cables 11 and 12 can be easily placed in the cable insertion holes 23 and 24, thereby improving the work efficiency of assembling the electrical connector 2 to the cover 41.

[0063] (Other variations) Figure 21 shows a modified example of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 21, in this modified example of the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1, cotton material 51 is provided on the inside of the cover 15, on the bottom wall portion 16, in the portion facing the head of the bolt 85. The cotton material 51 functions as a water absorbent and heat insulating material. That is, when the temperature outside the vehicle 71 is significantly lower than the temperature inside the vehicle 71, condensation is likely to occur on the head of the bolt 85, which is made of metal. By covering the head of the bolt 85, the cotton material 51 suppresses temperature changes on the head of the bolt 85 and prevents condensation from forming on the surface of the head of the bolt 85. Furthermore, if the heat insulating function of the cotton material 51 is insufficient to prevent condensation on the head of the bolt 85 and condensation occurs on the head of the bolt 85, the cotton material 51 absorbs the condensed water and prevents the condensed water from adhering to the electrical connector 2. Note that other materials with water absorption and heat insulating properties, such as sponge, may be used instead of the cotton material 51.

[0064] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device of the present invention is not limited to the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 1 described above. Specifically, in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion of the cover does not have to be double-layered; the peripheral wall portion may be single-layered, or triple-layered or more. Also, the cover may only cover the electrical connector. Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device of the present invention, the type or number of terminals of the electrical connector is not limited, nor is the type or number of cables. Also, the electrical connector in the vehicle-mounted equipment connection device of the present invention does not have to be L-shaped; it may be straight-type. If the electrical connector is straight-type, a cable exit portion (cable insertion hole) is provided on the bottom wall portion of the cover.

[0065] Furthermore, the present invention may be modified as appropriate, provided that it does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be read from the claims and the specification as a whole, and vehicle-mounted equipment connection devices with such modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Vehicle-mounted equipment connection device 2 Electrical connectors 7 Locking mechanism 11. Coaxial cable (cable) 12 Power cable (cable) 15, 41 cover 16 Bottom wall section 17 Outer peripheral wall 18 Inner peripheral wall 19 Space 20 Outer shielding section (shielding section) 21 Inner blocking section (blocking section) 22, 42 Cable outlet 23, 24 Cable insertion holes 25 Close contact area 26 Handle 27, 28, 29 Connector fixing part 43, 44, 45 Slits 51. Cotton materials (absorbent material, insulating material) 71 vehicles 72 Roof Panel (Exterior Panel) 72A Inner surface (the side facing the interior of the vehicle) 74 openings 81 Antenna device (external vehicle equipment) 85 Bolts (fastening members) 87. Mating electrical connector (connection part) 95 Navigation system (in-car equipment) 96 Power supply unit (in-vehicle equipment)

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted equipment connection device that electrically connects external equipment located outside the vehicle and attached to the outer panel of the vehicle with internal equipment installed inside the vehicle, An electrical connector connected from inside the vehicle to the connection part of the external equipment facing the inside of the vehicle through an opening formed in the outer panel, A cable connecting the aforementioned electrical connector and the aforementioned in-vehicle equipment, It comprises a cover made of an elastic material that covers the electrical connector connected to the connection part from the inside of the vehicle, The aforementioned cover is The bottom wall and, The peripheral wall portion rising from the peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion, A barrier portion is formed on the tip side of the peripheral wall portion and, by adhering closely to the surface of the outer plate facing the interior of the vehicle, blocks the space inside the cover from the space outside the cover within the space inside the vehicle. A connector fixing portion that connects the electrical connector and the cover by fixing the electrical connector to the inside of the cover, A vehicle-mounted equipment connection device characterized by comprising a cable outlet formed in the bottom wall or the peripheral wall, which pulls the cable connected to the electrical connector out from the inside of the cover to the outside of the cover.

2. The circumferential wall portion has an outer circumferential wall portion and an inner circumferential wall portion provided on the inner side of the outer circumferential wall portion. A space is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion is formed on the tip side of the outer peripheral wall portion and on the tip side of the inner peripheral wall portion, respectively.

3. The cable exit portion has a cable insertion hole that penetrates the bottom wall or the peripheral wall and through which the cable is inserted. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that a contact portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole, which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cable inserted into the cable insertion hole.

4. The cable exit portion has a cable insertion hole that penetrates the peripheral wall portion and through which the cable is inserted. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall portion, the blocking portion, and the cable exit portion have slits that extend from the tip of the blocking portion to the inner circumferential surface of the cable insertion hole.

5. The electrical connector has a locking mechanism for locking the electrical connector to the connection portion. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connector is electrically connected to the connection portion by the locking mechanism, the electrical connector is covered from the inside of the vehicle by the cover, and the disconnecting portion is kept in close contact with the surface of the outer panel facing the inside of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that a handle portion is provided on the outer surface of the bottom wall portion or the peripheral wall portion for separating a part of the cover from the surface of the outer panel facing the interior of the vehicle.

7. The aforementioned external equipment is fixed to the outer panel using fastening members. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover covers the electrical connector connected to the connection portion and the portion of the fastening member that faces the inside of the vehicle from the inside of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle-mounted equipment connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, on the inside of the cover, a water-absorbing material or an insulating material is provided on the portion of the bottom wall facing the fastening member.

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