U.S. patent application number 15/204144 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for waterproof type control apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, YAZAKI CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Keishi JINNO, Mitsunori NISHIDA, Osamu NISHIZAWA, Kouichi OHYAMA, Wataru TAMURA.
Application Number | 20170223848 15/204144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57937493 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170223848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NISHIDA; Mitsunori ; et
al. |
August 3, 2017 |
WATERPROOF TYPE CONTROL APPARATUS
Abstract
An object is to prevent a water-repellent filter, which performs
ventilation between the interior and the exterior of a sealed
casing and prevents entry of water, from being wetted directly with
water. A circuit board is sealed and housed in a casing including a
base and a cover, a connector housing including a partition wall is
mounted on the circuit board, and an electrical connection between
the interior and the exterior of the casing is established. A
water-repellent filter is fixed to an inner surface of the
partition wall, and an outer surface portion of the water-repellent
filter is opened to atmosphere via first and second ventilation
holes and first and second connection ventilation holes. Therefore,
the water-repellent filter can be avoided from being wetted
directly with water.
Inventors: |
NISHIDA; Mitsunori; (Tokyo,
JP) ; NISHIZAWA; Osamu; (Tokyo, JP) ; TAMURA;
Wataru; (Tokyo, JP) ; JINNO; Keishi;
(Shizuoka, JP) ; OHYAMA; Kouichi; (Shizuoka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
YAZAKI CORPORATION |
Tokyo
Tokyo |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Tokyo
JP
YAZAKI CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
57937493 |
Appl. No.: |
15/204144 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0069 20130101;
H05K 5/0247 20130101; H05K 5/0213 20130101; H05K 5/0056 20130101;
H05K 5/03 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00; H05K 5/03 20060101
H05K005/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2016 |
JP |
2016-16843 |
Claims
1. A waterproof type control apparatus comprising: a circuit board
sealed and housed in a casing including a cover and a base having a
mounting surface; a connector housing which is a resin molded
member mounted at one side of the circuit board and exposed from a
side surface opening of the cover; and a plurality of first
connection terminals press-fitted into a partition wall of the
connector housing, wherein one end of each first connection
terminal is connected to a circuit pattern of the circuit board,
and another end of each first connection terminal is connected in a
contact conductive manner to a second connection terminal provided
within a mating connector, so that the waterproof type control
apparatus is connected to a wire harness which is outside the
casing, the connector housing includes an inner annular peripheral
wall provided at an inner side of the partition wall, and an outer
annular peripheral wall which is provided at an outer side of the
partition wall and to which the mating connector is fitted, a
waterproof packing for preventing water from entering an closed
space including a contact conductive portion between each first
connection terminal and each second connection terminal is provided
between an end surface portion of the outer annular peripheral wall
and the mating connector fitted to the outer annular peripheral
wall, a water-repellent filter which is a flat porous material
including a plurality of fine pores which block entry and passing
of water droplets into the casing and allow atmospheric air to
freely pass therethrough is fixed in a close contact manner to an
inner surface of the partition wall, the water-repellent filter
includes an inner surface portion communicating with an inner space
of the casing and an outer surface portion communicating with a
breath ventilation hole through which outside air is introduced,
the breath ventilation hole extends within a ventilation wall
provided at a position at a side surface of the outer annular
peripheral wall, in a direction penetrating the partition wall, is
changed in direction to a direction to the mounting surface, which
direction is parallel to the partition wall, or a direction
opposite to the direction to the mounting surface by a connection
ventilation hole, and is opened to atmosphere, and a product in
which the direction changed by the connection ventilation hole is
the direction to the mounting surface or the direction opposite to
the direction to the mounting surface is selected and used
depending on a mounting environment of the base such that wetting
directly with water through an atmospheric opening is unlikely to
occur.
2. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the outer annular peripheral wall is a single outer annular
peripheral wall or a division type outer annular peripheral wall
divided into at least first and second annular peripheral walls,
the mating connector is also a single mating connector or a
division type mating connector divided into at least first and
second mating connectors, if the first and second annular
peripheral walls are included, the ventilation wall provided at the
position at the side surface of the outer annular peripheral wall
is provided at an intermediate position between the first and
second annular peripheral walls, and the ventilation wall is
provided at a position away from an outer wall surface of the outer
annular peripheral wall, or is provided at a position which is at a
depth portion of the inserted mating connector and is away from an
opening end of the outer annular peripheral wall, such that
insertion of the mating connector is not hindered.
3. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of first connection terminals are arranged at
a plurality of stages in a direction orthogonal to a board surface
of the circuit board, the breath ventilation hole includes a first
ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole which are located in
a vertical direction orthogonal to the board surface of the circuit
board or a horizontal direction parallel to the board surface, and
ends of the first and second ventilation holes communicate with the
outer surface portion of the water-repellent filter, and other ends
of the first and second ventilation holes are orthogonally changed
in direction via a first connection ventilation hole and a second
connection ventilation hole and are opened to the atmosphere.
4. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein a throttling hole portion is provided such that a hole
diameter of the connection ventilation hole is small at a position
where the connection ventilation hole communicates with the breath
ventilation hole to orthogonally change the direction of the breath
ventilation hole.
5. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the throttling hole portion is located eccentrically from a
central position of the connection ventilation hole, and is located
eccentrically in such a direction that a portion for accumulating
poured water is widened, in response to a predetermined mounting
inclination angle.
6. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein an inner surface of the outer annular peripheral wall is
provided with a fine hole communicating with the inner space of the
casing.
7. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein an opening end of the connection ventilation hole has an
annular projection surface surrounding the connection ventilation
hole, or the connection ventilation hole is exposed in a plateau
plane portion located at a higher position than a surrounding
portion.
8. The waterproof type control apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein an annular projection for preventing outflow of a
waterproof sealing material applied to an opening end surface of
the cover and one side of the base is provided at a peripheral wall
portion of the inner annular peripheral wall, and the annular
projection surface or the plateau plane portion is equal to or
greater in height dimension than the annular projection and is
connected and integrated with the annular projection.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a waterproof type control
apparatus that is, for example, an on-vehicle electronic control
apparatus provided in an engine room, and particularly relates to
improvement in a breath ventilation structure in which a
water-repellent filter is provided between the interior of a
waterproof sealed casing having a heating component housed therein
and outside air to protect a waterproof sealing structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Background Art
[0004] In a waterproof type control apparatus in which a circuit
board is sealed and housed in a casing that includes a base and a
cover, circuit components, including a heating component, and an
external wiring connector housing exposed partially from the casing
are mounted on the circuit board, and a waterproof sealing material
is provided on a joined surface of the base, the cover, and the
connector housing, a water-repellent filter is conventionally
provided to the cover or the base to release air within the casing
to the atmosphere, so that deformation of a casing structure or
damage of an airtight sealing structure caused due to an air
pressure difference between the interior and the exterior of the
casing based on an increase in the temperature of the heating
component within the casing, is prevented.
[0005] The water-repellent filter is composed of a flat porous
material including a plurality of fine pores that block entry and
passing of water droplets into the casing and allow the atmospheric
air to freely pass therethrough, and a mounting structure for the
porous material is devised such that the porous material is not
stained through wetting directly with water.
[0006] As one of widely-used forms, there is one having a
water-repellent filter provided at the cover side. However, the
cover is most likely to be wetted directly with water, and thus a
ventilation structure for withstanding wetting directly with water
poured by high-pressure washing or the like is required. This
structure becomes complicated and expensive, which is a
problem.
