JP4238185B2 - Waterproof connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof connector for connecting a wire harness, an electrical junction box, or the like in a hole of a panel of an automobile or the like.

  FIG. 18 shows one form of a conventional waterproof connector (see Patent Document 1).

  The waterproof connector 81 includes a substantially annular holder 83 made of synthetic resin that is inserted into a circular hole portion of the panel 82 and a substantially annular shape made of synthetic rubber that fits into the flange portion of the holder 83 on the outer surface side of the panel 82. The grommet 84, one connector 85 locked to the holder 83 on the inner surface side of the panel 82, and the other connector 86 fitted to the one connector 85 are configured.

  One connector 85 is engaged with the holder 83 at the rail portion and locked by the protrusion. The rear portion of the one connector 85 is closely attached to the grommet 84, and the electric wire 87 on the one connector side is led out through the cylindrical portion 88 of the grommet 84 to, for example, an engine room of an automobile. A male terminal is connected to the electric wire 87, and a tab portion of the male terminal protrudes into the connector fitting chamber of the connector 85. A female terminal is accommodated in the other connector 86, and the female terminal is connected to the electric wire 89. Both connectors 85 and 86 are located, for example, on the passenger compartment side, and a grommet 84 prevents water and dust from entering from the outside.

  FIG. 19 shows another form of a conventional waterproof connector (see Patent Document 2).

  The waterproof connector 90 includes one connector 92 that fits into the hole of the panel 91 from the inner surface side of the panel 91, the other connector 93 that fits into one connector 92 from the outer surface side of the panel 91, and the other connector. The grommet 94 is fitted to the grommet 94 to seal the panel hole, and the cover 95 is attached to the grommet 94. In the figure, terminals are omitted.

Both connectors 92 and 93 are fitted by screwing operation of bolts 96 and nuts 97 corresponding to multipolar terminals. Each terminal is locked by a locking lance 98 in the terminal housing chamber of the connector housing. The electric wire connected to the terminal of one connector 92 is wired, for example, to the passenger compartment side, and the electric wire connected to the terminal of the other connector 93 is wired to the engine room or the like through the tube portion 99 of the grommet 94.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-8020 (pages 4-5, FIGS. 1-5) JP-A-10-74556 (second page, FIG. 10)

  However, in the conventional waterproof connector 81 shown in FIG. 18, since the positional relationship between the grommet 84 and one connector 85 is fixed, a positional error with the other connector 86 on the coupling partner side is absorbed. There is a problem that it cannot be applied when the other connector 86 is fixed to a vehicle or the like in advance.

  Further, in the conventional waterproof connector 90 shown in FIG. 19, there is a concern that the bolt 96 and the grommet 94 are in direct sliding contact when the bolt 96 is tightened, and the grommet 94 is worn or deformed. As a preventive measure, parts such as a washer and a collar are required between the grommet 94 and the bolt 96, and there is a concern that water may easily enter into the connector from between these parts, and the grommet 94 in order to improve adhesion to the parts. There is a problem that the structure of the system becomes complicated and expensive.

  Further, in each of the conventional waterproof connectors 81 and 90, water easily enters from the cylindrical portions 88 and 99 of the grommets 84 and 94, and the cylindrical portions 88 and 99 are pulled when the electric wire is pulled strongly. There was a concern that the grommets 84 and 94 were easily detached from the connectors 85 and 93 and the panels 82 and 91. In addition, a plurality of wires connected to each terminal in the connector must be led out into the grommet, and at the same time, the grommets 84 and 94 must be fitted into the connectors 85 and 93 and the panels 82 and 91. There was a problem that the assembly took a lot of time.

  An object of this invention is to provide the waterproof connector with favorable waterproofness and an assembly | attachment property in view of each above-mentioned point.

  To achieve the above object, a waterproof connector according to claim 1 of the present invention includes one connector, a grommet that fits into the one connector and a hole in the panel, and the one inside the panel. The grommet is led out from the side of the one connector inside the grommet, and a fitting hole through which the one connector penetrates. It has the insertion part which penetrates the other electric wire separately, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  With the above configuration, one connector is inserted into the fitting hole of the grommet from the outer surface side of the panel, and the outer peripheral surface of the connector is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hole to be waterproof. The electric wire led out from the side of one connector is led out from the inside of the grommet through the insertion part. One connector has a lead-out portion of the electric wire inside the grommet, and the portion protruding to the outside from the grommet does not have the lead-out portion of the electric wire, so that waterproofing is not necessary.

