JP4066252B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown schematically in FIG. 5, an automobile drive system casing 1 is provided with an opening 3 to which a connector 2 for connecting an electric device arranged inside to an external power supply circuit is attached. Yes. The opening 3 is kept watertight by an O-ring 4 or the like in order to prevent water from entering from the outside.
On the other hand, since the internal pressure rises in the casing 1 due to the high temperature accompanying the operation of the mechanism of the drive system, the normal casing 1 is provided with a pipe 5 for pressure relief.
In addition, the thing of the following patent document 1 is known as an example of the casing of the drive system of a motor vehicle.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-181079
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the above-described pressure release pipe 5 is connected to the side surface of the metal casing 1 by welding, it takes time and effort for welding, and the cost is high, and improvement has been demanded.
The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent an increase in internal pressure at a low cost.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 is characterized in that a connector attached in a state of penetrating a casing inward and outward, a connector arranged outside the casing and connected to an external circuit and fitted to the connector The connector housing that constitutes the connector is provided with a pressure relief hole that communicates with the internal space of the casing and the outside, and the connector housing is provided in the casing. An O-ring that is attached in a state of penetrating through the provided opening and between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the opening is attached to seal the opening in close contact with both, and the external connector Between the outer peripheral surface of the housing constituting the housing and the inner peripheral surface of the connector housing to which the housing is fitted. A seal ring is attached, and the housing of the external connector is provided with a cavity for receiving a terminal fitting connected to the end of the electric wire, and between the inner peripheral surface of the cavity and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire. Is mounted with a waterproof rubber plug that is in close contact with and seals between the two, and the O-ring, the seal ring, and the waterproof rubber plug are external to the internal space of the casing, the connector, and the external connector. and Tsu coercive watertight manner from (provided that said depressurizing hole communicating the inner space of the casing, said cavity communicating with the depressurizing hole, a core wire constituting the wire disposed within the cavity coating and allowable for circulation of air) between the gap between said connector housing, when formed integrally with the coil device accommodated in the casing And a fitting portion capable of fitting the external connector, wherein the pressure release holes are formed to open to the internal space and the fitting portion, respectively, and the connector housing includes the coil device. Is formed from a connector portion that protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction from the outer peripheral side end portion of the exterior body, and this connector portion is connected to the exterior body and has a small diameter portion that is flush with the outer peripheral surface The small-diameter portion and the fitting portion are connected to each other, and the large-diameter portion can be fitted into the opening portion and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion and the exterior body along the radial direction. The pressure release hole is substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion and the exterior body, and opens to the inner surface of the large-diameter portion and the inner surface of the large-diameter portion. And the coil device is accommodated in the casing. In a state having features at where the structure is disposed above the said small diameter portion.
[0007]
[Action and effect of the invention]
<Invention of Claim 1>
Even when the inside of the casing becomes hot, air in the internal space is released from the internal space of the casing to the outside through the pressure release hole, so that an increase in internal pressure can be suppressed. According to the present invention, since the pressure relief is performed by using the connector that penetrates the casing inside and outside, the pressure relief pipe is not required as in the prior art, and it is possible to cope with low cost. it can.
Even if the connector housing is integrally formed with the coil device housed in the casing, the internal pressure is increased by releasing the air in the internal space from the internal space to the fitting portion where the external connector is fitted by the pressure release hole. Can be suppressed.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, reference examples and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
< Reference example >
A reference example will be described with reference to FIG. In this reference example , a connector 20 attached to a metal casing 10 used in an automobile drive system is shown.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 20 is attached in a state of penetrating through an opening 11 provided on a side wall of a substantially box-shaped casing 10, and an electrical device (not shown) accommodated in the casing 10 (for example, A coil device or the like) can be electrically connected to a power feeding circuit arranged in the external O. Specifically, an internal connector 12 connected to an electrical device via an electric wire W is arranged in the casing 10, whereas an external connector connected to a power feeding circuit via the electric wire W is provided outside the casing 10. 13 is arranged, and both the connectors 12 and 13 are fitted and connected to the connector 20 so that electric power is supplied to the electrical equipment.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, the inner and outer connectors 12, 13 are both housed in a synthetic resin housing 12a, 13a and a cavity provided in the housing 12a, 13a and connected to the terminal of each electric wire W. A plurality of female terminal fittings 12b and 13b are formed, and lock arms 12c and 13c are projected from the upper surfaces of the housings 12a and 13a. In the external connector 13, the waterproof rubber plug 13 d is attached between the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire W and the inner peripheral surface of the cavity, thereby preventing water from entering the cavity from the external O.
