Relay connector

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a relay connector that makes it possible to improve the reliability of connection to a mating connector. A relay connector (10) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (23), and a housing (20) that holds the plurality of terminals (23). The housing (20) has a body portion (30) that holds the plurality of terminals (23), and a cylindrical first connector fitting portion (40) that protrudes in a first direction from a first end surface (31) of the body portion (30). The first connector fitting portion (40) has a peripheral wall (43). The peripheral wall (43) has a base portion (50) that extends along a second direction (Y1) orthogonal to the first direction, and a bulging portion (51) that bulges outward from the base portion (50). The bulging portion (51) bulges so as to expand the internal space of the first connector fitting portion (40).

Description

Relay Connector

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

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-40551

[0004] However, in the relay connector, it is desired to improve the connection reliability with the mating connector. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a relay connector that can improve the connection reliability with the mating connector.

[0005] The relay connector of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of conductive terminals and a housing that holds the plurality of terminals, wherein the housing has a main body that holds the plurality of terminals, a cylindrical first connector mating portion that protrudes in a first direction from a first end face of the main body, and a cylindrical second connector mating portion that protrudes in a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction from a second end face of the main body that is provided opposite the first end face, wherein the first connector mating portion has a plurality of peripheral walls including a first peripheral wall, and the first peripheral wall has a base that extends along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and a bulge portion that bulges outward from the base, and the bulge portion bulges so as to expand the internal space of the first connector mating portion.

[0006] The relay connector of the present disclosure has the effect of improving the reliability of connection with the mating connector.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 in FIG. 3) showing a relay connector of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a relay connector of one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a relay connector of one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1) showing a first connector fitting portion of the relay connector of one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connector fitting portion of the relay connector of one embodiment.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. [1] A relay connector of the present disclosure includes a plurality of conductive terminals and a housing that holds the plurality of terminals, the housing having a main body that holds the plurality of terminals, a cylindrical first connector mating portion that protrudes in a first direction from a first end face of the main body, and a cylindrical second connector mating portion that protrudes in a first opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction from a second end face of the main body that is provided opposite the first end face, the first connector mating portion has a plurality of peripheral walls including a first peripheral wall, the first peripheral wall having a base portion that extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a bulge portion that bulges outward from the base portion, the bulge portion bulging so as to expand an internal space of the first connector mating portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, the first peripheral wall constituting the first connector mating portion is provided with a bulge portion. This improves the rigidity of the first peripheral wall compared to when the first peripheral wall is formed only with a base portion extending along the second direction, thereby effectively preventing deformation such as warping of the first peripheral wall. This effectively prevents poor mating between the first connector mating portion and the mating connector due to deformation of the first peripheral wall. As a result, the reliability of the connection with the mating connector can be improved.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the bulge portion has a straight portion extending along the second direction and a connecting portion connecting the straight portion and the base, and the connecting portion may be curved so as to protrude outward from the base when viewed in a plan view from the first opposite direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, the linear portion of the bulging portion extending along the second direction and the base portion extending along the second direction are connected by a curved connecting portion, which improves the rigidity of the bulging portion and more effectively prevents deformation such as warping of the first peripheral wall.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the base, the straight portion, and the connecting portion have the same thickness, the connecting portion has an inner surface and an outer surface facing opposite each other in the radial direction of the first connector fitting portion, and each of the inner surface and the outer surface of the connecting portion is formed as a curved surface when viewed in a plane from the first opposite direction, and the curvature of the inner surface of the connecting portion may be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the connecting portion.

[0013] According to this configuration, the base and the bulge are formed to have the same thickness, which improves the rigidity of the bulge compared to when the bulge is thinner than the base, thereby more effectively preventing deformation such as warping of the first peripheral wall.

[0014] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], the amount of protrusion of the bulge from the outer surface of the base may be smaller than the thickness of the first peripheral wall. With this configuration, the amount of protrusion of the bulge from the outer surface of the base can be reduced. Therefore, an increase in the size of the first connector fitting portion due to the provision of the bulge can be preferably suppressed. As a result, an increase in the size of the relay connector can be preferably suppressed.

[0015] [5] In any of [1] to [4] above, the first peripheral wall may have two base portions each provided as the base portion, and the bulge portion may be provided between the two base portions in the second direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, a bulge is provided at a middle position of the first peripheral wall in the second direction. By providing such a bulge, deformation of the first peripheral wall can be suitably suppressed. [6] In any of the above [1] to [5], the housing may have a protrusion that protrudes radially inward from an inner peripheral surface of the first connector fitting portion of the first connector fitting portion and a guide groove into which a guide protrusion of a mating connector can be fitted, the protrusion facing the base while being spaced apart in a third direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction, and the guide groove being formed by the base, the protrusion, and the peripheral wall.

[0017] According to this configuration, a guide groove is formed by the base, the protrusion, and the peripheral wall, and the guide protrusion of the mating connector is fitted into the guide groove. At this time, the provision of the bulge portion can effectively suppress deformation of the base. Therefore, poor fitting between the guide groove and the guide protrusion due to deformation of the base can be effectively suppressed. This effectively suppresses poor fitting between the first connector fitting portion and the mating connector. As a result, the reliability of the connection with the mating connector can be improved.

