Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device (10) comprises: a box-shaped case (12) which has an opening (22) in a case end part (121); and a fixing part (20) which protrudes from a case wall part (122) of the case (12) and to which a counterpart member (B) is attached. When the case (12) is viewed from the thickness direction of a circuit board (14), at least a portion of the fixing part (20) is disposed in a position overlapping a connector (16) which is housed within the case (12) and to which a counterpart connector (C) is connectable.

Description

electronic equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices.

[0002] The electronic device disclosed in JP 2018-158662 A includes a box-shaped housing that houses a circuit board, a connector exposed at an opening at an end of the housing, and an attachment portion provided on a side of the housing. When the electronic device is mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle-side member is inserted into the attachment portion along the side from the opening side and supported therein. A vehicle-side connector is connected to the connector.

[0003] In the electronic device disclosed in JP 2018-158662 A, when connecting a vehicle-side connector to a connector, the connector is disposed at an open end of the housing, and therefore the housing is deformed by the pressing force when inserting the vehicle-side connector into the connector, which poses a problem of reduced ease of insertion of the vehicle-side connector into the connector.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention includes a box-shaped case that houses a circuit board and has an opening at one end, the case including a case wall that is disposed on one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction, and a fixing portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the case wall and to which a mating component is attached, and when viewed from the thickness direction of the case, at least a portion of the fixing portion is disposed in a position that overlaps with a connector that can be connected to a mating connector from outside the case.

[0006] According to the present invention, in an electronic device, the strength of the case end having an opening can be increased by the fixing portion attached to the mating component. Therefore, when the mating connector is attached to the connector through the opening, deformation of the case (case end) is effectively suppressed. As a result, deterioration in the insertability of the mating connector into the connector can be suppressed.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the electronic device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a front view of the electronic device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1 , an electronic device 10 according to this embodiment includes a box-shaped case 12, a circuit board 14 (see FIG. 2 ) and a connector 16 housed in the case 12, a cover member 18 attached to a case end 121 of the case 12, and a fixing portion 20 provided on the case 12. The electronic device 10 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle and electrically connected to electrical components on the vehicle side. The following describes a case in which the electronic device 10 is mounted on and used in a vehicle. Note that the electronic device 10 is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle. For example, the electronic device 10 may be used on other moving objects such as a ship or an aircraft.

[0009] The case 12 is made of a resin material and has a box shape. As shown in Fig. 2, the case 12 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above the electronic device 10. The case 12 includes a case end 121, a case wall 122, and a storage portion 123.

[0010] The case end 121 is provided at one end of the case 12 in one direction (arrow X direction). Hereinafter, the direction in which the case end 121 is disposed in the one direction of the case 12 will be referred to as the distal direction (arrow X1 direction), and the direction opposite the case end 121 will be referred to as the proximal direction (arrow X2 direction). The one direction of the case 12 is a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (arrow Z direction in FIG. 1 ) of the circuit board 14 housed inside the case 12. The case end 121 extends in a width direction (arrow Y direction) perpendicular to the one direction of the case 12 and perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board 14. As shown in FIG. 3 , the case end 121 has a flat shape whose dimensions in the thickness direction perpendicular to the one direction and the width direction of the case 12 are smaller than the width direction perpendicular to the one direction of the case 12. When viewed from one direction, the case end 121 has a rectangular shape that is short in the thickness direction and long in the width direction.

[0011] 1 , the case end 121 has an opening 22. The opening 22 opens in one direction of the case 12. The opening direction of the opening 22 is one direction of the case 12 (the tip direction, the direction of the arrow X1). The opening 22 has a rectangular shape that extends in the width direction in accordance with the shape of the case end 121.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3 , the case wall 122 includes a first case wall 241 and a second case wall 242. The first case wall 241 is disposed on one side of the thickness direction (arrow Z direction) of the case 12. The second case wall 242 is disposed on the other side of the thickness direction of the case 12. The first case wall 241 and the second case wall 242 are disposed substantially parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first case wall 241 and the second case wall 242 include end wall portions 26 adjacent to the opening 22. The end wall portion 26 is adjacent to the case end 121 and extends along the width direction (arrow Y direction). The first case wall 241 has a recessed portion 28 at the center of the width direction of the case 12. The recessed portion 28 extends along one direction of the case 12 (arrow X direction). As shown in FIG. 3 , the recessed portion 28 is recessed in the thickness direction of the case 12. The depth of the recessed portion 28 is approximately constant along one direction of the case 12. The end wall portion 26 of the recessed portion 28 includes a first protrusion 301 that protrudes from the recessed portion 28.

