WO2023048207A1 - Relay connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to suppress the effects on a potting seal member of a rise in pressure inside an equipment casing to which a relay connector is attached. The relay connector comprises: a terminal including one end portion, an other end portion, and an intermediate portion; an insulating body which includes a connector housing that surrounds the other end portion, and which covers the intermediate portion; a potting seal member for sealing around a base end of the other end portion; and a seal member for sealing a gap between the equipment casing and the insulating body. The insulating body includes a fluid flow passage having an open end which is open inside the equipment casing, and a closed end which is closed by the potting seal member, and the fluid flow passage includes a main flow passage directed from the open end toward the closed end, and a bypass flow passage which bypasses the main flow passage midway along the main flow passage.

Description

Relay connector

The present disclosure relates to relay connectors.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a connector including a connector housing, a busbar-shaped terminal fitting attached to the connector housing by insert molding, and a potting material filled in the inner part of a fitting recess in the connector housing. . Such a connector is used, for example, as a relay connector that connects a circuit arranged inside the case and a control circuit outside the case.

JP 2013-157256 A

In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the pressure inside the case rises, pressure may also be applied to the potting material. It is desired to suppress the influence of the pressure rise in the case on the potting material.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the influence of the pressure increase in the device housing to which the relay connector is attached on the potting seal member.

A relay connector of the present disclosure is a relay connector attached to a closed device housing so as to pass through the device housing from inside to outside, and has one end for electrical connection to an inner connection object in the device housing. another end for electrical connection to an external connection target outside the device housing; an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end; and a connector surrounding the other end. an insulating body including a housing and covering the intermediate portion; a potting seal member sealing around the proximal end of the other end portion in the connector housing; and a seal sealing a gap between the device housing and the insulating body. a member, wherein the one end is positioned inside the device housing and the other end is positioned outside the device housing in a state of being attached to the device housing, and the insulating main body includes a fluid channel having an open end opened in the device housing and a closed end closed by the potting seal member, the fluid channel having a main channel extending from the open end to the closed end and a bypass channel that bypasses the main channel in the middle of the main channel.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the influence on the potting seal member due to the pressure increase inside the device housing to which the relay connector is attached.

1 is a perspective view showing a relay connector according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a relay connector. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the relay connector. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the terminals and the first resin portion are arranged in the mold. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the process of mold-molding the second resin portion. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing fluid flow paths in the relay connector. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing fluid flow paths in the relay connector. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 7. FIG.

[Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]
First, the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

The relay connector of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) A relay connector attached to a closed device housing so as to pass through the device housing from inside to outside, comprising: one end for electrical connection to an inner connection object in the device housing; a terminal including the other end for electrical connection to an external connection target outside the device housing and an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end; and a connector housing surrounding the other end, an insulating body that covers the intermediate portion; a potting seal member that seals around the proximal end of the other end in the connector housing; and a seal member that seals a gap between the device housing and the insulating body. wherein the one end is positioned inside the device housing and the other end is positioned outside the device housing in a state of being attached to the device housing; A fluid flow path having an open end opened in a housing and a closed end closed by the potting seal member, the fluid flow path having a main flow path extending from the open end to the closed end, and the main flow path and a bypass channel that bypasses the main channel in the middle of the relay connector.

According to this relay connector, when the pressure inside the device housing rises, the fluid inside the device housing flows into the fluid channel from the open end. The fluid that has flowed into the fluid channel branches into a detour channel in the middle of the main channel. Since pressure loss occurs in the detour flow path, the force of the fluid in the fluid flow path is weakened, and the pressure applied to the potting seal member closing the closed end of the fluid flow path is reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the influence on the potting seal member due to the pressure increase in the device housing to which the relay connector is attached.

(2) In the relay connector of (1), the main channel is a terminal surface channel along the surface of the intermediate portion in the insulating body, and the detour channel is midway along the terminal surface channel. may be diverted away from the terminal surface channel.

Since one end of the terminal is located inside the device housing, it is conceivable that the fluid inside the device housing flows into the fluid flow path with the boundary between the one end of the terminal and the insulating body as an open end. In this case, the fluid flows along the terminal surface channel and branches into the detour channel in the middle of the terminal surface channel. By diverting the fluid to the bypass channel, the pressure applied to the potting seal member is reduced.

(3) In the relay connector of (2), the insulating body includes a first resin portion covering a portion of the intermediate portion, and at least a portion of the first resin portion and at least one of the remainder of the intermediate portion. a second resin portion that is molded using a portion as an insert portion, wherein the terminal surface channel is a first channel formed between the surface of the intermediate portion and the first resin portion; a second flow path formed between the surface of the intermediate portion and the second resin portion, wherein the detour flow path extends from the boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path to the second It may be a channel that flows between the first resin portion and the second resin portion and returns to another boundary between the first channel and the second channel.

In this way, when the insulating body includes the first resin portion and the second resin portion, it flows between the first resin portion and the second resin portion from the boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path. A flow path that returns to another boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path can be used as a bypass flow path.

(4) In the relay connector of (3), the first flow path and the second flow path may be alternately positioned along the extending direction of the intermediate portion in the insulating body. In this case, since the first flow path and the second flow path are alternately positioned along the extending direction of the intermediate portion, it is possible to provide a plurality of detour flow paths along the extending direction of the terminal.

(5) In the relay connector of (3) or (4), the first resin portion includes a window portion that partially exposes the intermediate portion, and the second resin portion extends from the intermediate portion. The portion exposed to the window portion is covered, the first flow path includes portions formed at positions sandwiching the window portion in the extending direction of the intermediate portion, and the second flow path includes the window portion. The detour flow path may include a flow path starting or ending at a boundary between the first resin portion and the second resin portion in the window portion. Thus, by forming the window in the first resin portion, a detour channel can be formed.

(6) In the relay connector according to any one of (3) to (5), on the outer surface of the insulating body, the boundary between the first resin portion and the second resin portion is within the device housing. The open end of the fluid flow path is exposed at the portion where it is disposed, and the open end of the fluid flow path is formed between the boundary between the other end exposed inside the device housing and the insulating body, and the first resin exposed inside the device housing. It may be a boundary between the portion and the second resin portion.

In this case, a boundary between the other end portion and the insulating body from inside the device housing and a boundary between the first resin portion and the second resin portion exposed in the device housing are used as open ends to enter the fluid flow path. Fluid that has flowed in can be prevented from leaking outside the potting seal member.

(7) In the relay connector according to any one of (3) to (6), the first resin portion includes a disc-shaped base portion located on the inner peripheral side of the seal member, and the detour flow is The path may include a flow path passing through a boundary between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion and the second resin portion.

Thereby, a large detour passage can be formed by the detour passage passing through the boundary between the outer peripheral surface of the disk-shaped base portion and the second resin portion. Thereby, a large pressure loss can be generated.

(8) In the relay connector according to any one of (3) to (7), the intermediate portion includes a bent portion, and the first resin portion covers a portion adjacent to the bent portion. A thick portion covered in an exposed state is included, and an inner portion of the bent portion of the thick portion is thicker than an outer portion of the bent portion, and the detour passage is formed in the bent portion of the thick portion. and the second resin portion.

In this case, a large detour channel can be formed by the detour channel passing through the boundary between the inner portion of the bent portion and the second resin portion of the thick portion. Thereby, a large pressure loss can be generated.