[0018] [7] In any of the above [1] to [6], the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion may be formed into a flat shape having a long side and a short side when viewed in a plan view from the first opposite direction, and the first peripheral wall may constitute the long side.

[0019] According to this configuration, a bulge is provided on the first peripheral wall that constitutes the long side of the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion. Here, since the long side is longer than the short side, deformation such as warping is likely to occur in the first peripheral wall that constitutes the long side. By providing the bulge on the first peripheral wall that is prone to such deformation, it is possible to effectively suppress deformation such as warping in the first peripheral wall.

[0020] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the relay connector is a relay connector that is attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case whose external space is an air environment and whose internal space is an oil environment, and the relay connector further comprises a recess that is recessed from the first end face of the main body toward the first opposite direction and surrounds the multiple terminals, and a potting material that is filled in the recess and seals the multiple terminals, wherein the first end face is an end face facing the outside of the equipment case and the second end face is an end face facing the inside of the equipment case, and the first connector fitting portion is arranged to protrude into the external space of the equipment case, and the second connector fitting portion is arranged to protrude into the internal space of the equipment case.

[0021] According to this configuration, a recess is provided in the first end surface facing the outside of the device case, and the recess is filled with a potting material. The potting material can effectively prevent oil from leaking from the inside of the device case, which is in an oil environment, through the terminal to the outside of the device case.

[0022] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of relay connectors of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some components may be exaggerated or simplified for ease of explanation. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each component may differ between drawings. In this specification, "orthogonal" does not necessarily mean strictly orthogonal, but also includes roughly orthogonal configurations within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical connector formed by assembling multiple components, but also includes a cylindrical connector with a C- or U-shape or other shape that has a notch in the circumferential direction, as well as a cylindrical connector with a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape with sharp or rounded corners, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" used in this specification are used merely to distinguish between objects and not to rank them. Each drawing illustrates mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. Each drawing illustrates a first direction X1, which is a direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the first direction X1. Each drawing illustrates a second direction Y1, which is a direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the second direction Y1. Each drawing illustrates a third direction Z1, which is a direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the third direction Z1. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0023] (Overall Configuration) As shown in Fig. 1 , the relay connector 10 is attached to an equipment case 200 mounted on a vehicle. The relay connector 10 can be attached to the equipment case 200 in any orientation depending on the posture of the equipment case 200. The relay connector 10 is fixed to the equipment case 200 with bolts or the like. The relay connector 10 is a connector for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the equipment case 200.

[0024] The device case 200 is, for example, a transmission case. The device case 200 is made of, for example, metal. The interior of the device case 200 is an oil environment, and the exterior of the device case 200 is an air environment. Electrical components such as a motor and a sensor are provided inside the device case 200. The device case 200 has a mounting hole 201 through which the relay connector 10 passes. The mounting hole 201 is formed to communicate between the inside and outside of the device case 200.

[0025] The relay connector 10 is fitted into a mounting hole 201 of the device case 200. The relay connector 10 is electrically connected, outside the device case 200, to a mating connector 100 provided in a control unit that houses a control circuit and the like. Although not shown, the relay connector 10 is electrically connected, inside the device case 200, to a second mating connector provided inside the device case 200. The control circuit provided in the control unit is electrically connected to electrical components provided inside the device case 200 via the mating connector 100, the relay connector 10, and the second mating connector.

[0026] 1 and 2 , the relay connector 10 includes a housing 20, a plurality of conductive terminals 23 held in the housing 20, a potting material 24 that seals the plurality of terminals 23, and a sealing member 25. The relay connector 10 of this embodiment includes ten terminals 23.

[0027] (Configuration of the Housing 20) As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 20 has a main body 30 and a cylindrical first connector fitting portion 40 that protrudes from a first end face 31 of the main body 30 in the first direction X1. The housing 20 has a cylindrical second connector fitting portion 70 that protrudes from a second end face 32 of the main body 30 in the first opposite direction X2. Here, the first end face 31 is an end face that faces the outside of the device case 200 and is an end face of the main body 30 that faces the first direction X1. The second end face 32 is an end face provided opposite the first end face 31. The second end face 32 is an end face that faces the inside of the device case 200 and is an end face of the main body 30 that faces the first opposite direction X2. The housing 20 is a single component in which the main body 30, the first connector fitting portion 40, and the second connector fitting portion 70 are continuously and integrally formed. The housing 20 is made of insulating synthetic resin, such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, or polybutylene terephthalate.

[0028] (Configuration of main body portion 30) The main body portion 30 has an insertion portion 33 that is inserted into the mounting hole 201 of the device case 200, a terminal holding portion 35 that holds multiple terminals 23, and a flange portion 36 that is provided in the external space of the device case 200.

[0029] The insertion portion 33 is inserted into the mounting hole 201 of the device case 200 along the first opposite direction X2. The insertion portion 33 is fitted into the inside of the mounting hole 201. The insertion portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The insertion portion 33 opens in the first opposite direction X2. The outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 33 is formed in a shape that follows the inner peripheral surface that defines the mounting hole 201.