[0013] 4, the accommodating portion 123 is provided inside the case 12. The accommodating portion 123 is a space surrounded by the first case wall portion 241 and the second case wall portion 242, and communicates with the opening 22. The accommodating portion 123 accommodates the circuit board 14 and the connector 16.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3 , the case 12 further includes a pair of case side portions 124. The pair of case side portions 124 are provided at both widthwise ends of the case end portion 121. The case side portions 124 extend along one direction of the case 12. The case side portions 124 are perpendicular to the opening direction of the opening 22 (one direction of the case 12). Each of the pair of case side portions 124 has a second protrusion portion 302. Each of the second protrusion portions 302 protrudes outward in the widthwise direction relative to the corresponding case side portion 124 (see FIG. 2 ).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 , the circuit board 14 is configured by mounting electronic components (not shown) on a board 14 a. The circuit board 14 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 123 of the case 12. In a plan view of the electronic device 10, the circuit board 14 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 4 , the circuit board 14 is accommodated and held substantially parallel to the first and second case walls 241, 242. At the case end 121 of the case 12, an end of the circuit board 14 faces the opening 22. In one direction of the case 12, one end of the circuit board 14 is positioned at a distance from the opening 22 of the case 12. The other end of the circuit board 14 is supported by the inner wall of the case 12.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover member 18 is detachably attached to the case end portion 121. The cover member 18 covers a portion of the opening 22 of the case 12. The cover member 18 includes a cover main body 181, a first attachment portion 182, and a pair of second attachment portions 183. The cover main body 181 is formed in a flat plate shape. The cover main body 181 faces the opening 22 of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 3 , the cover main body 181 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction to correspond to the shape of the opening 22. The cover main body 181 includes a cover opening 32. The cover opening 32 is formed inside the outer edge of the cover main body 181. The cover opening 32 penetrates the cover main body 181 and has a rectangular shape that corresponds to the shape of the cover main body 181.

[0017] 2, the first mounting portion 182 is disposed at the center of the cover member 18 in the width direction. The first mounting portion 182 extends perpendicular to the cover body 181. The first mounting portion 182 is supported on the cover body 181 so as to be elastically deformable. When the cover member 18 is attached to the case end portion 121, the first protrusion 301 of the case 12 engages with the groove 34 of the first mounting portion 182.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3 , a pair of second mounting portions 183 are provided on both widthwise ends of the cover body 181. The second mounting portions 183 extend perpendicular to the cover body 181. The first mounting portion 182 and the second mounting portion 183 extend in the same direction relative to the cover body 181. The second mounting portions 183 are supported on the cover body 181 so as to be elastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the cover member 18 is attached to the case end portion 121, the second protrusions 302 of the case 12 engage with the grooves 34 of the pair of second mounting portions 183. This allows the cover member 18 to be attached to the case end portion 121.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4 , the connector 16 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 123 of the case 12. The connector 16 is electrically connected to the circuit board 14. The connector 16 is disposed at the case end 121 of the case 12. The end of the connector 16 has a recess 161 recessed toward the accommodation portion 123 of the case 12, and is provided with a plurality of connection terminals 162 inside the recess 161. As shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of connection terminals 162 are disposed spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the connector 16. As shown in FIG. 4 , the plurality of connection terminals 162 are electrically connected to the circuit board 14. The end of the connector 16 faces the opening 22 of the case 12 and is disposed in the cover opening 32 of the cover member 18. The end of the connector 16 and the connection terminals 162 are exposed to the outside through the cover opening 32.

[0020] 2, a mating connector C can be connected to the connector 16 from outside the case 12. The mating connector C is electrically connected to an electrical component, for example, via a harness of the vehicle. When the mating connector C is connected to the connector 16, a connection terminal 162 of the connector 16 and the mating connector C are electrically connected.