(9) The relay connector of any one of (1) to (8), wherein the intermediate portion includes a partial recess, the insulating body fills the recess, and the fluid flow path extends through the recess. and a channel that bends at the interface of the surface of the body and the insulating body. This curved flow path can increase the pressure loss and suppress the effect on the potting seal member.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
A specific example of the relay connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these exemplifications, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the scope of the claims.

[Embodiment 1]
A relay connector according to the first embodiment will be described below. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the relay connector 20. FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the relay connector 20. FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. The IV-IV line cross section in FIG. 1 is a plane along one terminal 30 . In FIG. 4, the housing 19 of the device to which the relay connector 20 is attached and the connectors 16 and 18 connected to the relay connector 20 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

<Overall configuration>
The relay connector 20 includes a first connector portion 22 and a second connector portion 24, and is attached to the housing 19 so as to pass through the housing 19 (see FIG. 4). The first connector portion 22 is located inside the housing 19 and is connected to the connector 16 inside the housing 19 . Connector 16 is an example of an internal connection object located within housing 19 . A second connector portion 24 is positioned outside the housing 19 and connected to the connector 18 outside the housing 19 . The connector 18 is an example of an external connection target located outside the housing 19 . Thereby, the relay connector 20 relay-connects the connectors 16 and 18 inside and outside the housing 19 .

The relay connector 20 includes terminals 30 , an insulating body 28 , a potting seal member 82 and an annular seal member 80 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal 30 includes a first connector terminal portion 32, a second connector terminal portion 34, and an intermediate portion 36 (see FIG. 3). The first connector terminal portion 32 is one end portion of the terminal 30, the second connector terminal portion 34 is the other end portion of the terminal 30, and the intermediate portion 36 is between the first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34. located in between. The first connector terminal portion 32 is a portion for electrical connection to the connector 16 , and the second connector terminal portion 34 is a portion for electrical connection to the connector 18 .

The insulating body 28 is an insulator that covers the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 . Insulating body 28 includes a second connector housing portion 72 that encloses first connector terminal portion 32 .

In this embodiment, the insulating body 28 includes a first resin portion 40 and a second resin portion 60, as shown in FIG.

The first resin portion 40 is a portion that holds the terminal 30, and includes a first resin body portion 41 and an exposed portion 50, as shown in FIGS. The first resin body portion 41 is a portion that is arranged inside the second resin portion 60 while partially covering the intermediate portion 36 . The exposed portion 50 is a portion exposed from the second resin portion 60 . The exposed portion 50 is provided with a bottomed cylindrical first connector housing portion 52 that surrounds the outer periphery of the first connector terminal portion 32 .

The second resin portion 60 includes a second resin body portion 61 and a second connector housing portion 72 . The second resin body portion 61 covers at least a portion of the first resin body portion 41 and at least a remaining portion of the intermediate portion 36 as an insert portion. The second connector housing portion 72 is a bottomed cylindrical portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the second connector terminal portion 34 .

The first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 may be made of the same resin. The resin may be, for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), polyamide, or the like.

In this relay connector 20, as shown in FIG. 7, the first connector portion 22 is composed of the first connector terminal portion 32 and the first connector housing portion 52. As shown in FIG. By connecting the connector 16 to the first connector portion 22, the first connector terminal portion 32 is inserted and connected to the connector terminal 16a in the connector 16 (see FIG. 4). Also, the second connector portion 24 is formed by the second connector terminal portion 34 and the second connector housing portion 72 . By connecting the connector 18 to the second connector portion 24 , the second connector terminal portion 34 is connected to the connector terminal 18 a in the connector 18 . In addition, the first resin main body portion 41 and the second resin main body portion 61 connect the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 24 to each other and hold the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 24 in a constant posture. and covers the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 to hold the terminal 30 in a fixed posture.

The configuration of each part of the relay connector 20 will be described more specifically.

<Terminal>
In this embodiment, the relay connector 20 has two terminals 30 . The number of terminals included in the relay connector 20 is arbitrary, and may be one or plural. When the relay connector has three or more terminals, the terminals may be arranged in a row, or may be arranged vertically and horizontally.

The terminal 30 is made of metal such as copper or copper alloy. The terminal 30 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate.

The terminal 30 is formed in an elongated shape and includes a first connector terminal portion 32, a second connector terminal portion 34, and an intermediate portion 36. The first connector terminal portion 32 is an elongated plate-like or pin-like portion formed at one end of the terminal 30 . The second connector terminal portion 34 is an elongated plate-like or pin-like portion formed at the other end of the terminal 30 . The intermediate portion 36 is provided between the first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34, and is a portion that electrically and mechanically connects the first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34. be.

In this embodiment, the terminal 30 is formed into a shape that bends at two points. More specifically, a portion 36 a of the intermediate portion 36 near the first connector terminal portion 32 is bent to one side in the thickness direction of the intermediate portion 36 . Here, the bent portion 36a is bent at a substantially right angle. A portion 36b of the intermediate portion 36 near the second connector terminal portion 34 is bent toward the other side of the intermediate portion 36 in the thickness direction. Here, the bent portion 36b is bent at a substantially right angle. That is, the bent portions 36a and 36b on both sides of the terminal 30 are bent in opposite directions, and the first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34 face in opposite directions. As a result, the connecting direction of the connector 16 to the first connector portion 22 including the first connector terminal portion 32 and the connecting direction of the connector 18 to the second connector portion 24 including the second connector terminal portion 34 are opposite to each other. can be set as

The shape of the terminal is not limited to the above example. For example, the terminal may be formed in a shape in which the intermediate portion is bent only at one point, that is, the terminal may be formed in an L shape. In this case, the connecting direction of the connector with respect to the first connector portion including the first connector terminal portion and the connecting direction of the connector with respect to the second connector portion including the second connector terminal portion intersect with each other, for example, are perpendicular to each other. can be set as The shape of the terminal may be linear.

The first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34 are thinner than the longitudinal middle portion of the terminal 30 . In the present embodiment, the region extending from the position closer to the center than the bent portion 36a toward the tip side of the first connector terminal portion 32 is formed thinner than the intermediate region of the terminal 30. As shown in FIG. Further, a region extending from a position closer to the second connector terminal portion 34 than the bent portion 36 b toward the tip side of the second connector terminal portion 34 is formed thinner than the intermediate region of the terminal 30 . As will be described later, since the bent portion 36b exposed from the first resin portion 40 is thicker than the bent portion 36a inside the first resin portion 40, the bent portion 36b is deformed when the second resin portion 60 is molded. hard to do The setting of the thickness of the terminal 30 is arbitrary. For example, it is not essential that the first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34 are formed narrower than the intermediate region of the terminal 30. For example, they are formed to have the same width throughout the longitudinal direction of the terminal 30. good too.

Also, the tip portions of the first connector terminal portion 32 and the second connector terminal portion 34 are formed so as to gradually taper toward the tip side so that they can be easily inserted into the mating connector terminals.

A through hole 36 h is formed in the intermediate portion 36 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of (here, two) through-holes 36h are formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate portion 36 . The terminal 30 is positioned with respect to the second resin portion 60 more reliably by filling the resin forming the second resin portion 60 into the main through hole 36h. The through hole 36h may be omitted.