[0030] An accommodation groove 33X for accommodating the seal member 25 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 33. The accommodation groove 33X is formed so as to be recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 33 toward the radially inward direction of the insertion portion 33. The accommodation groove 33X is formed around the entire circumferential circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 33. An annular seal member 25 is fitted into the accommodation groove 33X. The seal member 25 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential circumference of the insertion portion 33. When the insertion portion 33 is fitted into the mounting hole 201, the seal member 25 comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface defining the mounting hole 201 around the entire circumferential circumference, thereby sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the housing 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the device case 200. The seal member 25 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0031] The main body 30 has a blocking wall 34 that blocks the opening of the insertion portion 33 in the first direction X1. An end face of the blocking wall 34 in the first opposite direction X2 constitutes a second end face 32 of the main body 30. The terminal holding portion 35 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the end face of the blocking wall 34 in the first opposite direction X2, i.e., from the second end face 32 of the main body 30. The terminal holding portion 35 is provided in the internal space of the insertion portion 33. The terminal holding portion 35 is provided in the internal space of the second connector fitting portion 70. The terminal holding portion 35 is provided away from the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 33 in the radial direction of the insertion portion 33.

[0032] The terminal holding portion 35 tightly covers the outer peripheral surface of each terminal 23 over the entire circumferential direction. The terminal holding portion 35 holds each terminal 23 in an axially embedded state. In other words, a portion of each terminal 23 is embedded inside the housing 20. Each terminal 23 is integrally formed with the housing 20 by, for example, insert molding.

[0033] Here, each terminal 23 is formed in a rod shape. Each terminal 23 extends linearly along the first direction X1. Each terminal 23 is made of metal. Each terminal 23 protrudes in the first direction X1 from an end face of the terminal holder 35 in the first direction X1, and also protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from an end face of the terminal holder 35 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the ten terminals 23 are spaced apart along the second direction Y1 and spaced apart along the third direction Z1 in a plan view from the first opposite direction X2. The ten terminals 23 are arranged in a grid or matrix in a plan view from the first opposite direction X2. Eight of the ten terminals 23 are arranged in a 4x2 matrix. The remaining two terminals 23 are located closer to the eight terminals 23 in the third opposite direction Z2. The remaining two terminals 23 are located in the center of the second direction Y1.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , the flange portion 36 is provided in the external space of the device case 200 when the insertion portion 33 is fitted into the mounting hole 201. The flange portion 36 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 33. The flange portion 36 is formed to protrude radially outward around the entire circumferential circumference of the insertion portion 33. That is, the flange portion 36 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 33 into the mounting hole 201 (here, the first opposite direction X2). The end face of the flange portion 36 in the first opposite direction X2 is arranged to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the device case 200. The insertion portion 33 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the end face of the flange portion 36 in the first opposite direction X2. The end face of the flange portion 36 in the first direction X1 constitutes the first end face 31 of the main body 30.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2 , the flange portion 36 has a fixing portion 37. The fixing portion 37 protrudes radially outward more than other portions. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 37 protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2. The fixing portion 37 is formed in a plate shape. The fixing portion 37 has a through hole 37X that penetrates the fixing portion 37 in the plate thickness direction (here, the first direction X1). A metal collar 38 is inserted into the through hole 37X. The collar 38 is formed, for example, in an annular shape. A fixing bolt (not shown) is inserted into the hole in the collar 38. The housing 20 is fixed to the device case 200 (see FIG. 1 ) by fastening the bolt inserted into the hole in the collar 38.

[0037] 1 , the main body 30 has a blocking wall 39 that closes the opening of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The blocking wall 39 is formed, for example, as a single unit continuous with the blocking wall 34. The end surface of the blocking wall 39 in the first direction X1 constitutes the first end surface 31 of the main body 30.

[0038] (Configuration of First Connector Fitting Portion 40) The first connector fitting portion 40 is provided in the external space of the device case 200 when the insertion portion 33 is fitted into the mounting hole 201. A mating connector 100 provided outside the device case 200 is fitted into the first connector fitting portion 40. Here, the mating connector 100 has a mating housing 101 and mating terminals (not shown) that are held by the mating housing 101 and are electrically connected to the terminals 23. The mating connector 100 of this embodiment is a non-waterproof connector. The mating housing 101 of the mating connector 100 is fitted into the first connector fitting portion 40 along the first opposite direction X2. The first connector fitting portion 40 of this embodiment is formed as a non-waterproof structure into which the mating connector 100, which is a non-waterproof connector, is fitted. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate the outer shape of the mating housing 101 of the mating connector 100.

[0039] The first connector fitting portion 40 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the first end surface 31 of the main body portion 30, i.e., the end surface of the flange portion 36 in the first direction X1. The first connector fitting portion 40 protrudes toward the external space of the device case 200. The first connector fitting portion 40 is open in the first direction X1. The first connector fitting portion 40 surrounds the outer periphery of the terminal 23 that protrudes in the first direction X1 from the first direction X1 surface of the potting material 24. The inner circumferential surface of the first connector fitting portion 40 is spaced apart from the terminal 23. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the first connector fitting portion 40 surrounds the outer periphery of the terminal 23 over the entire circumferential direction while being spaced apart from the terminal 23.

