JP6820522B2 - Connector protective case, waterproof relay connector device and power tools equipped with it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to a connector protective case, a waterproof relay connector device and an electric tool provided with the same, and more specifically, a connector protective case capable of accommodating a relay connector device including a first connector and a second connector, and a connector. The present invention relates to a waterproof relay connector device in which a relay connector device is housed in a protective case and an electric tool provided with the waterproof relay connector device.

Conventionally, as a connector protection case, a connector cover for accommodating a connector (relay connector device) composed of a male connector (first connector) and a female connector (second connector) to which terminals are connected to each other is known. (Patent Document 1).

In the connector described in Patent Document 1, a first cable and a second cable are derived from a male connector and a female connector, respectively.

The connector cover described in Patent Document 1 includes an upper case, a lower case, and a hinge connecting the upper case and the lower case. In this connector cover, the upper case, the lower case, and the hinge are integrally formed of synthetic resin.

The upper case is formed in the shape of a box with a shallow bottom by the upper plate and the surrounding wall erected integrally from the peripheral end of the upper plate. Semi-circular notches are provided at both ends of the enclosure wall of the upper case. The lower case is formed in the shape of a box with a shallow bottom by a bottom plate and an enclosure wall erected integrally from the peripheral end of the bottom plate. Semi-circular notches are provided at both ends of the lower case enclosure wall.

In the connector cover, a notch at one end of the upper case and a notch at one end of the lower case form a circular first cable outlet hole from which the first cable of the male connector is led out. Further, in the connector cover, a notch at the other end of the upper case and a notch at the other end of the lower case form a circular second cable outlet hole from which the second cable of the female connector is led out. There is.

The first cable and the second cable include a plurality of electric wires, a conductive unbalanced wire, and a coating.

The connector cover further includes a first seal member and a second seal member in order to improve dustproofness and waterproofness. The connector housed in the connector cover is surrounded by the first seal member and the second seal member.

The first seal member and the second seal member are formed of an elastic material in a flat frame shape. The thickness of the first sealing member is slightly larger than the height of the surrounding wall from the inner surface of the upper plate of the upper case. The thickness of the second sealing member is slightly larger than the height of the surrounding wall from the inner surface of the bottom plate of the lower case. The first seal member is fitted to the surrounding wall of the upper case. The second seal member is fitted to the surrounding wall of the lower case.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-028072

In the above-mentioned connector protection case, it has been desired to reduce the thickness.

An object of the present invention is to provide a connector protective case capable of being thinned, a waterproof relay connector device, and a power tool including the same.

One aspect of the connector protective case according to the present invention can accommodate a relay connector device. The relay connector device is configured by connecting a first connector in which a plurality of first lead wires are led out from a first connector housing and a second connector in which a plurality of second lead wires are led out from a second connector housing. The connector. The connector protective case includes a base and a cover. The base has a box shape with an opening on one side. The cover is connected to the base so as to cover the opening of the base. The case body including the base and the cover has a connector storage chamber, a first lead-out hole, a second lead-out hole, a first lead wire storage chamber, and a second lead wire storage chamber. The connector storage chamber can store the relay connector device. The first lead-out hole is formed at the first end of the case body in a defined direction along the one surface. The first lead-out hole can lead the plurality of first lead wires out of the case body. The second lead-out hole is formed at the second end of the case body in the specified direction. The second lead-out hole can lead the plurality of second lead wires out of the case body. The first lead wire storage chamber is formed between the first lead-out hole and the connector storage chamber. The first lead wire storage chamber can store a part of each of the plurality of first lead wires. The second lead wire storage chamber is formed between the second lead-out hole and the connector storage chamber. The second lead wire storage chamber can store a part of each of the plurality of second lead wires. In the connector protection case, a first seal portion made of grease covering the plurality of first lead wires is formed in the first lead-out hole, and grease covering the plurality of second lead wires in the second lead-out hole. A second seal portion made of the same is formed.

One aspect of the waterproof relay connector device according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned connector protection case, the relay connector device, a first seal portion, and a second seal portion. The relay connector device is housed in the connector storage chamber of the connector protection case. The first seal portion is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of first lead wires and the inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole. The first seal portion is formed of grease. The second seal portion is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of second lead wires and the inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole. The second seal portion is formed of grease.

One aspect of the power tool according to the present invention includes a motor, a housing, the above-mentioned waterproof relay connector device, a first circuit module, and a second circuit module. The housing is hollow and houses the motor. The first circuit module is arranged in a first region within the housing. The second circuit module is arranged in a second region within the housing. The first circuit module is electrically connected to the first connector of the waterproof relay connector device via the plurality of first lead wires. The second circuit module is electrically connected to the second connector of the waterproof relay connector device via the plurality of second lead wires.

In the connector protective case, the waterproof relay connector device of the present invention, and the power tool provided therewith, the connector protective case and the waterproof relay connector device can be made thinner.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a waterproof relay connector device including a connector protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the connector protective case is closed. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a waterproof relay connector device provided with the connector protective case of the same, in a state where the connector protective case is opened. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the waterproof relay connector device provided with the connector protection case of the same, in a state where the connector protection case is opened. FIG. 2B is a front view of the waterproof relay connector device provided with the connector protective case of the same, in a state where the connector protective case is opened. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the waterproof relay connector device including the connector protection case of the same, in a state where the connector protection case is closed. FIG. 3B is a front view of the waterproof relay connector device including the connector protective case of the same, in a state where the connector protective case is closed. FIG. 3C is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D is a sectional view taken along line YY of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3E is a rear view of the waterproof relay connector device provided with the connector protective case of the same, in a state where the connector protective case is closed. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the connector protection case according to the embodiment of the present invention in a closed state. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the same connector protection case in an open state. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the same connector protection case in an open state. FIG. 5B is a front view of the same connector protection case in an open state. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a relay connector device that can be stored in the connector protection case of the same. FIG. 7 is a partially broken side view of a power tool provided with a waterproof relay connector device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the waterproof relay connector device according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiments described below are merely one of various embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments can be variously modified according to the design and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the connector protection case 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 18.