A groove 36g is formed along the width direction of the terminal 30 in a portion of the intermediate portion 36 near the second connector terminal portion 34 . Here, grooves 36g are formed along the width direction of the terminal 30 on both sides of the corresponding portion of the intermediate portion 36 . A plurality of grooves 36g are formed in each of both surfaces of the intermediate portion 36 , and the plurality of grooves 36g are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 30 . The groove 36g collects air bubbles that may be generated when the resin is filled, which will be described later, in the groove 36g, thereby suppressing the formation of a gap along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 30. As shown in FIG. It should be noted that it is not essential to form the groove 36g.

A partial recess 36 q is formed in the intermediate portion 36 . The recess 36q is a bottomed recess that is recessed from the surface of the intermediate portion 36 (see FIG. 3). The recessed portion 36q may be, for example, recessed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the intermediate portion 36. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a pair of recessed portions 36q are formed at positions closer to the middle of the intermediate portion 36 than the bent portion 36b. The pair of recesses 36q is formed in a shape recessed from both widthwise outer surfaces of the intermediate portion 36 toward the center in the widthwise direction. A pair of recesses 36q is also formed between the two through holes 36h in the intermediate portion 36. As shown in FIG. The resin forming the first resin portion 40 is filled in the recess 36q. Incidentally, the concave portion 36q may be omitted.

The plurality of terminals 30 are held in a fixed posture by the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 while being adjacent to each other with a space therebetween. When manufacturing the relay connector 20, first, the first resin portion 40 is molded using the terminal 30 as an insert component. As a result, the second resin portion 60 is molded using the first resin portion 40 holding the terminal 30 as an insert component. It may be understood that the first resin portion 40 is the primary resin molded portion and the second resin portion 60 is the secondary resin molded portion. In the relay connector 20, the combination of the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 can realize the function of holding the terminal 30 in a fixed posture and the function of maintaining the connection state with the connectors 16 and 18. FIG.

By molding the resin portion of the relay connector 20 separately into the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60, the terminals 30 are exposed in the mold space during molding of the respective molds. The length of the portion can be shortened, and thus deformation and displacement of the terminal 30 are less likely to occur.

The resin parts 40 and 60 will be described more specifically.

<First resin part>
The first resin portion 40 includes the first resin body portion 41 and the exposed portion 50 as described above.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first resin main body portion 41 includes a base portion 42 and a projecting portion 44 . The base portion 42 is formed in a flat shape, here a disc shape. The base portion 42 is positioned on the inner peripheral side of an annular seal member 80 which will be described later. A protruding portion 44 protrudes from one surface side of the base portion 42 . The protruding portion 44 protrudes from a position deviated from the center of the base portion 42, here, from the outer peripheral portion. The protruding portion 44 protrudes in a direction intersecting one surface of the base portion 42, here, in a direction perpendicular thereto.

A base frame portion 43 protrudes from the other side of the base portion 42 . The base frame portion 43 is formed in a U-shaped frame shape that is open on one side and closed on the other three sides. An intermediate frame portion 58 , which will be described later, is connected to the base frame portion 43 .

A portion of the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 is arranged inside the protrusion 44 along the extending direction of the protrusion 44 . A portion of the intermediate portion 36 near the second connector terminal portion 34 extends outward from the projecting portion 44 . The bent portion 36b is located outside the protrusion 44. As shown in FIG. The second connector terminal portion 34 bends at the bent portion 36b and extends along a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) the projecting portion 44 . A portion of the intermediate portion 36 near the first connector terminal portion 32 passes through the base portion 42 from the protruding portion 44 and passes through the bottom portion 43 a of the base frame portion 43 toward the exposed portion 50 . The intermediate portion 36 is bent on the side opposite to the second connector terminal portion 34 at the bent portion 36 a in the exposed portion 50 , and the first connector terminal portion 32 is bent on the side opposite to the second connector terminal portion 34 . extend toward

The exposed portion 50 includes an intermediate frame portion 58 and a first connector housing portion 52 .

The intermediate frame portion 58 is formed in a U-shaped frame shape that is closed in the other three directions. The intermediate frame portion 58 continues to the base frame portion 43 . As a result, the other surface of the base portion 42, the surface of the first connector housing portion 52 facing the base portion 42 side, and the two opposing inward surfaces and the inward bottom surface formed by the base frame portion 43 and the intermediate frame portion 58 are formed. A rectangular space surrounded by and is formed (see FIG. 4). This rectangular space opens on the same side as the opening of the first connector housing portion 52 .

The first connector housing portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom surrounding the outer periphery of the first connector terminal portion 32 . Here, the first connector housing portion 52 is formed in the shape of a bottomed rectangular tube that is open on one side. The first connector housing portion 52 may be formed in other bottomed tubular shapes, such as an elliptical tubular shape and a cylindrical shape.

The first connector housing portion 52 includes four peripheral wall portions 53, 54, 55, 56 and a bottom portion 57, as shown in FIGS. The intermediate frame portion 58 is formed so as to extend from the two opposing peripheral wall portions 53 and 54 and the bottom portion 57 to the peripheral wall portion 55 side. The base frame portion 43 continues on the extension of the intermediate frame portion 58 . As a result, one side portion of the first connector housing portion 52 is connected to the base frame portion 43 of the first resin main body portion 41 via the intermediate frame portion 58 . In the peripheral wall portion 53 on one side of the first connector housing portion 52, a locking hole 53h is formed in which a projection for locking of the mating connector 18 is locked.

In this state, the axial direction of the first connector housing portion 52 and the extending direction of the intermediate portion 36 in the first resin main body portion 41 intersect (orthogonal here). Therefore, the first resin main body portion 41 is continuous with the exposed portion 50 in a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) the axial direction of the first connector housing portion 52 . The orientation of the first connector housing portion 52 may be set according to the orientation of the first connector terminal portion 32 with respect to the intermediate portion 36 .

The intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 reaches the bottom portion 57 of the first connector housing portion 52 through the bottom portion of the intermediate frame portion 58 . The intermediate portion 36 bends within the bottom portion 37 at a bend portion 36a. As a result, the first connector terminal portion 32 exits from the bottom portion 37 and extends axially within the first connector housing portion 52 .

The partial configuration of the first resin portion 40 will be described more specifically.

The projecting portion 44 includes a detail 45 and a thick portion 46. The detail 45 is a portion of the protruding portion 44 on the base portion 42 side.

The detail 45 has a dimension in the direction in which the two terminals 30 are arranged (which is also the tangential direction at the portion where the terminals 30 are provided on the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 42). It is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape longer than the dimension in the direction (radial direction of the base portion 42) perpendicular to the base portion 42. As shown in FIG. A portion of detail 45 protrudes outwardly from the outer perimeter of base portion 42, but this is not required.

The thick portion 46 is provided closer to the second connector portion 24 than the detail 45 is. The thick portion 46 covers a portion of the intermediate portion 36 adjacent to the bent portion 36b. In this state, the bent portion 36b is exposed from the first resin portion 40. As shown in FIG. The thick portion 46 is formed thicker than the detail 45 . In this embodiment, the thick portion 46 is formed such that a portion around the intermediate portion 36 protrudes from the detail 45 more than the other portions. Here, the thick portion 46 protrudes from the bent portion 36b toward the second connector terminal portion 34 around the intermediate portion 36 to a greater extent than other portions. That is, the inner portion of the bent portion 36b of the thick portion 46 is thicker than the outer portion of the bent portion 36b.