[0040] 2 to 4, the first connector fitting portion 40 is formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape as a whole. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outer edge of the first connector fitting portion 40 is formed into a flat shape having long sides and short sides in a plan view seen from the first opposite direction X2.

[0041] The first connector fitting portion 40 has a peripheral wall 41 provided in the second direction Y1, a peripheral wall 42 provided in the second opposite direction Y2, a peripheral wall 43 provided in the third direction Z1, and a peripheral wall 44 provided in the third opposite direction Z2. The peripheral walls 41 and 42 each constitute a short side of the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion 40. The peripheral walls 41 and 42 each extend along the third direction Z1. The peripheral walls 41 and 42 each have a step at their end in the third direction Z1. The peripheral walls 43 and 44 each constitute a long side of the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion 40. The peripheral walls 43 and 44 each extend along the second direction Y1.

[0042] The first connector fitting portion 40 has protrusions 45, 46, and 47 that protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first connector fitting portion 40. The first connector fitting portion 40 of the present embodiment has two protrusions 45, one protrusion 46, and two protrusions 47. The first connector fitting portion 40 is formed, for example, in a plane-symmetrical shape with a plane of symmetry that includes the center of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the second direction Y1 and is an imaginary plane that extends in the XZ plane.

[0043] 2, each of the protrusions 45, 46, 47 extends along the first direction X1. Each of the protrusions 45, 46, 47 extends, for example, over the entire axial length of the first connector fitting portion 40.

[0044] Two protrusions 45 are provided, one on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 41 and one on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 42. One protrusion 45 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 41 toward the radial inward direction of the first connector fitting portion 40 (here, in the second opposite direction Y2). The other protrusion 45 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 42 toward the radial inward direction of the first connector fitting portion 40 (here, in the second direction Y1). Each of the two protrusions 45 is provided on the inner circumferential surfaces of the stepped portions of the peripheral walls 41, 42. The two protrusions 45 are formed to face each other in the second direction Y1. The radially inward tips of each protrusion 45 extend to the vicinity of the multiple terminals 23. Each protrusion 45 is, for example, a guide protrusion that guides the mating connector 100 when mating the mating connector 100 with the first connector fitting portion 40. Each protrusion 45 is formed so as to be insertable into a guide groove 102 provided in the mating housing 101 along the first direction X1.

[0045] One protrusion 46 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 44. The protrusion 46 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 44 radially inward of the first connector fitting portion 40 (here, in the third direction Z1). The protrusion 46 is provided in the center of the peripheral wall 44 in the second direction Y1. The protrusion 46 is an incorrect assembly prevention convex portion that prevents the mating connector 100 from being mated in an incorrect orientation with the first connector fitting portion 40. The protrusion 46 is formed so as to be insertable into an incorrect assembly prevention groove 103 provided in the mating housing 101 along the first direction X1.

[0046] Each of the two protrusions 47 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 44. Each of the two protrusions 47 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 44 radially inward of the first connector fitting portion 40 (here, in the third direction Z1). The two protrusions 47 are provided so as to sandwich the protrusion 46 from both sides in the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 4 , each protrusion 47 is a guide convex portion that guides the mating connector 100 when the mating connector 100 is fitted to the first connector fitting portion 40. Each protrusion 47 is formed to be insertable into a guide groove 104 provided in the mating housing 101 along the first direction X1.

[0047] The first connector fitting portion 40 has one or more through holes 48 that communicate between the inside and outside of the first connector fitting portion 40. The first connector fitting portion 40 of this embodiment has two through holes 48. The two through holes 48 are provided in a portion of the circumference of the first connector fitting portion 40. The two through holes 48 are provided so as to sandwich the protrusion 46 from both sides in the second direction Y1. Each through hole 48 is formed to penetrate the peripheral wall 44 in the third direction Z1. As shown in FIG. 1 , each through hole 48 is provided at a central position of the peripheral wall 44 in the first direction X1. The inner surface defining each through hole 48 is formed to be engageable with an engaging protrusion 105 of the mating housing 101.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4 , the peripheral wall 43 has one or more base portions 50 and one or more bulging portions 51 bulging outward from the base portions 50. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 43 has two base portions 50 and one bulging portion 51. The two base portions 50 and the bulging portions 51 are continuously and integrally formed in the peripheral wall 43. Here, the peripheral wall 43 (i.e., each base portion 50 and each bulging portion 51) has an inner surface and an outer surface facing opposite each other in the radial direction of the first connector fitting portion 40. The inner surface of the peripheral wall 43 is an end surface facing the internal space of the first connector fitting portion 40 and is an end surface of the peripheral wall 43 facing the third opposite direction Z2. The outer surface of the peripheral wall 43 is an end surface facing the outside of the first connector fitting portion 40 and is an end surface of the peripheral wall 43 facing the third direction Z1.

