Connector unit

Abstract

It suppresses water intrusion even when subjected to high-pressure water. [Solution] The case has a first projection that protrudes away from the connector from an annular first region on the first end wall, which is a predetermined length away from the first hole in the direction that expands the opening area of ​​the first hole, and a second projection that protrudes away from the connector from an annular second region on the first end wall, which is a predetermined length away from the first region in the direction that expands the first region. The waterproof cap is provided on the first surface side of the lid portion that covers the first hole, and has a cap groove portion that can be fitted with the first projection portion. The cap outer frame portion that forms the outer edge of the waterproof cap formed by having the cap groove portion is formed so as to be insertable into the case recess formed by the first end wall, the first projection portion and the second projection portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof structure of a connector unit.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art of a connector unit having a waterproof structure, there is one provided with a waterproof cap (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a waterproof structure of a connector unit of the prior art. In FIG. 1, (i) is a perspective view of the cap seen from obliquely forward. (ii) is a perspective view of the cap seen from obliquely backward. (iii) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector unit when opening the lid portion of the cap pulled out from the connector housing. In the connector unit shown in FIG. 1, a cap 21A is arranged to cover the front plate portion 13A of the connector housing 11C, and at the -Z direction end of a rectangular and flat plate-shaped lid portion 22A extending along the XZ plane of the cap 21A, a handle portion 22B for moving the cap 21A is formed. At the central portion of the back surface of the lid portion 22A facing the +Y direction, a fitting groove 24C extending in the XZ plane and recessed in the -Y direction so as to draw a rectangular frame is formed. This fitting groove 24C has a size corresponding to a convex portion 15A (not shown) formed on the front plate portion 13A of the connector housing 11C. By fitting the convex portion 15A into this fitting groove 24C, the cap 21A is fixed to the front plate portion 13A. When fitting the mating connector to the connector portion C1 (not shown), when pulling the handle portion 22B of the lid portion 22A in the -Y direction, the lid portion 22B is lifted in the +Z direction while tilting (see (iii) of FIG. 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if, for example, the connector unit described in Patent Document 1 were to be attached to a motorcycle, the following problems could arise. Specifically, if a large amount of water were to be forcefully applied to the motorcycle, such as when washing it with high-pressure water, the lid portion 22A of the cap 21A would detach from the front plate portion 13A, causing a large amount of water to enter the connector portion C1.

[0005] In view of the above issues, this disclosure aims to provide a connector unit that can suppress water ingress even when subjected to high-pressure water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the connector unit according to this embodiment comprises a case body having a cylindrical shape with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a case having a first hole through which an external connector can be inserted and a first end wall that closes the first end, a connector that can be inserted into and removed from an external connector and is mounted inside the case body facing the first hole, and a waterproof cap that has a lid that can cover the first hole from the outside and is rotatably attached to the case. The case has a first projection on the first end wall that protrudes away from the connector from an annular first region located a predetermined length away from the first hole in the direction that widens the opening area of ​​the first hole, and a second projection on the first end wall that protrudes away from the connector from an annular second region located a predetermined length away from the first region in the direction that widens the first region. The waterproof cap is provided on the first surface side of the lid portion that covers the first hole portion and has a cap groove portion that can be fitted with the first projection portion. The cap outer frame portion that forms the outer edge of the waterproof cap formed by having the cap groove portion is formed so as to be insertable into the case recess formed by the first end wall, the first projection portion and the second projection portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the connector unit of this disclosure, water ingress can be suppressed even when high-pressure water is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the waterproof structure of a conventional connector unit. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembled connector unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a left side view of the connector unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of the connector unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view of the case according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the waterproof cap according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear side. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof cap according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a magnified view of the waterproof cap and its surroundings in Figure 6. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the assembled connector unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the DD line shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the waterproof cap according to the second embodiment, seen from the rear side. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof cap according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a magnified view of the waterproof cap and its surroundings in Figure 14. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the waterproof cap and its periphery in FIG. 14 when the waterproof cap is opened. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing variations of the attachment / detachment assisting portion.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the connector unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the +x direction, -x direction, +y direction, -y direction, +z direction, and -z direction in the viewing direction of FIG. 2 will be described as "right", "left", "rear", "front", "up", and "down", respectively.