More specifically, the thick portion 46 includes a cuboid portion. The rectangular parallelepiped portion protrudes from the detail 45 in the direction in which the tip of the second connector terminal portion 34 faces, and is flush with the detail 45 in the other three directions. A portion of the rectangular parallelepiped portion that protrudes toward the detail 45 is connected to the detail 45 via a slope. A portion of the thick portion 46 opposite to the detail 45 is formed on a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the detail 45, and the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 extends from this portion.

Window portions 45h1 and 45h2 that partially expose the intermediate portion 36 to the outside of the first resin portion 40 are formed in the detail 45 . The window portions 45h1 and 45h2 are formed on both sides of the intermediate portion 36 in the thickness direction. Therefore, both surfaces of the intermediate portion 36 are partially exposed through the windows 45h1 and 45h2. The window portion 45h1 is formed in a portion of the detail 45 closer to the thick portion 46. As shown in FIG. A part of the two intermediate portions 36 is commonly exposed in the window portion 45h1. Two window portions 45 h 2 are formed corresponding to the two intermediate portions 36 . A portion of the intermediate portion 36 is exposed at each window portion 45h2. One through hole 36h is formed in a portion of the intermediate portion 36 exposed to the window portion 45h1. The window portions 45h1 and 45h2 and the through hole 36h are filled with the second resin portion 60 . Therefore, the second resin portion 60 covers the portions of the intermediate portion 36 that are exposed to the windows 45h1 and 45h2.

A window portion 43h is formed in the bottom portion 43a of the base frame portion 43 opposite to the opening. Two window portions 43 h are formed corresponding to the two intermediate portions 36 . The window portion 43 h also opens into the space surrounded by the base frame portion 43 and the intermediate frame portion 58 . Therefore, both surfaces of the intermediate portion 36 are exposed from the first resin portion 40 through each window portion 43h. One through hole 36h is formed in a portion of the intermediate portion 36 exposed to the window portion 43h. The second resin portion 60 is filled in the window portion 43h and the through hole 36h. Therefore, the second resin portion 60 covers the portion of the intermediate portion 36 that is exposed to the window portion 43h.

It should be noted that the formation of the window portions 45h1, 45h2, and 43h is not essential.

A positioning concave portion 51 is formed in a portion of the exposed portion 50 opposite to the opening of the first connector housing portion 52 . The positioning recess 51 is a recess that opens on the side opposite to the opening of the first connector housing portion 52 . The positioning recess 51 is, for example, a recess defined by a bottom surface 51a facing away from the opening of the first connector housing portion 52 and four side surfaces 51f. The four side surfaces 51f may include portions perpendicular to the bottom surface 51a. The side surfaces 51f may be arranged at positions corresponding to the sides of a rectangle (including a square). Although the opening edge of the positioning recess 51 is formed on an outwardly inclined surface, this is not essential.

When molding the second resin portion 60, the positioning surface on the mold side can be brought into contact with the bottom surface 51a and the four side surfaces 51f of the positioning recess 51. Thereby, the exposed portion 50 is positioned with respect to the mold in a total of five directions in which the bottom surface 51a and the four side surfaces 51f face.

In this embodiment, the positioning recess 51 is formed from the outward portion of the bottom portion 57 of the first connector housing portion 52 to the outward portion of the bottom portion of the intermediate frame portion 58 . The positioning recess may be formed only in the bottom portion 57 of the first connector housing portion 52 or may be formed only in the outward portion of the bottom portion of the intermediate frame portion 58 .

A positioning groove 59 extending from the opening of the first connector housing portion 52 toward the bottom portion 57 is formed in the outward portion of the exposed portion 50 . The positioning groove 59 is, for example, a groove defined by a bottom surface 59a facing outward and side surfaces 59b, 59b on both sides of the bottom surface 59a (see FIG. 2).

More specifically, of the outward portion of one side of the intermediate frame portion 58, the portion near the base frame portion 43 is formed thick so as to protrude outward. A peripheral wall portion 53 on one side of the first connector housing portion 52 is formed at a position closer to the outside than one side portion of the intermediate frame portion 58 . A positioning groove 59 is formed between the portion of the exposed portion 50 formed with the above thickness and the peripheral wall portion 53 on one side of the first connector housing portion 52 . The positioning groove 59 may be formed in another portion of the exposed portion 50 , for example, the outer circumference of the first connector housing portion 52 .

When molding the second resin portion 60, the positioning surface on the mold side can be brought into contact with the bottom surface 59a and both side surfaces 59b of the positioning groove 59. Thereby, in the portion where the positioning groove 59 is formed, the first resin portion 40 is positioned with respect to the mold in three directions in which the bottom surface 59a and the two side surfaces 59b face.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, of the outward portion of the other side portion of the intermediate frame portion 58, the portion near the base frame portion 43 is also formed thick so as to protrude outward.

<Second resin part>
The second resin portion 60 includes the second resin body portion 61 and the second connector housing portion 72 as described above.

The second resin body portion 61 includes a base portion 62 and a projecting portion 64, as shown in FIGS. The base portion 62 is formed in a flat shape, here a disc shape. The base portion 62 covers the outer periphery and both surfaces of the base portion 42 of the first resin body portion 41 . A protruding portion 64 protrudes from one surface side of the base portion 62 . The protruding portion 64 protrudes from a position offset from the center of the base portion 62 . The projecting portion 64 covers the projecting portion 44 of the first resin body portion 41 . The protrusion 64 also covers the tip of the protrusion 44 . For this reason, the second resin body portion 61, more specifically, the protrusion 64 extends from the extension of the protrusion 44 to extend the portion of the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 between the protrusion 44 and the bent portion 36b. cover. That is, the second resin main body portion 61 covers at least a portion of the intermediate portion 36 closer to the first connector terminal portion 32 than the bent portion 36b. A portion of the second resin portion 60 that covers the thick portion 46 protrudes from the base portion 62 in the direction in which the second connector terminal portion 34 extends.

The base portion 62 is provided with the following configuration for attaching the relay connector 20 to the housing 19 . That is, a peripheral groove 62g is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 62 near the first connector housing portion 52 . An annular seal member 80 is fitted in the circumferential groove 62g as a seal member. The annular seal member 80 is, for example, a rubber ring. With the relay connector 20 attached to the housing 19 of the device to be attached (for example, a transmission), the portion of the base portion 62 on the side of the first connector housing portion 52 is fitted into the mounting hole 19h of the housing 19 (see FIG. 4). In this state, the annular seal member 80 is interposed in a compressed state between the second resin body portion 61 and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 19h, and the mounting hole 19h in the housing 19 and the insulating body 28 of the relay connector 20 are interposed. to restrict the passage of liquid therebetween.

Since the base portion 42 of the first resin portion 40 is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the annular seal member 80 in the base portion 62, the thickness of the base portion 62 on the outer periphery of the base portion 42 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress resin sink marks and the like of the base portion 62 at the time of mold molding, and to accurately form the circumferential groove 62g. By forming the circumferential groove 62g with high accuracy, it is expected that the annular seal member 80 has good adhesion and good sealing performance.