[0049] The two bases 50 are provided at both ends of the peripheral wall 43 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the two bases 50 are provided at the end of the peripheral wall 43 in the second direction Y1 and the end of the peripheral wall 43 in the second opposite direction Y2, respectively. Each base 50 extends along the second direction Y1. Each base 50 extends linearly along the second direction Y1 in a plan view seen from the first opposite direction X2.

[0050] The bulging portion 51 is provided only on a portion of the peripheral wall 43 in the second direction Y1. That is, the bulging portion 51 constitutes a portion of the peripheral wall 43. In this embodiment, the bulging portion 51 is provided only at an intermediate position of the peripheral wall 43 in the second direction Y1. The bulging portion 51 is provided between two base portions 50.

[0051] The outer surface of the bulge portion 51 is formed to protrude radially outward from the first connector fitting portion 40, in this case, toward the third direction Z1, relative to the outer surface of the base portion 50. The inner surface of the bulge portion 51 is formed to protrude radially outward from the first connector fitting portion 40, in this case, toward the third direction Z1, relative to the inner surface of the base portion 50. The inner surface of the bulge portion 51 is spaced apart in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the mating housing 101 in the third direction Z1. The bulge portion 51 bulges out to expand the internal space of the first connector fitting portion 40. In other words, the formation of the bulge portion 51 forms a recess 52 that expands the internal space of the first connector fitting portion 40. The recess 52 is formed to recess from the inner surface of the base portion 50 radially outward from the first connector fitting portion 40, in this case, toward the third direction Z1.

[0052] The bulging portion 51 has a straight portion 51A extending along the second direction Y1 and a connecting portion 51B connecting the straight portion 51A to each base portion 50. The bulging portion 51 of this embodiment has two connecting portions 51B.

[0053] The linear portion 51A extends linearly along the second direction Y1 in a plan view seen from the first opposite direction X2. The length of the linear portion 51A, i.e., the dimension of the linear portion 51A along the second direction Y1, is greater than, for example, the length of each base 50, i.e., the dimension of each base 50 along the second direction Y1. The thickness of the linear portion 51A, i.e., the dimension of the linear portion 51A along the third direction Z1, is the same as, for example, the thickness of each base 50, i.e., the dimension of each base 50 along the third direction Z1.

[0054] Each connecting portion 51B is formed to connect each end of the linear portion 51A in the Y-axis direction to each base portion 50. In a plan view from the first opposite direction X2, each connecting portion 51B is curved to protrude radially outward from each base portion 50 of the first connector fitting portion 40, in this case, toward the third direction Z1. The inner surface and the outer surface of each connecting portion 51B are each curved in a plan view from the first opposite direction X2. The curvature of the inner surface of each connecting portion 51B is, for example, the same as the curvature of the outer surface of each connecting portion 51B. The thickness of each connecting portion 51B, i.e., the dimension of each connecting portion 51B along the third direction Z1, is, for example, the same as the thickness of each base portion 50. In this embodiment, the thickness of each base portion 50, the thickness of the linear portion 51A, and the thickness of each connecting portion 51B are set to be the same. That is, the thickness of the peripheral wall 43 is constant over the entire length of the peripheral wall 43 in the length direction (here, the Y-axis direction).

[0055] The amount by which the bulge portion 51 protrudes from the outer surface of the base 50, i.e., the longest distance along the third direction Z1 from the outer surface of the base 50 to the outer surface of the linear portion 51A, is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral wall 43. The amount by which the bulge portion 51 protrudes from the outer surface of the base 50 is smaller than the thickness of the base 50.

[0056] The first connector fitting portion 40 has guide grooves 53 into which guide protrusions 106 provided on the mating housing 101 can fit. The first connector fitting portion 40 of this embodiment has a pair of guide grooves 53. Here, the mating housing 101 has a pair of guide protrusions 106 formed so as to be able to fit into the pair of guide grooves 53, respectively. Each guide protrusion 106 constitutes a part of the guide groove 102 provided on the mating housing 101.

[0057] Each guide groove 53 is provided in the internal space of the first connector fitting portion 40. Each guide groove 53 is formed along the first direction X1 so that the guide protrusion 106 of the mating housing 101 can be inserted therein. Each guide groove 53 is formed by the base 50, the protrusion 45, and the peripheral walls 41, 42. Specifically, the guide groove 53 provided at the end of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the second direction Y1 is formed by a space surrounded by the base 50 provided at the end of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the second direction Y1, the protrusion 45 provided at the end of the second direction Y1, and the peripheral wall 41. The guide groove 53 provided at the end of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the second opposite direction Y2 is formed by a space surrounded by the base 50 provided at the end of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the second opposite direction Y2, the protrusion 45 provided at the end of the second opposite direction Y2, and the peripheral wall 42.

[0058] 1, the first connector fitting portion 40 has a recess 60 provided on the bottom surface of the first connector fitting portion 40, i.e., on the end surface in the first direction X1 of the blocking wall 39. The recess 60 is formed so as to recess from the end surface in the first direction X1 of the blocking wall 39 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0059] 3, the recess 60 is formed to collectively surround the plurality of terminals 23 in a plan view seen from the first opposite direction X2. That is, ten terminals 23 are accommodated inside one recess 60. The inner surface defining the recess 60 is provided at a position separated from the terminals 23 in a plan view seen from the first opposite direction X2.