  A waterproof connector according to a second aspect is the waterproof connector according to the first aspect, wherein the one connector is divided into a terminal accommodating portion and a cover portion, and the electric wire is led out from the divided surface side.

  With the above configuration, a terminal with an electric wire is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion in a state where one connector is divided into two portions. The dividing surface side is located at the side of one connector, and the electric wire is led out to the side of one connector (in the direction perpendicular to the connector fitting). It is preferable that the terminal accommodating portion and the cover portion are locked by locking means.

  A waterproof connector according to a third aspect is the waterproof connector according to the second aspect, wherein a groove for fitting the hole of the grommet is provided on the cover side.

  With the above configuration, the peripheral edge of the grommet hole fits into the groove on the cover part side of one connector, and the terminal accommodating part of one connector is securely disposed inside the grommet, and is reliably protected from rainwater and the like. .

  The waterproof connector according to a fourth aspect is the waterproof connector according to the second aspect, wherein a peripheral edge of the hole portion of the grommet is sandwiched between the terminal accommodating portion and the cover portion.

  By the said structure, the periphery of the hole part of a grommet is pinched | interposed between the terminal accommodating part and cover part of one connector, and is compressed, and exhibits favorable sealing performance.

  A waterproof connector according to a fifth aspect is the waterproof connector according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the terminal accommodating portion and the cover portion are connected by a hinge.

  With the above configuration, the terminal accommodating portion is opened and closed with respect to the cover portion with the hinge as a fulcrum, and the terminal with the electric wire is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion with the terminal accommodating portion opened.

  The waterproof connector according to claim 6 is the waterproof connector according to claim 5, wherein the one connector is fitted into the hole of the grommet, and the terminal accommodating portion of the one connector is opened with the hinge as a fulcrum. And the said terminal with an electric wire is inserted in this terminal accommodating part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  With the above configuration, one connector is smoothly inserted without being caught in the grommet hole without a lead-out wire, the terminal receiving portion is opened after insertion, and the terminal is inserted into the terminal receiving portion, and the terminal receiving portion is inserted after the terminal is inserted. Is closed and united with the cover.

  The waterproof connector according to claim 7 is the waterproof connector according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the grommet has a plurality of fitting holes through which the plurality of terminal accommodating portions are inserted. To do.

  With the above configuration, the plurality of terminal accommodating portions of one connector are inserted and fitted into the plurality of holes of the grommet. A plurality of terminals are inserted into each terminal accommodating portion, and the terminals can be multipolarized. It is preferable that the plurality of terminal accommodating portions are united with the cover portion, and the cover portion is configured by a plurality of cover portions corresponding to the respective terminal accommodating portions and a connecting portion that connects the respective cover portions.

  The waterproof connector according to claim 8 is the waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one connector and the other connector are fitted by a bolt tightening operation.

  With the above configuration, the multipolar male / female terminals of both connectors can be easily connected with low force by bolting. The bolt passes through one connector and is screwed into a nut on the other connector side. The bolt insertion hole of one connector is sealed with a seal member, or is sealed with a configuration according to claim 9 described later.

  The waterproof connector according to claim 9 is the waterproof connector according to claim 8, wherein the grommet includes a hole portion through which the bolt is inserted, a cylindrical portion around the hole portion, and a seal at the tip of the cylindrical portion. And the seal portion is in close contact with the other connector side portion.