A screwing portion 68 protrudes from a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the second resin main body portion 61 . The screwing portion 68 is formed in a flat shape in the direction connecting the first connector housing portion 52 and the second connector housing portion 72 . A screw insertion hole 68 h is formed in the screwing portion 68 . A metal annular member 68a (also called a metal collar) may be provided in a portion of the screwing portion 68 that forms the screw insertion hole 68h. Then, the relay connector 20 is screwed and fixed to the housing by screwing the screw through the main screw insertion hole 68h into the screw hole on the housing 19 side. It should be noted that the relay connector 20 does not have to be fixed by screwing, and may be fixed by another fitting structure or the like.

The second connector housing portion 72 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the second connector terminal portion 34 . Here, the second connector housing portion 72 is formed in a bottomed square tube shape with one side open and each corner portion rounded. The second connector housing portion 72 may be formed in other bottomed tubular shapes, such as an elliptical tubular shape and a cylindrical shape.

The second connector housing portion 72 includes a peripheral wall portion 73 and a bottom portion 77 . The peripheral wall portion 73 has a tubular shape, here, a square tubular shape with rounded corners. A portion of the bottom portion 77 of the second connector housing portion 72 and a portion of the peripheral wall portion 73 on the projecting portion 64 side near the bottom portion 77 are connected to the projecting portion 64 of the second resin main body portion 61 . That is, the second connector housing portion 72 is supported by the projecting portion 64 in a cantilevered manner. In this state, the axial direction of the second connector housing portion 72 and the extending direction of the intermediate portion 36 in the second resin main body portion 61 intersect (orthogonal here). The orientation of the second connector housing portion 72 may be set according to the orientation of the second connector terminal portion 34 with respect to the intermediate portion 36 .

A sealing concave portion 77h is formed in a portion of the second connector housing portion 72, which is an inward portion of the bottom portion 77 and from which the second connector terminal portion 34 extends (see FIG. 4). A portion of the intermediate portion 36 in which the groove 36g is formed is provided within the seal recess 77h. A potting seal member 82 is provided in the sealing recess 77h. The potting seal member 82 is formed by filling and arranging a potting material such as polyurethane in the sealing recess 77h and solidifying it. The potting seal member 82 may be made of thermoplastic resin or the like that softens with heat.

A locking projection 75a and a pair of guide projections 75b are formed on a portion of the outer periphery of the second connector housing portion 72, here, a portion of the peripheral wall portion 73 on the side opposite to the first connector housing portion 52. be done. The locking convex portion 75 a is formed in a shape that gradually lowers toward the opening side of the second connector housing portion 72 . The pair of guide projections 75b has a convex shape extending along the axial direction of the second connector housing portion 72 and is provided on both sides of the locking projection 75a with a gap therebetween. Then, when the mating connector 18 is connected to the second connector portion 24, the lock pieces 18P provided on the connector 18 are fitted into the pair of guide protrusions 75b along the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 73, and the engagement is achieved. The locking projection 75a is locked in the locking hole 18Ph formed in the locking piece 18P (see FIG. 4).

<Attachment state to the housing>
With the relay connector 20 attached to the housing 19, the base portion 62 is fitted into the mounting hole 19h as described above, and the screw portion 68 is screwed and fixed to the housing 19 (see FIG. 4).

The housing 19 is, for example, a housing of equipment having movable mechanisms such as motors and gears. The housing 19 is a housing that closes the internal space from the outside. For example, the housing 19 may be a housing that encloses lubricating or cooling oil in the movable mechanism. The housing 19 may have a valve for adjusting internal pressure.

With the relay connector 20 attached to the housing 19, the first connector 22 portion including the first connector terminal portion 32 is positioned inside the housing 19, and the second connector portion 24 including the second connector terminal portion 34 is positioned inside the housing 19. Located outside the housing 19 . For example, the connector 16 at the wiring end drawn out from the low-current signal device (for example, sensor) in the housing is connected to the first connector portion 22 . For example, the connector 18 at the end of the wire harness outside the device is connected to the second connector portion 24 . Thereby, the relay connector 20 relay-connects the wire harness outside the device and the wiring inside the device. In this case, the relay connector 20 is a relay connector for signal relay. The terminal 30 for signal relay is often thinner than the terminal for power supply, and in such a case, it is more required to suppress the deformation of the terminal.

An annular seal member 80 and a potting seal member 82 for suppressing the infiltration of liquid in the relay connector 20 are provided on the second resin portion 60 . Since the second resin portion 60 is molded using the first resin portion 40 as an insert portion, the surface of the second resin portion 60 can be expected to be smoother than the surface of the first resin portion 40 . Since the second resin portion 60 is provided with the annular seal member 80 and the potting seal member 82 , liquid is effectively prevented from entering between the second resin portion 60 and the annular seal member 80 and the potting seal member 82 . obtain.

In particular, the second connector housing portion 72 that is part of the second resin portion 60 is exposed outside the housing 19 . Therefore, the second connector housing portion 72 outside the housing 19 is more susceptible to water than the first connector housing portion 52 inside the housing 19 . By forming the second connector housing portion 72 from the second resin portion 60, the surface shape can be made smooth. By providing the potting seal member 82 in the second connector housing portion 72, it is possible to suppress the water flowing through the potting seal member 82 and the inner surface of the sealing recess 77h from reaching the terminal 30, and the terminal 30 is water-tight. improve more.

An annular seal member 84 may be provided between the connector 18 and the second connector housing portion 72 (see FIG. 4). An annular seal member 84 may be attached to the connector 18 . The annular seal member 84 is also pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the second connector housing portion 72 that is part of the second resin portion 60 . Since the inner peripheral surface is also expected to be finished as a smooth surface as described above, the annular seal member 84 also improves the water stopping performance.

<Example of relay connector manufacturing by mold>
A manufacturing example in which the second resin portion 60 of the relay connector 20 is molded will be described.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the first resin portion 40 molded with the terminal 30 as an insert portion is placed in molds 100 and 110 for molding the second resin portion 60 . A first mold 100 and a second mold 110 are shown as an example. The first mold 100 has a mold surface 102 for forming a visible surface of the second resin portion 60 from the side where the first connector housing portion 52 opens. The second mold 110 has a mold surface 112 for forming a visible surface of the second resin portion 60 from the side where the second connector housing portion 72 opens. A mold space for forming the second resin portion 60 is formed by combining the first mold 100 and the second mold 110 . If there is a part that is difficult to form with the first mold 100 and the second mold 110, another mold such as a slide mold is combined as appropriate.

A positioning annular groove 104 for positioning the first connector housing portion 52 is formed in the first mold 100 . The annular positioning groove 104 is formed in an annular shape into which the peripheral wall portions 53, 54, 55, and 56 can be fitted. More specifically, the inner surface of the positioning annular groove 104 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the first connector housing portion 52 (same surface shape or similar shape (slightly) smaller). The outer surface of the positioning annular groove 104 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the first connector housing portion 52 (same surface shape or similar shape (slightly) larger).

With the first connector housing portion 52 fitted in the annular positioning groove 104 , the outward surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 of the first connector housing portion 52 come into contact with the outer surface of the annular positioning groove 104 . Also, the inner surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 of the first connector housing portion 52 contact the inner surface of the annular positioning groove 104 . As a result, the first connector housing portion 52 is positioned in two axial directions perpendicular to the axis and perpendicular to each other. Also, the inner portion 105 of the positioning annular groove 104 of the first mold 100 contacts the inward surface of the bottom portion 77 . As a result, the first connector housing portion 52 is also positioned in the direction toward its opening side.