[0060] (Configuration of potting material 24) The potting material 24 is filled in the recess 60. The potting material 24 is formed so as to surround each of the plurality of terminals 23. The potting material 24 is adhered to each of the plurality of terminals 23. The potting material 24 is a sealing material that seals the plurality of terminals 23.

[0061] The potting material 24 tightly covers the entire circumferential outer surface of each terminal 23. As shown in Fig. 1, the potting material 24 covers each terminal 23 with the axial middle portion of each terminal 23 embedded in the potting material 24.

[0062] (Configuration of second connector fitting portion 70) The second connector fitting portion 70 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the second end surface 32 of the main body 30, i.e., the end surface of the closing wall 34 of the insertion portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The second connector fitting portion 70 protrudes toward the internal space of the device case 200. A second mating connector (not shown) provided inside the device case 200 is fitted into the second connector fitting portion 70. The second connector fitting portion 70 is formed with a non-waterproof structure into which a second mating connector, which is, for example, a non-waterproof connector, is fitted.

[0063] The second connector fitting portion 70 is open in the first opposite direction X2. The second connector fitting portion 70 surrounds the outer periphery of the terminal 23 protruding from the end face of the terminal holding portion 35 in the first opposite direction X2. The inner circumferential surface of the second connector fitting portion 70 surrounds the outer periphery of the terminal 23 over the entire circumferential direction while being spaced apart from the terminal 23.

[0064] The second connector fitting portion 70 has a through hole 71 provided in a portion of the second connector fitting portion 70 in the circumferential direction. The through hole 71 is formed to communicate between the inside and outside of the second connector fitting portion 70. The through hole 71 is formed to penetrate the peripheral wall of the second connector fitting portion 70 in the third direction Z1. The through hole 71 is provided at a middle position in the axial direction of the second connector fitting portion 70. The inner surface defining the through hole 71 is formed to be engageable with an engaging protrusion (not shown) of the second mating connector.

[0065] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The relay connector 10 includes a plurality of conductive terminals 23 and a housing 20 that holds the plurality of terminals 23. The housing 20 includes a main body 30 that holds the plurality of terminals 23 and a cylindrical first connector mating portion 40 that protrudes in a first direction X1 from a first end face 31 of the main body 30. The housing 20 includes a cylindrical second connector mating portion 70 that protrudes in a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the first direction X1, from a second end face 32 of the main body 30 that is provided opposite the first end face 31. The first connector mating portion 40 includes a plurality of peripheral walls 41, 42, 43, and 44, including a peripheral wall 43. The peripheral wall 43 includes a base 50 that extends in a second direction Y1 that is perpendicular to the first direction X1, and a bulge 51 that bulges outward from the base 50.

[0066] According to this configuration, the bulge 51 is provided on the peripheral wall 43 that constitutes the first connector fitting portion 40. This improves the rigidity of the peripheral wall 43 compared to when the peripheral wall 43 is formed only by the base portion 50 extending along the second direction Y1, thereby effectively preventing deformation such as warping of the peripheral wall 43. This effectively prevents poor mating between the first connector fitting portion 40 and the mating connector 100 caused by deformation of the peripheral wall 43. As a result, the reliability of the connection with the mating connector 100 can be improved.

[0067] (2) The bulging portion 51 bulges outward to expand the internal space of the first connector fitting portion 40. Therefore, the inner surface of the bulging portion 51 is located further outward than the inner surface of the base portion 50.

[0068] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , even if the bulging portion 51 warps inward, the inner surface of the bulging portion 51 can be prevented from protruding radially inward of the first connector fitting portion 40 beyond the inner surface of the base 50. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the linear portion 51A of the bulging portion 51 warps radially inward of the first connector fitting portion 40, in this case, toward the third opposite direction Z2. Even if such warping occurs, the inner surface of the bulging portion 51 does not protrude inward beyond the inner surface of the base 50, thereby preventing the inner surface of the bulging portion 51 from interfering with the outer surface of the mating housing 101 (here, the end surface in the third direction Z1). As a result, even if the bulging portion 51 warps inward, poor mating between the first connector fitting portion 40 and the mating connector 100 can be prevented.

[0069] (3) Furthermore, the bulging portion 51 expands the internal space of the first connector fitting portion 40, thereby increasing the nozzle space when applying the potting material 24. (4) The straight portion 51A of the bulging portion 51 extending along the second direction Y1 and the base portion 50 extending along the second direction Y1 are connected by a curved connecting portion 51B. This improves the rigidity of the bulging portion 51, thereby more effectively suppressing deformation such as warping of the peripheral wall 43.

[0070] (5) The base 50 and the bulging portion 51 are formed to have the same thickness. This improves the rigidity of the bulging portion 51 compared to when the bulging portion 51 is formed to be thinner than the base 50. This more effectively prevents deformation such as warping of the peripheral wall 43.