[0010] <First Embodiment> FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled connector unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the connector unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the connector unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 2.

[0011] The connector unit 1 in the present embodiment mainly includes a printed circuit board 10, a case 20 that houses the printed circuit board 10, a rear connector 30 that covers the rear side of the case 20, and a waterproof cap 40 that can cover the front side of the case 20. The inside of the case 20 may be filled with potting resin from the rear end side of the case 20.

[0012] (Printed Circuit Board 10) The printed circuit board 10 has, for example, a printed wiring board 11 made of a single layer or multiple layers mainly made of glass epoxy resin, and an interface connector 12 which is a metal component mounted on the printed wiring board 11.

[0013] In this example, the printed circuit board 11 has a flat shape consisting of a roughly rectangular upper surface 11A and a lower surface 11B opposite to the upper surface 11A, and has an end 111 at one end in the shorter direction (y-axis direction) and an end 112 on the opposite side of the end 111. The printed circuit board 11 has notches 115 and 116 on the end 111 side. As a result, the width of the end 111 is shorter than the width of the end 112, and end faces 115A and 116A are formed where the width changes.

[0014] An interface connector 12, which connects to a connector such as a smartphone, is mounted on the upper surface 11A of the printed circuit board 11, on the end side 111. The interface connector 12 is a type of electronic component. As shown in Figure 6, the interface connector 12 has terminals 122 covered by a shell 121 made of metal with a non-watertight structure. The interface connector 12 is removable from the external connector and at least a portion of it is mounted inside the case 20, facing the first hole 212a (Figure 2).

[0015] The shell 121 has ends 121a and 121b. The interface connector 12 in this example is a so-called through-hole reflow type connector. The interface connector 12 has a total of four positioning pins 124, two on the bottom end 121a side and two on the bottom end 121b side. The positioning pins 124 are inserted into four through-holes (through holes with copper plating on the inner wall) 117 provided on the end 111 side of the printed circuit board 11. The interface connector 12 is positioned on the printed circuit board 11 by inserting the positioning pins 124 into the through-holes 117. Multiple L-shaped signal terminals 125 (Figure 6) are exposed in parallel from the end 121b of the interface connector 12, and each of these signal terminals is surface-mounted on the top surface 11A of the printed circuit board 11.

[0016] In this embodiment, the interface connector 12 may be, for example, an HDMI® connector, but other interface connectors may also be used. Furthermore, the interface connector 12 is not necessarily limited to one having a non-watertight structure, and may also have a watertight structure, such as a so-called waterproof connector. In other words, as long as the interface connector 12 is an interface connector, its type is not limited. If a non-watertight structure is used as the interface connector 12, even if the interface connector 12 is exposed to water through the opening 212a, as long as the amount of water is small, the water will not accumulate inside the interface connector 12 but will be drained to the outside of the interface connector 12.

[0017] In addition to the interface connector 12, other electronic components such as IC chips, capacitors, and connector components may be mounted on the upper surface 11A or lower surface 11B of the printed circuit board 11. In this example, the printed circuit board 11 has a rear connector 30 mounted on the end 112 side. The terminals 32 of the rear connector 30 are inserted into through-holes 113 provided in the printed circuit board 11 and soldered, and the printed circuit board 10 and the rear connector 30 are inserted together from the rear end of the case 20, with the base 31b of the rear connector 30 covering the case 20. Therefore, if the rear connector 30 is considered as a component mounted on the printed circuit board 11, then in a broad sense, the rear connector 30 can also be considered as an element of the printed circuit board 10.