A first terminal positioning hole 106 into which the first connector terminal portion 32 is inserted is formed in the inner portion 105 . The terminals 30 are positioned by inserting the first connector terminal portions 32 into the first terminal positioning holes 106 .

The first mold 100 is formed with grooves 107 into which both side portions of the intermediate frame portion 58 can be fitted. By fitting both sides of the intermediate frame portion 58 into the grooves 107, the inner surfaces of both sides and the bottom of the intermediate frame portion 58 are also positioned.

In addition, a positioning surface 108 f that can come into surface contact with the positioning groove 59 is formed on the outer side surface of the positioning annular groove 104 and the outer side surface of the groove 107 in the first mold 100 . Since the positioning groove 59 is a groove extending from the opening of the first connector housing portion 52 toward the bottom portion 77, when the exposed portion 50 is fitted into the annular positioning groove 104 and the groove 107, the positioning surface 108f is also easily inserted into the positioning groove 59. can be placed in

The second mold 110 is formed with a bottom positioning surface 113 for positioning the outward surface of the bottom 77 of the first connector housing 52 and the bottom of the intermediate frame 58 . The bottom positioning surface 113 includes a surface formed by a positioning protrusion 113P that can be positioned within the positioning recess 51 described above. The positioning protrusion 113</b>P has a convex shape that can be arranged in the positioning recess 51 , and its surface is formed so as to come into surface contact with the bottom surface 51 a and the side surface 51 f of the positioning recess 51 . Therefore, the bottom portion positioning surface 113 is in surface contact with the exposed portion 50 from the side opposite to the first mold 100, so that the bottom portion 77 of the first connector housing portion 52 and the bottom portion of the intermediate frame portion 58 are aligned with the bottom surface 51a. , in the direction in which each of the side surfaces 51f faces.

A second terminal positioning hole 114 into which the second connector terminal portion 34 can be inserted is formed inside the portion of the second mold 110 that forms the second connector housing portion 72 . The terminals 30 are positioned by inserting the second connector terminal portions 34 into the second terminal positioning holes 114 .

With the exposed portion 50 of the first resin portion 40 supported by the first mold 100 and the second mold 110, the first resin body portion 41 is arranged at a position away from the mold surfaces 102 and 112. . The intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 extends from the protruding portion 44 through the mold space and bends at the bent portion 36 b toward the second terminal positioning hole 114 .

In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, molten resin is injected into the mold space. The injection port 120 is formed so as to face a portion forming the base portion 62, for example. The melted resin passes between the first resin portion 40 and the intermediate portion 36 and the mold surfaces 102 and 112 and flows into the space forming the second resin portion 60 . The second resin portion 60 is molded by cooling and solidifying the molten resin.

<Regarding the fluid flow path>
The relay connector 20 closes the attachment hole 19h in the housing 19. As shown in FIG. The internal pressure of the housing 19 may temporarily fluctuate due to temperature changes or the like. When the pressure in the housing 19 rises, gas in the housing 19 may flow along the boundary between the terminal 30 and the insulating body 28 and flow toward the second connector terminal portion 34 . Similarly, the oil inside the housing 19 may also flow into the second connector terminal portion 34 side.

The potting seal member 82 can suppress leakage of fluid (gas and oil) through the boundary between the terminal 30 and the insulating body 28 . In order to enhance the effect of suppressing the leakage, the volume of the potting seal member 82 should be increased, in particular, the sealing recess 77h should be set deep to increase the length of the potting seal member 82 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 30. can be considered. Therefore, the amount of potting material used is increased, which may increase the cost. In the following, the effects on the potting seal member 82 due to the pressure increase in the housing 19 are suppressed, thereby suppressing the leakage of fluid along the surface of the terminal 30 regardless of the amount of potting material used. configuration is explained.

An enlarged view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the insulating body 28 includes a fluid passageway 90 having open ends 90a1, 90a2 open within the housing 19 and a closed end 90b closed by a potting seal member 82. As shown in FIG. A fluid channel 90 is formed at the interface between the terminal 30 and the insulating body 28, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, when the insulating body (the first resin portion 40 or the second resin portion 60) is molded using the terminal 30 as an insert, a large number of fine and discontinuous gaps are formed between the surface of the terminal 30 and the insulating body 28. is formed. It is conceivable that the fluid flow path 90 is formed along the extending direction of the terminal 30 by irregularly connecting a large number of gaps. Similarly, it is conceivable that the fluid channel 90 is formed at the boundary between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 . Therefore, it is conceivable that the fluid channel 90 is formed at the boundary between the terminal 30 and the insulating body 28 and at the boundary between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the fluid channel 90 includes a main channel 91 and detour channels 92, 93, and 94. The main channel 91 is a channel from the open end 90a1 or 90a2 to the closed end 90b. The bypass channels 92 , 93 , and 94 are channels that bypass the main channel 91 in the middle of the main channel 91 . Since the detour channels 92 , 93 , and 94 bypass the main channel 91 , the detour channels 92 , 93 , and 94 are channels that face in a direction away from the main channel 91 , turn in the middle, and return in a direction approaching the main channel 91 . Conceivable.

It is assumed that the fluid inside the housing 19 flows into the main flow path 91 from the open ends 90a1 and 90a2 due to a temporary increase in the internal pressure of the housing 19. The flowed-in fluid branches into detour channels 92 , 93 , and 94 in the middle of the main channel 91 . It is assumed that the momentum of the fluid is weakened by the dispersion of the fluid in the main channel 91 and the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 . When the fluid flows into the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 , it is conceivable that pressure loss occurs in the curved paths in the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 . Therefore, it is assumed that the force of the fluid weakens in the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 . As a result, the momentum of the fluid flowing into the fluid channel 90 from the open ends 90a1 and 90a2 is gradually weakened. Therefore, the pressure finally applied to the potting seal member 82 is reduced. The detour channels 92, 93, 94 may delay the flow of fluid or function as a kind of buffer zone that temporarily stores fluid against a temporary increase in internal pressure.

　The fluid flow path 90 will be described more specifically.

In this embodiment, the first connector terminal portion 32 of the terminal 30 protrudes inside the first connector portion 22 and is exposed inside the housing 19 . Therefore, the open end 90 a 1 of the fluid flow path 90 is a boundary between the first connector terminal portion 32 exposed to the housing 19 and the first connector housing portion 52 that is part of the second resin portion 60 .

Also, the boundary between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 is exposed at the portion arranged in the housing 19 . More specifically, the exposed portion 50 of the first resin portion 40 is exposed closer to the housing 19 than the base portion 62 is. Therefore, the open end 90 a 2 of the fluid flow path 90 is the boundary between the first resin portion 40 exposed inside the housing 19 and the second resin portion 60 . The boundary between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 exists only in the area exposed to the housing 19 on the surface of the insulating main body 28 and does not exist in the area exposed to the outside of the housing 19 . Therefore, the fluid that has flowed into the boundary between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 does not directly leak out of the housing 19 from the boundary.

It should be noted that the presence of the open end 90a2 is not essential. For example, the first resin portion 40 may be completely covered within the second resin portion 60 .

The main channel 91 is a channel along the surface of the intermediate portion 36 within the insulating body 28 . In other words, the main channel 91 is a terminal surface channel 91 formed at the interface between the surface of the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 made of metal or the like and the insulating main body 28 made of resin or the like. The terminal surface channel 91 is a passage extending along the extending direction of the intermediate portion 36 of the terminal 30 .

The detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 are passages that detour away from the terminal surface channel 91 in the middle of the terminal surface channel 91 .

In this embodiment, the insulating body 28 includes a first resin portion 40 and a second resin portion 60 , the first resin portion 40 covering a portion of the intermediate portion 36 and the second resin portion 60 covering the intermediate portion 36 . Cover at least part of the rest. Therefore, the terminal surface channel 91 is formed between the first channel 91 a formed between the intermediate portion 36 and the first resin portion 40 and between the intermediate portion 36 and the second resin portion 60 . and a second flow path 91b.

The detour channels 92, 93, and 94 flow into between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 from the boundary between the first channel 91a and the second channel 91b, and connect the first channel 91a and the second channel 91b. It is a flow path that returns to another boundary with the second flow path 91b.

More specifically, the first resin portion 40 includes a base portion 42 and a projecting portion 44 . Window portions 43 h , 45 h 2 , 45 h 1 are formed in the base portion 42 and the projecting portion 44 at intervals along the extending direction of the intermediate portion 36 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the first flow paths 91a and the second flow paths 91b are alternately formed in one cross section along the extending direction of the terminal 30. As shown in FIG. The first flow path 91a is located in each region of the first resin portion 40 where the window portions 43h, 45h2, and 45h1 do not exist. At least part of the first flow path 91a is formed at positions sandwiching the windows 43h, 45h2, and 45h1 in the extending direction of the intermediate portion . The second flow path 91b is located in the window portions 43h, 45h2, 45h1 or the tip outer region of the projecting portion 44. As shown in FIG. If at least one of at least one first flow path 91a and at least one second flow path 91b is present in plurality, the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b are alternately formed. can be realized.

The bypass flow path 92 starts from the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b in the window portion 43h, bypasses the boundary between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 42 and the second resin portion 60, and extends to the window portion 43h. This flow path returns from the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b at 45h2. In particular, the base portion 42 protrudes greatly with respect to the intermediate portion 36 in the direction in which the first connector terminal portion 32 extends. Therefore, in the direction in which the first connector terminal portion 32 extends, the detour flow path 92 can be largely separated from the intermediate portion 36 to detour the fluid.

The bypass flow path 93 starts from the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b in the window portion 45h2, and extends between the portion of the first resin portion 40 between the window portions 45h1 and 45h2 and the second resin portion 60. , and returns to the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b in the window portion 45h1 as an end point.

The detour flow path 94 starts from the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b in the window portion 45h1, and extends from the boundary between the outer peripheral surface of the thick portion 46 of the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60. , and return with the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b on the distal end surface of the thick portion 46 as an end point. In particular, the inside portion of the bent portion 36 b of the thick portion 46 protrudes significantly with respect to the detail 45 . Therefore, in the inner portion of the bent portion 36b, the detour passage 94 is far away from the intermediate portion 36 so that the fluid can be detoured.

As shown in FIG. 9, the recess 36q formed in the intermediate portion 36 is filled with the insulating main body 28 (the first resin portion 40 in this embodiment). Therefore, in the middle of the main flow path 91, a curved flow path 91q is formed at the boundary between the recessed surface of the recess 36q and the first resin portion 40 entering the recess 36q. This channel 91q can also increase the pressure loss with respect to the fluid flowing through the main channel 91 .

A through hole 36h is formed in a portion of the intermediate portion 36 that is exposed to the window portions 43h and 45h2, and the through hole 36h is filled with the insulating body 28 (second resin portion 60 in this embodiment). there is For this reason, in the middle of the main flow path 91, there is provided a portion where the pressure loss increases due to the insulating body 28 filled in the through hole 36h. The pressure loss for the fluid flowing through the main flow path 91 can also be increased by the pressure loss increase location corresponding to the through hole 36h.

<About fluid behavior>
Assume that the internal pressure of housing 19 increases while relay connector 20 is attached to housing 19 . The fluid inside the housing 19 flows into the main flow path 91 from the open ends 90a1 and 90a2 (see arrows F1 and F2). (see arrow F3).

When the fluid reaches the window portion 43h, part of the fluid branches off from the main channel 91 and detours along the detour channel 92 around the base portion 42 (see arrow F4). The branching of the fluid into the detour flow path 92 causes pressure loss due to branching, bending, merging, extension of the path length, and the like. Therefore, as the fluid passes through the detour channel 92, the momentum of the fluid is weakened. In particular, since the detour flow path 92 detours around the base portion 42 , the flow path becomes longer, so it is conceivable that the pressure loss increases and the momentum of the fluid becomes weaker.

When the fluid reaches the window portion 45h2, part of the fluid branches off from the main channel 91 and detours along the detour channel 93 (see arrow F5). By branching the fluid into the detour channel 93, the momentum of the fluid is weakened in the same manner as described above.

When the fluid reaches the window portion 45h1, part of the fluid branches off from the main channel 91 and detours along the detour channel 93 around the thick portion 46 (see arrow F6). By branching the fluid into the detour channel 93, the momentum of the fluid is weakened in the same manner as described above. In particular, it is conceivable that the detour flow path 94 bypasses the portion inside the bent portion 36b of the thick portion 46, thereby lengthening the flow path, increasing the pressure loss and weakening the momentum of the fluid.

As a result, it is expected that the pressure applied to the potting seal member 82 due to the increase in pressure inside the housing 19 will be reduced by the amount that the force of the fluid is weakened in each of the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 .

In addition, the fluid passes through the main channel 91 and the detour channel 92 . Therefore, it is expected that the pressure increase caused by the instantaneous increase in the pressure inside the housing 19 will be transmitted to the potting seal member 82 with a time lag according to the difference in the path length through which the fluid flows. . This is expected to reduce the peak pressure applied to the potting seal member 82 .

In addition, the fluid is dispersed not only in the main channel 91 on the surface of the intermediate portion of the terminal 30, but also in the detour channels 92, 93, and 94 between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60. It is expected that the spaces forming the channels 92, 93, 94 function as a kind of buffer zone. This is also expected to reduce the pressure applied to the potting seal member 82 .

<Effects, etc.>
According to the relay connector 20 configured as described above, when the pressure inside the housing 19 increases, the fluid inside the housing 19 flows into the fluid channel 90 from the open ends 90a1 and 90a2. The fluid that has flowed into the fluid channel 90 branches off into detour channels 92 , 93 and 94 in the middle of the main channel 91 . Since pressure loss occurs in the bypass channels 92, 93, and 94, the momentum of the fluid in the fluid channel 90 is weakened, and the pressure applied to the potting seal member 82 closing the closed end 90b of the fluid channel 90 is reduced. . As a result, it is possible to suppress the effect on the potting seal member 82 due to the pressure increase in the housing 19 to which the relay connector 20 is attached.

In addition, since the first connector terminal portion 32 of the terminal 30 is located inside the housing 19, the fluid inside the housing 19 flows through the boundary between the first connector terminal portion 32 and the insulating body 28 as the open end 90a1. It is conceivable that it flows into the fluid flow path 90 . In this case, the fluid flows along the terminal surface channel 91 and branches into detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 in the middle of the terminal surface channel 91 . By detouring the fluid into the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 away from the surface of the terminal 30 , the force of the fluid flowing through the detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 is weakened and the pressure applied to the potting seal member 82 is reduced. effectively weakened.