[0007] As another widely-used form, there is one having a
water-repellent filter provided at a back surface portion of the
base. In this case, the position of the water-repellent filter is
an advantageous position where it is hard to be wetted directly
with water poured by high-pressure washing. However, in the case
where the base is made of a sheet metal or an aluminum die casting,
there is a problem that it is difficult to bond and fix the
water-repellent filter alone.
[0008] In addition, in the case were the base is made of a resin,
the water-repellent filter can be fixed easily by means of heat
welding, but there is a problem that heat generated within the
casing cannot be transmitted and dissipated.
[0009] Meanwhile, the vicinity of the connector housing to which a
wire harness is connected is a position where it is hard to be
wetted directly with water, and is a most advantageous location
where consideration is given to a surrounding structure.
[0010] For example, according to FIG. 1 of the "ventilation
structure of waterproof case" of Patent Document 1 described below,
a connector 20 of a wire harness 19 has a plurality of ventilation
holes 23 formed for causing the interior of the connector 20 to
communicate with the atmosphere, and a water-repellent filter 24
having air permeability and waterproofness is mounted at each of
the ventilation holes 23 by means of welding. A connector 17 of a
circuit board 16 housed in a waterproof case 11 has one or a
plurality of communication holes 25 formed so as to provide
communication between the interior of the connector 20 of the wire
harness 19 and the interior of the waterproof case 11. Both the
interior of the waterproof case 11 and the interior of the
connector 20 are caused to communicate with the atmosphere by the
ventilation holes 23 and the communication holes 25 of the
connectors 20 and 17, so that water suction caused due to a
negative pressure can be prevented and both a short circuit within
the connector 20 and a short circuit of the circuit board 16 can be
prevented.
[0011] According to FIGS. 9 and 12 of the "waterproof casing" of
Patent Document 2 described below, a cover 18 of a waterproof
casing 300 having an electronic board 15 housed therein is provided
with a ventilation hole 20, a breathing filter 10 that includes a
double-sided adhesive sealing material 11 and a filter body 12 is
disposed on the outer surface of the cover 18, and a ventilation
groove 26 that leads to the breathing filter 10 and has a slope is
closed by a shield 24, except for an end opening of the ventilation
groove 26.
[0012] Therefore, since the breathing filter includes the
ventilation groove having a maze structure and the shielding body,
it is not necessary to provide a plurality of ventilation holes in
the casing and provide a breathing filter over two surfaces as in
the conventional art. Accordingly, the breathing filter can be
reduced in size to reduce the cost, and also clogging of the
breathing filter can be reduced.
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2000-228243 (FIG. 1, paragraphs [0013] to [0016])
[0014] Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2011-165748 (FIGS. 8 to 12, paragraphs [0058] to [0063])
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0015] (1) Explanation of Problems of Conventional Arts
[0016] In the "ventilation structure of the waterproof case"
according to Patent Document 1 described above, the water-repellent
filters 24 are mounted at the connector 20 side, and both the
interior of the waterproof case 11 and the interior of the
connector 20 are caused to communicate with the atmosphere, so that
both a short circuit within the connector 20 and a short circuit of
the circuit board 16 that are caused due to water suction are
prevented.
[0017] Therefore, although each water-repellent filter 24 is
provided at the location where it is hard to be wetted directly
with water, since each water-repellent filter 24 is provided in a
small space within the connector 20, there is a problem that the
ventilation area of each water-repellent filter 24 decreases, so
that an air pressure difference occurs between the interior of the
waterproof case 11 and the atmosphere.
[0018] In addition, the waterproof type control apparatus itself
does not include a water-repellent filter, and thus there is a
problem that a functional test cannot be conducted on the apparatus
alone.
[0019] In the case of the "waterproof casing" according to Patent
Document 2 described above, the breathing filter 10 (corresponding
to a water-repellent filter) having the ventilation hole with a
maze structure is provided on a proximate back surface of an
intermediate portion between connector housings 17a and 17b and at
the cover 18 side, and an atmospheric opening thereof is the
intermediate portion between the connector housings 17a and
17b.
[0020] Therefore, although the atmospheric opening is a location
where it is hard to be wetted directly with water, the cover 18
needs an opening wall surface that is in contact with the connector
housings 17a and 17b and an inner wall surface to which the
breathing filter 10 is bonded and fixed and which has a ventilation
hole 20, so that the cover shape is complicated. Thus, there is a
problem that it is difficult to apply this cover shape to at least
a cover made of a sheet metal.
[0021] In addition, depending on a direction in which the
waterproof casing is mounted, the atmospheric opening may be wetted
directly with water, and there is a problem that application to a
use with such a mounting angle is impossible.
[0022] (2) Explanation of Objects of Invention
[0023] A first object of the present invention is to provide a
water-repellent filter mounting structure with which a
water-repellent filter is mounted within a waterproof type control
apparatus and which can avoid an atmospheric opening from being
wetted directly by water, without needing a complicated mounting
structure.
[0024] A second object of the present invention is to provide a
water-repellent filter mounting structure that can handle various
mounting positions and mounting angles of a waterproof type control
apparatus in various uses to avoid wetting directly with water.
Solution to the Problems
[0025] A waterproof type control apparatus according to the present
invention includes: a circuit board sealed and housed in a casing
including a cover and a base having a mounting surface; a connector
housing which is a resin molded member mounted at one side of the
circuit board and exposed from a side surface opening of the cover;
and a plurality of first connection terminals press-fitted into a
partition wall of the connector housing, wherein: one end of each
first connection terminal is connected to a circuit pattern of the
circuit board, and another end of each first connection terminal is
connected in a contact conductive manner to a second connection
terminal provided within a mating connector, so that the waterproof
type control apparatus is connected to a wire harness which is
outside the casing; the connector housing includes an inner annular
peripheral wall provided at an inner side of the partition wall,
and an outer annular peripheral wall which is provided at an outer
side of the partition wall and to which the mating connector is
fitted; and a waterproof packing for preventing water from entering
an closed space including a contact conductive portion between each
first connection terminal and each second connection terminal is
provided between an end surface portion of the outer annular
peripheral wall and the mating connector fitted to the outer
annular peripheral wall.
[0026] In addition, a water-repellent filter which is a flat porous
material including a plurality of fine pores which block entry and
passing of water droplets into the casing and allow atmospheric air
to freely pass therethrough is fixed in a close contact manner to
an inner surface of the partition wall; the water-repellent filter
includes an inner surface portion communicating with an inner space
of the casing and an outer surface portion communicating with a
breath ventilation hole through which outside air is introduced;
the breath ventilation hole extends within a ventilation wall
provided at a position at a side surface of the outer annular
peripheral wall, in a direction penetrating the partition wall, is
changed in direction to a direction to the mounting surface, which
direction is parallel to the partition wall, or a direction
opposite to the direction to the mounting surface by a connection
ventilation hole, and is opened to atmosphere; and a product in
which the direction changed by the connection ventilation hole is
the direction to the mounting surface or the direction opposite to
the direction to the mounting surface is selected and used
depending on a mounting environment of the base such that wetting
directly with water through an atmospheric opening is unlikely to
occur.
Effect of the Invention
[0027] In the waterproof type control apparatus according to the
present invention, since the water-repellent filter is mounted on
the inner surface of the connector housing, a functional test can
be conducted on the apparatus alone, and also there is an effect
that the area of the water-repellent filter can be increased to
reduce the air pressure difference between the interior and the
exterior, as compared to the case where the water-repellent filter
is provided within the mating connector.
