JP2004356286A - Circuit component equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to ensure waterproofness of a casing even when moisture or the like intrudes into a connector by opening a ventilation hole at a tip of a cylindrical projection provided in the connector.
A casing (1) accommodates a circuit board (5) and is provided with a waterproof connector (7). A cylindrical projection 10 protruding from the bottom surface 8D is provided in the socket hole 8C of the connector case 8, and a vent hole 11 for ventilating the inside of the casing 1 is provided at the tip. As a result, for example, even when a small amount of water droplets W penetrates into the socket hole 8C, the water droplets W can adhere to the root side or the like of the cylindrical projection 10 even when the waterproofness of the connector 7 is reduced due to deterioration over time or the like. Thus, it is possible to prevent the water droplet W from entering the casing 1 through the ventilation hole 11.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a closed-circuit-type circuit component device that is suitably used, for example, to house circuit components in a sealed state in a casing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, as a circuit component device, for example, a device in which various circuit components are housed in a casing in a hermetically sealed state, and ventilation in and out of the casing is performed by minute ventilation holes is known (for example, Patent Reference 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-59-166479 [0004]
A circuit component device of this type according to the related art has a hermetic structure type casing for preventing foreign matters such as dust and moisture from entering, and a circuit board on which various circuit components are mounted is housed in the casing. I have.
[0005]
Further, the casing is provided with a waterproof-type connector formed in a tubular shape from, for example, a resin material, and the inner peripheral side of the connector is a bottomed socket hole that opens to the outside of the casing. . The terminal pin of the connector has a base end connected to the circuit board in the casing and a tip end protruding into the socket hole. The socket hole of the connector is provided with, for example, a ventilation hole that opens on the bottom side of the socket hole, and the ventilation hole communicates with a space in the casing.
[0006]
When the circuit component device is used, the connector on the device side is connected to the connector on the other side, so that a waterproof structure in which the socket hole is sealed from the outside is provided. Thus, in the prior art, the ventilation hole allows ventilation between the space inside the casing and the outside while preventing foreign matter from entering the ventilation hole by using the waterproof structure of the connector.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the configuration is such that the ventilation hole is protected from intrusion of foreign matter by using the waterproof structure of the connector. However, since waterproof connectors often maintain sealing properties by using an elastic material such as a resin material or rubber, for example, when the circuit component device is used for a long time, deterioration of the elastic material may occur. When the tightness of the connector is reduced, a small amount of moisture or the like may enter the inside of the connector.
[0008]
For this reason, in the related art, when the waterproofness of the connector is reduced for some reason, moisture or the like easily enters the casing from the ventilation hole, which may cause a short circuit of the circuit board due to the entered moisture. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to achieve high reliability.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to prevent foreign matter from entering a ventilation hole by a simple structure even if the waterproofness of a connector is reduced, and to reduce It is an object of the present invention to provide a circuit component device capable of protecting the circuit component and improving the reliability.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a casing in which a circuit component is accommodated, and a terminal pin connected to the circuit component is disposed in a bottomed socket hole provided in the casing and opening to the outside. The present invention is applied to a circuit component device including a connector and a vent formed to open in a socket hole of the connector and communicating with a space in the casing.
[0011]
The first aspect of the invention is characterized in that the connector is provided with a cylindrical projection projecting from the bottom side of the socket hole, and the ventilation hole is opened at the tip of the cylindrical projection. It is in.
[0012]
With such a configuration, in the socket hole of the connector, the ventilation hole can be opened at the tip (projection end) of the cylindrical projection, so that the opening portion of the ventilation hole is connected to the peripheral wall of the socket hole (for example, the bottom surface or the like). ). As a result, for example, even if a small amount of moisture or the like intrudes into the socket hole, the moisture can adhere to the peripheral wall of the socket hole or the base side of the cylindrical projection even when the waterproofness of the connector is reduced due to deterioration over time or the like. In addition, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the casing through the ventilation hole.
[0013]
Therefore, the waterproof structure of the connector can be used to prevent foreign substances from entering the ventilation hole, and even if the connector is deteriorated, the waterproofness of the casing can be maintained by a simple structure using the cylindrical projection. it can. And the circuit components in the casing can be reliably protected from moisture and the like for a long period of time, and the durability and reliability can be improved.
