JP2015005340A - Waterproof connector and waterproof structure of electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized waterproof connector capable of contributing to achievement of proper waterproof performance.SOLUTION: A waterproof connector is fixed to an inner surface of an insertion hole, which is formed in a housing case, in such a manner that side surfaces face each other. The side surface comprises an unevenly-shaped surface where wedge-shaped irregularities continue in opposed longitudinal directions. In this case, the unevenly-shaped surface includes a first area subjected to water repellent finishing, and a second area subjected to hydrophilic finishing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof connector used for an electronic device having a waterproof function, and a waterproof structure of the electronic device.

  In recent years, many portable terminals having a waterproof function have been provided in consideration of user usage scenes. In such a waterproof portable terminal, since an interface connector represented by an earphone jack is exposed to the outside, it must be devised so that moisture from the outside does not enter the portable terminal.

  Therefore, it is often performed to provide a packing between the connector and the housing case and to deform the packing so as to eliminate a gap between the connector and the housing case and prevent water from entering.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof connector of a type in which a terminal fixed to an electric wire is inserted and held. In the waterproof connector, after the assembly, the water repellent coating is applied over the inner surface of the terminal / wire insertion hole of the holder, the outer surface of the seal member exposed to the outside from the terminal / wire insertion hole, and the outer surface of the wire in the terminal / wire insertion hole. (See FIG. 1A of Patent Document 1). As a result, even if rainwater collects inside the connector, the water repellent coating causes the rainwater to be rounded by the surface tension and come out to the outside under its own weight and roll down, thereby improving the waterproof performance.

JP 2000-91021 A International Publication No. 2010/131420

  The following analysis is given from the perspective of the present invention.

  However, in the waterproof means using the packing described above, since the packing is attached to the outer periphery of the connector, the size of the packing must be larger than the outer diameter of the connector at the earphone jack portion. In addition, a flange having an outer diameter equal to or greater than that of the packing must be disposed behind the packing so that the packing does not shift when the connector with packing is inserted into the housing case. Therefore, there exists a problem that the size of a connector will become large.

  Further, in the waterproof connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent rainwater from entering when the diameter of rainwater rounded by the water-repellent coating is sufficiently larger than the gap leading to the inside of the housing. However, when the rainwater diameter is smaller than the gap leading to the inside of the housing, the rainwater cannot be prevented from entering, and there is a possibility that a sufficient waterproof effect cannot be obtained.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the waterproof connector which can contribute to realization of small and favorable waterproof performance.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waterproof connector that is fixed to an inner surface of an insertion hole formed in a housing case so that side surfaces thereof are opposed to each other, the side surfaces being wedge-shaped in the opposing longitudinal direction. There is provided a waterproof connector including a concavo-convex shape surface in which the concavo-convex shape is continuous, and the concavo-convex shape surface includes a first region subjected to water-repellent processing and a second region subjected to hydrophilic processing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the waterproof connector according to the first aspect described above and a housing case in which an insertion hole for fixing the waterproof connector is formed, and the uneven surface of the waterproof connector has the uneven surface. Provided is a waterproof structure for an electronic device that is fixed so as to face an inner surface of an insertion hole.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the waterproof connector which can contribute to realization of small and favorable waterproof performance can be provided.

It is sectional drawing and the elements on larger scale which show the waterproof connector which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing an outline of a portable terminal provided with a waterproof connector concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing, the side view, and partial enlarged view which show the waterproof connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state before and after incorporating the waterproof connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a housing | casing case. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. In 1st Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the infiltration state of water at the time of assuming that water-repellent processing and hydrophilic processing are not given. It is a figure for demonstrating the waterproof effect of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example which has arrange | positioned the waterproof connector which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment in the round shape part of the housing | casing case. It is sectional drawing and the elements on larger scale which show the waterproof connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the waterproof connector of related technology. It is a figure which shows an example which has arrange | positioned the waterproof connector of related technology to the round shape part of the housing | casing case.

  First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the reference numerals of the drawings added in the description of the outline of the embodiment are merely examples for helping understanding, and are not intended to be limited to the illustrated modes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the waterproof connector 100 according to an embodiment is a waterproof connector that is fixed so that the side surface 101 faces the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole formed in the housing case 7. The concave-convex surface 102 includes a concave-convex surface 102 in which wedge-shaped concaves and convexes 103 are continuous in the longitudinal direction opposite to each other, and the concave-convex surface 102 includes a first region 22a subjected to water repellent processing and a second region 23 subjected to hydrophilic processing. (Figure 3).