[0018] (Case 20) The case 20 is a molded product made of a thermoplastic resin such as ABS. The case 20 houses the printed circuit board 10 and a portion of the rear connector 30. As shown in Figure 2, the case 20 has a case body 21, a first end wall 24, a first protrusion 25, and a second protrusion 26.

[0019] The case body 21 has a roughly rounded rectangular cylindrical shape with a first end 22 and a second end 23 opposite to the first end 22. The case body 21 includes an upper wall 21a, a bottom wall 21b, and side walls 21c and 21d. The case body 21 has a first end 22 on the side closed by the first end wall 24 and a second end 23 on the side opposite to the first end 22. In this example, the second end 23 is formed as an open end. In other words, the case 20 has a first end wall 24 at one end (the side of the first end 22), and the second end 23 protrudes from the first end wall 24. The second end 23 has a surface 23A at its tip and a surface 23B slightly forward (in the -y direction) of surface 23A. Inside the case body 21, a stepped portion 215 (Figure 6) is formed on the side of the first end 22. The stepped portion 215 guides the interface connector 12 mounted on the printed circuit board 10 to the correct position and orientation toward the upper wall 21a of the main body when the printed circuit board 10 is inserted into the case 20, by contacting the interface connector 12 side of the printed wiring board 11 with the stepped portion 215. The case 20 accepts the insertion of the printed circuit board 10 from the second end portion 23. As will be described later, the rear connector 30 mounted on the printed wiring board 11 closes the case 20, so that the printed circuit board 10 is housed in a predetermined position and at a predetermined height within the case 20.

[0020] Figure 8 is a front view of the case according to the first embodiment. The first end wall 24 covers (closes) the first end 22 of the case body 21. The first end wall 24 is a plate-like portion with roughly rounded corners. The first end wall 24 is provided with a first hole 212a through which an external connector can be inserted, and closes the first end 22. In this example, the first end wall 24 is a plate-like portion that is slightly larger than the edge of the first end 22, and the first hole 212a is located in the center of the first end wall 24. The first end wall 24 also has a pair of holes 213a that accept the insertion of the L-shaped arm portion 47 and a pair of holes 213b that function as drainage holes.

[0021] The first projection 25 and the second projection 26 are provided in connection with the first end wall 24. The first projection 25 protrudes from an annular region (hereinafter also referred to as "first region 24a") on the first end wall 24, which is located a predetermined length away from the first hole 212a in the direction that expands the opening area of ​​the first hole 212a, in the direction away from the interface connector 12 (-y direction). The second projection 26 protrudes from an annular region (hereinafter also referred to as "second region 24b") on the first end wall 24, which is located a predetermined length away from the first region 24a in the direction that expands the first region 24a, in the direction away from the connector (-y direction). In other words, the first projection 25 and the second projection 26 form a wall on the surface 24B that protrudes from a double annular region defined to surround the first hole 212a in the direction away from the interface connector 12 (-y direction). In this example, the protruding length of the second protrusion 26 is formed to be slightly longer than the protruding length of the first protrusion 25. By providing the first protrusion 25 and the second protrusion 26, a recess (hereinafter also referred to as the "case recess 27") is formed by the first end wall 24, the first protrusion 25, and the second protrusion 26.

[0022] (Rear connector 30) On the upper surface 11A of the printed circuit board 11, a rear connector 30 is mounted on the end 112 side, which is connected to a harness connector 400 (not shown). As shown in Figure 2, the rear connector 30 mainly consists of a housing 31 and terminals 32. The housing 31 consists of a cylindrical mating portion 31a that is mated with the harness connector 400, and a base portion 31b that covers the base end of the mating portion 31a. The base portion 31b is based on a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, and as shown in Figure 5, two terminal press-fit holes 31c are formed on the surface facing the mating portion 31a. In this embodiment, the rear connector 30 has two terminals 32. The terminals 32 have an L-shaped bend. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, one side of the L-shape of the terminal 32 is press-fitted into the terminal press-fit hole 31c and attached to the housing 31. One side of the press-fitted terminal 32 is exposed within the mating portion 31a so that it can be connected to the harness connector 400. The other L-shaped side of the terminal 32 is inserted into a through-hole 113 provided on the end 112 side of the printed circuit board 11 and soldered to it. The edge of the base portion 31b is provided with a circumferentially annular sealing member 31d to prevent water from entering between the rear connector 30 and the case 20 when the rear connector 30 covers the case 20. When the rear connector 30 covers the case 20, the surface 31B of the base portion 31b comes into contact with the surface 23B of the case 20. This contact restricts the printed circuit board 11 on which the rear connector 30 is mounted from moving further into the case 20 (-y direction), thereby determining the position of the printed circuit board 11.