[0028] In addition, the mounting structure becomes simpler and
cheaper than conventional one in which a water-repellent filter is
provided to a specially provided intermediate wall of a cover, so
that there is an effect that a cover made of a resin or a sheet
metal can be used.
[0029] Moreover, as the direction changed by the connection
ventilation hole, the direction to the mounting surface or the
direction opposite to the direction to the mounting surface can be
used when a position where an insert mold is inserted is changed,
so that there is an effect that it is possible to handle the
mounting environment such that wetting directly with water from an
atmospheric opening surface is easily avoided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is an external view of a waterproof type control
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connector connection
portion in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a Z-Z line in
FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a connector
housing in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing positions of an
opening of a connection ventilation hole with respect to various
mounting angles of the apparatus in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing positions of an
opening of connection ventilation hole with respect to various
mounting angles regarding a "mirror-image product" for the
apparatus in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 7 is an external view of a waterproof type control
apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a connector connection portion in
FIG. 7.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a connector
housing in FIG. 7.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the connector housing in the
FIG. 7.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a connector housing according to
a modification of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment 1
[0041] (1) Detailed Description of Configuration
[0042] In an external view of a waterproof type control apparatus
10A in FIG. 1, a casing 11A includes: a base 20A that has mounting
legs at four sides thereof and is made of an aluminum die casting
or a sheet metal; and a cover 30A that is made of a resin or a
sheet metal, a circuit board 40 on which a connector housing 50A
described later with reference to FIG. 4 is mounted is sealed and
housed in the casing 11A, and a part of the connector housing 50A
and a ventilation wall 58A are exposed from the casing 11A.
[0043] A mating connector 12A is inserted to the exposed part of
the connector housing 50A so as to establish a connection with an
external apparatus via a wire harness 60A.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connector connection
portion in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the connector housing 50A, which is
made of the resin, includes an inner annular peripheral wall 53A
and an outer annular peripheral wall 54A that are provided
laterally to a partition wall 51A, and is configured such that the
mating connector 12A is attached to the outer annular peripheral
wall 54A that is at the side of exposure from the casing 11A.
[0045] Three sides of the outer periphery of the inner annular
peripheral wall 53A are in contact with an opening surface of the
cover 30A in FIG. 1 via a waterproof sealing material that is not
shown, the remaining one side of the outer periphery is in contact
with one side of the base 20A via the waterproof sealing material
that is not shown, and an annular projection 53c for preventing
outflow of the waterproof sealing material is provided at a
position where the interior and the exterior are separated by the
partition wall 51A.
[0046] A plurality of first connection terminals 52A are
press-fitted and fixed to the partition wall 51A, and each are
configured such that one end thereof is orthogonally converted and
soldered to the circuit board 40 described later with reference to
FIG. 4, and the other end thereof is brought into electrically
conductive contact with a second connection terminal 14 provided in
the mating connector 12A.
[0047] The partition wall 51A is provided with a fine hole 59 that
provides communication between the inner space of the casing 11A
and a sealed space at the connector side.
[0048] The mating connector 12A has an annular space defined by: an
inner body portion 12x into which a plurality of second connection
terminals 14 are inserted; and an outer peripheral wall 12y
surrounding the inner body portion 12x, and is configured such that
the outer annular peripheral wall 54A of the connector housing 50A
is inserted into the annular space.
[0049] A waterproofing mechanism that is not shown is provided at a
position where the mating connector 12A and the wire harness 60A in
FIG. 1 are received, and waterproofness between the mating
connector 12A and the connector housing 50A is provided by a
waterproof packing 15 that is disposed on the inner peripheral
surface of the outer annular peripheral wall 54A and the outer
periphery of the inner body portion 12x.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a Z-Z line in
FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the plurality of second connection terminals 14
described above with reference to FIG. 2 are inserted into the
inner body portion 12x of the mating connector 12A, and the first
connection terminals 52A are further inserted into the second
connection terminals 14.
[0051] Although the outer peripheral wall 12y of the mating
connector 12A is present on the outer periphery of the outer
annular peripheral wall 54A, the position of the cross-section
taken along the Z-Z line is a position where the outer peripheral
wall 12y is not present.
[0052] Within the ventilation wall 58A that projects outward from
the partition wall 51A of the connector housing 50A, a breath
ventilation hole 56A including first and second ventilation holes
56a and 56b described later with reference to FIG. 4 is provided,
and a connection ventilation hole 57A (see FIG. 4 described later)
including first and second connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b
at the respective ventilation holes is provided. However, either
one of the first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b may be
omitted. Accordingly, either one of the first and second connection
ventilation holes 57a and 57b may be omitted.
[0053] The first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b are
arranged in the up-down direction, but may be arranged in the
right-left direction.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the connector
housing in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, the connector housing 50A is fixed to
one side of the circuit board 40, and the plurality of
right-angle-type first connection terminals 52A are soldered
thereto.
[0055] A water-repellent filter 55A is bonded and fixed to an inner
wall surface of the partition wall 51A of the connector housing 50A
to which the plurality of first connection terminals 52A are
press-fitted and fixed, and is a flat porous material that has an
inner surface portion 55a and an outer surface portion 55b and has
a circular shape, a square shape, or an elliptical shape.
[0056] The inner surface portion 55a of the water-repellent filter
55A is fully opened to the inner space of the casing 11A, and the
outer surface portion 55b is fully opened to the breath ventilation
hole 56A, which is provided in the partition wall 51A and includes
the first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b, except for a
contour outer peripheral portion of the outer surface portion
55b.
[0057] The first ventilation hole 56a is opened to the atmosphere
via a throttling hole portion 57d orthogonal thereto and the second
connection ventilation hole 57a, the second ventilation hole 56b is
opened to the atmosphere via a throttling hole portion 57d
orthogonal thereto and the second connection ventilation hole 57b,
and the first and second connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b
form the connection ventilation hole 57A. The opening of the
connection ventilation hole 57A in Embodiment 1 is opposed to the
same plane as a mounting surface of the base 20A, and the apparatus
having this configuration is referred to as "regular product". When
the direction of an insert of a mold for manufacturing the
connector housing 50A is made opposite, a "mirror-image product"
can be produced in which the opening of the connection ventilation
hole 57A is opposed to a plane in a direction opposite to the
mounting surface of the base 20A (i.e., a direction to the cover
30A).
[0058] In the present embodiment, the breath ventilation hole 56A
is structured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the partition
wall 51A and change its direction to an upward or downward
direction parallel to the partition wall 51A by the connection
ventilation hole 57A. However, as long as wetting with water can be
prevented, the angle between the breath ventilation hole 56A and
the connection ventilation hole 57A is not limited to the right
angle.
[0059] (2) Detailed Description of Effects and Operation
[0060] Next, effects and operation of the waterproof type control
apparatus 10A of Embodiment 1 will be described.
[0061] In FIGS. 1 and 4, a heating component that is not shown is
mounted on the circuit board 40 that is sealed and housed in the
casing 11A. When an air pressure difference occurs based on the
temperature difference between the interior and the exterior of the
casing, the air within the casing 11A is breathed via the
water-repellent filter 55A, the breath ventilation hole 56A, and
the connection ventilation hole 57A, so that deformation of the
casing 11A is prevented, or occurrence of crack and separation of
the waterproof sealing material between the base 20A and the cover
30A or the waterproof sealing material between the connector
housing 50A and the base 20A or the cover 30A, is prevented.