  With the above-described configuration, even if water enters from the clearance between the waterproof connector 100 and the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole of the housing case, the water that has entered into the first region 22a becomes polka dots due to surface tension. Here, where the gap (clearance) between the wedge-shaped irregularities 103 and the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole is narrower than the polka dots, the polka dots cannot pass through the gap. Thereby, the quantity of the water which permeates can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the polka dots are smaller than the gap, the polka dots can pass through the gap. However, since the second region 23 is hydrophilically processed when it reaches the second region 23, the polka dots spread from the spherical state so as to get wet on the surface. However, since the amount of water reaching the second region 23 is small, the water cannot enter the inside of the housing case beyond the second region 23. Thereby, waterproof performance can be ensured. Moreover, in said structure, since it is not necessary to use packing etc. for waterproofing, the enlargement of an apparatus is not caused.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the waterproof connector may have two first regions (22 a, 22 b) formed adjacent to both sides of the second region 23 on the uneven surface 102.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the waterproof structure of the electronic device according to the embodiment includes a waterproof connector 20 and a housing case 7 in which an insertion hole 8 for fixing the waterproof connector 20 is formed. The surface 102 is fixed so as to face the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole.

  In the waterproof structure of the electronic device, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole has a third region (32 a, 32 b) in which water repellent processing is performed at a position corresponding to the first region (22 a, 22 b). It is preferable to contain.

  In the waterproof structure of the electronic device, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole preferably further includes a fourth region 33 that is subjected to hydrophilic processing at a position corresponding to the second region 23.

  In the waterproof structure of the electronic device, as shown in FIG. 9, the concavo-convex shaped surface 202 has a step 203 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a first stepped return portion (annular protrusion) is formed at the position of the step 203. 204 is provided, and an inner surface 118 of the insertion hole is provided with a second stepped return portion (consisting of an annular ridge portion and a concave portion) 205 that fits with the first stepped return portion 204. In addition, it is preferable that the ridge portion of the first stepped back portion 204 and the ridge portion of the second stepped back portion 205 are fixed to each other by fitting and abutting with the corresponding concave portions.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the uneven surface 202 preferably does not include wedge-shaped unevenness at the contact portion between the first stepped back portion 204 and the second stepped back portion 205.

  The step 203 is preferably provided in the second region 83 of the concavo-convex shape surface 202 as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of the first embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the portable terminal (electronic device) 1 including the waterproof connector 20 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the portable terminal 1 is exemplified as the electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to the portable terminal and can be applied to all electronic devices.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 1 is a smartphone capable of performing operation input using the touch panel 3. Below the touch panel 3, operation keys 4a to 4c (for example, keys such as “return”, “home”, “menu”) are provided. An earphone jack 2 is provided on the side surface of the housing case 7 as an interface connector. Since the earphone jack 2 is exposed to the outside, waterproofing measures must be taken so that moisture from the outside does not enter the inside of the portable terminal 1. Below, the waterproof structure (namely, the part of the waterproof connector 20 and the insertion hole 8 of a housing | casing case) of the portable terminal 1 is demonstrated in detail.

  First, the waterproof connector 20 used for the above-described earphone jack 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the waterproof connector 20. FIG. 3B is a side view seen from the left side of FIG. 3A (that is, the side exposed to the outside). FIG. 3C is a partially enlarged view of a region A in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 3B, the waterproof connector 20 has a quadrangular prism shape having substantially the same height and width. As shown in FIG. 3B, a plug insertion hole 25 is opened on one side in the longitudinal direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, a connector terminal 27 protrudes from the opposite side in the longitudinal direction, and the connector terminal 27 is soldered to a substrate (not shown). The connector terminal 27 is press-fitted into the body of the waterproof connector 20 or is integrally formed with the body of the waterproof connector 20. A gap formed between the body of the waterproof connector 20 and the connector terminal 27 is combined with waterproofing and fixing by, for example, inserting a two-component curable resin.

  On the surface of the four side surfaces 101 of the waterproof connector 20, as shown in FIG. 3C, a concavo-convex surface 102 in which fine wedge-shaped concavo-convex 103 is continuous is formed. The wedge-shaped irregularities 103 are obtained by applying irregularities to the molding surface of the molding die.