  With the above configuration, a bolt is inserted into the hole of the grommet, the bolt passes through the inside of the cylindrical part of the grommet on the outer periphery of the hole, and the tip of the bolt protrudes outward from the seal part of the cylindrical part. By screwing the bolt into the nut on the other connector side, both the connectors are fitted, and at the same time as the complete fitting, the seal part at the tip of the cylindrical part is in close contact with the part on the other connector side. A small hole at the tip of the bolt closely contacts the outer peripheral surface of the bolt, and water or the like is prevented from entering the connector from the bolt insertion hole of the grommet. It is preferable that the bolt penetrates only the cover portion, not the terminal accommodating portion of one connector.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the electric wire is led out from the one connector inside the grommet, the electric wire outlet portion of the one connector is protected and waterproofed by the grommet, and water dust or the like enters the connector. Is reliably prevented. Further, by fitting one connector to the grommet from the outer surface side of the panel, the fitting operation can be performed easily and efficiently.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the electric wire can be reliably led out from the side of one connector, and the effect of the invention described in claim 1 is promoted.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the terminal accommodating portion of one connector is reliably disposed inside the grommet, the waterproof and dustproof properties of the one connector are enhanced.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, by sandwiching the grommet between the terminal accommodating portion and the cover portion, good sealing performance is exhibited, and the waterproof / dustproof property of one connector is enhanced.

  According to the invention of claim 5, there is no fear of dropping or losing the terminal accommodating portion of one of the connectors, and the terminal accommodating portion can be easily opened by opening the terminal accommodating portion from the hinge. Can be closed and can be smoothly and reliably united with the cover portion, and the assembly workability is improved.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, one connector can be smoothly inserted without being caught in the hole of the grommet without a lead-out electric wire, and the assembling workability is improved.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to easily cope with the multipolarization of the terminals, and it is possible to connect a large number of circuits by the multipolar terminals.

  According to invention of Claim 8, a multipolar connector can be easily connected with a small work force with good workability.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the intrusion of water through the connector fitting bolt is reliably prevented by the seal portion at the tip of the cylindrical portion, and the rust and contact failure of the connector terminal are surely prevented. Is done.

  1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a waterproof connector according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this waterproof connector 1 includes a substantially dome-shaped elastic grommet 4 made of synthetic rubber that fits into a hole 3 of a vehicle panel 2, and a rectangular shape in the center of the grommet 4 on the outer surface side of the panel 2. One connector 6 that fits into the hole 5, the other connector 7 that fits into one connector 6 on the inner surface side of the panel 2, and a bolt 8 that screw-fits both multipolar connectors 6 and 7. Are provided.

  The grommet 4 includes a flat top portion 9, a rectangular hole portion 5 formed in the top portion 9, a curved portion 10 having a circular arc shape following the top portion 9, and a cylindrical portion (insertion portion) formed to protrude from the curved portion 10. ) 11, an annular flange 12 on the bottom end side following the curved portion 10, and an annular groove 13 formed on the outer periphery of the flange 12.

  One connector 6 is inserted into the hole 5 of the grommet 4 so that the outer peripheral surface of the connector 6 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hole 5 and is waterproofed. The electric wire 14 is inserted to the outside, and the peripheral edge of the hole 3 of the panel 2 is fitted and adhered to the groove 13 of the grommet 4. The cylindrical portion 11 is substantially orthogonal to the bending portion 10 and protrudes obliquely upward in FIG. In addition, definitions such as up, down, left, and right in the specification are merely for convenience of explanation, and do not necessarily coincide with the usage direction of the waterproof connector 1.

  One connector 6 includes a connector housing 15 made of synthetic resin and a male terminal 16 (FIG. 3) accommodated in the connector housing. The connector housing 15 is sealed by a cover wall 17 of the cover portion 20. A bolt insertion hole 18 is provided at the center of the wall 17. The cover wall 17 includes a ceiling wall 17a and a peripheral wall 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connector housing 15 of one connector 6 is divided into two from the middle in the height direction, and can be opened and closed through a thin and integral hinge 19. A rectangular cylindrical part having the cover wall 17 is a cover part 20, and a rectangular cylindrical terminal accommodating part 21 is continued to one side of the cover part 20 via a hinge 19. The cover part 20 and the terminal accommodating part 21 are resin-molded integrally.