The connector protection case 1 is configured to accommodate the relay connector device 10. The connector protection case 1 is used to protect the relay connector device 10. More specifically, the connector protection case 1 is used for the waterproof relay connector device 100. However, the relay connector device 10 is not a component of the connector protection case 1.

The relay connector device 10 includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 12. In other words, the relay connector device 10 is configured by connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. "Connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12" means connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 electrically and mechanically. The first connector 11 is a plug connector. The second connector 12 is a receptacle connector. The first connector 11 includes a first connector housing 110, and a plurality of (for example, two) first lead wires 111 are led out from the first connector housing 110. The first connector 11 includes a plurality of first contacts (not shown) arranged in the first connector housing 110 and having a plurality of first lead wires 111 connected one-to-one. The first connector housing 110 is made of synthetic resin and has electrical insulation. The first contact is conductive. The second connector 12 includes a second connector housing 120, and a plurality of (for example, two) second lead wires 121 are led out from the second connector housing 120. The second connector 12 includes a plurality of second contacts (not shown) arranged in the second connector housing 120 and having a plurality of second lead wires 121 connected one-to-one. The second connector housing 120 is made of synthetic resin and has electrical insulation. The second contact is conductive.

In the waterproof relay connector device 100, a plurality of first lead wires 111 are led out from the first lead wire 44 (see FIG. 3E) of the case body 4 of the connector protection case 1, and a plurality of first lead wires 111 are led out from the second lead wire 45 (see FIG. 3B). The second lead wire 121 of the above is derived. The plurality of first lead wires 111 and the plurality of second lead wires 121 have flexibility. The plurality of first lead wires 111 and the plurality of second lead wires 121 are insulated coated electric wires. The diameter (outer diameter) of the first lead wire 111 and the second lead wire 121 is, for example, 1 mm. In the waterproof relay connector device 100, the diameter of the first lead wire 111 and the diameter of the second lead wire 121 are the same, but may be different.

The waterproof relay connector device 100 includes a relay connector device 10, a connector protection case 1, a first seal portion 101 (see FIG. 3E), and a second seal portion 102 (see FIG. 3B). The first seal portion 101 is formed of grease. The first seal portion 101 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of first lead wires 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole 44. The second seal portion 102 is formed of grease. The second seal portion 102 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of second lead wires 121 and the inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole 45.

Grease has electrical insulation. The grease is, for example, a synthetic hydrocarbon oil-based grease and preferably does not contain silicone oil. As a result, in the waterproof relay connector device 100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of electrical contact failure in the relay connector device 10. Here, the "electrical contact failure" is, for example, an electrical contact failure between the first contact and the second contact having a one-to-one correspondence in the relay connector device 10.

Each component of the connector protection case 1 will be described in more detail below.

The connector protective case 1 has electrical insulation. Here, the connector protective case 1 is a resin molded product. As a result, the cost of the connector protection case 1 can be reduced. The material of the connector protective case 1 is preferably nylon, for example, from the viewpoint of improving waterproofness.

The connector protection case 1 includes a base 2 and a cover 3. Here, the connector protection case 1 includes a case body 4 including a base 2 and a cover 3.

The base 2 has a box shape (rectangular box shape) having an opening 22 on one surface 21. More specifically, the base 2 has a flat rectangular box shape and a rectangular outer peripheral shape. The cover 3 is connected to the base 2 so as to cover the opening 22 of the base 2. The cover 3 has a rectangular plate shape and a rectangular outer peripheral shape. The outer peripheral shape of the cover 3 is substantially the same as the outer peripheral shape of the base 2. The cover 3 forms a connector storage chamber 43 capable of storing the relay connector device 10 together with the base 2. The shape of the case body 4 is a hollow, flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The connector protection case 1 includes a hinge 6 that connects the cover 3 to the base 2. Here, the hinge 6 is integrally formed with the base 2 and the cover 3. The hinge 6 is such that the cover 3 can rotate between the closed position where the cover 3 covers the opening 22 of the base 2 and the open position where the cover 3 does not cover the opening 22 of the base 2 (here, the longitudinal direction of the connector protective case 1). The cover 3 is connected to the base 2 so as to be rotatable around the axis). The hinge 6 projects outward from one of the four sides of each of the base 2 and the cover 3 that intersects the direction in which the plurality of first lead wires 111 are arranged and the direction in which the plurality of second lead wires 121 are arranged. There is. Here, the hinge 6 has a band shape, one end in the longitudinal direction is connected to the base 2, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is connected to the cover 3. Further, the hinge 6 has a convex portion 6b protruding from one surface in the thickness direction at the center in the longitudinal direction so as to be thicker than the other portion 6a. The connector protective case 1 includes two hinges 6. In the connector protection case 1, the two hinges 6 are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2A) of the side surface on which the two hinges 6 project.