  A second belt-like second at the approximate center within the range where the uneven surface 102 fits into the inner surface (18 of FIG. 4) of the insertion hole of the housing case 7 or the portion close to the connector terminal 27 (see FIG. 4B). The region 23 is subjected to hydrophilic processing. Thereby, the 2nd field 23 turns into a hydrophilic processing surface. Here, for the hydrophilic processing, for example, the method described in Patent Document 2 can be applied. Here, the hydrophilic processed surface is formed by activating the surface by corona discharge treatment, ozone treatment, or plasma treatment in a state where the region not subjected to the hydrophilic treatment is masked. Thereby, the contact angle of a droplet can be made small (for example, less than 40 degree | times, More preferably, less than 10 degree | times) (refer patent document 2). Of course, various hydrophilic processing methods can be selected and used as necessary.

  On the other hand, the first region (22a, 22b) other than the region subjected to the hydrophilic processing is subjected to water repellent processing. Thereby, the two first regions 22a and 22b become water-repellent surfaces. Here, for example, the method described in Patent Document 2 can be applied to the water repellent finish. Here, a water repellent processed surface is formed by applying a treatment liquid in which a highly water repellent polymer such as a fluororesin or a silicon resin is dispersed by a dispenser, an ink jet or the like and then removing the liquid component by drying. Thereby, the contact angle of a droplet can be enlarged (for example, 100 degree | times or more, More preferably, it is 110 degree | times or more) (refer patent document 2). Of course, various water repellent materials can be selected and used as necessary.

  Next, a case where the above-described waterproof connector 20 is incorporated in the housing case 7 of the mobile terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state before the waterproof connector 20 is assembled into the housing case 7. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state after the waterproof connector 20 is incorporated into the housing case 7.

  In FIG. 4A, the insertion hole 8 of the housing case is slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the waterproof connector 20, and some of the vertices of the wedge-shaped unevenness 103 formed on the unevenness-shaped surface 102. It is preferable that the thickness be in contact with the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole. In this way, when the waterproof connector 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 8 from the inside of the housing case 7, the resistance does not increase and can be inserted without difficulty.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the water repellent surface (third region) 32a-b and the hydrophilic surface (fourth region) are also formed on the inner surface of the insertion hole 8 of the housing case in the same manner as the waterproof connector 20. ) 33 is preferable. Here, the water repellent surface (third region) 32a-b is made to coincide with the water repellent surface (first region) 22a-b in a state where the waterproof connector 20 is incorporated. Further, the hydrophilic processed surface (fourth region) 33 is made to coincide with the hydrophilic processed surface (second region) 23 in a state where the waterproof connector 20 is incorporated. By doing so, the water repellency of the clearance sandwiched between the first regions 22a-b and the third regions 32a-b is enhanced. Further, the hydrophilicity of the clearance sandwiched between the second region 23 and the fourth region 33 is enhanced.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the concavo-convex shaped surface 102 of the waterproof connector 20 is provided with the water-repellent surface 22a-b and the hydrophilic surface 23, and the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole of the housing case has a water-repellent surface at the corresponding position. Surfaces 32a-b and a hydrophilic processed surface 33 are provided. And after inserting the waterproof connector 20 in the insertion hole 8 of a housing | casing case, the waterproof connector 20 and the housing | casing case 7 are fixed with a screw | thread (not shown). Or you may make it fix by the method of inserting members other than a screw | thread.

  FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of region B shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, all of the apexes of the wedge-shaped protrusions 41 a to 41 d (that is, the convex portions of the wedge-shaped unevenness 103) on the uneven surface 102 of the waterproof connector 20 are brought into contact with the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole of the housing case. Can not. This is because each of the wedge-shaped protrusions 41a to 41d has dimensional variations in molding. In addition, if the apexes of all the wedge-shaped protrusions 41a to 41d come into contact with the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole, the resistance becomes very large when the waterproof connector 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 8 of the housing case, so that it does not enter. There is also. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5, when the waterproof connector 20 is fitted into the insertion hole 8 of the housing case, gaps (42a to 42d) are vacant in some places between the waterproof connector 20 and the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole. (FIG. 5 shows a case where there is a gap in any of the wedge-shaped protrusions 41a to 41d, but there is a case where they are in contact (not shown)).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a case where a state in which water-repellent processing and hydrophilic processing are not performed will be described. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the water 49 enters when the portable terminal 1 is submerged in a state where the water repellent process and the hydrophilic process are not performed. As shown in FIG. 6, the water 49 enters the gap between the waterproof connector and the housing case 7, and further, the water 49 enters the inside of the mobile terminal 1 due to a capillary phenomenon.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal 1 having the waterproof connector 20 according to the first embodiment is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, a water repellent process is applied to the first region 22 a of the concave and convex surface 102 on the outer side (plug insertion hole 25 side) and the third region 32 a of the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole. By this water repellent processing, even if water adheres, the water becomes spherical (polka dots 51) due to surface tension. And when the magnitude | size of the polka dot 51 is larger than the clearance gap (clearance) 42a-b, it cannot enter inside through the clearance gaps 42a-b. In addition, small polka dots can enter, but when reaching a portion where there is no gap (not shown in FIG. 7), the intrusion stops.