[0023] (Waterproof cap 40) Figure 9 is a perspective view of the waterproof cap according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear side. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof cap according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the waterproof cap and its surroundings in Figure 6. In Figure 10, (i) is shown from the perspective of the cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 3, and (ii) is shown from the perspective of the cross-sectional view along line EE in Figure 4.

[0024] The waterproof cap 40 is a single lid formed so as to be able to cover the first hole 212a from the outside of the first end wall 24. The waterproof cap 40 is a molded product formed of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. The waterproof cap 40 mainly consists of a lid portion 41 and a pair of L-shaped arms 47. The lid portion 41 has a shape based on a thin plate-like rectangular parallelepiped. The pair of L-shaped arms 47 are provided integrally with the lid portion 41 near the upper side of both ends of the lid portion 41 in the width direction (x-axis direction). In this example, the waterproof cap 40 covers the first hole 212a by having the lid portion 41 cover the first end wall 24 of the case 20.

[0025] The lid portion 41 has a cap groove portion 42 (Figure 9). The cap groove portion 42 is an annular groove provided on the back side (hereinafter also referred to as "surface 41A") of the lid portion 41 that covers the first hole portion 212a. In this disclosure, surface 41A is also referred to as the "first surface". As shown in Figure 10, the cap groove portion 42 has two opposing surfaces 42A and 42B corresponding to the side surfaces of the cap groove portion 42, and a surface 42C corresponding to the bottom surface of the cap groove portion 42. The cap groove portion 42 is formed in the center of surface 41A of the lid portion 41 so as to extend within surface 41A in a horizontally elongated circular frame and recess in the forward direction (-y direction). The cap groove portion 42 is formed to be fitted with the first projection portion 25. The fitting of the first projection portion 25 with the cap groove portion 42 makes the lid portion 41 firmly cover the first hole portion 212a. The cap groove 42 has a lip portion 42L on the side of surface 41A of surface 42A, which strengthens the fit with the first projection 25 and prevents water from entering. That is, "the first projection 25 fits with the cap groove 42" means that the lip portion 42L and at least a part of the first projection 25 are in close contact, or that at least a part of surface 42A including the lip portion 42L and at least a part of surface 42B are in close contact with the first projection 25, sandwiching the first projection 25. The waterproof cap 40 is fixed to the case 20 by the cap groove 42 fitting with the first projection 25.