[0062] In a connector space that is sealed by the connector housing
50A and the mating connector 12A and includes the portion where
each first connection terminal 52A and each second connection
terminal 14 are in electrically conductive contact with each other,
breathing is performed via the fine hole 59 (see FIG. 2) and the
inner space of the casing 11A.
[0063] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing positions of the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A with respect to
various mounting angles regarding the "regular product" shown in
FIG. 1. With reference to this drawing, the mounting direction of
the waterproof type control apparatus 10A and whether the
water-repellent filter 55A is wetted with water will be described
in detail.
[0064] ".largecircle.", "X", ".DELTA." shown in FIG. 5 simply
indicate appropriateness of a mounting manner.
[0065] In FIG. 5, a diagram 100 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on a floor surface such as the
upper surface of a shelf board, the casing 11A is fixed to a
mounted surface 19 that is a horizontal floor surface, via a
mounting leg 18 of the casing 11A, and the breath ventilation hole
56A, the throttling hole portion 57d, and the connection
ventilation hole 57A are provided within the ventilation wall 58A
and with respect to the water-repellent filter 55A included in the
casing 11A, and the opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A
is opposed to the mounted surface 19.
[0066] Therefore, water poured over the floor surface by
high-pressure washing or the like is not poured directly over the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A. Even when the
poured water flowing on the floor surface reaches the opening,
since the connection ventilation hole 57A becomes an upward hole,
the water is not poured to the breath ventilation hole 56A or the
water-repellent filter 55A.
[0067] In FIG. 5, a diagram 110 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on a ceiling surface such as the
lower surface of a shelf board. Poured water that is splashed back
to the ceiling surface flows into the opening of the connection
ventilation hole 57A and is poured to the breath ventilation hole
56A and the water-repellent filter 55A. Thus, this mounted position
is inappropriate.
[0068] In the case of mounting on the ceiling surface, it is
conceivable that wetting directly with water poured by
high-pressure washing is prevented by the shelf board itself or
some sort of an obstacle.
[0069] In FIG. 5, a diagram 120 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on a vertical wall surface. Since
the ventilation wall 58A is located at the upper side, when water
poured over the wall surface flows into the opening of the
connection ventilation hole 57A, the water-repellent filter 55A is
wetted with the water. However, as shown in a diagram 300 in FIG.
5, when the connection ventilation hole 57A is made to have a large
diameter and the throttling hole portion 57d having a small
diameter is provided at an upper eccentric position on the
connection ventilation hole 57A, a small amount of water does not
flow into the throttling hole portion 57d, and therefore, the
water-repellent filter 55A is not wetted with water.
[0070] In FIG. 5, a diagram 130 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on a vertical wall surface. There
is a possibility that water poured over the wall surface flows into
the opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A.
[0071] However, in this case, the ventilation wall 58A is located
at the lower side, and the breath ventilation hole 56A becomes an
upward hole. Thus, the water-repellent filter 55A is not wetted
with water.
[0072] In FIG. 5, a diagram 140 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on an inclined floor surface with
the ventilation wall 58A located at the upper side. Water poured
over the inclined floor surface flows past the opening of the
connection ventilation hole 57A. However, since the connection
ventilation hole 57A becomes an upward hole, the water does not
flow into the connection ventilation hole 57A, and thus the
water-repellent filter 55A is not wetted by the water.
[0073] In FIG. 5, a diagram 150 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on an inclined floor surface with
the ventilation wall 58A located at the lower side. Water poured
over the inclined floor surface flows past the opening of the
connection ventilation hole 57A. However, since both the connection
ventilation hole 57A and the breath ventilation hole 56A become
upward holes, the water-repellent filter 55A is not wetted with the
water.
[0074] In FIG. 5, a diagram 160 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on an inclined ceiling surface
with the ventilation wall 58A located at the upper side. Water
poured over the inclined ceiling surface flows through the
connection ventilation hole 57A and the breath ventilation hole 56A
into the water-repellent filter 55A. Thus, this mounted position is
inappropriate.
[0075] In FIG. 5, a diagram 170 schematically shows a case where
the "regular product" is mounted on an inclined ceiling surface
with the ventilation wall 58A located at the lower side. Water
poured over the inclined ceiling surface flows past the opening of
the connection ventilation hole 57A, and flows into the connection
ventilation hole 57A at this time. However, since the breath
ventilation hole 56A becomes an upward hole, the water-repellent
filter 55A is not wetted with the water. However, the water having
flowed into the connection ventilation hole 57A needs to wait to be
evaporated to the outside due to a rise in the temperature of the
waterproof type control apparatus 10A or a rise in the
environmental temperature. Thus, this mounted position is not
desirable.
[0076] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing positions of the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A with respect to
various mounting angles regarding the "mirror-image product" for
the "regular product" in FIG. 1. ".largecircle.", "X", ".DELTA."
shown in FIG. 6 simply indicate appropriateness of a mounting
manner, similarly as in FIG. 5.
[0077] In FIG. 6, a diagram 200 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" in which the direction of the connection
ventilation hole 57A is made opposite to that in the "regular
product" is mounted on a floor surface, the casing 11A is fixed to
the mounted surface 19 that is a horizontal floor surface such as
the upper surface of a shelf board, via the mounting leg 18 of the
casing 11A, the breath ventilation hole 56A, the throttling hole
portion 57d, and the connection ventilation hole 57A are provided
within the ventilation wall 58A and with respect to the
water-repellent filter 55A included in the casing 11A, and the
atmospheric opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A faces in
a direction opposite to the mounted surface 19.
[0078] Therefore, water poured in a direction to the floor surface
by high-pressure washing or the like is directly poured over the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A, and also flows into
the breath ventilation hole 56A and the water-repellent filter 55A
since the connection ventilation hole 57A becomes a downward hole.
Thus, this mounted position is inappropriate.
[0079] In FIG. 6, a diagram 210 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on a ceiling surface such as
the lower surface of a shelf board. Poured water that is splashed
back to the ceiling surface is poured over the opening of the
connection ventilation hole 57A. However, since the connection
ventilation hole 57A becomes an upward hole, the water is not
poured to the breath ventilation hole 56A or the water-repellent
filter 55A.
[0080] In the case of mounting on the ceiling surface, it is
conceivable that wetting directly with water poured by
high-pressure washing is prevented by the shelf board itself or
some sort of an obstacle.
[0081] In FIG. 6, a diagram 220 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on a vertical wall surface.
Since the ventilation wall 58A is located at the upper side, when
poured water flows into the opening of the connection ventilation
hole 57A, the water-repellent filter 55A is wetted with the water.
However, as shown in a diagram 300 in FIG. 6, when the connection
ventilation hole 57A is made to have a large diameter and the
throttling hole portion 57d having a small diameter is provided at
an upper eccentric position on the connection ventilation hole 57A,
a small amount of water does not flow into the throttling hole
portion 57d, and therefore, the water-repellent filter 55A is not
wetted with water.
[0082] In FIG. 6, a diagram 230 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on a vertical wall surface.
In this case, since the ventilation wall 58A is located at the
lower side and the breath ventilation hole 56A becomes an upward
hole, even when water is poured over the opening of the connection
ventilation hole 57A, the water-repellent filter 55A is not wetted
with the water.