[0021] The fixing portion 20 is provided on the case wall 122 (first case wall 241) of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 4 , the fixing portion 20 protrudes from the outer surface 241a of the first case wall 241 in the thickness direction of the case 12. The fixing portion 20 is disposed parallel to the width direction of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 2 , a mating member B can be attached to the fixing portion 20. The mating member B is, for example, a bracket fixed to a vehicle. When the electronic device 10 is fixed in a fixed state with the mating member B attached to the fixing portion 20, the opening 22 of the case 12 is disposed downward in the direction of gravity relative to the circuit board 14. In other words, when the electronic device 10 is fixed, the opening 22 faces downward in the direction of gravity. Note that the mating member B is not limited to a bracket. For example, the mating member B may be a vehicle body part or a component constituting the vehicle. The fixing portion 20 may be fixed by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0022] 2, the fixing part 20 includes a distal end support part 201 and a proximal end support part 202. The distal end support part 201 and the proximal end support part 202 are provided at a distance in one direction (the direction of the arrow X) of the case 12. The distal end support part 201 is arranged close to the case end part 121 of the case 12. The distal end support part 201 is provided on the end wall part 26 of the first case wall part 241. The proximal end support part 202 is arranged at a distance from the distal end support part 201 in the proximal direction (the direction of the arrow X2) from the case end part 121.

[0023] The tip support portion 201 includes first and second support portions 361, 362 spaced apart from each other in the width direction (arrow Y direction) of the case 12. The first support portion 361 is disposed on one side of the recessed portion 28 in the width direction. The second support portion 362 is disposed on the other side of the recessed portion 28 in the width direction. That is, the first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362 are disposed spaced apart in the width direction with the recessed portion 28 at the center. In a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the circuit board 14, a portion of each of the first and second support portions 361, 362 is disposed in a position overlapping the connector 16. Note that this is not limited to a case where a portion of the first and second support portions 361, 362 is disposed in a position overlapping the connector 16 in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the circuit board 14. For example, in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the circuit board 14, the entire first and second support portions 361, 362 may be disposed in a position overlapping the connector 16. A portion of either the first or second support portion 361 , 362 may be disposed in a position overlapping the connector 16 .

[0024] The first and second support portions 361, 362 are symmetrical in the width direction with respect to the recessed portion 28. The first support portion 361 has a first support groove 38 and a first inclined portion 40. A portion of the mating member B can be inserted into the first support groove 38. The first support groove 38 faces the base end support portion 202 in one direction (the direction of arrow X) of the case 12. The first support groove 38 is recessed from the end face of the first support portion 361 toward the case end portion 121 (tip direction). The first support groove 38 extends in the width direction of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first support groove 38 includes an in-groove rib 381. The in-groove rib 381 protrudes from the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241.

[0025] The first inclined portion 40 is inclined from the protruding surface of the first support portion 361 toward the tip end toward the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241. Similar to the first support portion 361, the second support portion 362 includes a first support groove 38 and a first inclined portion 40. A detailed description of the second support portion 362 will be omitted here.

[0026] 2, the base end support portion 202 includes third and fourth support portions 421, 422 that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the case 12. The third support portion 421 is disposed on one side of the width direction relative to the recessed portion 28. The fourth support portion 422 is disposed on the other side of the width direction relative to the recessed portion 28. In other words, the third support portion 421 and the fourth support portion 422 are disposed spaced apart in the width direction with the recessed portion 28 as the center. In one direction of the case 12, the first support portion 361 and the third support portion 421 face each other, and the second support portion 362 and the fourth support portion 422 face each other.

[0027] The third and fourth support portions 421, 422 are symmetrical in the width direction with respect to the recessed portion 28. The third support portion 421 has a second support groove 44 and a second inclined portion 46. A portion of the mating member B can be inserted into the second support groove 44. The second support groove 44 faces the tip support portion 201 in one direction of the case 12. The second support groove 44 is recessed toward the base end relative to the end face of the third support portion 421. The second support groove 44 extends in the width direction of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second support groove 44 has an in-groove rib 441. The in-groove rib 441 protrudes from the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241.