[0012]
The connector 20 includes a connector housing 21 made of synthetic resin. The connector housing 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape that opens into the casing 10 and an inner fitting portion 22 into which the external connector 13 can be fitted, and the casing 10. An outer fitting portion 23 having a substantially cylindrical shape that is open to the outside and into which the external connector 13 can be fitted is provided. Among these, a seal ring 24 is mounted between the inner peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the outer fitting portion 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the external connector 13. It is possible to prevent water from entering between 23 and the external connector 13. Further, lock portions 25 and 26 capable of locking the lock arms 12c and 13c of both the inner and outer connectors 12 and 13 to be fitted, respectively, are provided on the upper portions of the both fitting portions.
[0013]
The connector housing 21 is formed by inserting a plurality of terminal fittings 27 into a molding die in advance, pouring molten resin into the molding die and solidifying it, and then opening the die. As a result, each terminal fitting 27 is embedded inside. The terminal fitting 27 is formed in a substantially plate shape that is bent halfway by press-molding a metal plate, and both end portions thereof are protruded into both fitting portions, and both the inner and outer connectors 12, 13 are provided. The female terminal fittings 12b and 13b can be contacted.
[0014]
An O-ring mounting groove 28 in which an O-ring 29 for sealing the opening 11 can be fitted is provided around the center in the length direction on the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 21. The O-ring 29 can keep the opening 11 watertight by being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening 11 when the connector housing 21 is attached. This makes it possible to prevent water from entering the casing 10 through the opening 11 from the outside O.
[0015]
A mounting portion 30 is provided so as to project downward from the lower surface of the connector housing 21, and the mounting portion 30 is made of a metal that can be inserted with a bolt B for fixing the connector housing 21 to the casing 10. A collar 31 is inserted in the same manner as the terminal fitting 27. The bolt B can be screwed into a screw recess 14 provided on the outer surface of the casing 10.
[0016]
Now, in the connector housing 21, a pressure release hole 32 is provided at a middle position between the upper and lower terminal fittings 27 in the figure along the length direction (horizontal direction) of the terminal fitting 27. The pressure release holes 32 are formed to open to the back surface of the outer fitting portion 23 (inwardly in the radial direction from the seal ring 24) and the back surface of the inner fitting portion 22, respectively. It communicates with the internal space I (the right side of the casing 10 in FIG. 2) and the external O (the left side of the casing 10 in FIG. 2) so that the air in the internal space I of the casing 10 can escape to the external O. It has become. Specifically, when the air in the internal space I flows into the pressure release hole 32 through the gap between the housing 12a of the internal connector 12 and the inner fitting portion 22, and then flows into the outer fitting portion 23, It flows into the cavity of the external connector 13 and escapes to the outside O through the gap between the core wire Wa and the covering Wb in the electric wire W accommodated therein.
[0017]
This reference example has the above structure, and its operation will be described. First, to assemble the connector housing 21 to the casing 10, the inner fitting portion 22 is inserted into the opening portion 11 from the outside O of the casing 10. When the collar 31 of the mounting portion 30 is inserted to a depth where it contacts the outer surface of the casing 10, the bolt B is inserted into the collar 31 and is screwed into the screw recess 14 so that the connector housing 21 can not be detached from the casing 10. To do. At this time, the O-ring 29 is compressed between the peripheral surface of the O-ring mounting groove 28 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 11 and is in close contact with both, whereby the opening 11 is sealed.