[0026] The lid portion 41 has a cap outer frame portion 43 (Figure 9). The cap outer frame portion 43 is an outer frame portion that forms the outer edge of the waterproof cap 40, formed by the fact that the waterproof cap 40 has a cap groove portion 42. The cap outer frame portion 43 is formed to be insertable into the case recess 27 (Figures 2, 8) formed by the first end wall 24, first projection 25, and second projection 26 of the case 20. "The cap outer frame portion 43 is formed to be insertable into the case recess 27" means that when the cap outer frame portion 43 is inserted into the case recess 27, the surface 43B does not have to be in close contact with the side surface of the case recess 27. Therefore, even when the cap outer frame portion 43 is inserted into the case recess 27, the side surface of the case recess 27 does not have to be in close contact with the cap outer frame portion 43 (i.e., surface 43B and surface 42B). Therefore, the surface 43B and the side surface of the case recess 27 may not be in contact, that is, a gap may be formed between the surface 43B and the side surface of the case recess 27. Since the prevention of water ingress (waterproofing) is ensured by the lip portion 42L, providing a gap contributes to improving the ease with which the user can attach the waterproof cap 40. However, it is preferable that this gap be maintained at an extremely small gap (length), for example, compared to the protruding length of the lip portion 42L. Even in this state, when attempting to disengage the fitting between the first protrusion 25 and the cap groove portion 42, the tip of the cap outer frame portion 43 comes into contact with the side surface of the case recess 27, hindering the disengagement of the fitting between the first protrusion 25 and the cap groove portion 42. Therefore, the insertion of the cap outer frame portion 43 into the case recess 27 further strengthens the lid portion 41's lid over the first hole portion 212a. Furthermore, if enhancing waterproofing is considered more important than improving the ease of attaching the waterproof cap 40, the gap between the surface 43B and the side surface of the case recess 27 may be made as narrow as possible so that they interfere with each other, or the gap between the surface 42B and the side surface of the first protrusion 25 may be made such that they interfere with each other.

[0027] As shown in Figure 9, the lid portion 41 of this example has a recess 44 and a pair of recesses 45, primarily to prevent molding defects. The recess 44 is provided as a recess with a horizontally elongated oval shape and a depth D1 (Figure 10), located opposite the first hole portion 212a and surrounded by the cap groove portion 42. The pair of recesses 45 are provided within the area of ​​the cap outer frame portion 43, sandwiching the cap groove portion 42 from both sides, and have a roughly rectangular shape and a depth D2 (Figure 10).

[0028] The lid portion 41 has a plate thickness of H1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first thickness"). For example, in the view shown in Figure 10(i), the cap outer frame portion 43 (hereinafter also referred to as the "third region 41a") corresponding to the +z direction side, i.e., the side on which the L-shaped arm portion 47 is provided, has a plate thickness of H1. On the other hand, the cap outer frame portion 43 (hereinafter also referred to as the "fourth region 41b") corresponding to the -z direction side, i.e., the side on which the L-shaped arm portion 47 is not provided, has a plate thickness of H2 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second thickness") which is greater than the thickness H1. The third region 41a is a region that includes a predetermined edge portion within the waterproof cap 40. The fourth region 41b is a region that includes the edge portion opposite to the third region 41a. The fourth region 41b is formed to be thicker than the third region 41a on the outer side in the plate thickness direction of the waterproof cap 40 (in the direction away from the surface 41A, -y direction). In this example, the waterproof cap 40 is formed such that, in the cap groove portion 42, the tip on the surface 42B side is on the same plane as the surface 41A, but the tip on the surface 42A side is slightly inward from the surface 41A.

[0029] Each L-shaped arm 47 is a mounting part that rotatably attaches the waterproof cap 40 to the case 20. The L-shaped arm 47 consists of an extension arm 47a extending rearward (+y direction) from the lid 41 and an engagement part 47b formed downward (-z direction) from the tip of the extension arm 47a, forming an overall L shape. By inserting each of the engagement parts 47b into the respective holes 213a (Figure 8) of the case 20, each L-shaped arm 47 is locked into the respective holes 213a, and the waterproof cap 40 and the case 20 engage.

[0030] When closing the case 20 using the waterproof cap 40, the L-shaped arm portion 47 of the waterproof cap 40 is engaged with the hole portion 213a, and the surface 41A of the lid portion 41 is brought opposite the front surface (surface 24B) of the first end wall 24, thereby closing the first end wall 24 from the outside. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the first projection portion 25 fits into the cap groove portion 42. The cap outer frame portion 43 is inserted into the case recess portion 27. The cap groove portion 42 has a lip portion 42L on the surface 41A side of surface 42A, and the lip portion 42L makes the fit with the case 20 more secure and prevents water from entering.