  On the other hand, when there is a gap, the polka dots 51 smaller than the gap penetrate between the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole of the housing case and the uneven surface 102 of the waterproof connector 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the polka dots 51 reach the hydrophilic processed surfaces (23, 33) next to the water repellent processed surfaces (22a, 32a), the surface tension of the water is almost eliminated by the hydrophilic processing, and the water is spherical. The surface spreads so as to get wet from the state (FIG. 7 shows surfaces 52a and 52b painted with water).

  However, the water reaching the hydrophilic processed surface (23, 33) is limited to a small one of the polka dots 51 generated on the water repellent processed surface (22a, 32a), and there is a narrower gap than the polka dot 51 in the middle. In some cases, the hydrophilic processed surfaces (23, 33) cannot be reached. Therefore, the amount of water that can reach the hydrophilic processed surfaces (23, 33) is very small and does not wet the entire hydrophilic processed surfaces (23, 33). For this reason, since water cannot permeate beyond a hydrophilic processed surface (23, 33), water does not enter the inside of the portable terminal 1, and waterproof performance is ensured.

  In addition, in FIG. 7, although the waterproof effect of 1st Embodiment was demonstrated by one water-repellent processed surface (22a, 32a) and one hydrophilic processed surface (23, 33), in 1st Embodiment Further, a water repellent surface (22b, 33b) is provided. Therefore, even if water intrudes beyond the hydrophilic processed surfaces (23, 33), the infiltrated water is made spherical (polka dots) again by the water repellent processed surfaces (22b, 33b) to make it difficult for water to pass. Therefore, waterproof performance can be further enhanced.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the water-repellent surface and the hydrophilic surface are provided on both sides of the uneven surface 102 and the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water-repellent surface and the hydrophilic surface may be provided only on the uneven surface 102 side (that is, the waterproof connector 20 side). Alternatively, only the water repellent surface may be provided on the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole. In these cases, the waterproof effect is reduced as compared with the case where the water repellent surface and the hydrophilic surface are provided on both sides, but a certain degree of waterproof effect can be obtained. Further, although the waterproof effect is reduced, there is an advantage that the configuration on the inner surface 18 side of the insertion hole can be simplified.

(Related technology)
Next, a related technique of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a waterproof connector 10 of related art. This method uses the packing 11 and is widely used when a waterproof function is given to an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 10, in order to attach the packing 11 to the outer periphery of the connector 10, the size of the packing 11 must be larger than the outer diameter of the portion where the plug insertion hole 15 is present.

  Further, when the connector 10 with the packing 11 is inserted and assembled into the housing case 9, a flange 12 having a height equal to or higher than the packing 11 must be arranged on the rear side of the packing 11 so that the packing 11 does not shift. As a result, there is a problem that the size of the connector 10 becomes large.

(Comparison between the first embodiment and related technology)
Next, the effects obtained in the first embodiment will be described by comparing the first embodiment with the related technology shown in FIG. As described above, in the connector 10 according to the related art of FIG. 10, it is necessary to attach the packing 11 to the outer diameter of the connector 10 or to mold the flange 12, so that the size of the connector 10 is increased in order to obtain a waterproof function. End up.

  On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the uneven surface 102 in which the wedge-shaped unevenness 103 continues is formed on the side surface 101 of the waterproof connector 20, and the water-repellent surface 22 a-b and the hydrophilic processed surface 23 are formed on the uneven surface 102. In addition, the water repellent processed surfaces 32a to 32b and the hydrophilic processed surface 33 are also applied to the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole of the housing case at the corresponding positions, so that waterproof performance can be obtained. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the packing 11 and the flange 12 on the outer diameter of the waterproof connector 20, so that an effect that it is possible to realize a small and good waterproof performance is obtained.