  A groove 23 for fitting to the hole 5 of the grommet 4 is provided on the peripheral wall 17b of the cover portion 20 in the vicinity of the flange wall 17a, and an opening 26 for inserting an electric wire from the dividing surface 25 is formed on one side wall 24 of the terminal accommodating portion 21. A notch (groove) is provided. The opening 26 for inserting the electric wire may be provided not in the terminal accommodating portion 21 but in the cover portion 20, and may be provided across both the terminal accommodating portion 21 and the cover portion 20 when the number of the electric wires 14 is large.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the male terminal 16 with an electric wire is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 21 with the cover portion 20 opened at a substantially right angle. The terminal accommodating part 21 has a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 27 in parallel in the front, rear, left and right. For example, a flexible terminal locking lance (not shown) is provided inside the terminal accommodating chamber 27, or an engaging portion (not shown) for the locking lance (not shown) of the terminal 16 is provided. . Alternatively, without providing these terminal locking means, it is also possible to fix the male terminal 16 so as to be sandwiched between the abutting wall with respect to the front end of the intermediate box-shaped portion 16a of the terminal 16 and the front end portion of the cover portion 20. is there.

  The male terminal 16 includes an electric contact tab portion 16b, an intermediate box-shaped portion 16a, and a rear end electric wire connection portion 16c. The electric wire connection portion 16c may be a crimping portion or a pressure contact portion. The tab portion 16 b protrudes into the connector fitting chamber 28 of the terminal accommodating portion 21.

  On the side wall 29 on the side opposite to the hinge 19 of the terminal accommodating portion 21, an opening 31 for drawing out the electric wire is provided following the terminal insertion opening 30 at the rear end. After all the terminals 16 have been inserted, the cover portion 20 is closed as shown in FIG. The cover part 20 and the terminal accommodating part 21 are mutually locked by locking means such as locking protrusions and engaging frame pieces. The plurality of electric wires 14 are led out from the opening 31 to the side of the connector 6 as a wire harness.

  A hole 18 for inserting a bolt in the cover wall 17 (FIG. 1) passes through the cover 20 and the terminal accommodating portion 21. For example, a packing (not shown) is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the bolt 8 in the hole 18. ) To provide waterproofing. The bolts 8 are used only for multi-pole terminals. If the number of terminals 16 is not so large (when a large connector fitting force is not required), the bolts 8 and the holes 18 can be eliminated. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 5, one connector is fitted into the central hole 5 of the grommet 4, the groove 13 on the large diameter side of the grommet 4 is fitted into the hole 3 of the panel 2, and the electric wire 14 on the one connector side. Is led out from the cylindrical portion 11 of the grommet 4, and one connector 6 is fitted to the other connector 7 of the electrical connection box 32 on the inner surface side of the panel 2 as an example.

  The electrical junction box 32 is fixed to the vehicle body or the like inside the panel 2. The hinge 19 and the dividing surface 25 of one connector 6 are located inside the grommet 4 and are completely waterproofed. The cylindrical portion 11 of the grommet 4 is in close contact with the electric wire 14 and is reliably waterproofed by tape winding or the like. The peripheral edge of the hole portion 5 of the grommet 4 is fitted into the groove portion 23 of the connector 6 to be reliably waterproofed. The groove 13 of the grommet 4 fits into the hole 3 of the panel 2 and is reliably waterproofed.

  As a method of assembling the waterproof grommet 1, for example, the wire 14 is inserted from the outside of the grommet 4 into the central hole 5 as shown in FIG. The inside of the portion 11 is inserted and led out to the outside, and one connector 6 is inserted into the hole portion 5 from the outside of the grommet 4 and the periphery of the hole portion 5 is fitted into the groove portion 23. One connector 6 is smoothly inserted into the hole 5 of the grommet 4 from the terminal accommodating portion 21 side. Next, the connectors 6 and 7 are fitted together, and the groove 13 of the grommet 4 is fitted into the hole 3 of the panel 2. It is preferable to insert the electric wire 14 in a state where the cylindrical portion 11 is expanded by a diameter expander (not shown).

  Alternatively, the electric wire can be inserted into the hole 5 of the grommet 4, one connector 6 can be fitted into the hole 5, and then the electric wire 14 can be led out from the cylindrical portion 11 of the grommet 4.

  Alternatively, first, one connector housing 15 is fitted into the hole 5 of the grommet 4, and then the terminal accommodating portion 21 of the connector housing 15 is opened at an angle of 90 ° or more as shown in FIG. The terminal 16 with the electric wire is inserted, the terminal accommodating portion 21 is closed as shown in FIG. 4 and the electric wire 14 is led out to the outside of the connector 6 while being joined to the cover portion 20, and then both the connectors 6 and 7 are fitted as shown in FIG. It is also possible to fit the groove 13 on the outer periphery of the grommet 4 into the hole 3 of the panel 2.