Further, when the insulating main body 28 includes the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60, the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 are separated from the boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b. Flow paths that flow in between and return to another boundary between the first flow path 91a and the second flow path 91b can be used as bypass flow paths 92, 93, 94.

In addition, since the first flow paths 91a and the second flow paths 91b are alternately positioned in the extending direction of the intermediate portion 36 in the insulating main body 28, the bypass flow paths 92 are provided at a plurality of locations in the extending direction of the intermediate portion 36. , 93, 94 may be provided.

By forming the window portions 43h, 45h1, and 45h2 in the first resin portion 40, detour channels 92, 93, and 94 can be formed in the middle of the main channel 91.

Further, if the boundary between the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 is exposed to the portion of the surface of the insulating main body 28 that is arranged inside the housing 19, the terminal surface flow paths from the open ends 90a1 and 90a2 are formed. Fluid that has flowed into 91 and detour channels 92 , 93 , 94 can be prevented from leaking out of housing 19 except through potting seal member 82 .

Since the detour passage 92 passes through the boundary between the outer peripheral surface of the circular base portion 42 and the second resin portion 60, a large detour passage 92 can be formed. As a result, the pressure loss in the detour passage 92 can be increased.

In addition, since the detour passage 94 includes a passage passing through the boundary between the inner portion of the bent portion 36b of the thick portion 46 and the second resin portion 60, the detour passage 94 forms a large detour passage 94. be able to. Thereby, the pressure loss in the detour passage 94 can be increased.

The intermediate portion 36 also includes a partial recess 36q, and the insulating body 28 is filled into the recess 36q such that the fluid channel 90 bends at the boundary between the surface of the recess 36q and the insulating body 28 into a channel 91q. It is configured to include The curved flow path 90q can also increase the pressure loss and suppress the effect on the potting seal member 82. As shown in FIG.

[Variation]
It is not essential that the insulating body 28 include the first resin portion 40 and the second resin portion 60 . For example, an additional portion or separate member of the terminal may be inserted into the insulating body and the surface of the insert portion may form a bypass channel.

It should be noted that the configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

16, 18 Connectors 16a, 18a Connector terminal 18P Lock piece 18Ph Locking hole 19 Housing 19h Mounting hole 20 Relay connector 22 First connector part 24 Second connector part 28 Insulating body 30 Terminal 32 First connector terminal part 34 Second connector Terminal portion 36 Intermediate portions 36a, 36b Bent portion 36g Groove 36h Through hole 36q Recess 37 Bottom portion 40 First resin portion 41 First resin body portions 42, 62 Base portion 43 Base frame portion 43a Bottom portion 43h Window portion 44 Protruding portion 45 Details 45h1 , 45h2 window portion 46 thick portion 50 exposed portion 51 positioning recesses 51a, 59a bottom surfaces 51f, 59b side surfaces 52 first connector housing portions 53, 54, 55, 56 peripheral wall portion 53h locking hole 57 bottom portion 58 intermediate frame portion 59 positioning groove 60 Second resin portion 61 Second resin main body portion 62g Circumferential groove 64 Protruding portion 68 Screwing portion 68a Metal annular member 68h Screw insertion hole 72 Second connector housing portion 73 Peripheral wall portion 75a Locking convex portion 75b Guide convex portion 77 Bottom portion 77h Seal recesses 80, 84 annular seal member 82 potting seal member 90 fluid channels 90a1, 90a2 open end 90b closed end 90q channel 91 terminal surface channel (main channel)
91a first flow path 91b second flow path 91q flow paths 92, 93, 94 bypass flow path 100 first mold 102 mold surface 104 annular positioning groove 105 inner portion 106 first terminal positioning hole 107 groove 108f positioning surface 110 2 mold 112 mold surface 113 bottom positioning surface 113P positioning projection 114 second terminal positioning hole 120 inlet

Claims (9)

1. A relay connector attached to a closed device housing so as to pass through the device housing from inside to outside,
   Between one end for electrical connection to an inner connection object inside the equipment housing, the other end for electrical connection to an outer connection object outside the equipment housing, and the one end and the other end a terminal comprising an intermediate portion of
   an insulating body including a connector housing surrounding the other end and covering the intermediate portion;
   a potting seal member for sealing around the proximal end of the other end within the connector housing;
   a sealing member that seals a gap between the device housing and the insulating body;
   with
   In the attached state to the device housing, the one end is positioned inside the device housing and the other end is positioned outside the device housing,
   the insulating body includes a fluid channel having an open end that is open within the device housing and a closed end that is closed by the potting seal member;
   A relay connector, wherein the fluid flow path includes a main flow path extending from the open end to the closed end, and a detour flow path bypassing the main flow path in the middle of the main flow path.
2. The relay connector according to claim 1,
   the main channel is a terminal surface channel along the surface of the intermediate portion in the insulating body;
   The relay connector, wherein the detour flow path detours away from the terminal surface flow path partway through the terminal surface flow path.
3. The relay connector according to claim 2,
   The insulating body includes a first resin portion covering a portion of the intermediate portion, and a second resin molded using at least a portion of the first resin portion and at least a portion of the remaining portion of the intermediate portion as an insert portion. and
   The terminal surface channel is formed between a first channel formed between the surface of the intermediate portion and the first resin portion and between the surface of the intermediate portion and the second resin portion. a second flow path in which
   The detour flow path flows into between the first resin portion and the second resin portion from a boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path to form the first flow path and the second flow path. A relay connector, which is a flow path back to another boundary of the
4. The relay connector according to claim 3,
   The relay connector, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are alternately positioned in the insulating body along the extending direction of the intermediate portion.
5. The relay connector according to claim 3 or 4,
   The first resin portion includes a window portion that partially exposes the intermediate portion,
   The second resin portion covers a portion of the intermediate portion exposed to the window,
   The first flow path includes a portion formed at a position sandwiching the window portion in the extending direction of the intermediate portion,
   The second flow path includes a portion located in the window,
   The relay connector, wherein the detour flow path includes a flow path that starts or ends at a boundary between the first resin portion and the second resin portion in the window portion.
6. The relay connector according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
   a boundary between the first resin portion and the second resin portion on the outer surface of the insulating main body is exposed to a portion disposed inside the device housing;
   The open end of the fluid flow path is a boundary between the other end exposed inside the device housing and the insulating body, and a boundary between the first resin portion and the second resin portion exposed inside the device housing. , relay connector.
7. The relay connector according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
   The first resin portion includes a disk-shaped base portion located on the inner peripheral side of the seal member,
   The relay connector, wherein the detour channel includes a channel passing through a boundary between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion and the second resin portion.
8. The relay connector according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
   the intermediate portion includes a bent portion;
   The first resin portion includes a thick portion covering a portion adjacent to the bent portion with the bent portion exposed,
   an inner portion of the bent portion of the thick portion is thicker than an outer portion of the bent portion;
   The relay connector, wherein the detour channel includes a channel passing through a boundary between a portion of the thick portion inside the bent portion and a second resin portion.
9. The relay connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
   said intermediate portion comprising a partial recess;
   The insulating body fills the recess,
   The relay connector, wherein the fluid flow path includes a flow path that bends at an interface between the surface of the recess and the insulating body.

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