[0014]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cylindrical projection surrounds the terminal pin projecting from the bottom surface of the socket hole of the connector, and the ventilation hole surrounds the outer peripheral side of the terminal pin. Is formed by a gap extending to the tip of the head.
[0015]
Thus, for example, a connector is molded in advance with a resin, and a terminal pin is inserted into the connector, whereby a gap can be formed between the connector case and the like and the terminal pin. Can be formed. The vent hole can be opened at the tip of a cylindrical projection surrounding the base of the terminal pin and the like.
[0016]
Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated ventilation hole or the like at a position different from, for example, the terminal pin, so that the shape of the connector can be simplified and its size can be reduced.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a circuit component device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
Here, FIGS. 1 to 3 show the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, a control unit mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile will be described as an example.
[0019]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a substantially box-shaped casing that forms an outer shell of the control unit. The casing 1 is formed by abutting a base 2 and a cover 3 described below, and a circuit board 5 described later is housed in the casing. I have.
[0020]
Reference numeral 2 denotes a base constituting a main body portion of the casing 1. The base 2 is made of, for example, a metal material, and is formed as a substantially rectangular bottomed box having an upward opening in FIG. A connector 7 described below is attached between the cover 3 and the cover 3.
[0021]
Reference numeral 3 denotes a cover attached to the opening side of the base 2 by means such as screwing. The cover 3 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular box shape that opens downward, and three sides of the four sides are openings of the base 2. And the other side is abutted against the outer surface of the connector 7.
[0022]
As a result, a component housing space 4 surrounded by the base 2, the cover 3 and the connector 7 is defined in the casing 1, and the component housing space 4 is sealed by seal members 12, 13, and 14, which will be described later. Is held in.
[0023]
Reference numeral 5 denotes a circuit board accommodated in the component accommodating space 4 of the casing 1, on which a plurality of circuit components 6 constituting an electronic circuit are mounted. The control unit controls, for example, an engine, a transmission, a brake device, and the like mounted on the vehicle by the circuit board 5 performing input / output of signals with the outside via the connector 7. .
[0024]
Reference numeral 7 denotes a waterproof structure type connector provided on the casing 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 7 comprises a male connector or a female connector, and comprises a connector case 8 and terminal pins 9 described later. ing. The connector 7 detachably connects the circuit board 5 to, for example, various sensors and actuators (not shown) mounted on the vehicle.
[0025]
Reference numeral 8 denotes a connector case which forms a main body of the connector 7. The connector case 8 is integrally formed of, for example, an insulating resin material, and is mounted in the casing 1 and mounted on the circuit board 5. And a bottomed cylindrical socket portion 8B located outside the casing 1 and fixed to the mounting portion 8A.
[0026]
The inner peripheral side of the socket portion 8B is a bottomed socket hole 8C that opens to the outside of the casing 1, and a terminal pin 9 protrudes from the bottom surface 8D side of the socket hole 8C. In this case, the terminal pins 9 are fitted into pin insertion holes 8E formed in the connector case 8 by means such as insert molding.
[0027]
Reference numeral 9 denotes a plurality of terminal pins (only one is shown) constituting the connector 7. Each of the terminal pins 9 is made of, for example, a metal pin or the like. The end side protrudes inside and outside the casing 1. In this case, the base end of the terminal pin 9 is bent in a substantially L shape in the casing 1 and is connected to the electronic circuit of the circuit board 5. The distal end of the terminal pin 9 extends toward the socket portion 8B of the connector case 8, and projects from the bottom surface 8D into the socket hole 8C.
[0028]
When the socket portion 8B is connected to a connector (not shown) on the vehicle side, the connector 7 has a waterproof structure in which the socket hole 8C is sealed from the outside. It is configured to be able to prevent intrusion into 8C.
[0029]
Reference numeral 10 denotes a cylindrical projection provided in the socket hole 8C of the connector case 8, and the cylindrical projection 10 is resin-molded integrally with the connector case 8, for example, as shown in FIG. It is formed as a cylindrical body projecting from the 8D side. A part of a vent hole 11 to be described later is formed in the inner peripheral side of the tubular protrusion 10 so as to extend in the axial direction. The vent hole 11 is opened at the tip (projection end) of the tubular protrusion 10. are doing.