[0031] With the configuration of the connector unit 1 of this disclosure, when the waterproof cap 40 is placed over the case 20, the outer side surface (surface 43B) of the cap outer frame portion 43 of the waterproof cap 40 is covered by the second protrusion 26. In particular, the side of surface 43B facing surface 41A is covered by the second protrusion 26. Therefore, for example, if the connector unit 1 is attached to a motorcycle and a large amount of water is forcefully sprayed on the motorcycle, such as when it is washed with high-pressure water, the ingress of water can be suppressed. That is, in the connector unit 1 of this disclosure, when the waterproof cap 40 is placed over the case 20, the side of surface 43B of the waterproof cap 40 facing surface 41A, which is particularly susceptible to water ingress into the waterproof cap 40, is covered by the second protrusion 26, thus preventing high-pressure water from being directly sprayed onto the side of surface 43B facing surface 41A. This makes it less likely for high-pressure water to generate a force that lifts the waterproof cap 40 forward (-y direction). Therefore, according to the connector unit 1 of this disclosure, even when high-pressure water is applied, it is possible to suppress the ingress of water into the connector unit 1.

[0032] In the connector unit 1 of this disclosure, the mating of the waterproof cap 40 and the case 20 can be released, for example, by applying force forward (-y direction) while pushing upward (+z direction) on the portion of the cap outer frame 43 on the fourth region 41b (Figure 11) side that is not covered by the second protrusion 26. In particular, since the thickness H2 of the fourth region 41b is formed to be thicker than the thickness H1 of the third region 41a, the region of the fourth region 41b has higher rigidity than the other regions. As previously described, the fourth region 41b is formed to be thicker on the outer side in the thickness direction of the waterproof cap 40 than the third region 41a. The lid portion 41 on the fourth region 41b side facing the tip of the first protrusion 25 is formed to be thicker on the outer side in the thickness direction compared to the lid portion 41 on the third region 41a side facing the tip of the first protrusion 25. Therefore, by removing the cap outer frame portion 43 inserted into the case recess 27 on the fourth region 41b side from the case recess 27, even if the same force is continuously applied, the portion of the lid portion 41 on the fourth region 41b side facing the tip of the first protrusion 25 is less likely to bend significantly compared to the portion of the lid portion 41 on the third region 41a side facing the tip of the first protrusion 25. The force used to remove the cap outer frame portion 43 on the fourth region 41b side from the case recess 27 is easily transmitted in conjunction as a force to disengage the cap groove portion 42 on the fourth region 41b side from the first protrusion 25. Therefore, the connector unit 1 of this disclosure also contributes to the ease of disengaging the waterproof cap 40 from the case 20.

[0033] <Second Embodiment> Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the assembled connector unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the DD line shown in Figure 13. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the waterproof cap according to the second embodiment, viewed from the rear side. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof cap according to the second embodiment. Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the waterproof cap and its surroundings in Figure 14. In Figure 16, (i) is shown from the same viewpoint as (i) in Figure 10, and (ii) is shown from the same viewpoint as (ii) in Figure 10.

[0034] The connector unit 1 described above may also be configured as connector unit 1B shown in Figure 12. The difference between connector unit 1B and connector unit 1 is that the waterproof cap 40 of connector unit 1 is replaced in connector unit 1B with a waterproof cap 40B equipped with an attachment / detachment assist part 46. Due to this change, the case 20 is modified into case 20B, with a notch 26b provided in the second protrusion 26 at a position opposite to the attachment / detachment assist part 46.

[0035] As shown in Figure 15, the attachment / detachment assist portion 46 of the waterproof cap 40B includes a connecting portion 46a that extends from the cap outer frame portion 43 and covers a part of the end of the second protruding portion 26 in the protruding direction when the lid portion 41 covers the first hole portion 212a, and an extending portion 46b that extends from the end of the connecting portion 46a along the outside of the second protruding portion 26 in the opposite direction (+y direction) to the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 26.