[0083] In FIG. 6, a diagram 240 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on an inclined floor surface
with the ventilation wall 58A located at the upper side. Water
poured over the opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A by
high-pressure washing or the like flows into the connection
ventilation hole 57A and the breath ventilation hole 56A that
become downward holes, and the water-repellent filter 55A is wetted
with the water. Thus, this mounted position is inappropriate.
[0084] In FIG. 6, a diagram 250 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on an inclined floor surface
with the ventilation wall 58A located at the lower side. Water
poured over the opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A by
high-pressure washing or the like flows into the connection
ventilation hole 57A. However, since the breath ventilation hole
56A becomes an upward hole, the water-repellent filter 55A is not
wetted with the water. However, the water having flowed into the
connection ventilation hole 57A needs to wait to be evaporated due
to a rise in the temperature of the waterproof type control
apparatus 10A or a rise in the environmental temperature. Thus,
this mounted position is not desirable.
[0085] In FIG. 6, a diagram 260 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on an inclined ceiling
surface with the ventilation wall 58A located at the upper side.
Since both the connection ventilation hole 57A and the breath
ventilation hole 56A become upward holes, water poured over the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A does not flow into
the water-repellent filter 55A.
[0086] In FIG. 6, a diagram 270 schematically shows a case where
the "mirror-image product" is mounted on an inclined ceiling
surface with the ventilation wall 58A located at the lower side.
Since both the connection ventilation hole 57A and the breath
ventilation hole 56A become upward holes, water poured over the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57A does not flow into
the water-repellent filter 55A. In the cases of the diagrams 260
and 270 in FIG. 6, similarly to the case of the diagram 210, it is
conceivable that wetting directly with water poured by
high-pressure washing is prevented by the shelf board itself or
some sort of an obstacle.
[0087] When FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are compared to each other, if either
the "regular product" or the "mirror-image product" is selected for
each of the various mounting directions of the waterproof type
control apparatus 10A, the water-repellent filter 55A can be
prevented from being wetted with water.
[0088] In the wall surface-mounted manners in the cases of the
diagrams 120 and 130 in FIG. 5 and in the cases of the diagrams 220
and 230 in FIG. 6, the connector housing 50A is mounted in a
direction in which the connector housing 50A is located at the
upper ceiling surface side or the lower floor surface side of the
casing 11A. If the connector housing 50A is mounted in a horizontal
direction, since the connection ventilation hole 57A and the breath
ventilation hole 56A extend horizontally, when poured water flows
into the connection ventilation hole 57A, the water-repellent
filter 55A is wetted with the water. However, if the connection
ventilation hole 57A is made to have a large diameter and the
throttling hole portion 57d having a small diameter is provided at
an upper eccentric position on the connection ventilation hole 57A,
a small amount of water does not flow into the throttling hole
portion 57d, and therefore the water-repellent filter 55A is not
wetted with water.
[0089] In the case of an inclined floor surface, if the "regular
product" is used, the connection ventilation hole 57A becomes an
upward hole, and in the case of an inclined ceiling surface, if the
"mirror-image product" is used, the connection ventilation hole 57A
becomes an upward hole, so that the water-repellent filter 55A is
prevented from being wetted with water.
[0090] (3) Main Points and Features of Embodiment 1
[0091] As is obvious from the above description, the waterproof
type control apparatus 10A according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention includes: the circuit board 40 that is sealed and housed
in the casing 11A that includes the base 20A having the mounting
surface and the cover 30A; the connector housing 50A that is a
resin molded member that is mounted at the one side of the circuit
board 40 and exposed from a side surface opening of the cover 30A;
and the plurality of first connection terminals 52A that are
press-fitted into the partition wall 51A of the connector housing
50A. The one end of each first connection terminal is connected to
a circuit pattern of the circuit board 40, and the other end of
each first connection terminal is connected in a contact conductive
manner to the second connection terminal 14 provided within the
mating connector 12A, so that the waterproof type control apparatus
10A is connected to the wire harness 60A that is outside the casing
11A. The connector housing 50A includes: the inner annular
peripheral wall 53A that is provided at the inner side of the
partition wall 51A; and the outer annular peripheral wall 54A that
is provided at the outer side of the partition wall 51A and to
which the mating connector 12A is fitted, and the waterproof
packing 15 for preventing water from entering the closed space
including a contact conductive portion between each first
connection terminal 52A and each second connection terminal 14 is
provided between an end surface portion of the outer annular
peripheral wall 54A and the mating connector 12A that is fitted to
the outer annular peripheral wall 54A.
[0092] The water-repellent filter 55A is fixed in a close contact
manner to the inner surface of the partition wall 51A, and is a
flat porous material that includes a plurality of fine pores that
block entry and passing of water droplets into the casing 11A and
allow the atmospheric air to freely pass therethrough. The
water-repellent filter 55A includes: the inner surface portion 55a
that communicates with the inner space of the casing 11A; and the
outer surface portion 55b that communicates with the breath
ventilation hole 56A through which the outside air is introduced.
The breath ventilation hole 56A extends within the ventilation wall
58A, which is provided at a position at a side surface of the outer
annular peripheral wall 54A, in a direction penetrating the
partition wall 51A, is changed in direction to a direction to the
mounting surface which direction is parallel to the partition wall
51A or the direction opposite to the direction to the mounting
surface by the connection ventilation hole 57A, and is opened to
the atmosphere. A product in which the direction changed by the
connection ventilation hole 57A is the direction to the mounting
surface or the direction opposite to the direction to the mounting
surface is selected and used depending on the mounting environment
of the base 20A such that wetting directly with water through the
atmospheric opening is unlikely to occur. This relates to claim 1
of the present invention.
[0093] With such a configuration, since the water-repellent filter
55A is mounted on the inner surface of the connector housing 50A, a
functional test can be conducted on the apparatus alone, and also
there is an effect that the area of the water-repellent filter 55A
can be increased to reduce the air pressure difference between the
interior and the exterior, as compared to the case where the
water-repellent filter 55A is provided within the mating connector
12A.
[0094] In addition, the mounting structure becomes simpler and
cheaper than conventional one in which a water-repellent filter is
provided to a specially provided intermediate wall of a cover, so
that there is an effect that a cover made of a resin or a sheet
metal can be used.
[0095] Moreover, as the direction changed by the connection
ventilation hole 57A, the direction to the mounting surface or the
direction opposite to the direction to the mounting surface can be
used when a position where an insert mold is inserted is changed,
so that there is an effect that it is possible to handle the
mounting environment such that wetting directly with water from the
atmospheric opening surface is easily avoided.
[0096] Furthermore, a ventilation path including the breath
ventilation hole 56A and the connection ventilation hole 57A has a
complicated and long shape, and is disposed such that either the
breath ventilation hole 56A or the connection ventilation hole 57A
becomes an upward hole, so that there is an effect that the
water-repellent filter 55A can be avoided from being wetted
directly with water. In addition, the structure of the breath
ventilation hole 56A and the connection ventilation hole 57A does
not depend on the structure of the mating connector 12A. Thus, the
mating connector 12A can be used in common for the connector
housing 50A in which the water-repellent filter 55A is mounted and
a conventional-type connector housing in which a water-repellent
filter is not mounted, so that there is an economical effect that
it is not necessary to additionally produce a new mold.