The connector protection case 1 includes a hook 7 and a detachable portion 8. The hook 7 is integrally formed with the base 2. The hook 7 projects outward from the side surface of the base 2 opposite to the side surface on which the hinge 6 projects. The hook 7 is formed in a shape in which the amount of protrusion from the side surface of the base 2 gradually increases as the distance from one surface 21 of the base 2 increases in the thickness direction of the base 2. The detachable portion 8 is integrally formed with the cover 3. The attachment / detachment portion 8 projects from the side surface of the cover 3 opposite to the side surface on which the hinge 6 projects. The detachable portion 8 is U-shaped when viewed from the side of the cover 3, and is formed in a size straddling the side surface of the cover 3 and the side surface of the base 2 at a closed position where the cover 3 covers the opening 22 of the base 2. There is. In the detachable portion 8, a fitting hole 81 into which the hook 7 is fitted is formed between a portion of the cover 3 that protrudes toward the base 2 side from the one surface 31 facing the one surface 21 of the base 2 and the peripheral edge of the one surface 31 of the cover 3. Has been done. As a result, in the connector protection case 1, the hook 7 is detachably hooked on the detachable portion 8. Since the connector protection case 1 includes the hook 7 and the attachment / detachment portion 8, the cover 3 can be kept at a position covering the opening 22 of the base 2 by hooking the attachment / detachment portion 8 on the hook 7.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E, the case body 4 including the base 2 and the cover 3 includes a connector storage chamber 43, a first lead-out hole 44, a second lead-out hole 45, and a first lead wire storage chamber 46. , A second lead wire storage chamber 47. Here, in the first lead-out hole 44, the second lead-out hole 45, the first lead wire storage chamber 46, and the second lead wire storage chamber 47, the opening 22 of the base 2 is covered with the cover 3 (FIGS. 1A and 3A). ~ 3E and 4A states). Hereinafter, one direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2A) along one surface 21 of the base 2 will be described as a defined direction.

The base 2 has a rectangular box shape having an opening 22 on one side 21 as described above. In the base 2, two base portions 28 straddling the inner peripheral surface and the bottom surface are integrally formed one by one with respect to the pair of side walls along the above-mentioned specified direction. The height of protrusion of the base 28 from the inner bottom surface of the base 2 is lower than the height from the inner bottom surface of the base 2 to the plane including the one surface 21. On the other hand, on one surface 31 of the cover 3, a rectangular frame-shaped convex portion 38 in contact with the base portion 28 of the base 2 is formed so as to project while covering the opening 22 of the base 2. The height from the inner bottom surface of the base 2 to the plane including the one surface 21 is lower than the height of the relay connector device 10. Therefore, one surface 31 of the cover 3 has a concave portion 33 for forming a part of the connector storage chamber 43 and the like inside the convex portion 38.

The connector storage chamber 43 can store the relay connector device 10. More specifically, the connector storage chamber 43 is a space for storing the first connector housing 110 of the first connector 11 and the second connector housing 120 of the second connector 12 in the relay connector device 10. The shape of the connector storage chamber 43 corresponds to the shape in which the first connector housing 110 and the second connector housing 120 are fitted together.

Here, the base 2 has a central storage chamber 23 corresponding to the connector storage chamber 43. The central storage chamber 23 constitutes a part of the connector storage chamber 43. In other words, the connector storage chamber 43 is defined by the central storage chamber 23 of the base 2 and a part of the recess 33 of the one side 31 of the cover 3. The width H23 of the central storage chamber 23 (see FIG. 5A) is the distance between the two bases 28 in the central storage chamber 23. The width H23 of the central storage chamber 23 is wider than the width of the relay connector device 10.

The first lead-out hole 44 is formed at the first end 41 of the case body 4 in the above-mentioned defined direction. The first lead-out hole 44 has a plurality of first lead wires 111 arranged in a direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 3E) orthogonal to the specified direction and the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3E) of the case main body 4. It is formed so that it can be derived outside.

In the case body 4, a first groove 214 is formed on the peripheral edge of the opening 22 on one surface 21 of the base 2 in order to form the first lead-out hole 44. The inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214 is formed in a U shape. Here, as shown in FIG. 3E, the first lead-out hole 44 is preferably divided into a plurality of first small holes 441 by the first partition wall 48. The plurality of first small holes 441 are formed in a size capable of deriving each of the plurality of first lead wires 111. The first partition wall 48 is composed of a base-side first rib 24 that integrally protrudes from the base 2 and a cover-side first rib 34 that integrally protrudes from the cover 3. The inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole 44 of the case body 4 includes the inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214 and the surface of the cover-side first rib 34 arranged in the first groove 214. More specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole 44 of the case body 4 includes the inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214, the surface of the cover-side first rib 34 arranged in the first groove 214, and the cover. A portion facing the first groove 214 on one side 31 of 3 is included. The base-side first rib 24 is projected from the inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214 in the base 2.

The second lead-out hole 45 is formed at the second end 42 of the case body 4 in the specified direction. The second lead-out hole 45 has a plurality of second lead wires 121 arranged in a direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 3B) orthogonal to the above-mentioned specified direction and the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3B) of the case main body 4. It is formed so that it can be derived outside.

In the case body 4, a second groove 215 is formed on the peripheral edge of the opening 22 on one surface 21 of the base 2 in order to form the second lead-out hole 45. The inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215 is U-shaped. Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the second lead-out hole 45 is preferably divided into a plurality of second small holes 451 by the second partition wall 49. The plurality of second small holes 451 are formed in a size capable of leading out each of the plurality of second lead wires 121. The second partition wall 49 is composed of a base-side second rib 25 that integrally protrudes from the base 2 and a cover-side second rib 35 that integrally protrudes from the cover 3. The inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole 45 of the case body 4 includes the inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215 and the surface of the cover-side second rib 35 arranged in the second groove 215. More specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole 45 of the case body 4 includes the inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215, the surface of the cover-side second rib 35 arranged in the second groove 215, and the cover. A portion facing the second groove 215 on one side 31 of 3 is included. The base-side second rib 25 is projected from the inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215 in the base 2.