[0028] The second inclined portion 46 is inclined from the protruding surface of the third support portion 421 toward the base end toward the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241. Similar to the third support portion 421, the fourth support portion 422 includes a second support groove 44 and a second inclined portion 46. A detailed description of the fourth support portion 422 will be omitted here.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, when a mating member B is supported by the fixing portion 20, the mating member B is inserted between the distal end support portion 201 and the proximal end support portion 202 along the width direction (direction of arrow Y) of the case 12. As shown in Fig. 4, a first side portion B1 of the mating member B, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction, is inserted into the first support groove 38 of the distal end support portion 201 and abuts against the in-groove rib 381, thereby being supported. A second side portion B2 is inserted into the second support groove 44 of the proximal end support portion 202 and abuts against the in-groove rib 441, thereby being supported. The mating member B is attached and fixed along the width direction of the case 12 by the fixing portion 20. At this time, the case end portion 121, opening 22, and connector 16 of the case 12 are positioned downward in the direction of gravity.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the case 12 further includes a pair of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 and a pair of support ribs 501, 502.

[0031] A set of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 is provided on the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241 of the case 12. The set of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 is arranged adjacent to the tip support portion 201. In the width direction of the case 12, the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 are each arranged at least widthwise outward of the cover opening 32 of the cover member 18. The set of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 extend along the width direction of the case 12 and protrude in the thickness direction from the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241 (see FIG. 3). The set of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 is perpendicular to the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241.

[0032] The widthwise outer rib 481 is disposed widthwise outward from the first support portion 361. The widthwise outer rib 481 protrudes widthwise from the first support portion 361. The widthwise outer rib 481 has a generally triangular shape that extends toward the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241 as it moves away from the first support portion 361 in the width direction. The widthwise outer rib 482 is disposed widthwise outward from the second support portion 362. The widthwise outer rib 482 protrudes widthwise from the second support portion 362. The widthwise outer rib 482 has a generally triangular shape that extends toward the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241 as it moves away from the second support portion 362 in the width direction. Note that each of the pair of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 is not limited to being formed in a generally triangular shape. For example, each of the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 may be generally rectangular.

[0033] 3 , the maximum protruding height of the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 relative to the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241 is approximately the same as the protruding height of the fixing portion 20 relative to the first case wall portion 241. Note that the maximum protruding height of the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 and the protruding height of the fixing portion 20 are not limited to being approximately the same. For example, the maximum protruding height of the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 may be higher than the protruding height of the fixing portion 20. For example, the maximum protruding height of the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 may be lower than the protruding height of the fixing portion 20.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of support ribs 501, 502 are provided on the outer surface 241 a of the first case wall 241, including the recessed portion 28, and extend along the width direction of the case 12. As shown in FIG. 3 , the pair of support ribs 501, 502 protrude in the thickness direction from the outer surface 241 a of the first case wall 241 and the recessed portion 28. The pair of support ribs 501, 502 are perpendicular to the outer surface 241 a of the first case wall 241 and the recessed portion 28. One support rib 501 is disposed in the proximal direction (arrow X2 direction) relative to the distal support portion 201. In the width direction of the case 12, one support rib 501 extends from the first support portion 361 to the second support portion 362. The other support rib 502 is disposed in the distal direction (arrow X1 direction) relative to the proximal support portion 202. In the width direction of the case 12, the other support rib 502 extends from the third support portion 421 to the fourth support portion 422. As shown in Figure 2, the pair of support ribs 501, 502 are spaced apart from each other in one direction of the case 12 and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0035] 4, when the mating member B is attached to the fixed portion 20, the bottom surface of the mating member B facing the case 12 abuts against a pair of support ribs 501 and 502. The pair of support ribs 501 and 502 support the mating member B in the thickness direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the protruding height of the support ribs 501, 502 relative to the outer surface 241a of the first case wall portion 241 is approximately the same as the height of the groove rib 381 of the first support groove 38 and the groove rib 441 of the second support groove 44 relative to the outer surface 241a, respectively.

[0037] For example, when the electronic device 10 is mounted in the engine compartment of a vehicle, as shown in FIG. 2, the case end 121 of the electronic device 10 is positioned downward in the direction of gravity, and the mating connector C on the vehicle side is connected to the connector 16.