[0097] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10A according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention, further, the outer annular
peripheral wall is the single outer annular peripheral wall 54A,
the mating connector is also the single mating connector 12A, and
the ventilation wall 58A provided at the position at the side
surface of the outer annular peripheral wall 54A is provided at a
position away from an outer wall surface of the outer annular
peripheral wall 54A, or is provided at a position that is at a
depth portion of the inserted mating connector 12A and is away from
an opening end of the outer annular peripheral wall 54A, such that
insertion of the mating connector 12A is not hindered.
[0098] As described above, in connection with claim 2 of the
present invention, the ventilation wall 58A in which the breath
ventilation hole 56A and the connection ventilation hole 57A are
provided is restricted to a position where insertion of the mating
connector 12A is not hindered. Therefore, the ventilation wall 58A
can be provided adjacently to the vicinity of connection with the
mating connector 12A that is provided at an advantageous location
where consideration is given such that wetting directly with water
is avoided.
[0099] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10A according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention, further, the plurality of
first connection terminals 52A are arranged at a plurality of upper
and lower stages in a direction orthogonal to the board surface of
the circuit board 40, the breath ventilation hole 56A includes the
first ventilation hole 56a and the second ventilation hole 56b that
are arranged in a vertical direction orthogonal to the board
surface of the circuit board 40 or in a horizontal direction
parallel to the board surface, ends of the first and second
ventilation holes 56a and 56b communicate with the outer surface
portion 55b of the water-repellent filter 55A, and the other ends
of the first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b are
orthogonally changed in direction via the first connection
ventilation hole 57a and the second connection ventilation hole 57b
and are opened to the atmosphere.
[0100] As described above, in connection with claim 3 of the
present invention, the first and second ventilation holes 56a and
56b that communicate with the outer surface portion 55b of the
water-repellent filter 55A are provided so as to be arranged in the
vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and are
orthogonally changed in direction by the first and second
connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b and are opened to the
atmosphere. Therefore, even when clogging of one ventilation hole
occurs, ventilation can be performed by the other ventilation hole,
so that the reliability improves.
[0101] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10A according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention, further, the throttling hole
portion 57d is provided such that the hole diameter of the
connection ventilation hole 57A is small at the position where the
connection ventilation hole 57A communicates with the breath
ventilation hole 56A to orthogonally change the direction of the
breath ventilation hole 56A.
[0102] As described above, in connection with claim 4 of the
present invention, the throttling hole portion is provided at a
depth portion of the connection ventilation hole 57A that
communicates with the breath ventilation hole 56A. Therefore, in
the case where, due to the mounting environment of the waterproof
type control apparatus 10A, the connection ventilation hole 57A is
made horizontal or slightly inclined from a horizontal position
such that the water-repellent filter 55A is located at a lower
position, a portion for accumulating poured water having flowed in
is generated, so that the poured water can be prevented from
flowing into the water-repellent filter 55A.
[0103] Water accumulated within the connection ventilation hole 57A
is dried and evaporated some time later.
[0104] In the case where the mounting surface for the waterproof
type control apparatus 10A is greatly inclined so that the opening
of the connection ventilation hole 57A is wetted directly with
water, by using one in which the direction of the connection
ventilation hole 57A is changed, wetting directly with water is
avoided, and by the connection ventilation hole 57A becoming an
upward hole, water is prevented from flowing into the
water-repellent filter 55A.
[0105] The same also applies to Embodiment 2.
[0106] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10A according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention, further, the throttling hole
portion 57d is located eccentrically from the central position of
the connection ventilation hole 57A, and is located eccentrically
in such a direction that the portion for accumulating poured water
is widened, in response to a predetermined mounting inclination
angle.
[0107] As described above, in connection with claim 5 of the
present invention, the amount of poured water accumulated in the
connection ventilation hole 57A can be easily increased when an
insert mold corresponding to a mounting inclination angle of the
base 20A is used.
[0108] The same also applies to Embodiment 2.
[0109] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10A according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention, further, the fine hole 59 is
provided in the inner surface of the outer annular peripheral wall
54A so as to communicate with the inner space of the casing
11A.
[0110] As described above, in connection with claim 6 of the
present invention, breathing between the interior of the casing 11A
and the outside air caused by the temperature difference between
the interior and the exterior of the casing 11A can be performed
freely via the water-repellent filter 55A, not via a small space in
the connector portion connected to the mating connector 12A. In
addition, breathing can also be performed via the inner space of
the casing 11A also with respect to a closed space of the connector
portion to which the mating connector 12A is connected.
[0111] When the mating connector 12A is inserted or pulled out,
occurrence of insertion/pulling-out resistance caused by air
resistance can be suppressed. In addition, in a single product
state where the mating connector 12A is not attached, dust can be
prevented from freely entering through the opening surface of the
connector.
[0112] The same also applies to Embodiment 2.
Embodiment 2
[0113] (1) Detailed Description of Configuration and
Effects/Operation
[0114] Hereinafter, the difference from FIGS. 1 to 5 of Embodiment
1 will be mainly described in detail. In each drawing, the same
reference numerals denote the same or equivalent portions.
[0115] The main difference from Embodiment 1 is that an outer
annular peripheral wall 54B of a connector housing 50B is divided
into first and second annular peripheral walls 54a and 54b and
first and second groups of first connection terminals 52a and 52b
are pressed-fitted and held by a partition wall 51B.
[0116] In an external view of a waterproof type control apparatus
10B in FIG. 7, a casing 11B includes: a base 20B that has mounting
legs at four sides thereof and is made of an aluminum die casting
or a sheet metal; and a cover 30B that is made of a resin or a
sheet metal, a circuit board 40 on which the connector housing 50B
described later with reference to FIG. 9 is mounted is sealed and
housed in the casing 11B, and parts of the connector housing 50B
are exposed from the casing 11B.
[0117] A mating connector 12B that is divided and formed by first
and second mating connectors 12a and 12b is inserted into the
exposed parts of the connector housing 50B so as to establish
connections with external apparatuses via a wire harness 60B that
includes first and second wire harnesses 60a and 60b,
respectively.
[0118] The connector housing 50B, which is made of the resin, is
configured by replacing the character A shown in FIG. 2 with
character B, and includes an inner annular peripheral wall 53B and
the outer annular peripheral wall 54B that are provided laterally
to the partition wall 51B. The mating connector 12B is attached to
the outer annular peripheral wall 54B that is at the side of
exposure from the casing 11B. Three sides of the outer periphery of
the inner annular peripheral wall 53B are in contact with an
opening surface of the cover 30B in FIG. 7 via a waterproof sealing
material that is not shown, the remaining one side of the outer
periphery is in contact with one side of the base 20B via the
waterproof sealing material that is not shown, and an annular
projection 53c for preventing outflow of the waterproof sealing
material is provided at a position where the interior and the
exterior are separated by the partition wall 51B. A plurality of
first connection terminals 52B are press-fitted and fixed to the
partition wall 51B, and each are configured such that one end
thereof is orthogonally converted and soldered to the circuit board
40 described later with reference to FIG. 9, and the other end
thereof is brought into electrically conductive contact with a
second connection terminal 14 provided in the mating connector
12B.
[0119] The partition wall 51B is provided with a fine hole 59 (not
shown) that provides communication between the inner space of the
casing 11B and a sealed space at the connector side.
[0120] Similarly as described above with reference to FIG. 2, the
mating connector 12B has annular spaces each defined by: an inner
body portion 12x into which a plurality of second connection
terminals 14 are inserted; and an outer peripheral wall 12y
surrounding the inner body portion 12x, and is configured such that
the outer annular peripheral wall 54B of the connector housing 50B
is inserted in each annular space. A waterproofing mechanism that
is not shown is provided at a position where the mating connector
12B and the wire harness 60B in FIG. 7 are received, and
waterproofness between the mating connector 12B and the connector
housing 50B is provided by a waterproof packing 15 that is disposed
on the inner peripheral surface of the outer annular peripheral
wall 54B and the outer periphery of the inner body portion 12x.