The first lead wire storage chamber 46 is formed between the first lead-out hole 44 and the connector storage chamber 43 in the above-mentioned defined direction. The first lead wire storage chamber 46 can store a part of each of the plurality of first lead wires 111. Here, the base 2 has a first storage chamber 26 corresponding to the first lead wire storage chamber 46. The first storage chamber 26 constitutes a part of the first lead wire storage chamber 46. In other words, the first lead wire storage chamber 46 is defined by the first storage chamber 26 of the base 2 and a part of the recess 33 of the one side 31 of the cover 3. The width H26 of the first storage chamber 26 (see FIG. 5A) is the distance between the two bases 28 in the first storage chamber 26. The width H26 of the first storage chamber 26 is narrower than the width of the relay connector device 10. In other words, the width H26 of the first storage chamber 26 is narrower than the width of the first connector housing 110 and the width of the second connector housing 120.

The second lead wire storage chamber 47 is formed between the second lead-out hole 45 and the connector storage chamber 43 in the above-mentioned defined direction. The second lead wire storage chamber 47 can store a part of each of the plurality of second lead wires 121. Here, the base 2 has a second storage chamber 27 corresponding to the second lead wire storage chamber 47. The second storage chamber 27 constitutes a part of the second lead wire storage chamber 47. In other words, the second lead wire storage chamber 47 is defined by the second storage chamber 27 of the base 2 and a part of the recess 33 of the one side 31 of the cover 3. The width H27 of the second storage chamber 27 (see FIG. 5A) is the distance between the two bases 28 in the second storage chamber 27. The width H27 of the second storage chamber 27 is narrower than the width of the relay connector device 10. In other words, the width H27 of the second storage chamber 27 is narrower than the width of the first connector housing 110 and the width of the second connector housing 120.

In the base 2, the width H26 of the first storage chamber 26 and the width H27 of the second storage chamber 27 are narrower than the width H23 of the central storage chamber 23 corresponding to the connector storage chamber 43.

It is preferable that the case body 4 further includes two first protruding portions 36 and two second protruding portions 37 integrally formed with the cover 3. The two first projecting portions 36 project from the cover 3 toward the base 2 so as to be arranged on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of first lead wires 111 are arranged in the first lead wire storage chamber 46. Therefore, in the waterproof relay connector device 100, a plurality of first lead wires 111 pass between the two first protrusions 36. The distance between the tip surface of each first protruding portion 36 and the base 2 is preferably, for example, one-fourth or less of the diameter of the first lead wire 111. Further, the two second projecting portions 37 project from the cover 3 toward the base 2 so as to be arranged on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of second lead wires 121 are arranged in the second lead wire storage chamber 47. Therefore, in the waterproof relay connector device 100, a plurality of second lead wires 121 pass between the two second protruding portions 37. The distance between the tip surface of each second protruding portion 37 and the base 2 is preferably, for example, one-fourth or less of the diameter of the second lead wire 121.

Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing the waterproof relay connector device 100 will be described.

In manufacturing the waterproof relay connector device 100, first, the first connector 11, the second connector 12, and the connector protective case 1 are prepared.

After that, grease is applied to the inner bottom surface of the base 2 corresponding to the first storage chamber 26 and the bottom portion of the inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214 by a dispenser. Similarly, grease is applied to the inner bottom surface of the base 2 corresponding to the second storage chamber 27 and the bottom portion of the inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215 by a dispenser. Here, in the connector protection case 1, since the width H26 of the first storage chamber 26 and the width H27 of the second storage chamber 27 are narrower than the width H23 of the central storage chamber 23, it is easy to recognize the grease application area, and the base 2 It is possible to reduce the amount of grease applied as compared with the case where grease is applied to the portion of the inner bottom surface of the inner surface corresponding to the central storage chamber 23. Further, the connector protection case 1 is provided with the first partition wall 48 and the second partition wall 49, so that the amount of grease protruding to the outside of the case body 4 can be reduced.

Subsequently, the relay connector device 10 configured by connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is inserted into the base 2. At this time, the cover 3 does not cover the opening 22 of the base 2 (that is, the cover 3 is in the open position). When the relay connector device 10 is inserted into the base 2, the plurality of first lead wires 111 come into contact with the grease that is the source of the first seal portion 101. Further, the plurality of second lead wires 121 come into contact with the grease that is the source of the second seal portion 102.

After that, the cover 3 is rotated so that the cover 3 covers the opening 22 of the base 2, and the detachable portion 8 is hooked on the hook 7. At this time, the first seal portion 101 and the second seal portion 102 are formed.

In the method for manufacturing the waterproof relay connector device 100 described above, a part of the grease on the portion of the inner bottom surface of the base 2 corresponding to the first storage chamber 26 is pushed by the first protruding portion 36 to be pushed by the first protruding portion 36. It flows (is expanded) so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first lead wire 111 adjacent to the above. Similarly, a part of the grease on the portion of the inner bottom surface of the base 2 corresponding to the second storage chamber 27 is pushed by the second protrusion 37, and the second lead wire 121 adjacent to the second protrusion 37 It flows so as to cover the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the waterproof relay connector device 100 can improve the waterproofness of each of the first seal portion 101 and the second seal portion 102. In the method of manufacturing the waterproof relay connector device 100, after the relay connector device 10 is put in the base 2, grease is applied to each of the first storage chamber 26 and the second storage chamber 27 before the cover 3 covers the opening 22 of the base 2. May be applied.