[0038] When the electronic device 10 is attached, moisture W may adhere to the outer surface 241 a of the case 12 of the electronic device 10. The moisture W moves downward in the direction of gravity along the case wall 122 of the case 12. When the moisture W comes into contact with the support ribs 501, 502, the moisture W is guided outward in the width direction along the support ribs 501, 502. When the moisture W comes into contact with the first and second support portions 361, 362, the moisture W is guided outward in the width direction along the first and second support portions 361, 362. When the moisture W comes into contact with the pair of widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 arranged furthest outward in the width direction, the moisture W is guided outward in the width direction along the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482. In other words, when the moisture W moves downward in the direction of gravity along the case wall 122, the movement of the moisture W from the fixing portion 20 toward the opening 22 of the case 12 is suppressed.

[0039] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0040] 2, the electronic device 10 includes a box-shaped case 12 that houses the circuit board 14 and has an opening 22 at a case end 121. The case 12 includes a case wall 122 that is disposed on one side of the circuit board 14 in the thickness direction, and a fixing portion 20 that protrudes from an outer surface 241a of the case wall 122 and to which a mating member B is attached. When viewed from the thickness direction of the circuit board 14, at least a portion of the fixing portion 20 is disposed in a position that overlaps with the connector 16.

[0041] As a result, the fixing portion 20 attached to the mating member B can increase the strength of the case end 121 having the opening 22. Therefore, when attaching the mating connector C to the connector 16 through the opening 22, deformation of the case 12 (case end 121) is suppressed. This prevents a decrease in the ease of inserting the mating connector C into the electronic device 10. Furthermore, when the electronic device 10 and the mating connector C vibrate, for example, while the vehicle equipped with the electronic device 10 is running, the fixing portion 20 effectively suppresses vibration of the connector 16 and the case end 121. This prevents the mating connector C from coming off the connector 16 due to vibration of the mating connector C and the connector 16.

[0042] The opening 22 of the case 12 extends along the width direction, and the fixing portion 20 is disposed parallel to the width direction. By disposing the fixing portion 20 parallel to the width direction of the connector 16, the strength of the case end 121 where the opening 22 is provided can be effectively increased.

[0043] When the electronic device 10 is fixed with the case 12 attached to the mating member B, the opening 22 of the case 12 is positioned downward in the direction of gravity relative to the circuit board 14. The case 12 is disposed at least widthwise outward of the cover opening 32 and includes widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 that extend widthwise. Providing the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 on the case 12 further increases the strength of the case end 121. Furthermore, when moisture W adhering to the outer surface 241a of the case wall 122 moves toward the case end 121, the widthwise outer ribs 481, 482 can prevent the moisture W from flowing toward the periphery of the connector 16.

[0044] The mating component B is attached to the fixing portion 20 along the width direction of the case 12, and the case 12 has support ribs 501, 502 that extend along the width direction and abut against the end of the mating component B. By providing the support ribs 501, 502 on the case 12, the strength of the case end 121 can be more effectively increased. The support ribs 501, 502 extending in the width direction can more effectively suppress the flow of moisture W toward the periphery of the connector 16. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 , when the mating component B is attached to the fixing portion 20, the first and second side portions B1, B2 of the mating component B abut against the support ribs 501, 502, and are smoothly guided along the case 12.