[0121] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a connector connection portion in
FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the plurality of second connection terminals 14
described above with reference to FIG. 2 are inserted into the
inner body portions 12x of the first and second mating connectors
12a and 12b, and the first and second groups of first connection
terminals 52a and 52b that are first connection terminals 52B are
inserted into the second connection terminals 14.
[0122] Although the outer peripheral walls 12y of the mating
connector 12B are present on the outer peripheries of the first and
second annular peripheral walls 54a and 54b that form the outer
annular peripheral wall 54B, the position of the cross-section in
FIG. 8 is a position where the outer peripheral walls 12y are not
present.
[0123] Within an ventilation wall 58B that projects outward from
the partition wall 51B of the connector housing 50B, a breath
ventilation hole 56B including first and second ventilation holes
56a and 56b described later with reference to FIG. 9 is provided,
and a connection ventilation hole 57B including first and second
connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b at the respective
ventilation holes is provided. However, either one of the first and
second ventilation holes 56a and 56b may be omitted. Accordingly,
either one of the first and second connection ventilation holes 57a
and 57b may be omitted. In addition, the first and second
ventilation holes 56a and 56b are arranged in the up-down
direction, but may be arranged in the right-left direction.
[0124] FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the connector
housing in FIG. 7. In FIG. 9, the connector housing 50B is fixed to
one side of the circuit board 40, and the plurality of
right-angle-type first connection terminals 52B are soldered
thereto.
[0125] The first connection terminals 52B are divided into the
first and second groups of first connection terminals 52a and 52b.
A water-repellent filter 55B is bonded and fixed to an inner wall
surface of the partition wall 51B of the connector housing 50B to
which the plurality of first connection terminals 52B are
press-fitted and fixed, and is a flat porous material that has an
inner surface portion 55a and an outer surface portion 55b and has
a circular shape, a square shape, or an elliptical shape.
[0126] The inner surface portion 55a of the water-repellent filter
55B is fully opened to the inner space of the casing 11B, and the
outer surface portion 55b is fully opened to the breath ventilation
hole 56B, which is provided in the partition wall 51B and includes
the first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b, except for a
contour outer peripheral portion of the outer surface portion
55b.
[0127] The first ventilation hole 56a is opened to the atmosphere
via a throttling hole portion 57d orthogonal thereto and the second
connection ventilation hole 57a, and the second ventilation hole
56b is opened to the atmosphere via a throttling hole portion 57d
orthogonal thereto and the second connection ventilation hole 57b.
The first and second connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b form
the connection ventilation hole 57B.
[0128] In Embodiment 2, the breath ventilation hole 56B is
structured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the partition
wall 51B and change its direction to an upward or downward
direction parallel to the partition wall 51B by the connection
ventilation hole 57B. However, as long as wetting with water can be
prevented, the angle between the breath ventilation hole 56B and
the connection ventilation hole 57B is not limited to the right
angle.
[0129] The opening of the connection ventilation hole 57B in
Embodiment 2 is opposed to the same plane as a mounting surface of
the base 20B, and the apparatus having this configuration is
referred to as "regular product". When the direction of an insert
of a mold for manufacturing the connector housing 50B is made
opposite, a "mirror-image product" can be produced in which the
opening of the connection ventilation hole 57B is opposed to a
plane in a direction opposite to the mounting surface of the base
20B (i.e., a direction to the cover 30B).
[0130] Therefore, positions of the ventilation opening with respect
to various mounting angles are the same as in FIGS. 5 and 6, and if
either the "regular product" or the "mirror-image product" is
selected for each of the various mounting directions of the
waterproof type control apparatus 10B, the water-repellent filter
55B can be prevented from being wetted with water.
[0131] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the connector housing in FIG. 7.
In FIG. 10, the bottom surface of the connector housing 50B is
provided with an annular projection surface 57x at the outer
peripheries of the atmospheric opening ends of the first and second
connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b, and the height of the
annular projection surface 57x is the same as the height of the
annular projection 53c shown in FIG. 9. The annular projection 53c
is provided at a peripheral wall of the inner annular peripheral
wall 53B and serves to prevent outflow of a waterproof sealing
material applied to an opening end surface of the cover 30B and one
side of the base 20B.
[0132] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a connector housing of a
modification of FIG. 7. In FIG. 11, the atmospheric opening ends of
the first and second connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b are
provided in a plateau plane portion 57y that is a surface having
the same height as that of the annular projection 53c shown in FIG.
9.
[0133] Thus, when a ventilation test is conducted on the
water-repellent filter 55B, if an elastic body is provided on a
contact face of a jig for closing or opening the opening end of the
connection ventilation hole 57B, air-tight closing can be easily
performed.
[0134] When the ventilation test is conducted on the
water-repellent filter 55B, a pressurizing or depressurizing device
is connected in the outer annular peripheral wall 54B of the
connector housing 50B in a state where the mating connector 12B is
not connected, the interior of the casing 11B is pressurized or
depressurized through the fine hole 59 that is the same as in FIG.
2, and a ventilation volume is measured in a state where the
opening end of the connection ventilation hole 57B is closed or
opened.
[0135] (2) Main Points and Features of Embodiment 2
[0136] As is obvious from the above description, the waterproof
type control apparatus 10B according to Embodiment 2 of the present
invention includes: the circuit board 40 that is sealed and housed
in the casing 11B that includes the base 20B having the mounting
surface and the cover 30B; the connector housing 50B that is a
resin molded member that is mounted at the one side of the circuit
board 40 and exposed from a side surface opening of the cover 30B;
and the plurality of first connection terminals 52B that are
press-fitted into the partition wall 51B of the connector housing
50B. The one end of each first connection terminal 52B is connected
to a circuit pattern of the circuit board 40, and the other end of
each first connection terminal 52B is connected in a contact
conductive manner to the second connection terminal 14 provided
within the mating connector 12B, so that the waterproof type
control apparatus 10B is connected to the wire harness 60B that is
outside the casing 11B. The connector housing 50B includes: the
inner annular peripheral wall 53B that is provided at the inner
side of the partition wall 51B; and the outer annular peripheral
wall 54B that is provided at the outer side of the partition wall
51B and to which the mating connector 12B is fitted, and the
waterproof packing 15 for preventing water from entering the closed
space including a contact conductive portion between each first
connection terminal 52B and each second connection terminal 14 is
provided between an end surface portion of the outer annular
peripheral wall 54B and the mating connector 12B that is fitted to
the outer annular peripheral wall 54B.
[0137] The water-repellent filter 55B is fixed in a close contact
manner to the inner surface of the partition wall 51B, and is a
flat porous material that includes a plurality of fine pores that
block entry and passing of water droplets into the casing 11B and
allow the atmospheric air to freely pass therethrough. The
water-repellent filter 55B includes: the inner surface portion 55a
that communicates with the inner space of the casing 11B; and the
outer surface portion 55b that communicates with the breath
ventilation hole 56B through which the outside air is introduced.