In the connector protection case 1, the hinge 6 is not an essential component, and for example, the base 2 and the cover 3 have an engaging claw provided on one of the base 2 and the cover 3 and an engaging hole provided on the other. May be connected by being detachably hooked.

Further, the number of the first lead wire 111 and the second lead wire 121 in the relay connector device 10 is not limited to two, and may be three or more, for example. Here, it is preferable that the connector protection case 1 includes a number of first partition walls 48 (for example, two) that is one less than the number of first lead wires 111 (for example, three). Further, it is preferable that the connector protection case 1 is provided with a number of second partition walls 49 (for example, two) that is one less than the number of second lead wires 121 (for example, three).

As is clear from the above-described embodiment, the connector protection case 1 according to the first aspect can accommodate the relay connector device 10. The relay connector device 10 includes a first connector 11 in which a plurality of first lead wires 111 are led out from the first connector housing 110, and a second connector 12 in which a plurality of second lead wires 121 are led out from the second connector housing 120. Is configured by connecting. The connector protection case 1 includes a base 2 and a cover 3. The base 2 has a box shape having an opening 22 on one side 21. The cover 3 is connected to the base 2 so as to cover the opening 22 of the base 2. The case body 4 including the base 2 and the cover 3 includes a connector storage chamber 43, a first lead wire storage hole 44, a second lead wire storage hole 45, a first lead wire storage chamber 46, and a second lead wire storage chamber 47. Have. The connector storage chamber 43 can store the relay connector device 10. The first lead-out hole 44 is formed at the first end 41 of the case body 4 in a defined direction along one surface 21 of the base 2. The first lead-out hole 44 can lead out a plurality of first lead wires 111 to the outside of the case body 4. The second lead-out hole 45 is formed at the second end 42 of the case body 4 in the specified direction. The second lead-out hole 45 can lead out a plurality of second lead wires 121 to the outside of the case body 4. The first lead wire storage chamber 46 is formed between the first lead-out hole 44 and the connector storage chamber 43. The first lead wire storage chamber 46 can store a part of each of the plurality of first lead wires 111. The second lead wire storage chamber 47 is formed between the second lead-out hole 45 and the connector storage chamber 43. The second lead wire storage chamber 47 can store a part of each of the plurality of second lead wires 121.

According to the above configuration, the connector protection case 1 can be made thinner. Further, in the connector protection case 1, for example, a first seal portion 101 made of grease covering a plurality of first lead wires 111 is formed in the vicinity of the first lead-out hole 44 in the case body 4, and the second lead-out hole 45 is formed. By forming the second seal portion 102 made of grease covering the plurality of second lead wires 121 in the vicinity, moisture penetrates into the connector storage chamber 43 from the outside of the case main body 4 while reducing the thickness of the case main body 4. It is possible to suppress this. Further, in the connector protection case 1, since the first seal member and the second seal member required for the connector cover described in Patent Document 1 can be eliminated, it is advantageous in terms of thinning and cost reduction.

In the connector protection case 1 according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the base 2 corresponds to the width H26 of the first storage chamber 26 corresponding to the first lead wire storage chamber 46 and the second lead wire storage chamber 47. It is preferable that the width H27 of the second storage chamber 27 is narrower than the width H23 of the central storage chamber 23 corresponding to the connector storage chamber 43. As a result, in the connector protection case 1, when the waterproof relay connector device 100 is manufactured, it is relayed to the base 2 in order to form the first seal portion 101 that covers the plurality of first lead wires 111 in the vicinity of the first lead-out hole 44. After temporarily holding the connector device 10, the amount of grease applied to the bottom surface of the first storage chamber 26 before covering the opening 22 of the base 2 with the cover 3, and the second lead wire 121 is covered near the second lead-out hole 45. It is possible to reduce the amount of grease applied to form the second seal portion 102. The grease is preferably applied using, for example, a dispenser or the like. In the method of manufacturing the waterproof relay connector device 100, when applying grease with a dispenser, each of the first storage chamber 26 and the second storage chamber 27 can be used as a guide for the application position, and the work efficiency can be improved. It becomes.

In the connector protection case 1 according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the first lead-out hole 44 of the case body 4 is divided into a plurality of first small holes 441 by the first partition wall 48. Is preferable. The plurality of first small holes 441 can derive each of the plurality of first lead wires 111. The first partition wall 48 is preferably composed of a base-side first rib 24 that integrally protrudes from the base 2 and a cover-side first rib 34 that integrally protrudes from the cover 3. Further, it is preferable that the second lead-out hole 45 of the case body 4 is divided into a plurality of second small holes 451 by the second partition wall 49. The plurality of second small holes 451 can lead out each of the plurality of second lead wires 121. The second partition wall 49 is preferably composed of a base-side second rib 25 that integrally protrudes from the base 2 and a cover-side second rib 35 that integrally protrudes from the cover 3. As a result, in the connector protection case 1, when the relay connector device 10 is housed in the case body 4, the first partition wall 48 is located between two adjacent first lead wires 111 among the plurality of first lead wires 111. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the gap between the plurality of first lead wires 111 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the first lead-out holes 44, and it is possible to further improve the waterproof property of the first seal portion 101. Become. Further, in the connector protection case 1, when the relay connector device 10 is housed in the case main body 4, the second partition wall 49 is formed between two adjacent second lead wires 121 among the plurality of second lead wires 121. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the gap between the plurality of second lead wires 121 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the second lead-out holes 45, and it is possible to further improve the waterproof property of the second seal portion 102. .. Further, in the connector protection case 1, a plurality of first lead wires 111 can be aligned by the first partition wall 48, and a plurality of second lead wires 121 can be aligned by the second partition wall 49. It becomes.

