JP2006134595A - Connector apparatus having control function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for fully protecting an electrical connection section between the opposing sections of peripheral wall sections of each divided housing. <P>SOLUTION: A connector housing 12 comprises the combination of the divided housings 20, 30. A control circuit section is composed inside respective divided housings 20, 30. In the combination form of the divided housings 20, 30, connection terminal sections are in contact with each other between opposing surfaces 21a, 31a of the peripheral wall sections 21, 31, and the circuit patterns of the respective divided housings 20, 30 are connected electrically. A recessed groove 14 is formed along the extension direction of the opposing surfaces 21a, 31a at the outer-periphery section of the connector housing 12, and a junction section cover 40 is fitted into the recessed groove 14. The junction section cover 40 is welded to the part of the recessed groove 14 of the divided housings 20, 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector device with a control function incorporating a control function.

  In recent years, the number of electrical devices such as loads and sensors mounted on vehicles has been increasing for the purpose of enhancing functions such as improving fuel efficiency of automobiles and improving passenger comfort.

  Along with this, the number of circuits in the wire harness is also increasing, but due to restrictions on the wiring space of the wire harness, a reduction in the number of circuits is required.

  One measure is to reduce signal lines by signal multiplexing. In order to cope with this, a technology is conceivable in which a connector device with a control function incorporating a control circuit for performing load control or the like and a communication control circuit is connected to various loads such as an electronic control unit (ECU), a motor, or a sensor. ing.

  This type of connector device with a control function is connected to, for example, an electronic control device and connected to another electronic control device via a predetermined communication line. Thereby, the communication network by a some electronic control apparatus is comprised in a vehicle. Then, data communication is performed between the connector devices with control functions according to a predetermined protocol (for example, CAN). Or it is connected to each electrical equipment, and is connected to an electronic control unit via a predetermined communication line. Then, multiplex communication is performed between the electronic control device and each connector device with a control function, and each connector device with a control function performs each load control based on a control command from the electronic control device. The output is given to the electronic control unit.

  By the way, in the connector device with a control function as described above, in order to have a predetermined control function, it is necessary to reduce the size after incorporating a control circuit including an electronic component such as a control IC.

  As a configuration for that purpose, a configuration in which a predetermined circuit pattern is formed on the inner surface side of the connector housing by plating or the like and an electronic component is mounted thereon to form a predetermined control circuit is assumed.

  In this case, from the viewpoint of productivity, the connector housing is divided into two parts, a predetermined circuit pattern is formed on the inner surface of each divided housing by plating or the like, and after mounting the electronic parts, the two divided housings are combined. It is preferable.

  A technique for forming a predetermined circuit pattern by metal plating is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 7-294777 A

  By the way, in the structure which divided the connector housing into 2 as mentioned above, it is necessary to electrically connect the circuit patterns formed in each division | segmentation housing.

  As a configuration for this, for example, contact terminals are provided on the opposing surfaces of the peripheral wall portions of both divided housings, and the contact terminals are brought into contact with each other between the opposing surfaces in a state where both divided housings are combined. A configuration for electrically connecting circuit patterns of the housing is proposed.

  However, as described above, in the configuration in which the electrical connection is made between the facing surfaces of the peripheral wall portions of the two divided housings, it is necessary to sufficiently protect the electrical connection portion between the facing surfaces from water intrusion or the like. .

  Then, this invention is providing the technique which can fully protect an electrical connection part between the opposing parts of the surrounding wall part of both division | segmentation housings.

  The present invention is a connector device with a control function that is connected to external wiring and an electronic device, and is formed in a connector housing constituted by combining a plurality of divided housings having a peripheral wall portion, and each of the divided housings A control circuit unit composed of a circuit pattern and an electronic component mounted on each inner surface side of each of the divided housings, and each of the divided housings in a combined form, and between the opposing portions of the peripheral wall portions, A connection means for electrically connecting circuit patterns formed in the divided housing; a joint cover welded to each divided housing so as to cover a facing portion of each peripheral wall portion from the outside of the connector housing; It is equipped with.

  In this case, a concave groove is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the connector housing along the facing portion of each peripheral wall portion, the joint cover is formed in a shape that can be fitted into the concave groove, and the joint cover is At least both inner side surfaces of the concave groove and both outer side surfaces of the joint cover may be welded in a state of being fitted into the concave groove.

  An annular member that is fitted over the connector housing so as to cross the welded portion between each of the divided housings and the joint cover, and is welded in close contact with at least the welded portion, and the annular member The structure further provided with the cyclic | annular waterproof member externally fitted by the outer periphery may be sufficient.