[0045] 2, the fixing portion 20 includes first and second support portions 361, 362 that are spaced apart in the width direction and support the mating member B, and at least a portion of each of the first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362 is positioned so as to overlap with the connector 16. This allows the mating member B to be supported by the first and second support portions 361, 362 that are spaced apart in the width direction, thereby reducing the weight of the case 12, compared to a configuration that includes a single fixing portion along the width direction of the case.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the case 12 has a first case wall 241 (case wall 122) disposed on one side of the circuit board 14 in the thickness direction. The first case wall 241 has an end wall 26 adjacent to the opening 22. The end wall 26 includes a fixing portion 20 that protrudes from the outer surface 241 a of the first case wall 241 and to which a mating component B is attached. Providing the fixing portion 20 on the end wall 26 adjacent to the opening 22 increases the strength of the end wall 26 of the first case wall 241. Therefore, deformation of the case 12 (case end 121) is suppressed when attaching a mating connector C to the connector 16 through the opening 22. This prevents a decrease in the ease of inserting the mating connector C into the electronic device 10.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2 , the case 12 includes a first case wall 241 (case wall 122) disposed on one side of the circuit board 14 in the thickness direction, and a fixing portion 20 that protrudes from an outer surface 241 a of the first case wall 241 and to which a mating component B is attached. When viewed from the thickness direction of the circuit board 14, at least a portion of the fixing portion 20 is positioned to overlap with the cover member 18. By providing the fixing portion 20 at a position that overlaps with the cover member 18 attached to the opening 22, the strength of the first case wall 241 can be increased. Therefore, deformation of the case 12 (case end 121) is suppressed when a mating connector C is attached to the connector 16 through the opening 22. This suppresses a decrease in the ease of inserting the mating connector C into the electronic device 10.

[0048] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0049] (Supplementary Note 1) An electronic device (10) includes a circuit board (14) on which electronic components are mounted, a box-shaped case (12) made of a resin material, housing the circuit board, and having an opening (22) at a case end (121) that is one end of the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, a cover member (18) attached to the case end and covering a portion of the opening, and a connector (16) housed in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board, exposed to the outside through a cover opening (32) in the cover member, and connectable to a mating connector (C) from outside the case. The case includes a case wall (122) disposed on one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction, and a fixing portion (20) protruding from an outer surface (241a) of the case wall and to which a mating member (B) is attached. When viewed from the thickness direction, at least a portion of the fixing portion is positioned to overlap the connector.

[0050] With this configuration, the fixing portion to which the mating component is attached can increase the strength of the case end having the opening. Therefore, deformation of the case (case end) is suppressed when attaching the mating connector to the connector through the opening. This prevents a decrease in the ease of inserting the mating connector into the electronic device.

[0051] (Supplementary Note 2) In the electronic device described in Supplementary Note 1, the opening may extend along a width direction perpendicular to the one direction and the thickness direction, and the fixing portion may be arranged parallel to the width direction. With this configuration, by arranging the fixing portion parallel to the width direction of the connector, it is possible to effectively increase the strength of the case end where the opening is provided.

[0052] (Supplementary Note 3) In the electronic device described in Supplementary Note 2, when the electronic device is fixed with the case attached to the mating member, the opening of the case may be positioned below the circuit board in the direction of gravity, and the case may include widthwise outer ribs (481, 482) positioned at least widthwise outward of the cover opening and extending in the widthwise direction. According to this configuration, the widthwise outer ribs on the case can further increase the strength of the case ends. Furthermore, when moisture (W) adhering to the outer surface of the case wall moves toward the case ends, the widthwise outer ribs can prevent the moisture from flowing around the connector.

[0053] (Supplementary Note 4) In the electronic device described in Supplementary Note 3, the mating component may be attached to the fixing portion along the width direction of the case, and the case may include support ribs (501, 502) extending along the width direction and abutting against the end of the mating component. According to this configuration, providing the support ribs on the case can more effectively increase the strength of the case end. The support ribs extending in the width direction can more effectively prevent moisture from flowing around the connector.

[0054] (Supplementary Note 5) In the electronic device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the fixing portion may include first and second support portions (361, 362) spaced apart in a width direction perpendicular to the one direction and the thickness direction and supporting the mating member, and at least a portion of each of the first support portion and the second support portion may be disposed in a position overlapping the connector. With this configuration, compared to a configuration including a single fixing portion aligned in the width direction of the case, the weight of the case can be reduced by being able to support the mating member with the first and second support portions spaced apart in the width direction.

[0055] (Supplementary Note 6) An electronic device includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, a box-shaped case made of a resin material that houses the circuit board and has an opening at one end of the case that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board, a cover member that is attached to the end of the case and closes a portion of the opening, and a connector that is housed in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board, is exposed to the outside through the cover opening of the cover member, and can be connected to a mating connector from outside the case. The case has a case wall that is located on one side of the thickness direction relative to the circuit board, and the case wall has an end wall (26) adjacent to the opening. The end wall has a fixing portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the case wall and to which a mating component is attached.