In the connector protection case 1 according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole 44 of the case body 4 is an opening 22 on one surface 21 of the base 2 at the first end 41 of the case body 4. The inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214 formed on the peripheral edge of the first groove 214, and the surface of the cover-side first rib 34 arranged in the first groove 214. The base-side first rib 24 projects from the inner peripheral surface of the first groove 214 in the base 2. The inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole 45 of the case body 4 is the inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215 formed on the peripheral surface of the opening 22 on one surface 21 of the base 2 at the second end 42 of the case body 4, and the second Includes the surface of the cover-side second rib 35 disposed in the groove 215. The base-side second rib 25 projects from the inner peripheral surface of the second groove 215 in the base 2. The connector protection case 1 further includes two first protrusions 36 and two second protrusions 37. The two first protruding portions 36 are integrally formed with the cover 3, and are arranged from the cover 3 to the base 2 so as to be arranged on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of first lead wires 111 are arranged in the first lead wire storage chamber 46. It protrudes toward you. The two second protruding portions 37 are integrally formed with the cover 3, and are arranged from the cover 3 to the base 2 so as to be arranged on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of second lead wires 121 are arranged in the second lead wire storage chamber 47. It protrudes toward you. As a result, the connector protection case 1 is provided with two first protrusions 36, so that, for example, the case body 4 is made of grease that covers a plurality of first lead wires 111 in the vicinity of the first lead-out hole 44. When forming the 1-seal portion 101, the grease can be pushed by the two first protruding portions 36. As a result, in the waterproof relay connector device 100, it is possible to improve the covering property around the first lead wire 111 by grease, and it is possible to improve the waterproof property by the first sealing portion 101. Further, since the connector protection case 1 is provided with the two second protruding portions 37, for example, a second lead wire 121 is made of grease covering a plurality of second lead wires 121 in the vicinity of the second lead-out hole 45 in the case body 4. When forming the seal portion 102, the grease can be pushed by the two second protruding portions 37. As a result, in the waterproof relay connector device 100, it is possible to improve the covering property around the second lead wire 121 by grease, and it is possible to improve the waterproof property by the second seal portion 102.

In the connector protection case 1 according to the fifth aspect, in the first to fourth aspects, the base 2 and the cover 3 are integrally formed, the cover 3 covers the opening 22 of the base 2, and the cover 3 is the base 2. A hinge 6 that connects the cover 3 to the base 2 so that the cover 3 can rotate between the open position that does not cover the opening 22 and the base 2 and the cover 3 integrally formed on the opposite side of the hinge 6. It is preferable to include the hook 7 and the detachable portion 8 which is integrally formed on the other side of the base 2 and the cover 3 on the opposite side of the hinge 6 and to which the hook 7 is detachably hooked. As a result, in the connector protection case 1, the relay connector device 10 can be taken in and out of the case body 4 by rotating the cover 3 to the open position. Therefore, in the waterproof relay connector device 100 provided with the connector protection case 1, the relay connector device 10 can be easily taken in and out of the connector protection case 1, so that the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 in the relay connector device 10 can be connected to each other. It can be easily released.

The waterproof relay connector device 100 according to the sixth aspect includes the connector protection case 1, the relay connector device 10, the first seal portion 101, and the second seal portion 101 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. A seal portion 102 is provided. The relay connector device 10 is housed in the connector storage chamber 43 of the connector protection case 1. The first seal portion 101 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of first lead wires 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole 44. The first seal portion 101 is formed of grease. The second seal portion 102 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of second lead wires 121 and the inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole 45. The second seal portion 102 is formed of grease.

According to the above configuration, the waterproof relay connector device 100 can be made thinner while improving the waterproof property.

Hereinafter, the power tool 300 including the waterproof relay connector device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a partially broken side view of the power tool 300. The power tool 300 is a portable power tool that can be grasped by an operator with one hand. Specifically, the power tool 300 is an electric impact driver or the like that tightens a work object (screw or the like) by rotating it and applying an impact force.

A rechargeable battery pack 500 is detachably attached to the power tool 300. The power tool 300 is a so-called rechargeable power tool that operates by the electric power supplied from the battery pack 500. The battery pack 500 is not a component of the power tool 300. However, the power tool 300 may include the battery pack 500. The battery pack 500 includes, for example, a plurality of secondary batteries (for example, a lithium ion battery) and a case 501 containing these secondary batteries. The battery pack 500 includes a communication connector for communicating battery information indicating the information of the battery pack 500. The battery information includes, for example, temperature information, remaining capacity information, rated voltage information, rated capacity information, number of times information, and the like.

The power tool 300 includes a housing 302, a motor 303, a switch circuit module 304 (first circuit module), an operation unit 341, a control circuit module 305 (second circuit module), and a connection terminal unit 306. ..

The housing 302 includes a hollow tubular body portion 321 and a grip portion 322 protruding from the peripheral surface of the body portion 321 in one radial direction (lower part of FIG. 7) of the body portion 321.

The motor 303 is housed inside the body portion 321. Vent holes 331 are formed in the body portion 321 in the vicinity of the position where the motor 303 is arranged.