[0018]
Subsequently, an operation of fitting the internal connector 12 to the inner fitting portion 22 and fitting the outer connector 13 to the outer fitting portion 23 is performed. When the connectors 12 and 13 are properly fitted, the lock arms 12c and 13c are locked to the lock portions 25 and 26, respectively, so that the connectors 12 and 13 are held from the fitted state. In the fitted state, the female terminal fittings 12b and 13b of the connectors 12 and 13 are brought into contact with both ends of the terminal fitting 27, respectively, so that the electrical equipment in the casing 10 is electrically connected to the external O feeding circuit. Therefore, it is possible to supply electric power to the electric device. Further, the seal ring 24 is compressed between the external connector 13 and the outer fitting portion 23, and the seal is achieved by being in close contact with both. In addition to the assembly procedure described above, for example, the internal connector 12 drawn out of the casing 10 through the opening 11 is fitted into the inner fitting portion 22 and then the connector housing 21 is attached to the opening 11. Good.
[0019]
After the assembly is completed as described above, when the drive system mechanism is operated, the oil injected into the casing 10 is heated, so that the temperature in the casing 10 rises and the internal pressure is increased accordingly. Tries to rise. However, when the air in the internal space I flows into the pressure release hole 32 through the gap between the housing 12a of the internal connector 12 and the inner fitting portion 22, and then flows into the outer fitting portion 23, the external connector Since the space between the 13 housings 13a and the outer fitting portion 23 is sealed by the seal ring 24, it flows into the cavity of the housing 13a. And since the space and the electric wire W are sealed with the waterproof rubber plug 13d, the air in the internal space I flows into the gap between the core wire Wa and the covering Wb in the electric wire W, and then the opposite in the electric wire W. Escape from the terminal on the side to the external O. Thus, since the air in the internal space I is released to the external O through the pressure release holes 32 and the external connector 13, an increase in the internal pressure of the casing 10 can be suppressed.
[0020]
As described above, according to the present reference example , the casing 10 is depressurized by using the connector 20 that penetrates the casing 10 and is attached to the inside and outside. Can be eliminated, and the cost can be reduced.
[0021]
<Implementation form>
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIG. In the present embodiment, the connector housing is integrally formed with the coil device 40 accommodated in the casing 10A.
[0022]
In the coil device 40, a synthetic resin exterior body 43 is formed by molding around a bobbin 42 around which a coil 41 is wound, and is formed in a substantially ring shape. A connector portion 44 that can be inserted into the opening portion 11A of the casing 10A is provided at the outer peripheral side end portion of the exterior body 43 so as to protrude laterally (a direction substantially orthogonal to the radial direction). The connector portion 44 corresponds to the connector housing described in the claims.
[0023]
The connector 44 includes a small-diameter portion 45 that is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the exterior body 43, a large-diameter portion 46 having a diameter that can be fitted into the opening 11A, and a substantially cylinder that opens to the outside of the casing 10A. And a fitting portion 47 that can be fitted with an external connector 13A connected to an external O power supply circuit via an electric wire W. On the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 46, there is provided an O-ring mounting groove 28A in which an O-ring 29A that can be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening 11A is fitted. The fitting portion 47 is provided with a lock portion 26A and a seal ring 24A similar to those in the reference example .
[0024]
In the connector portion 44, two substantially plate-like terminal fittings 27A connected to the ends of the coils 41 are embedded, and the distal end portions thereof are arranged to protrude into the fitting portion 47 and the external connector 13A. The female terminal fitting 13Ab accommodated in the housing 13Aa can be contacted. In addition, the housing 13Aa of the external connector 13A is provided with a cavity 13e that can accommodate the female terminal fitting 13Ab connected to the end of the electric wire W, and the upper surface of the housing 13Aa is connected to the female terminal fitting 13Ab. A lance 13f is provided so as to stop and prevent it from coming off. The housing 13Aa is provided with the same lock arm 13Ac and waterproof rubber plug 13Ad as in the reference example .
[0025]
Now, in the large diameter portion 46 of the connector portion 44, a pressure relief hole 32 </ b> A is provided so as to penetrate straight along the length direction of the terminal fitting 27 </ b> A in the upper position (radially outward position) of the terminal fitting 27 </ b> A. Yes. The pressure release holes 32 </ b> A are substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 45 and the exterior body 43, and open to the back surface of the fitting portion 47 and the inner surface (internal space I) of the large diameter portion 46. By being formed, it communicates with the internal space I and the external O of the casing 10A.