[0036] As shown in Figure 12, case 20B has a notch 26b in the region of the second protrusion 26 facing the connecting portion 46a of the waterproof cap 40B, which is formed to have a shorter protrusion length than the other second protrusions 26. The notch 26b allows for thickening of the connecting portion 46a facing the notch 26b. In this example, as shown in Figure 17, the thickness H3 of the portion (connecting portion 46a) facing the tip of the second protrusion 26 where the notch 26b is provided is formed to be thicker than the thicknesses H4 and H5 of the portions facing the tip of the first protrusion 25. Thickening the connecting portion 46a increases the rigidity of the attachment / detachment assist portion 46.

[0037] The waterproof cap 40B is equipped with an attachment / detachment assist portion 46. The connecting portion 46a of the attachment / detachment assist portion 46 overlaps a part of the second protrusion 26. In the region where the extension portion 46b of the attachment / detachment assist portion 46 is located, the outer side surface (surface 43B) of the cap outer frame portion 43 is adjacent to either the second protrusion 26 or the attachment / detachment assist portion 46. That is, in the connector unit 1B of this disclosure, when the waterproof cap 40B is covering the case 20B, the surface 43B of the waterproof cap 40B that is particularly susceptible to water intrusion into the waterproof cap 40B is covered by the second protrusion 26 (or attachment / detachment assist portion 46), thereby preventing high-pressure water from being directly sprayed onto the surface 41A side of surface 43B. Therefore, even when performing high-pressure cleaning, that is, when spraying high-pressure water onto the connector unit 1B, it is prevented that high-pressure water is directly sprayed onto the outer side surface (surface 43B) of the waterproof cap 40B, and as a result, water ingress into the connector unit 1B can be suppressed, similar to the connector unit 1.

[0038] The attachment / detachment assist portion 46 has an exposed outer side surface (surface 46bB) of the extension portion 46b. Therefore, the area in which force is applied forward (-y direction) while pushing the attachment / detachment assist portion 46 upward (+z direction) is wider than in the first embodiment, making it easier to detach the waterproof cap 40B from the case 20B. In the first embodiment, the cap outer frame portion 43 was surrounded by the second protrusion portion 26, which limited the area (area in which force is applied) for removing the waterproof cap 40 from the case 20. In this embodiment, the entire outer side surface (surface 46bB) of the attachment / detachment assist portion 46 can be used as an area in which force is applied, improving the ease of removing the waterproof cap 40B compared to the connector unit 1.

[0039] Figure 18 is a magnified view of the waterproof cap and its surroundings in Figure 14 when the waterproof cap is opened. The second protrusion 26 in this embodiment has a notch 26b, and the connecting portion 46a has a thickness of H3. That is, compared to the case without the notch 26b, the connecting portion 46a is made thicker, improving rigidity. As a result of this thickening, the cap outer frame 43 is made easier to remove from the case 20. That is, even if force is applied to the surface 46bB, the portion of the lid 41 with a thickness of H3 is less likely to bend significantly compared to the portions with thicknesses H4 and H5. The force applied to the surface 46bB is easily transmitted as a force to remove the cap outer frame 43 from the case recess 27. As previously described, the force that pulls the cap outer frame portion 43 on the fourth region 41b side out of the case recess 27 is easily transmitted in conjunction as a force that disengages the engagement between the cap groove portion 42 on the fourth region 41b side and the first protrusion 25. Therefore, the connector unit 1B of this disclosure also contributes to the ease of disengaging the engagement between the waterproof cap 40B and the case 20B.