Further, an output shaft 311 provided with a bit mounting portion 310 at the tip protrudes from one end side (right side in FIG. 7) of the body portion 321 in the axial direction. A bit (driver bit or the like) suitable for the member to be worked on is detachably attached to the bit mounting portion 310. The rotation of the motor 303 is transmitted to the output shaft 311 (bit mounting portion 310) via the impact mechanism 332. Hereinafter, the side where the output shaft 311 is located with respect to the motor 303 (the right side in FIG. 7) is referred to as the “front side”.

The grip portion 322 is formed in a hollow tubular shape that is long in one direction (vertical direction in FIG. 7) so that the user can hold it by hand. The inside (space) of the grip portion 322 is connected to the inside (space) of the body portion 321. The housing 302 further includes a battery pack mounting portion 323 to which the battery pack 500 can be detachably attached on the side of the grip portion 322 opposite to the body portion 321 side. The battery pack 500 can be attached to the battery pack mounting portion 323 and removed from the battery pack mounting portion 323 by, for example, sliding the battery pack 500 forward and backward with respect to the battery pack mounting portion 323.

The switch circuit module 304 is arranged inside the portion of the grip portion 322 on the body portion 321 side (first region). The switch circuit module 304 is connected to the control circuit module 305 via the waterproof relay connector device 100.

Further, the switch circuit module 304 is connected to the operation unit 341. The operation unit 341 includes a trigger lever 342. The trigger lever 342 is provided on the front side of the grip portion 322 so that it can be operated by the operator's finger. The trigger lever 342 is configured to be pulled backward by the operation of the operator's finger.

The switch circuit module 304 includes, for example, a main switch (not shown). The main switch is provided, for example, in the power supply path for supplying power from the battery pack 500 to the motor 303. The power supply path includes, for example, an electric wire 373 that connects one connection terminal 361 of the pair of connection terminals 361 in the connection terminal unit 306 and the motor 303, an electric wire that connects the motor 303 and the main switch, and a main switch and the connection terminal unit. Includes an electric wire that connects the pair of connection terminals 361 in 306 to the other connection terminal 361. In FIG. 7, in order to avoid the complexity of the drawings, the electric wire connecting the motor 303 and the main switch and the electric wire connecting the main switch and the connection terminal unit 306 are not shown. The switch circuit module 304 turns off the main switch when the pull-in amount of the trigger lever 342 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and turns on the main switch when the pull-in amount of the trigger lever 342 exceeds the predetermined amount. As a result, the switch circuit module 304 switches between supplying and shutting off the power supplied from the battery pack 500 to the motor 303. Further, when the pull-in amount of the trigger lever 342 exceeds the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the switch circuit module 304 sends an operation signal corresponding to the pull-in amount of the trigger lever 342 to the control circuit module 305 via the waterproof relay connector device 100. Send.

Further, the switch circuit module 304 is connected to a forward / reverse changeover switch 352 for switching the rotation direction of the motor 303. The forward / reverse changeover switch 352 is provided near the boundary between the body portion 321 and the grip portion 322.

The control circuit module 305 is arranged in the battery pack mounting portion 323 (second region) of the housing 302.

The control circuit module 305 controls the operation of the power tool 300. The control circuit module 305 controls the drive (rotational speed) of the motor 303 based on the operation signal transmitted from the switch circuit module 304. The control circuit module 305 is connected to the motor 303 via a control line (not shown), and controls the drive of the motor 303 via the control line.

The control circuit module 305 includes a connector 351. The connector 351 is connected to the communication connector of the battery pack 500 in a state where the battery pack 500 is attached to the battery pack mounting portion 323. The control circuit module 305 acquires battery information from the battery pack 500 through the connector 351. Further, the control circuit module 305 receives the operating power from the battery pack 500 through the connector 351 or the connection terminal unit 306.

The connection terminal unit 306 includes a pair of connection terminals 361. With the battery pack 500 attached to the battery pack mounting portion 323, the pair of connection terminals 361 are connected to the electrodes on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of the battery pack 500, respectively. FIG. 7 shows only one connection terminal 361 of the pair of connection terminals 361.

In the power tool 300, the operation unit 341 and the switch circuit module 304 operated by the user may be damaged due to wear or the like. Therefore, in the power tool 300 of the present embodiment, the switch circuit module 304 and the control circuit module 305 are connected via the waterproof relay connector device 100 so that the switch circuit module 304 can be replaced without replacing the control circuit module 305. You are connected.

The power tool 300 according to the seventh aspect includes a motor 303, a hollow housing 302 for accommodating the motor 303, a waterproof relay connector device 100 according to the sixth aspect, a first circuit module (switch circuit module 304), and the like. It includes a second circuit module (control circuit module 305). The first circuit module is located in the first region within the housing 302. The first circuit module is electrically connected to the first connector 11 of the waterproof relay connector device 100 via a plurality of first lead wires 111. The second circuit module is located in the second region within the housing 302. The second circuit module is electrically connected to the second connector 12 of the waterproof relay connector device 100 via a plurality of second lead wires 121.

With the above configuration, in the power tool 300, it is possible to suppress the infiltration of water into the relay connector device 10. Further, in the power tool 300, the first circuit module can be replaced by disconnecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 in the waterproof relay connector device 100. Further, the waterproof relay connector device 100 is not limited to the connection between the switch circuit module 304 and the control circuit module 305, and a motor, an LED module, or the like may be adopted as the first circuit module, and is controlled as the second circuit module. A circuit module other than the circuit module 305 may be adopted.