  This method, that is, the method of inserting the terminal 16 with the grommet 4 initially fitted to the connector housing 15 eliminates the need for the insertion of the electric wire 14 into the hole 5 of the grommet 4 and the terminal accommodating portion 21. It can be smoothly inserted and fitted into the hole 5 of the grommet 4 without being caught, enabling efficient assembly.

  The assembling method is not limited to these, and the wire 14 is led out from the cylindrical portion 11 of the grommet 4, the groove portion 13 of the grommet 4 is fitted to the panel 2, and then both connectors 6 and 7 are fitted, It is also possible to fit the four hole portions 5 into the groove portion 23 while being in sliding contact with the peripheral wall surface of the connector 6. Each of the above assembling methods can be similarly applied to a waterproof connector 41 of a second embodiment described later.

  The other connector 7 has a plurality of female terminals in the connector housing, and is fitted into the connector fitting chamber 28 (FIG. 3) of one connector 6 so that both male and female terminals are connected to each other. . Each female terminal is connected to each electric wire 33 (FIG. 1), and the plurality of electric wires 33 are led out from the electric connection box 32 to the outside as a wire harness. The other connector 7 is provided with a nut (not shown) and a bolt insertion hole 34 (FIG. 1) communicating with the nut, and the bolt 8 is screwed into the nut so that both connectors 6 and 7 are screwed together. Is done.

  It is also possible to connect the female terminal in the other connector 7 to the bus bar in the electrical connection box 32 instead of the electric wire 33. The electrical junction box 32 (FIG. 5) is configured by mounting electrical components such as fuses and relays in addition to the connector 7 on the junction box body, or by laminating wiring boards and bus bar circuit boards in the junction box body. . The other connector 7 can be fixed to the vehicle body or the like independently of the electrical junction box 32 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a similar example of FIG. 1 in which the cover portion 20 ′ of one connector 6 ′ is locked to the terminal accommodating portion 21 ′ by the locking means 35 and 36, and at the same time the grommet 4 is connected to the cover portion 20 ′ and the terminal. This shows a waterproof connector 1 ′ that is sandwiched and fixed between the housing portion 21 ′.

  A flexible locking claw 35 is suspended from the cover portion 20 ′, and a recess 36 is formed in the terminal accommodating portion 21 ′ to engage the locking claw 35. The recess 36 has a space for bending the locking claw 35. The locking claw 35 and the recess 36 are preferably provided inside the connector housing 15 '. The locking claw 35 can be unlocked by a jig bar (not shown).

  For example, following the dividing surface 25 ′ of the cover portion 20 ′, a groove portion 23 ′ for fitting the hole portion 5 of the grommet 4 is provided in the terminal accommodating portion 21 ′. The inner width of the groove 23 ′ is smaller than the thickness of the grommet 4, and the grommet 4 is closed in the groove 23 ′ by closing the cover 20 ′ with the hole 5 of the grommet 4 engaged with the groove 23 ′. It is sandwiched between and closely attached to the cover portion 20 'while being compressed.

  It is also possible to eliminate the groove 23 ′ and directly compress the grommet 4 with the dividing surface 25 ′ of the cover portion 20 ′ and the dividing surface of the terminal accommodating portion 21 ′. It is also possible to provide the locking claw 35 in the terminal accommodating portion 21 ′ and the recess 36 in the cover portion 20 ′. The configurations of the other connector 7 and the electrical junction box 32 are the same as in the previous example.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of use in which the waterproof connector 1 is arranged on the dash panel 2 that separates the engine room 38 and the vehicle compartment 39 of the automobile 37. This usage example is also applicable as a usage example in the second embodiment described later.

  An electrical junction box in which a grommet 4 is fitted in the hole 3 of the dash panel 2, an electric wire 14 from one connector 6 is wired as a wire harness in the engine room 38 and connected to a battery or the like, and has the other connector 7. 32 is arranged on the instrument panel side of the passenger compartment 39, and the electric wire 33 is led out from the electrical connection box 32 as an instrument panel wire harness or a floor wire harness, and is connected to the wire harness on the door 40 side to Power can be supplied to auxiliary machines such as wind motors and lock units.