[0040] The attachment / detachment assist portion 46 may have embossed surfaces 46b1, 46b2, and 46b3 on the outer side surface (surface 46bB) of the extension portion 46b of the attachment / detachment assist portion 46, for example, as shown in (i) to (iii) of Figure 19. Figure 19 shows variations of the attachment / detachment assist portion. In (i), multiple linear embossed surfaces are arranged in the y-axis direction in the width direction (x-axis direction). In (ii), multiple embossed surfaces that extend short in the y-axis direction are arranged in the width direction (x-axis direction). In (iii), circular embossed surfaces are arranged in a staggered pattern. The embossed surface may also be applied to the outer surface of the connecting portion 46a. The extension portion 46b with embossing can suppress finger slippage and accurately transmit upward force (in the -y direction) compared to the case without this processing. Note that Figure 19 is merely an example, and slip suppression may be achieved with shapes other than those shown in Figure 19. Therefore, the method is not limited to embossing, and the predetermined uneven shape may be created by other methods. Accordingly, the attachment / detachment assist part 46 may be configured to have a predetermined area that includes a concave or convex portion that forms a predetermined pattern.

[0041] Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the connector unit of this disclosure can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, for example, the interface connector 12 may be a surface mount component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1.1B Connector Unit 10 Printed Circuit Board 11 Printed circuit board 111 End 112 End portion 113 Through hole 115 Notch 115A End face 116 Notch 116A End face 117 Through-hole 11A Top surface 11B Bottom side 12 Interface connector 121 Shell 121a End 121b End 122 Terminal 124 Positioning pin 125 Signal terminal 20 cases 21 case body 212a 1st hole 213a, 213b hole 215 Step section 21a Main body upper wall 21b Main body bottom wall 21c Main body side wall 21d Main body side wall 22 First end 23 2nd end 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B surface 24 First end wall 24a First area 24b Second area 25 First protrusion 26 Second protrusion 26b Notch 27 Case recess 30 Rear connector 31 Housing 31a Fitting part 31b Base 31B side 31c Terminal press-fit hole 31d Sealing material 32 terminals 32L lip section 40 Waterproof Caps 400 Harness Connectors 41 Lid 41A 1st side 41a 3rd area 41b 4th area 42 Cap groove section 42A, 42B, 42C surfaces 42L Lip section 43 Cap outer frame section 44 recess 45 recess 46b Extension part 46b1, 46b2, 46b3 Embossing 46bB surface 47 L-shaped arm 47a Extension arm portion 47b Engagement portion D1, D2 Depth H1, H2, H3, H4, H5 Thickness

Claims

1. A case having a cylindrical body with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a first end wall that closes the first end and is provided with a first hole through which an external connector can be inserted, A connector that is removable from the external connector and mounted inside the case body so as to face the first hole, The case comprises a waterproof cap having a lid that can cover the first hole from the outside, and which can be rotatably attached to the case, The aforementioned case is, A first projection extends from the first end wall, in a direction away from the connector, from an annular first region located a predetermined length away from the first hole in the direction that widens the opening area of ​​the first hole, The first end wall has a second projection that protrudes away from the connector from an annular second region located a predetermined length away from the first region in the direction extending from the first region, The aforementioned waterproof cap is The lid portion that covers the first hole has a cap groove portion that can be fitted into the first protrusion, The cap outer frame portion, which forms the outer edge of the waterproof cap formed by having the cap groove portion, is formed so as to be insertable into the case recess formed by the first end wall, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion. Connector unit.

2. The connector unit according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof cap has a connecting portion that extends from the outer frame portion of the cap and is positioned to cover a part of the end of the second protrusion in the protruding direction when the first hole portion is covered, and an extending portion that extends from the end of the connecting portion along the outside of the second protrusion in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the second protrusion.

3. The case has a notch in the region of the second protrusion facing the connecting portion of the waterproof cap, such that the protrusion length is shorter than that of the other second protrusions. The cap is formed such that the thickness of the connecting portion is greater than the thickness of the portion facing the tip of the first protrusion. The connector unit according to claim 2.

4. The connector unit according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the extended portion of the waterproof cap has a concave portion or a convex portion that forms a predetermined pattern in a predetermined area.

5. The third region, including a predetermined edge within the waterproof cap, has a plate thickness of a first thickness. The fourth region, which includes the edge opposite to the third region, has a plate thickness of second thickness, which is thicker in the direction away from the first surface than the third region. A connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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