  According to the connector device with a control function of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion of each divided housing is provided with the joint cover welded to each divided housing so as to cover the facing portion of each peripheral wall portion from the outside of the connector housing. It is possible to sufficiently protect the electrical connection means between the opposing portions.

  In addition, when the joint cover is fitted in the groove, both inner side surfaces of the groove and both outer surfaces of the joint cover are welded, and the joint cover is fitted in the groove. , Welding work can be done easily.

  Further, the annular member is fitted over the connector housing so as to cross the welded portion between each divided housing and the joint cover, and is welded in close contact with at least the welded portion. When the annular waterproof member is fitted on the outer periphery, water can be more reliably prevented from entering between the sections partitioned by the annular waterproof member.

  Hereinafter, a connector device with a control function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  This connector device with a control function is connected to external wiring and electronic equipment. As an electronic device to be connected, an electronic control unit (ECU), electrical equipment such as various actuators and sensors, and the like are assumed. As application examples of the connector device with a control function, for example, the following two examples can be considered.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle control system according to a first application example of the connector device with a control function.

  This control system is an example in which a communication network is configured between a plurality of ECUs 2, that is, a plurality of ECUs (electronic control units) 2 as electronic devices are connected to a connection cable (external wiring) 4. The control function-equipped connector device 10 is interposed between each ECU 2 and the connection cable 4 in a state of being fitted and connected to a connector fitting portion (not shown) provided in each ECU 2. A communication address is set for each connector device 10 with a control function, and each ECU 2 performs multiplex data communication through each connector device 10 with a control function according to a predetermined protocol such as CAN. ing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle control system according to a second application example of the connector device with a control function.

  This control system is configured such that an ECU (electronic control unit) 2 as an electronic device is connected to a connection cable (external wiring) 4 and a plurality of electrical devices 3 such as various actuators and sensors are connected by a bus. ing. The connector device 10 with a control function is interposed between the electrical equipment 3 and the connection cable 4, and is fitted and connected to a connector fitting portion (not shown) provided in the electrical equipment 3, so that their electrical connection and machine Fixing is performed. And the communication address is set with respect to each connector apparatus 10 with a control function, and each connector apparatus 10 with a control function is electrical equipment based on the control signal multiplexed and given through the connection cable 4 from ECU2. 3, or various signals from the electrical equipment 3 side are given to the ECU 2 side.

  3 is a perspective view showing the connector device with a control function, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector device with a control function, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of one side (upper side) split housing, and FIG. 9 is an internal configuration of the other side (lower side) split housing. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the joint cover. In FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7, the internal configuration and the like are partially omitted.

  This connector device 10 with a control function includes a connector housing 12, a control circuit portion, a pair of connection terminal portions 25 and 35 as connection means for performing predetermined electrical connection between the divided portions of the connector housing 12, and a joint portion. And a cover 40.

  The connector housing 12 is formed in a box shape having a space in which a terminal portion for connection to the devices 2 and 3 and an electronic component 16 for constituting a predetermined control circuit can be accommodated.

  Here, the connector housing 12 is formed in a flat bowl shape, and a connector portion 15 for connection to the devices 2 and 3 is formed by incorporating a terminal portion at one end thereof. In addition, the connection cable 4 is introduced into the other end of the connector housing 12, and each electric wire of the connection cable is electrically connected to a pressure contact terminal (not shown) or the like.

  As the connection structure with the devices 2 and 3 and the connection structure with the connection cable 4, various known connection structures can be applied.

  Further, the connector housing 12 is constituted by a combination of a plurality of divided housings 20 and 30. In addition, the united form of each divided housing 20 and 30 is hold | maintained by screwing or an engagement structure.

  Here, the connector housing 12 is divided into two along the flat direction, so that two divided housings 20 and 30 are formed. The connector housing 12 may be divided into three or more, and the division position is not limited to the above-described division form such as division in the vertical direction of the connector housing 12.

  Each of the divided housings 20 and 30 is formed of an insulating material such as a molded product of an insulating resin.

  Each of the divided housings 20 and 30 has a shape in which the peripheral wall portions 21 and 31 are formed on the outer periphery of the main body plate portions 20a and 30b, that is, a flat and substantially bowl-shaped shape. More specifically, each of the divided housings 20 and 30 has a shape in which three sides around the main body plate portions 20a and 30b are surrounded by the peripheral wall portions 21 and 31, and the other one is surrounded by the connector portion 15.