  8 to 17 show a second embodiment of the waterproof connector according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, this waterproof connector 41 includes an oval elastic grommet 44 that fits into an oval hole 43 of a vehicle panel 42 and a pair of left and right holes 46 of a top 45 of the grommet 44. One connector 48 having a pair of terminal accommodating portions 47 fitted to each other, and a pair of left and right other connectors 49 fitted to each terminal accommodating portion 47 of one connector 48 on the back surface side of the panel 42. is there.

  The grommet 44 includes a flat top 45, a pair of rectangular holes 46 provided in parallel to the top 45, and a circular hole 50 provided in the center of the top 45 between the pair of holes 46. The cylindrical part 51 (FIG. 13) inside the grommet following the hole part 50, the curved part 52 having an arcuate cross section following the top part 45, and the cylindrical part (insertion part) projecting obliquely across the curved part 52 53, a flange portion 54 provided on the bottom end side of the bending portion 52, and a groove portion 55 provided on the outer periphery of the flange portion 54.

  The inner width of the pair of rectangular holes 46 in the grommet 44 is set to be smaller than the outer width of each terminal accommodating portion 47 of one connector 48, and as shown in FIG. A pair of left and right projecting peripheral walls 57 of 56 is provided with a groove 58 for fitting the periphery of the hole 46 of the grommet 44. The peripheral edge of each hole 46 is fitted in close contact with each groove 58 to be waterproofed.

  The hole 50 in the center of the grommet 44 is for inserting the bolt 59, and a straight cylindrical tubular part 51 (FIG. 13) is integrally formed on the inner surface side of the top part 45, and the hole 50 is tubular. Located on the inner side of the portion 51, the cylindrical portion 51 is integrally provided with a curved (substantially hemispherical) distal end portion (seal portion) 60, and a small hole 61 for bolt contact is provided at the center of the distal end portion 60. The inner diameter of the small hole 61 is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the bolt 59. As shown in FIG. 11, the curved tip portion 60 is in close contact with the outer surface 63 of the electrical junction box 62, whereby the small hole 61 (FIG. 13) is reduced in diameter and is in close contact with the bolt 59 (FIG. 8). A nut is provided inside the electrical junction box 62, and the bolt 59 is screwed into the nut.

  The electrical connection box 62 is eliminated, and the other pair of connectors 49 are provided directly fixed to the vehicle body or the like, bolt insertion holes and nuts are provided in the vehicle body or the like, and the cylindrical portion 51 of the grommet 44 is provided on the surface of the vehicle body or the like. It is also possible to make the front end surface 60 closely contact.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a pair of terminal accommodating portions 47 of one connector 48 are connected to a cover portion 56 via a thin hinge 64 so as to be freely opened and closed. The terminal accommodating portion 47 and the cover portion 56 are configured as a connector housing 74 made of synthetic resin. The terminal accommodating portion 47 can be opened at an angle of at least 90 ° or more. The terminal accommodating portion 47 and the cover portion 56 are integrally molded with resin.

  Similarly to the previous example (FIG. 3), the terminal accommodating portion 47 has a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers and a connector fitting chamber 66 communicating with the terminal accommodating chamber, and a male terminal 67 with an electric wire is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 47. Then, the tab portion of the male terminal 67 protrudes and is positioned in the connector fitting chamber 66, and each electric wire 68 is led out from a notch hole (opening) 70 provided in the dividing surface 69 to be a cylindrical portion 53 of the grommet 44 (FIG. 8). It is derived to the outside through.