[0056] With this configuration, the end wall adjacent to the opening is provided with a fixing portion, which increases the strength of the end wall of the case wall. Therefore, deformation of the case (case end) is suppressed when attaching a mating connector to the connector through the opening. This prevents a decrease in the ease of inserting the mating connector into the electronic device.

[0057] (Supplementary Note 7) An electronic device includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, a box-shaped case made of a resin material that houses the circuit board and has an opening at one end of the case that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board, a cover member that is attached to the end of the case and covers a portion of the opening, and a connector that is housed in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board, is exposed to the outside through the cover opening of the cover member, and can be connected to a mating connector from outside the case. The case includes a case wall that is located on one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction, and a fixing portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the case wall and to which a mating component is attached. When viewed from the thickness direction, at least a portion of the fixing portion is positioned to overlap the cover member.

[0058] With this configuration, the fixing portion is provided at a position overlapping with the cover member attached to the opening, thereby increasing the strength of the case wall. Therefore, deformation of the case (case edge) is suppressed when attaching the mating connector to the connector through the opening. This prevents a decrease in the ease of inserting the mating connector into the electronic device.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0060] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10: Electronic device 12: Case 14: Circuit board 16: Connector 18: Cover member 20: Fixing portion 22: Opening 32: Cover opening 121: Case end 122: Case wall portion 241a: Outer surface B: Counterpart member C: Counterpart connector

Claims

1. An electronic device (10) comprising: a circuit board (14) on which electronic components are mounted; a box-shaped case (12) formed from a resin material, housing the circuit board, and having an opening (22) at a case end (121) which is one end in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board; a cover member (18) attached to the case end and covering a portion of the opening; and a connector (16) housed in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board, exposed to the outside through a cover opening (32) of the cover member, and capable of connecting to a mating connector (C) from outside the case, wherein the case comprises a case wall portion (122) disposed on one side of the thickness direction relative to the circuit board; and a fixing portion (20) protruding from an outer surface (241a) of the case wall portion and to which a mating member (B) is attached, wherein at least a portion of the fixing portion is disposed in a position overlapping with the connector when viewed from the thickness direction.

2. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the opening extends along a width direction perpendicular to the one direction and the thickness direction, and the fixing portion is disposed parallel to the width direction.

3. An electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in a fixed state of the electronic device in which the case is attached to the mating member, the opening of the case is disposed below the circuit board in the direction of gravity, and the case is provided with widthwise outer ribs (481, 482) disposed at least widthwise outward from the cover opening in the width direction and extending in the width direction.

4. An electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the mating member is attached to the fixed portion along the width direction of the case, and the case is provided with support ribs (501, 502) that extend along the width direction and abut against ends of the mating member.

5. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion comprises first and second support portions (361, 362) spaced apart in a width direction perpendicular to the one direction and the thickness direction and supporting the mating member, and at least a portion of each of the first support portion and the second support portion is positioned so as to overlap the connector.

6. An electronic device comprising: a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted; a box-shaped case formed from a resin material, housing the circuit board, and having an opening at a case end which is one end in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board; a cover member attached to the case end and covering a part of the opening; and a connector housed in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board, exposed to the outside through the cover opening of the cover member, and capable of being connected to a mating connector from outside the case, wherein the case has a case wall portion disposed on one side in the thickness direction relative to the circuit board, the case wall portion having an end wall portion (26) adjacent to the opening, and the end wall portion having a fixing portion protruding from the outer surface of the case wall portion to which a mating member is attached.

7. An electronic device comprising: a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted; a box-shaped case formed from a resin material, housing the circuit board, and having an opening at a case end which is one end in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board; a cover member attached to the case end and covering a part of the opening; and a connector housed in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board, exposed to the outside through the cover opening of the cover member, and capable of connecting to a mating connector from outside the case, wherein the case comprises a case wall portion disposed on one side in the thickness direction relative to the circuit board, and a fixing portion protruding from an outer surface of the case wall portion and to which a mating member is attached, and wherein at least a part of the fixing portion is disposed in a position overlapping the cover member when viewed from the thickness direction.

Images