  Further, predetermined circuit patterns 24 and 34 are formed on the inner surfaces of the housing recesses 22 and 32 of the divided housings 20 and 30. The predetermined circuit patterns 24 and 34 are formed by, for example, metal plating. In this way, a component in which a predetermined conductive circuit pattern is formed on the surface of a three-dimensional molded product such as a resin is called a MID (Molded Interconnect Device), and various known types such as metal plating described above are used. It can manufacture by the method of.

  Furthermore, electronic parts 16 (for example, communication ICs, load control ICs, etc.) for realizing various control functions of the connector device with this control function are provided on the inner surfaces of the housing recesses 22, 32 of the divided housings 20, 30. However, these terminals are mounted so as to be connected to the circuit patterns 24 and 34.

  The predetermined circuit patterns 24 and 34 formed in the divided housings 20 and 30 are appropriately electrically connected to each other so that the predetermined circuit patterns 24 and 34 and the mounted electronic components 16 are connected. A control circuit unit for performing various controls (for example, communication control, load control, etc.) of the connector device with the control function is configured.

  In such a connector device 10 with a control function, since the circuit patterns 24 and 34 are formed on the inner surfaces of the divided housings 20 and 30 and the electronic component 16 is mounted, there is no need to separately install another mounting board or the like. There is an advantage that downsizing is achieved. Further, since the circuit patterns 24 and 34 are formed in the divided housings 20 and 30 and the electronic component 16 is mounted and then combined, the circuit patterns 24 and 34 and the electronic component 16 can be easily mounted. And has the advantage of excellent productivity.

  Moreover, while the inner peripheral part of each edge part of each peripheral wall part 21 and 31 is formed in the opposing surfaces 21a and 31a which mutually oppose, the outer peripheral part of each edge part of each peripheral wall part 21 and 31 is The recesses 14a and 14b are recessed in a substantially L-shaped cross section.

  And it is comprised so that the opposing surfaces 21a and 31a may surface-contact (or oppose at predetermined intervals) by the form which combined each division | segmentation housing 20 and 30. FIG. Further, in a form in which the divided housings 20 and 30 are combined, a concave groove 14 having a substantially square cross section is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the connector housing 12 along the extending direction of the facing surfaces 21a and 31a. ing. In the present embodiment, continuous concave grooves 14 are formed on the three side surfaces around the connector housing 12.

  The pair of connection terminal portions 25 and 35 are formed by combining the divided housings 20 and 30, and electrically connect the circuit patterns 24 and 34 formed on the divided housings 20 and 30 between the facing surfaces 21a and 31a. Configured to connect.

  More specifically, at least one pair (here, a plurality of pairs) of connection terminal portions 25 and 35 facing each other in the combined form is formed on each of the pair of facing surfaces 21a and 31a.

  The connection terminal portions 25 and 35 are conductive portions and are electrically connected to the circuit patterns 24 and 34. Similar to the circuit patterns 24 and 34, the connection terminal portions 25 and 35 are formed by metal plating or the like.

  And if both the split housings 20 and 30 are united, a pair of opposing surfaces 21a and 31a will surface-contact. Thereby, between the pair of opposing surfaces 21a and 31a, the corresponding connection terminal portions 25 and 35 come into contact with each other under a predetermined pressing force to be electrically connected.

  The means for performing electrical connection between the divided housings 20 and 30 is not limited to the above example. For example, the connection terminal portions 25 and 35 on the pair of opposing surfaces 21a and 31a are formed in a concavo-convex shape that can be fitted to each other, and the concavo-convex shape is fitted in a state where both the divided housings 20 and 30 are combined. The connection terminal portions 25 and 35 may be in electrical contact with each other.

  Moreover, the structure which connects the contact parts electrically connected to the circuit patterns 24 and 34 by soldering between a pair of opposing surfaces 21a and 31a may be sufficient.

  Further, an anisotropic conductive member may be interposed between the pair of opposing surfaces 21a and 31a, and the connection terminal portions 25 and 35 may be electrically connected through the anisotropic conductive member.

  In short, it is possible to employ various configurations that perform electrical connection between the opposing surfaces 21a and 31a.

  The joint cover 40 is disposed so as to cover the facing portions of the facing surfaces 21 a and 31 a of the peripheral wall portions 21 and 31 from the outside of the connector housing 12.