[0026]
The present embodiment has the above-described structure, and the operation thereof will be described subsequently. Of the coil device 40 housed in the casing 10A, the connector portion 44 is inserted into the opening portion 11A. When the fitting portion 47 protrudes outward from the casing 10A and the large diameter portion 46 is fitted into the opening portion 11A, attachment is made and the entire coil device 40 is supported in a predetermined posture. Thereafter, the external connector 13A is fitted into the fitting portion 47, and the female terminal fitting 13Ab is brought into contact with the terminal fitting 27A, so that power can be supplied from the external O power supply circuit to the coil device 40.
[0027]
When the drive system mechanism is operated after the assembly is completed as described above, the oil or the like injected into the casing 10A is heated, so that the temperature in the casing 10A rises and the internal pressure is increased accordingly. Tries to rise. However, after the air in the internal space I flows into the fitting portion 47 through the pressure release hole 32A, the space between the housing 13Aa of the external connector 13A and the fitting portion 47 is sealed by the seal ring 24A. Therefore, it flows into the cavity 13e of the housing 13Aa. And since air between the cavity 13e and the electric wire W is sealed with the waterproof rubber plug 13Ad, the air in the internal space I flows into the gap between the core wire Wa and the covering Wb in the electric wire W, and then in the electric wire W. The terminal on the opposite side is escaped to the external O. Thus, since the air in the internal space I is released to the external O through the pressure release hole 32A and the external connector 13A, an increase in the internal pressure of the casing 10A can be suppressed.
As described above, even in the case where the connector portion 44 provided integrally with the coil device 40 is attached to the opening portion 11A, an increase in internal pressure can be suppressed by the pressure release hole 32A.
[0028]
<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) In addition to the above-described embodiment, the shape and arrangement position of the pressure release hole can be arbitrarily set.
[0029]
(2) In the implementation form described above, although the ones in which a coil wound on the bobbin, no bobbin, the present invention of the type as embedded in the outer package of the coil directly to applicable It is.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a casing with a connector according to a reference example . FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the casing and the connector. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a casing with a connector according to an embodiment of the invention. [Fig. 4] Enlarged sectional view of casing and connector [Fig. 5] Schematic sectional view of conventional example [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A ... Casing 12 ... Internal connector 13, 13A ... External connector 20 ... Connector 21 ... Connector housing 22 ... Inner fitting part 23 ... Outer fitting part 32, 32A ... Pressure release hole 40 ... Coil device 44 ... Connector part ( Connector housing)
47 ... Fitting part I ... Internal space O ... External

Claims (1)

A connector attached in a state of penetrating the casing in and out, and an external connector arranged outside the casing and connected to an external circuit and fitted to the connector,
The connector housing constituting the connector is provided with a pressure release hole that communicates with the internal space of the casing and the outside.
The connector housing is attached in a state of penetrating an opening provided in the casing, and between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the opening, the connector is tightly sealed to seal the opening. The ring is attached,
Between the outer peripheral surface of the housing constituting the external connector and the inner peripheral surface of the connector housing to which the housing is fitted, a seal ring that is in close contact with both and seals between the two is mounted.
The housing of the external connector is provided with a cavity for accommodating a terminal fitting connected to the end of the electric wire, and the inner peripheral surface of the cavity and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire are in close contact with each other. A waterproof rubber stopper that seals between the two is attached,
The O-ring, the seal ring, and the waterproof rubber plug keep the internal space of the casing, the connector, and the external connector watertight from the outside (however, the pressure relief that leads to the internal space of the casing) Air flow between the hole, the cavity leading to the pressure release hole, and the gap between the core wire and the sheath constituting the electric wire disposed in the cavity is allowed).
The connector housing is integrally formed with a coil device housed in the casing, and includes a fitting portion capable of fitting the external connector,
The pressure relief holes are formed to open to the internal space and the fitting portion, respectively.
The connector housing is composed of a connector portion that protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction from the outer peripheral side end portion of the exterior body constituting the coil device,
The connector portion is connected to the exterior body and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion, and connects the small-diameter portion and the fitting portion, and can be fitted into the opening portion and the small-diameter portion. A large-diameter portion configured to project outward from the outer peripheral surface of the portion and the outer body along the radial direction,
The pressure release hole is substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion and the exterior body, and is formed to open to the back surface of the fitting portion and the inner surface of the large-diameter portion, and A connector, wherein the coil device is accommodated in a casing and is disposed above the small diameter portion.

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