[0071] (6) The amount by which the bulge portion 51 protrudes from the outer surface of the base portion 50 is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral wall 43. With this configuration, the amount by which the bulge portion 51 protrudes from the outer surface of the base portion 50 can be reduced. Therefore, an increase in the size of the first connector fitting portion 40 due to the provision of the bulge portion 51 can be suitably suppressed. As a result, an increase in the size of the relay connector 10 can be suitably suppressed.

[0072] (7) The base 50, the protrusion 45, and the peripheral walls 41, 42 form a guide groove 53, into which the guide protrusion 106 of the mating connector 100 is fitted. At this time, the provision of the bulge 51 on the peripheral wall 43 can suitably suppress deformation of the base 50. This can suitably suppress the occurrence of poor fitting between the guide groove 53 and the guide protrusion 106 due to deformation of the base 50. This can suitably suppress the occurrence of poor fitting between the first connector fitting portion 40 and the mating connector 100. As a result, the connection reliability with the mating connector 100 can be improved.

[0073] (8) The bulge 51 is provided on the peripheral wall 43 that constitutes the long side of the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion 40. Here, since the long side is longer than the short side, the peripheral wall 43 that constitutes the long side is prone to deformation such as warping. Because the bulge 51 is provided on the peripheral wall 43 that is prone to such deformation, it is possible to effectively prevent the peripheral wall 43 from being deformed such as warping.

[0074] (9) A recess 60 is provided in the first end surface 31 facing the outside of the device case 200, and the recess 60 is filled with the potting material 24. The potting material 24 can suitably prevent oil from leaking from the inside of the device case 200, which is an oil-submerged environment, through the terminals 23 to the outside of the device case 200.

[0075] (Other Embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0076] The structure of the first connector fitting portion 40 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the bulge portion 51 is provided at the middle position in the length direction (here, the second direction Y1) of the peripheral wall 43, but this is not limiting. For example, the bulge portion 51 may be provided at an end portion in the length direction of the peripheral wall 43. For example, the bulge portion 51 may be provided at each of both end portions in the length direction of the peripheral wall 43.

[0077] In the above embodiment, multiple bulging portions 51 may be provided for one peripheral wall 43. In the above embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the bulging portion 51 from the outer surface of the base 50 is set to be smaller than the thickness of the peripheral wall 43, but this is not limited to this. For example, the amount of protrusion of the bulging portion 51 from the outer surface of the base 50 may be set to be the same as the thickness of the peripheral wall 43, or may be set to be larger than the thickness of the peripheral wall 43.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the base portion 50, the linear portion 51A, and the connecting portion 51B are formed to have the same thickness, but this is not limiting. For example, the thickness of the base portion 50, the linear portion 51A, and the connecting portion 51B may be set to different thicknesses.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 51B is formed in a curved shape, but this is not limited to this. In the above embodiment, the bulge portion 51 is provided only on the peripheral wall 43 among the peripheral walls 41, 42, 43, and 44 that constitute the first connector fitting portion 40, but this is not limited to this. For example, the bulge portion 51 may be provided on the peripheral walls 41, 42, and 44.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the first connector fitting portion 40 is formed to have a non-waterproof structure, but this is not limiting. For example, the first connector fitting portion 40 may be formed to have a waterproof structure to which a mating connector that is a waterproof connector is mated. In this case, for example, the through hole 48 is omitted.

[0081] The number and positions of the protrusions 45, 46, 47 in the above embodiment may be changed as appropriate. The protrusion 47 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The protrusion 46 in the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0082] The protrusion 45 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion 40 is formed into a flat shape having long sides and short sides, but is not limited to this. For example, the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion 40 may be formed into a square shape.

[0083] The structure of the second connector fitting portion 70 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The bulge portion 51 may be provided on the peripheral wall that constitutes the second connector fitting portion 70. In the above embodiment, the second connector fitting portion 70 is formed to have a non-waterproof structure, but this is not limiting. For example, the second connector fitting portion 70 may be formed to have a waterproof structure that allows a second mating connector, which is a waterproof connector, to be fitted thereto. In this case, the through hole 71 is omitted.

[0084] The structure of the recess 60 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the recess 60 is formed on the first end surface 31 facing the outside of the device case 200, but this is not limiting. For example, the recess 60 may be formed on a surface facing the inside of the device case 200. For example, the recess 60 may be formed on the end surface of the terminal holder 35 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the sealing member 25 is a rubber ring made of rubber, but is not limited to this. For example, the sealing member 25 may be a ring member made of an elastic material other than rubber.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the relay connector 10 is embodied as being attached to the equipment case 200, which is a transmission case, but is not limited to this. For example, the relay connector 10 may be applied to a relay connector used in an equipment case other than a transmission case. Note that the environment inside the equipment case 200 to which the relay connector 10 is attached is not limited to an oil environment, and the relay connector 10 may also be applied to a relay connector for an equipment case 200 in which oil is not used inside the equipment case 200.