  Here, the joint portion cover 40 is formed in a substantially U-shaped overall shape in which the elongated rod-shaped side rod portions 42 are coupled to both ends of the elongated rod-shaped connecting portion 41 (see FIG. 10). Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of each part is formed in a substantially square shape that can be fitted into the concave groove 14.

  The main joint cover 40 can be fitted into the concave grooves 14 on the three side surfaces of the connector housing 12 so as to fill the recesses.

  In addition, the junction part cover 40 may be divided | segmented into plurality. In this case, after assembling the joint cover 40 to the connector housing 12, it is preferable to weld the divided parts of the joint cover 40 by a laser transmission welding method or the like described later.

  The joint cover 40 is welded to the divided housings 20 and 30.

  Here, the inner surface of the groove 14 and the outer surface of the joint cover 40 are welded over the entire extending direction of the joint cover 40 (see the hatched portion in FIG. 6). As a result, the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover are joined in a sealing manner on the outside of the facing surfaces 21a and 31a, and the connection portions by the connection terminal portions 25 and 35 are protected from the outside.

  In addition, the junction part cover 40 does not necessarily need to be fitted in the concave groove 14. In short, any configuration may be used as long as the joint cover 40 is disposed so as to cover the facing surfaces 21 a and 31 a from the outside of the connector housing 12 and is welded to the divided housings 20 and 30.

  Here, the welding between the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover 40 is preferably performed by a laser transmission welding method. The laser transmission welding method uses the following principle. That is, a laser beam is irradiated from the light transmitting resin component side in a state where the light transmitting resin component and the light absorbing resin component are overlapped. Then, a laser beam permeate | transmits a light transmissive resin component, and generates the heat | fever vicinity part of the boundary of a light transmissive resin component among light absorptive resin components. In this method, both resin parts are melted and joined by this heat.

  Such a laser transmission welding method has an advantage that two members can be welded without vibration, with high accuracy and with good adhesion.

  In order to carry out this laser transmission welding method, one of the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover 40 is formed of a light transmitting resin component, the other is formed of a light absorbing resin component, and both It is preferable that the melting temperature is close to the extent that laser welding is possible. For example, the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover 40 are formed of crosslinked PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), LCP (liquid crystal polymer), PPA (polyphthalamide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), and the like. It is preferable that a coloring material (a pigment-based absorbing dye, a dye-based absorbing dye, or the like) is mixed in an amount that can absorb laser light.

  Of course, the joint cover 40 and the divided housings 20 and 30 may be welded by other welding methods such as ultrasonic welding.

  Such a connector device 10 with a control function is manufactured as follows, for example.

  That is, after the divided housings 20 and 30 are formed by molding or the like, circuit patterns 24 and 34 and connection terminal portions 25 and 35 are formed on the inner surfaces of the divided housings 20 and 30 by metal plating or the like. The electronic component 16 is mounted. Further, the terminal portion and the connection cable 4 are assembled into the divided housings 20 and 30.

  And the junction part cover 40 is set to the hollow part 14b of the surrounding wall part 31a of the lower division | segmentation housing 30. FIG. In this state, the upper divided housing 20 is superimposed on the lower divided housing 30 so that the corresponding connection terminal portions 25 and 35 are brought into contact with each other. Then, when both outer side surfaces of the joint cover 40 and both inner side surfaces of the concave groove 14 of the connector housing 12 are welded together, the assembly of the connector device 10 with control function is completed.

  In addition, after uniting both split housings 20 and 30, you may make it set to the concave groove 14, expanding the junction cover 40. FIG.

  According to the connector device with a control function configured as described above, the joint portions welded to the divided housings 20 and 30 so as to cover the facing surfaces 21a and 31a of the peripheral wall portions 21 and 31 from the outside of the connector housing 12. Since the cover 40 is provided, the connection terminal portions 25 and 35, which are electrical connection means, can be sufficiently protected between the opposing surfaces 21a and 31a of the peripheral wall portions 21 and 31, respectively. Specifically, it is possible to prevent water and oil from entering from the outside. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent external parts, dust, and the like from coming into contact with the connection terminal portions 25 and 35. In addition, electrical leakage from the connection terminal portions 25 and 35 can be effectively prevented.

  In addition, since both inner side surfaces of the groove 14 and both outer surfaces of the joint cover are welded in a state where the joint cover 40 is fitted in the groove 14, the joint cover 40 is fitted in the groove 14. In this state, welding work can be performed easily. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent the joint cover 40 from falling off after the welding, and the external shape of the connector housing 12 can be made to have a shape with less unevenness.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a connector device with a control function according to a modification, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the connector device with a control function according to the modification is connected to a mating connector.