  The cover part 56 (FIG. 12) includes a pair of left and right rectangular covering walls (represented by reference numeral 57) that completely seal each terminal accommodating part 47, and a plate-like connecting wall 72 that connects the pair of covering walls 57. And a bolt insertion hole 73 provided in the center of the connecting wall 72. Grooves 58 for fitting grommets are provided on the outer periphery of the pair of cover walls 57. Each terminal accommodating part 47 is latched by the cover part 56 by latching means (not shown), such as a latching protrusion and an engaging frame part, on the opposite side to the hinge 64, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of terminal accommodating portions 47 of one connector 48 are inserted and fitted into the pair of holes 46 of the grommet 44, and the electric wire 68 of one connector 48 is led out from the cylindrical portion 53 of the grommet 44. Then, the bolt 59 is inserted into the central hole 73 of one connector 48, the grommet 44 is penetrated, and is screwed into the nut of the electrical connection box 62 inside the panel 42. As shown in FIG. 49 is screwed and fitted, and the groove 55 on the outer periphery of the grommet 44 is fitted into the hole 43 of the panel 42. As shown in FIG. 11, simultaneously with the fitting of the connectors 48 and 49, the front end surface 60 of the tubular portion 51 of the grommet 44 is brought into close contact with the electrical connection box 62, and the bolt hole 61 (FIG. 13) is sealed.

  The other connector 49 is formed by housing a plurality of female terminals in the connector housing, and the electric wires connected to the female terminals are led out through the electrical connection box 62. The other connector housing (substitute with reference numeral 49) is integrally formed with a synthetic resin junction box body (substitution with reference numeral 62), and the electric junction box 62 is fixed to the vehicle body or the like.

  FIGS. 13 to 17 show a method of constructing one connector 48 by assembling the connector housing 74 of one connector 48 to the grommet 44 and then inserting a terminal 67 with an electric wire into the connector housing 74. .

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 14, the terminal accommodating portions 47 of one connector housing 74 and the peripheral wall portion 57 of the cover portion 56 are sequentially inserted and fitted into the pair of holes 46 of the grommet 44, and after fitting, as shown in FIG. Each terminal accommodating portion 47 is opened about 90 ° with the hinge 64 as a fulcrum.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 16, male terminals 67 with electric wires 68 are inserted and locked in the respective terminal accommodating portions 47, and each terminal accommodating portion 47 is closed and engaged with the cover portion 56 as shown in FIG. Is led out from the cylindrical portion 53 of the grommet 44.

  Next, a bolt 59 is inserted into the tubular portion 51 from the central hole portion 50 of the grommet 44 and penetrates through the small hole 61 of the distal end portion 60. In this state, the grommet 44 is fitted into the hole 43 of the panel 42 while fitting both the connectors 48 and 49 by the tightening operation of the bolt 59 as shown in FIGS.

  After the pair of terminal accommodating portions 47 of one connector housing 74 is inserted into each hole 46 of the grommet 44, the terminal accommodating portion 47 is opened and the terminal 67 with the electric wire is inserted, whereby the electric wire led out from the connector 48 is obtained. It is possible to save the trouble of inserting 68 into the hole 46 of the grommet 44 and to smoothly insert and fit the terminal accommodating portion 47 into the hole 46 of the grommet 44 without being caught. After inserting the terminal 67 with the electric wire, when inserting the terminal accommodating portion 47 into the hole 46 of the grommet 44, the electric wire portion 68 protruding from the side of the connector 48 is caught in the hole 46 of the grommet 44 and is smooth. It is difficult to insert.

  In the second embodiment as well, as shown in FIG. 6 of the previous example, the periphery of the hole 43 of the grommet 44 is fixed between the cover 56 of the one connector 48 and the terminal accommodating portion 47. It is possible. In this case, the cover portion 56 and the terminal accommodating portion 47 are locked by locking means such as a locking claw and an engaging recess.

  Further, when the terminal 67 is not multi-polar, it is also possible to eliminate the bolt (coupling auxiliary means) 59, the bolt hole 73, and the cylindrical portion 51 and fit the connectors 48 and 49 manually. Moreover, it is also possible to use coupling assisting means such as a lever used in an existing low insertion force connector instead of screw tightening fitting. In this case, a lever is provided in one of the connectors, a cam groove is provided in the lever, and a boss portion of one of the other connectors is engaged with the cam groove. This is also applicable to the first embodiment.

  It is also possible to arrange three or four terminal accommodating portions 47 instead of two as one connector 48 on one cover portion 56 with a hinge 64. In this case, it is preferable that the grommet 44 is enlarged in a circular shape or the like, and the bolt 59 is arranged at the center of the plurality of terminal accommodating portions 47 as much as possible. It is also possible to eliminate the groove 58 for fitting the hole 46 of the grommet 44 and to fix the peripheral edge of the hole 46 of the grommet 44 between the cover 56 and the terminal accommodating portion 47. is there.