Next, the waterproof relay connector device of the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. Regarding the waterproof relay connector device of the first modification, the same components as the waterproof relay connector device 100 of the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the waterproof relay connector device 100 of the embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The waterproof relay connector device of the first modification is different from the waterproof relay connector device 100 of the embodiment in that the second connector 12 is fixed to the base 2 in the connector protection case 1 by a bond. In the waterproof relay connector device of the first modification, the first connector 11 can be attached to and detached from the second connector 12 in the connector protective case 1 in a state where the cover 3 does not cover the opening 22 of the base 2. The arrow indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8 schematically indicates the direction in which the first connector 11 is moved when the first connector 11 is connected to the second connector 12.

1 Connector protection case 2 Base 21 One side 214 1st groove 215 2nd groove 22 Opening 23 Central storage room 24 Base side 1st rib 25 Base side 2nd rib 26 1st storage room 27 2nd storage room 3 Cover 34 Cover side 1st 1 rib 35 Cover side 2nd rib 36 1st protruding part 37 2nd protruding part 4 Case body 41 1st end 42 2nd end 43 Connector storage chamber 44 1st lead-out hole 441 1st small hole 45 2nd lead-out hole 451 2 Small hole 46 1st lead wire storage room 47 2nd lead wire storage room 48 1st partition wall 49 2nd partition wall 6 Hing 7 7 Hook 8 Detachable part 10 Relay connector device 100 Waterproof relay connector device 101 1st seal part 102 No. 2 Seal 11 1st connector 110 1st connector housing 111 1st lead wire 12 2nd connector 120 2nd connector housing 121 2nd lead wire 300 Power tool 304 Switch circuit module (1st circuit module)
305 Control circuit module (second circuit module)
H23 Width of central storage room H26 Width of first storage room H27 Width of second storage room

Claims (7)

Containing a relay connector device configured by connecting a first connector in which a plurality of first lead wires are led out from a first connector housing and a second connector in which a plurality of second lead wires are led out from a second connector housing. A possible connector protection case
A box-shaped base having an opening on one side and a cover connected to the base so as to cover the opening of the base are provided.
The case body including the base and the cover is
A connector storage room that can store the relay connector device and
A first lead-out hole formed at the first end of the case body in a defined direction along the one surface and capable of leading the plurality of first lead wires to the outside of the case body.
A second lead-out hole formed at the second end of the case body in the specified direction and capable of leading the plurality of second lead wires to the outside of the case body.
A first lead wire storage chamber formed between the first lead-out hole and the connector storage chamber and capable of storing a part of each of the plurality of first lead wires.
Have a, a second lead wire housing chamber capable of housing a portion of each of the plurality of second leads are formed between the connector housing chamber and the second outlet hole,
A first seal portion made of grease covering the plurality of first lead wires is formed in the first lead-out hole.
A second seal portion made of grease covering the plurality of second lead wires is formed in the second lead-out hole.
It features a connector protective case. The base has a width of the first storage chamber corresponding to the first lead wire storage chamber and a width of the second storage chamber corresponding to the second lead wire storage chamber of the central storage chamber corresponding to the connector storage chamber. The connector protective case according to claim 1, wherein the connector is narrower than the width. The first lead-out hole of the case body is formed by a first partition wall composed of a base-side first rib integrally protruding from the base and a cover-side first rib integrally protruding from the cover. It is divided into a plurality of first small holes from which the first lead wire can be derived.
The second lead-out hole of the case body is formed by a second partition wall composed of a base-side second rib integrally protruding from the base and a cover-side second rib integrally protruding from the cover. The connector protection case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second lead wire is divided into a plurality of second small holes, each of which can be derived. The inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole of the case body is the inner peripheral surface of the first groove formed on the peripheral surface of the opening on the one surface of the base at the first end of the case body and the first. Including the surface of the cover-side first rib arranged in the groove,
The base-side first rib protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the first groove in the base.
The inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole of the case body is the inner peripheral surface of the second groove formed on the peripheral surface of the opening on the one surface of the base at the second end of the case body, and the second. Including the surface of the cover-side second rib arranged in the groove,
The base-side second rib protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the second groove in the base.
From the cover, the cover is integrally formed, arranged on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of first lead wires are arranged in the first lead wire storage chamber, and the plurality of first lead wires are arranged between the covers. Two first protrusions protruding toward the base,
Two second projecting portions integrally formed with the cover and projecting from the cover toward the base so as to be arranged on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of second lead wires are arranged in the second lead wire storage chamber. The connector protective case according to claim 3, further comprising. Formed integrally with the base and the cover so that the cover can rotate between a closed position where the cover covers the opening of the base and an open position where the cover does not cover the opening of the base. A hinge that connects the cover to the base,
A hook integrally formed on one of the base and the cover on the opposite side of the hinge.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detachable portion that is integrally formed on the other side of the base and the cover on the opposite side of the hinge and to which the hook can be detachably hooked. Connector protective case. The connector protective case according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A relay connector device housed in the connector storage chamber of the connector protection case, and
A first seal portion formed by grease interposed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of first lead wires and the inner peripheral surface of the first lead-out hole.
A waterproof relay connector comprising: a second seal portion formed by grease interposed between an outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of second lead wires and an inner peripheral surface of the second lead-out hole. apparatus. With the motor
A hollow housing for accommodating the motor and
The waterproof relay connector device according to claim 6 and
The first circuit module arranged in the first region in the housing and
A second circuit module located in a second region within the housing.
The first circuit module is electrically connected to the first connector of the waterproof relay connector device via the plurality of first lead wires.
The second circuit module is an electric tool characterized in that it is electrically connected to the second connector of the waterproof relay connector device via the plurality of second lead wires.

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