  In the control function-equipped connector device 10 </ b> B according to this modification, an annular member 50 is externally fitted to the connector housing 12, and an annular waterproof member 52 is externally fitted to the outer periphery of the annular member 50.

  The annular member 50 is externally fitted to the connector housing 12 so as to cross the welded portions between the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover 40. Here, the annular member 50 is externally fitted to the connector portion 15 provided for fitting connection to the mating connector 60 in the connector housing 12.

  The annular member 50 is welded in close contact with at least a welded portion between each of the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover 40. Here, the annular member 50 is welded to the outer periphery of the connector housing 12 over the entire circumference of the annular member 50. This portion is also preferably welded by a laser transmission welding method in the same manner as described above, and the annular member 50 is preferably formed of a member capable of laser welding with the connector housing 12.

  The annular waterproofing member 52 is interposed in the fitting connection portion between the connector device with this control function and the connector of the connection destination, and prevents water from entering the contact portion between both terminals. This is a waterproof rubber ring for use (see FIG. 12).

  In this modification, an annular member 50 is externally fitted to the connector housing 12, and the annular member 50 is welded in close contact with a welded portion between each of the divided housings 20 and 30 and the joint cover 40. Since the annular waterproof member 52 is externally fitted around the outer periphery of 50, it is possible to more reliably prevent water from entering between the sections partitioned by the annular waterproof member 52.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 13, when both outer side surfaces of the joint cover 40 and both inner side surfaces of the concave groove 14 are welded (see the portion marked with “x” in FIG. 13), Subtle irregularities are generated at the welded portions. Therefore, when the annular waterproof member 52 is directly fitted around the outer periphery of the connector housing 12 in such a manner as to cross these welded portions, a slight gap is generated between the connector housing 12 and the annular waterproof member 52 at the welded portion. , There is a risk of liquid intrusion in this area.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the annular member 50 is welded in close contact with the welded portions of the divided housings 20, 30 and the joint cover 40, and the annular waterproof member 52 is provided around the outer periphery of the annular member 50. Are externally fitted and welded (see the portion marked with “x” in FIG. 14), the gap as described above can be eliminated. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent water from entering between the sections partitioned by the annular waterproof member 52.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first application example of a connector device with a control function according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a system block diagram which shows the 2nd application example of the connector apparatus with a control function which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the connector apparatus with a control function. It is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the VV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a principal part expansion perspective view of the connector apparatus with a control function. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connector apparatus with a control function. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the division | segmentation housing of one side (upper side). It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the division | segmentation housing of the other side (lower side). It is a top view which shows a junction part cover. It is a perspective view which shows the connector apparatus with a control function which concerns on a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the connector apparatus with a control function which concerns on a modification is connected to the other party connector. It is an enlarged view which shows the welding part of a junction part cover and a division | segmentation housing. It is an enlarged view which shows the part which welded the annular member to the welding part of a junction part cover and a division | segmentation housing.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10B Connector device with control function 12 Connector housing 14 Concave groove 15 Connector part 16 Electronic component 20, 30 Divided housing 21, 31 Peripheral wall part 21a, 31a Opposing surface 24, 34 Circuit pattern 25, 35 Connection terminal part 40 Joint cover 50 annular member 52 annular waterproofing member

Claims (3)

A connector device with a control function connected to external wiring and electronic equipment,
A connector housing configured by combining a plurality of divided housings having a peripheral wall portion;
A control circuit unit composed of a circuit pattern formed on each of the divided housings and an electronic component mounted on the inner surface of each of the divided housings;
Connection means for electrically connecting circuit patterns formed on each of the divided housings between opposing portions of the peripheral wall portions in a form in which the divided housings are combined.
A joint cover welded to each of the divided housings so as to cover a facing portion of each peripheral wall from the outside of the connector housing;
A connector device with a control function. The connector device with a control function according to claim 1,
A concave groove is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the connector housing along the opposing portion of each peripheral wall portion,
The joint cover is formed in a shape that can be fitted into the concave groove,
The connector device with a control function, wherein at least both inner side surfaces of the concave groove and both outer side surfaces of the joint portion cover are welded in a state where the joint cover is fitted in the concave groove. The connector device with a control function according to claim 1 or 2,
An annular member that is externally fitted to the connector housing so as to cross a welded portion between each of the divided housings and the joint cover, and is welded in close contact with at least the welded portion,
An annular waterproofing member fitted around the outer periphery of the annular member;
A connector device with a control function further comprising:

Images