  Further, the bolt insertion hole 50 of the grommet 44 of the second embodiment and the surrounding cylindrical portion 51 are provided in the grommet 4 at the side portion of the one connector 6 of the first embodiment, and the connector 6 A bolt insertion hole 18 is provided in a side extension portion (not shown) of the flange wall 17a of the first connector 7 and a nut portion is provided on a side of the other connector 7 so that the tip end surface 60 of the cylindrical portion 51 is connected to the other connector. It is also possible to make it stick to the side portion of 7.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the terminal accommodating portions 21 and 47 and the cover portions 20 and 56 of one of the connectors 6 and 48 are completely divided without using the hinges 19 and 64, and both are inserted by the locking means after the terminals are inserted. It is also possible to combine them.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a waterproof connector according to the present invention. It is the perspective view of the state which looked at one connector of the waterproof connector similarly from the back side. It is the figure which made the cross section the part which shows the state which inserts the terminal in one connector. It is the figure which made the cross section the part which shows one connector which accommodated the terminal similarly. It is the figure which made the cross section the part which shows the assembly state of the waterproof connector. It is the figure which made the cross section the part which shows the similar example of the waterproof connector. It is explanatory drawing which shows one example of application of a waterproof connector. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 2nd embodiment of the waterproof connector which concerns on this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which similarly shows the state in the middle of the assembly | attachment of a waterproof connector. It is a perspective view which similarly shows the assembly | attachment state of a waterproof connector. It is a front view which similarly shows the assembly | attachment state of a waterproof connector. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened one connector of the waterproof connector. It is a disassembled perspective view of the state which attaches a connector housing to a grommet. It is a perspective view which shows the state which similarly assembled | attached the connector housing. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the connector housing. It is a perspective view which shows the state which inserts a terminal in a connector housing. It is a perspective view which shows the state which led out the electric wire following a terminal from the grommet. It is the figure which made the cross section the part which shows one form of the conventional waterproof connector. It is sectional drawing which shows the other form of the conventional waterproof connector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,41 Waterproof connector 2,42 Panel 3,43 Hole part 4,44 Grommet 5,46 Hole part 6,48 One connector 7,49 The other connector 8,59 Bolt 11,53 Tube part (insertion part)
14,68 Electric wire 19,64 Hinge 20,56 Cover part 21,47 Terminal accommodating part 23,58 Groove part 25,69 Dividing surface 50 Hole part 51 Cylindrical part 60 Tip part (seal part)

Claims (9)

  A waterproof connector comprising one connector, a grommet fitted into the one connector and a hole in the panel, and the other connector fitted into the one connector inside the panel, wherein the grommet is A waterproof connector comprising: a fitting hole that allows the one connector to pass therethrough; and an insertion portion for inserting an electric wire led out from the side of the one connector inside the grommet.   The waterproof connector according to claim 1, wherein the one connector is divided into a terminal accommodating portion and a cover portion, and the electric wire is led out from a divided surface side.   The waterproof connector according to claim 2, wherein a groove for fitting the hole of the grommet is provided on the cover side.   The waterproof connector according to claim 2, wherein a peripheral edge of the hole portion of the grommet is sandwiched between the terminal accommodating portion and the cover portion.   The waterproof connector according to claim 2, wherein the terminal accommodating portion and the cover portion are connected by a hinge.   The one connector is fitted into the hole of the grommet, the terminal accommodating portion of the one connector is opened with the hinge as a fulcrum, and the terminal with the electric wire is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion. The waterproof connector according to claim 5, wherein:   The waterproof connector according to claim 2, wherein the grommet has a plurality of fitting holes through which the plurality of terminal accommodating portions are inserted.   The waterproof connector according to claim 1, wherein the one connector and the other connector are fitted by a bolt tightening operation.   The grommet has a hole portion through which the bolt is inserted, a cylindrical portion around the hole portion, and a seal portion at the tip of the cylindrical portion, and the seal portion is formed on a portion on the other connector side. The waterproof connector according to claim 8, wherein the waterproof connector is in close contact.

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