  In addition, the outer size of the waterproof connector 20 can be set to a minimum size that can maintain the strength as a connector, which can contribute to the thinning of the device. In particular, the waterproof connector 20 according to the first embodiment is suitable for a portable terminal or the like that is strongly demanded to be thin.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a mobile terminal (electronic device) 91 according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in the modification of 1st Embodiment, the same referential mark is attached | subjected with respect to the component which has a function substantially the same as 1st Embodiment. The modification of the first embodiment shows that the waterproof connector can be installed at an arbitrary position of the housing case 97. As an example, FIG. 8 shows a case where the waterproof connector 40 is provided in the round shape portion of the casing case 97 of the portable terminal 91 (in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. The waterproof connector 20 is provided at a position away from the corner to some extent). The waterproof connector 40 is the same as the waterproof connector 20 (first embodiment) except that the portion exposed to the outside has a round shape.

  In FIG. 8, the waterproof connector 40 can be inserted and fixed in the round shape portion of the housing case 97. In order to fix the waterproof connector 40, a flange 72 formed on the connector terminal 17 side is used.

  On the other hand, FIG. 11 shows an example in which the waterproof connector 30 according to the related art is provided in the round shape portion of the housing case 99. In the waterproof connector 30 of FIG. 11, a packing 61 is used and a flange 62 is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, the front end of the housing case 99 is gradually thinner due to the round shape. For this reason, if the packing 61 is close to the connector 30, the casing case 99 may be broken because the packing 61 cannot withstand a force sufficient to deform the packing 61. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures depending on whether the packing 61 is disposed in a portion where the casing case 99 is sufficiently thick or whether a thick portion (that is, a portion having high strength) is formed in the casing case 99.

  Further, when the packing 61 is fitted from the left side of the connector 30, if there is a distance from the tip of the connector 30, the packing 61 is kinked and water enters through the gap, and there is a problem that the waterproof property is lost. As described above, it can be seen that the waterproof connector 30 of the type using the packing 61 has many problems as a waterproof connector installed in the round shape portion of the housing case 99.

  As described above, according to the modification of the first embodiment, since the system does not use packing, the problem in the related art described above does not occur. As a result, the degree of freedom of the position where the waterproof connector is installed in the housing case can be improved. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the housing case 99 at the position where the waterproof connector 40 is installed, the degree of freedom of the shape of the housing case 99 can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a waterproof connector 50 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a partially enlarged view of a region C in FIG. FIG. 9C is a partially enlarged view of a region C in a state where the waterproof connector 50 is fitted to the housing case 87. In the second embodiment, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the first embodiment, the water-repellent processed surface and the hydrophilic processed surface are provided on one uneven surface 102, but in the second embodiment, a step 203 is provided in the middle of the uneven surface 202 to provide unevenness. The shape surface 202 is separated into two with a step 203 therebetween.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the step 203 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the waterproof connector 50 according to the second embodiment is similar to the waterproof connector 20 according to the first embodiment in the hydrophilic surface (second region) 83 on the uneven surface 202. Two water-repellent surfaces (first regions) 82a to 82b are provided adjacent to both sides of the surface. Further, the uneven shape surface 202 of the waterproof connector 50 is provided with a step 203 on the hydrophilic processed surface 83, and by this step 203, the uneven shape surface 202 is closer to the region closer to the plug insertion hole 25 than the step 203 and to the step 203. The region is divided into two regions on the connector terminal 27 side. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9B, a first step-back portion 204 including an annular ridge portion and a concave portion is formed at the position of the step 203. Here, said protrusion part protrudes toward the plug insertion hole 25 side.

  Here, the concavo-convex shape surface 202, the step 203, and the first stepped return portion 204 divided into the above two regions are formed by a molding die.

  Next, the structure of the inner surface 118 of the insertion hole of the housing case 87 will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the inner surface 18 of the insertion hole of the first embodiment, the inner surface 118 of the insertion hole has a water-repellent surface (third region) at positions corresponding to the two water-repellent surfaces (first regions) 82a and 82b. ) 182a-b are provided. A hydrophilic processed surface 183 is provided at a position corresponding to the hydrophilic processed surface 83. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, the inner surface 118 of the insertion hole of the housing case is provided with a step 303 corresponding to the step 203 described above. Further, when the waterproof connector 50 and the housing case 87 are fitted as shown in FIG. 9C, the inner surface 118 of the insertion hole of the housing case 87 has a first stepped back portion 204 of the waterproof connector 50. And a second stepped back portion 205 composed of an annular ridge portion and a concave portion is formed (the ridge portion of the second stepped back portion 205 protrudes toward the connector terminal 27 side. ) Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (C), the protruding portion of the first stepped return portion 204 and the protruding portion of the second stepped return portion 205 are fitted into and fixed to the corresponding recesses. ing.