[0030]
Here, if a small amount of moisture or the like enters the connector case 8, as shown in FIG. 3, the moisture becomes water droplets W and adheres to the peripheral wall (for example, the bottom surface 8D) of the socket hole 8C. Often do. In this case, the cylindrical projection 10 prevents the water droplet W from entering the ventilation hole 11 by opening the ventilation hole 11 at the tip of the cylindrical projection 10 remote from the bottom surface 8D of the socket hole 8C. To do.
[0031]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a ventilation hole provided in the connector case 8. The ventilation hole 11 is formed as a through hole communicating between the inside and the outside of the casing 1, and allows ventilation between the component housing space 4 in the casing 1 and the outside. Is what you do. One end of the ventilation hole 11 is located at the mounting portion 8A of the connector case 8 and is open to the component housing space 4. The other end of the ventilation hole 11 extends in the axial direction inside the cylindrical projection 10 and opens into the socket hole 8C at the tip of the cylindrical projection 10.
[0032]
In this case, when the control unit is mounted on the vehicle, the inside of the connector 7 is in a sealed state, so that the waterproof structure of the connector 7 can be used to prevent foreign matter from entering the ventilation hole 11.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, reference numerals 12, 13, and 14 denote a plurality of seal members provided at respective portions of the casing 1. The seal 12 seals between the base 2 and the cover 3, and the seal 13 includes the base 2 and the connector 7. The seal 14 seals between the cover 3 and the connector 7.
[0034]
The control unit according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and its operation will be described next.
[0035]
First, when the control unit is mounted on the vehicle, the socket portion 8B of the connector 7 (connector case 8) is connected to the connector on the vehicle side, and the inside of the socket hole 8C is sealed. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as dust and moisture from entering the connector 7.
[0036]
Then, the control unit inputs and outputs signals to sensors and actuators on the vehicle side via the connector 7, whereby engine control, transmission control, brake control and the like of the vehicle are performed.
[0037]
In addition, when the waterproofness of the connector 7 is reduced due to deterioration over time or the like, for example, a small amount of water or the like intrudes into the socket hole 8C of the connector case 8 as shown in FIG. It may adhere to the bottom surface 8D of 8C.
[0038]
However, since the vent hole 11 of the connector 7 is open at the tip of the cylindrical projection 10 distant from the peripheral wall of the socket hole 8C, even if the water droplet W adheres to the root side of the cylindrical projection 10, the ventilation hole 11 does not pass through. It is possible to prevent the water droplet W from entering the pores 11.
[0039]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the cylindrical projection 10 is provided on the bottom surface 8D side of the socket hole 8C of the connector case 8, and the ventilation hole 11 is opened at the tip thereof. The part can be arranged at a position away from the peripheral wall of the socket hole 8C.
[0040]
Thereby, for example, even when a small amount of water droplet W enters the connector 7, the water droplet W can be attached to the bottom surface 8D of the socket hole 8C or the root side of the cylindrical projection 10, and the water droplet W Through the inside of the casing 1 or short-circuit of the electronic circuit or the like of the circuit board 5 due to the water droplet W can be reliably prevented.
[0041]
Accordingly, the waterproof structure of the connector 7 can be used to prevent foreign matter from entering the ventilation hole 11, and even if the connector 7 is deteriorated, the waterproof property of the casing 1 is reduced due to the deterioration. The double waterproof function can be realized by a simple structure. The circuit components 6 in the casing 1 can be reliably protected from moisture and the like for a long period of time, and durability and reliability can be improved.
[0042]
Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment according to the present invention. The feature of this embodiment is that a cylindrical projection is provided so as to surround the terminal pin of the connector, and the connector case and the terminal pin are connected to each other. The structure is such that a ventilation hole is formed by a gap between the holes. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0043]
Reference numeral 21 denotes a connector of the control unit. The connector 21 includes a connector case 22 and terminal pins 23, which will be described later, and connects the circuit board 5 to the outside, almost in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0044]
Reference numeral 22 denotes a connector case which forms a main body of the connector 21. The connector case 22 is formed integrally with, for example, an insulating resin material or the like in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and includes a mounting portion 22A and a socket portion. 22B, a socket hole 22C, a bottom surface 22D, a pin insertion hole 22E, and the like. The terminal pins 23 protrude from the bottom surface 22D of the socket hole 22C.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal pins 23 are formed, for example, with a square cross-sectional shape, and are inserted into pin insertion holes 22E having a circular cross-sectional shape. For this reason, a gap is formed in the pin insertion hole 22 </ b> E between the terminal pin 23 and the ventilation hole 25 described later.