The breath ventilation hole 56B extends within the ventilation wall
58B, which is provided at a position at a side surface of the outer
annular peripheral wall 54B, in a direction penetrating the
partition wall 51B, is changed in direction to a direction to the
mounting surface which direction is parallel to the partition wall
51B or the direction opposite to the direction to the mounting
surface by the connection ventilation hole 57B, and is opened to
the atmosphere. A product in which the direction changed by the
connection ventilation hole 57B is the direction to the mounting
surface or the direction opposite to the direction to the mounting
surface is selected and used depending on the mounting environment
of the base 20B such that wetting directly with water through the
atmospheric opening is unlikely to occur. This relates to claim 1
of the present invention.
[0138] With such a configuration, since the water-repellent filter
55B is mounted on the inner surface of the connector housing 50B, a
functional test can be conducted on the apparatus alone, and also
there is an effect that the area of the water-repellent filter 55B
can be increased to reduce the air pressure difference between the
interior and the exterior, as compared to the case where the
water-repellent filter 55B is provided within the mating connector
12B.
[0139] In addition, the mounting structure becomes simpler and
cheaper than conventional one in which a water-repellent filter is
provided to a specially provided intermediate wall of a cover, so
that there is an effect that a cover made of a resin or a sheet
metal can be used.
[0140] Moreover, as the direction changed by the connection
ventilation hole 57B, the direction to the mounting surface or the
direction opposite to the direction to the mounting surface can be
used when a position where an insert mold is inserted is changed,
so that there is an effect that it is possible to handle the
mounting environment such that wetting directly with water from the
atmospheric opening surface is easily avoided.
[0141] Furthermore, a ventilation path including the breath
ventilation hole 56B and the connection ventilation hole 57B has a
complicated and long shape, and is disposed such that either the
breath ventilation hole 56B or the connection ventilation hole 57B
becomes an upward hole, so that there is an effect that the
water-repellent filter 55B can be avoided from being wetted
directly with water. In addition, the structure of the breath
ventilation hole 56B and the connection ventilation hole 57B does
not depend on the structure of the mating connector 12B. Thus, the
mating connector 12B can be used in common for the connector
housing 50B in which the water-repellent filter 55B is mounted and
a conventional-type connector housing in which a water-repellent
filter is not mounted, so that there is an economical effect that
it is not necessary to additionally produce a new mold.
[0142] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10B according to
Embodiment 2 of the present invention, further, the outer annular
peripheral wall is the division-type outer annular peripheral wall
54B that is divided into at least the first and second annular
peripheral walls 54a and 54b, the mating connector is also the
division-type connector 12B that is divided into at least the first
and second mating connectors 12a and 12b, and the ventilation wall
58B is provided at an intermediate position between the first and
second annular peripheral walls 54a and 54b, and is provided at a
position away from an outer wall surface of the outer annular
peripheral wall 54B, or is provided at a position that is at a
depth portion of the inserted mating connector 12B and is away from
an opening end of the outer annular peripheral wall 54B, such that
insertion of the mating connector 12B is not hindered.
[0143] As described above, in connection with claim 2 of the
present invention, the ventilation wall 58B in which the breath
ventilation hole 56B and the connection ventilation hole 57B are
provided is restricted to a position where insertion of the mating
connector 12B is not hindered. Therefore, the ventilation wall 58B
can be provided adjacently to the vicinity of connection with the
mating connector 12B that is provided at an advantageous location
where consideration is given such that wetting directly with water
is avoided.
[0144] In addition, since the ventilation wall 58B is provided at
the intermediate position between the first and second annular
peripheral walls 54a and 54b, the breath ventilation hole 56B and
the connection ventilation hole 57B are present between the right
and left mating connectors 12B and are more unlikely to be wetted
directly with water.
[0145] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10B according to
Embodiment 2 of the present invention, further, the plurality of
first connection terminals 52B are arranged at a plurality of
stages in a direction orthogonal to the board surface of the
circuit board 40, the breath ventilation hole 56B includes the
first ventilation hole 56a and the second ventilation hole 56b that
are arranged in a vertical direction orthogonal to the board
surface of the circuit board 40 or in a horizontal direction
parallel to the board surface, ends of the first and second
ventilation holes 56a and 56b communicate with the outer surface
portion 55b of the water-repellent filter 55B, and the other ends
of the first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b are
orthogonally changed in direction via the first connection
ventilation hole 57a and the second connection ventilation hole 57b
and are opened to the atmosphere.
[0146] As described above, in connection with claim 3 of the
present invention, the first and second ventilation holes 56a and
56b that communicate with the outer surface portion 55b of the
water-repellent filter 55B are provided so as to be arranged in the
vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and are
orthogonally changed in direction by the first and second
connection ventilation holes 57a and 57b and opened to the
atmosphere. Therefore, even when clogging of one ventilation hole
occurs, ventilation can be performed by the other ventilation hole,
so that the reliability improves.
[0147] Furthermore, by effectively utilizing a small space between
the first and second annular peripheral walls 54a and 54b, the
first and second ventilation holes 56a and 56b that are paired can
be provided.
[0148] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10B according to
Embodiment 2 of the present invention, further, the opening end of
the connection ventilation hole 57B has the annular projection
surface 57x surrounding the connection ventilation hole 57B, or the
connection ventilation hole 57B is exposed in the plateau plane
portion 57y located at a higher position than the surrounding
portion.
[0149] As described above, in connection with claim 7 of the
present invention, when a ventilation test is conducted on the
water-repellent filter 55B, if an elastic body is provided on a
contact face of a jig for closing or opening the opening end of the
connection ventilation hole 57B, air-tight closing can be easily
performed.
[0150] The same also applies to Embodiment 1.
[0151] In the waterproof type control apparatus 10B according to
Embodiment 2 of the present invention, further, the annular
projection 53c for preventing outflow of the waterproof sealing
material applied to the opening end surface of the cover 30B and
the one side of the base 20B is provided at a peripheral wall
portion of the inner annular peripheral wall 53B, and the annular
projection surface 57x or the plateau plane portion 57y is equal to
or greater in height dimension than the annular projection 53c and
is connected and integrated with the annular projection 53c.
[0152] As described above, in connection with claim 8 of the
present invention, the annular projection surface 57x or the
plateau plane portion 57y serves as a part of the annular
projection 53c for preventing outflow of the sealing material, and
a jig for a ventilation test can be provided in the small
space.
[0153] The same also applies to Embodiment 1.
[0154] It is noted that, within the scope of the present invention,
the above embodiments may be freely combined with each other, or
each of the above embodiments may be modified or abbreviated as
appropriate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0155] 10A, 10B waterproof type control apparatus [0156] 11A, 11B
casing [0157] 12A, 12B mating connector [0158] 12x inner body
portion [0159] 12y outer peripheral wall [0160] 14 second
connection terminal [0161] 15 waterproof packing [0162] 20A, 20B
base [0163] 30A, 30B cover [0164] 40 circuit board [0165] 50A, 50B
connector housing [0166] 51A, 51B partition wall [0167] 52A, 52B
first connection terminal [0168] 53A, 53B inner annular peripheral
wall [0169] 54A, 54B outer annular peripheral wall [0170] 55A, 55B
water-repellent filter [0171] 55a inner surface portion [0172] 55b
outer surface portion [0173] 56A, 56B breath ventilation hole
[0174] 57A, 57B connection ventilation hole [0175] 57d throttling
hole portion [0176] 57x annular projection surface [0177] 57y
plateau plane portion [0178] 58A, 58B ventilation wall [0179] 59
fine hole [0180] 60A, 60B wire harness
* * * * *