[0087] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. The present disclosure includes the following aspects. Note that, in the following description, reference signs indicating components of the embodiments are placed in parentheses, for the purpose of facilitating understanding and not limitation. (Supplementary Note 1) A relay connector (10) comprising: a main body (20); a first connector fitting portion (40) protruding from the main body in a first direction (X1); and a second connector fitting portion (70) protruding from the main body in a second direction (X2) opposite to the first direction, wherein the first connector fitting portion (40) is formed in a cylindrical shape including a first peripheral wall (43), a second peripheral wall (41) continuing to a first end of the first peripheral wall, a third peripheral wall (42) continuing to a second end of the first peripheral wall opposite the first end, and a fourth peripheral wall (44) continuing to the second and third peripheral walls and facing the first peripheral wall, wherein the first peripheral wall (43) comprises: a first base portion (50) located at the first end of the first peripheral wall (43); and a second base portion (50) located at the second end of the first peripheral wall (43). and a bulge (51) located between the first base (50) and the second base (50), defining a recess (52) that expands the internal space of the first connector fitting portion (40). (Supplementary Note 2) The relay connector (10) according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first connector fitting portion (40) further includes: a first protrusion (45) that protrudes from the second peripheral wall (41) toward the inside of the first connector fitting portion (40), and a first guide groove (53) formed as a groove surrounded by the first base (50), the second peripheral wall (41), and the first protrusion (45). (Appendix 3) The relay connector (10) described in Appendix 2, wherein the first connector fitting portion (40) further includes: a second protruding portion (45) protruding from the third peripheral wall (42) toward the inside of the first connector fitting portion (40); and a second guide groove (53) formed as a groove surrounded by the second base portion (50), the third peripheral wall (42), and the second protruding portion (45).

[0088] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 relay connector 20 housing 23 terminal 24 potting material 25 seal member 30 main body 31 first end face 32 second end face 33 insertion portion 33X accommodation groove 34 blocking wall 35 terminal holding portion 36 flange portion 37 fixing portion 37X through hole 38 collar 39 blocking wall 40 first connector fitting portion 41, 42, 44 peripheral wall 43 peripheral wall (first peripheral wall) 45 protrusion 46, 47 protrusion 48 through hole 50 base 51 bulging portion 51A straight portion 51B connecting portion 52 recess 53 guide groove 60 recess 70 second connector fitting portion 71 through hole 100 mating connector 101 mating housing 102 guide groove 103 Misassembly prevention groove 104 Guide groove 105 Engagement protrusion 106 Guide protrusion 200 Device case 201 Mounting hole X1 First direction X2 First opposite direction Y1 Second direction Y2 Second opposite direction Z1 Third direction Z2 Third opposite direction

Claims

1. An intermediate connector comprising: a plurality of conductive terminals; and a housing for holding the plurality of terminals, wherein the housing has: a main body for holding the plurality of terminals; a cylindrical first connector fitting portion protruding in a first direction from a first end face of the main body; and a cylindrical second connector fitting portion protruding in a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction from a second end face of the main body provided opposite the first end face, wherein the first connector fitting portion has a plurality of peripheral walls including a first peripheral wall, and the first peripheral wall has a base portion extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a bulging portion bulging outward from the base portion, and the bulging portion bulges so as to expand the internal space of the first connector fitting portion.

2. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the bulging portion has a straight portion extending along the second direction and a connecting portion connecting the straight portion and the base portion, and the connecting portion is curved so as to protrude outward from the base portion in a plan view seen from the first opposite direction.

3. The relay connector described in claim 2, wherein the base portion, the straight portion, and the connecting portion have the same thickness, the connecting portion has an inner surface and an outer surface facing opposite each other in the radial direction of the first connector fitting portion, the inner surface and the outer surface of the connecting portion are each formed as a curved surface when viewed in a plane from the first opposite direction, and the curvature of the inner surface of the connecting portion is the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the connecting portion.

4. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the amount of protrusion of said bulging portion from the outer surface of said base portion is smaller than the thickness of said first peripheral wall.

5. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the first peripheral wall has two base portions each provided as the base portion, and the bulge portion is provided between the two base portions in the second direction.

6. The relay connector of claim 1, wherein the housing has a protrusion that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the first connector fitting portion of the first connector fitting portion, and a guide groove into which a guide protrusion of the mating connector can be fitted, the protrusion facing the base while being spaced apart in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and the guide groove being formed by the base, the protrusion, and the peripheral wall.

7. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge shape of the first connector fitting portion is formed into a flat shape having long sides and short sides when viewed in a plan view from the first opposite direction, and the first peripheral wall constitutes the long sides.

8. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the relay connector is attached to a mounting hole of an equipment case whose external space is an air environment and whose internal space is an oil environment, and the relay connector further comprises: a recess recessed from the first end face of the main body in the first opposite direction and surrounding the plurality of terminals; and a potting material filled in the recess and sealing the plurality of terminals, wherein the first end face is an end face facing the outside of the equipment case, the second end face is an end face facing the inside of the equipment case, the first connector fitting portion is arranged to protrude into the external space of the equipment case, and the second connector fitting portion is arranged to protrude into the internal space of the equipment case.

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