[0046]
Reference numeral 24 denotes a cylindrical protrusion provided in the socket hole 22C of the connector case 22. The cylindrical protrusion 24 is resin-molded integrally with the connector case 22, for example, and surrounds the base of the terminal pin 23 to form a socket. It is formed as a cylindrical body protruding from the bottom surface 22D of the hole 22C.
[0047]
Reference numeral 25 denotes a ventilation hole provided in the connector case 22. The ventilation hole 25 extends between the pin insertion hole 22 </ b> E of the connector case 22 and the terminal pin 23 and between the cylindrical protrusion 24 and the terminal pin 23. It is formed by an extending gap.
[0048]
The ventilation hole 25 surrounds the outer peripheral side of the terminal pin 23 and extends in the length direction thereof, and is a through hole communicating between the inside and the outside of the casing 1. In this case, one end of the ventilation hole 25 is located at the mounting portion 22 </ b> A of the connector case 22 and opens to the component housing space 4. The other end of the ventilation hole 25 extends in the cylindrical protrusion 24 in the axial direction, and opens at the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 24 into the socket hole 22C.
[0049]
Thus, also in the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, in particular, the cylindrical projection 24 surrounding the terminal pin 23 is formed in the connector case 22 and the ventilation hole 25 is formed by the gap between the connector case 22 and the terminal pin 23. When the connector 21 is formed, for example, the connector case 22 is resin-molded in advance, and the terminal pin 23 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 22E, so that the ventilation hole 25 is easily formed by using a gap therebetween. be able to.
[0050]
The ventilation hole 25 can be opened at the tip of the cylindrical projection 24, and the cylindrical projection 24 can prevent foreign matter from entering the ventilation hole 25. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated ventilation hole or the like at a position different from, for example, the terminal pin 23 (pin insertion hole 22E) in the connector case 22, so that the shape can be simplified and the entire connector 21 can be downsized. Can be.
[0051]
In each of the above embodiments, the connector cases 8, 22 and the cylindrical projections 10, 24 are formed integrally. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector case and the cylindrical protrusion may be formed by separate members and may be assembled.
[0052]
Further, in the embodiment, the socket portions 8B and 22B of the connector cases 8 and 22 are configured as bottomed cylindrical bodies and protrude outside the casing 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connector may be formed to protrude from the peripheral wall position of the casing into the casing, and the socket hole of the connector may be opened to the outside at the peripheral wall position of the casing.
[0053]
In the second embodiment, the pin insertion hole 22E of the connector case 22 has a circular cross section, and the terminal pin 23 has a square cross section. However, these cross-sectional shapes are not limited to the embodiment, and any shape may be used as long as a gap is formed between the pin insertion hole and the terminal pin.
[0054]
In the embodiment, the control unit mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various circuit component devices having a casing of a closed structure type.For example, electric components such as sensors and actuators mounted on automobiles, industrial machines other than automobiles, The present invention can also be applied to various electric components mounted on agricultural machines and the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a connector and the like in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which water droplets that have penetrated into the connector have adhered to the base side of a cylindrical protrusion or the like.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a connector and the like of a control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view as viewed from a direction indicated by arrows VV in FIG. 4;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Casing 5 Circuit board 6 Circuit component 7, 21 Connector 8, 22 Connector case 8A, 22A Mounting part 8B, 22B Socket part 8C, 22C Socket hole 8D, 22D Bottom surface 8E, 22E Pin insertion hole 9, 23 Terminal pin 10, 24 Cylindrical projection 11, 25 Vent

Claims (2)

A casing in which a circuit component is housed, a connector in which a terminal pin connected to the circuit component is disposed in a bottomed socket hole provided in the casing and opened to the outside, and a connector which is opened in the socket hole of the connector. A circuit component device comprising: a formed vent that communicates with a space in the casing.
A circuit component device, wherein the connector has a cylindrical projection protruding from the bottom side of the socket hole, and the ventilation hole is opened at a tip of the cylindrical projection. The cylindrical protrusion is formed so as to surround the terminal pin projecting from a bottom surface of the socket hole of the connector, and the ventilation hole surrounds an outer peripheral side of the terminal pin and is formed by a gap extending to a tip of the cylindrical protrusion. The circuit component device according to claim 1 formed.

Images