  Further, in the portion where the first stepped back portion 204 and the second stepped back portion 205 abut, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, wedge-shaped irregularities are not formed.

  By providing the first and second stepped return portions (204, 205) described above, it is possible to lengthen the water intrusion path by the length of the portion where they are in contact with each other. In addition, since the wedge-shaped unevenness is not formed at the portion where the first stepped back portion 204 and the second stepped back portion 205 are in contact with each other, the gap can be reduced. It can be dammed at the position. Thereby, a waterproof effect can be heightened.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effect obtained in the first embodiment, the above-described configuration has the effect that the waterproof effect can be enhanced as compared with the first embodiment. can get.

  In each embodiment, the case where the waterproof connector has a quadrangular prism shape having substantially the same height and width has been described. However, the waterproof connector is not limited thereto, and may have an arbitrary shape (for example, a cylinder and an arbitrary number of cross sections). Of course, the same effects as those shown in each embodiment can be obtained.

  The waterproof connector of the present invention is suitable as an external interface connector mounted on an electronic device having a waterproof function (for example, a waterproof portable terminal or a waterproof camera).

  Note that, within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims and drawings) of the present invention, the embodiments can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. Various combinations or selections of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention. . That is, the present invention naturally includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the drawings, and the technical idea. In particular, with respect to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included in the range should be construed as being specifically described even if there is no specific description.

1, 91, 92: Portable terminal (electronic device)
2: Earphone jack 3: Touch panel 4a-c: Operation keys 7, 9, 87, 97, 99: Housing case 8, 28: Insert hole 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100: Connector (waterproof connector)
11: Packing 12: Flange 15, 25: Plug insertion hole 17: Connector terminal 18, 118: Inner surface 22a-b of insertion hole, 82a-b: Water-repellent surface (first region)
23, 83: Hydrophilic processed surface (second region)
27: Connector terminals 32a-b, 182a-b: water-repellent surface (third region)
33, 183: hydrophilic processed surface (fourth region)
41a-d: wedge-shaped protrusions 42a-d: clearance (gap)
49: Water 51: Polka dots 52a-b: Water-painted surface 61: Packing 62, 72: Flange 101, 201: Side surface 102, 202: Concavity and convexity surface 103: Wedge-like concavity and convexity 203, 303: Step 204: First Step return unit 205: second step return unit

Claims (8)

A waterproof connector that is fixed to the inner surface of the insertion hole formed in the housing case so that the side surfaces face each other,
The side surface includes an uneven shape surface in which wedge-shaped unevenness is continuous in the opposing longitudinal direction,
The waterproof connector according to claim 1, wherein the uneven surface includes a first region subjected to water repellent processing and a second region subjected to hydrophilic processing.   The waterproof connector according to claim 2, wherein two of the first regions are formed adjacent to both sides of the second region on the uneven surface. The waterproof connector according to claim 1 or 2,
A housing case in which an insertion hole for fixing the waterproof connector is formed, and
A waterproof structure for an electronic device, wherein the uneven surface of the waterproof connector is fixed so as to face the inner surface of the insertion hole.   4. The waterproof structure for an electronic device according to claim 3, wherein an inner surface of the insertion hole includes a third region having a water repellent finish at a position corresponding to the first region.   5. The waterproof structure for an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the insertion hole further includes a fourth region in which hydrophilic processing is performed at a position corresponding to the second region. The concavo-convex shape surface has a step in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a first stepped portion including an annular protrusion and a recess is provided at the position of the step,
The inner surface of the insertion hole is provided with a second stepped-back portion composed of an annular ridge and a recess that fits with the first stepped-back portion,
6. The protruding portion of the first stepped return portion and the protruding portion of the second stepped return portion are fixed in contact with each other by fitting and abutting with corresponding concave portions. The waterproof structure of the electronic device as described in any one.   The waterproof structure for an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the concavo-convex shape surface does not include the wedge-shaped concavo-convex portion at a contact portion between the first stepped return portion and the second stepped return portion. .   The waterproof structure for an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the step is provided in the second region of the uneven surface.

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