JP2000058189A - Waterproof connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the general purpose property and flexibility of a waterproof connector. SOLUTION: This connector is provided with an outer housing 3, which has a first retaining part 3a for retaining an inserted inner housing 2 of a wire 1(A-C) and a second retaining part 3h for retaining an outer sheath 1e part of the wire 1(A-C) and for which an opening 3j is formed in the second retaining part 3h, and a lid 5 to close the opening 3j of the outer housing 3. In addition, elastic, soft sealing materials which are deformable, while adjusting themselves to the outside surface shape of the outer sheath 1e part of the wire 1(A-C) are mounted to the inside surface of the second retaining part 3h and the inside surface of the lid 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a waterproof connector having excellent versatility and flexibility.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a waterproof connector, a waterproof plug made of rubber is attached to a sheath portion of an electric wire to which a terminal is fixed.
In some cases, when the terminals of the electric wires are inserted and held in the housing, the outer surface of the waterproof plug is brought into close contact with the inner surface of the housing to provide waterproofing.

[0003] Further, there is a type in which a housing is divided into two parts, a filling material such as butyl rubber is filled into the inner surface of each housing, and a terminal connection portion of an electric wire is sandwiched between the two housings to be waterproof.

[0004]

However, in the former prior art, in the case of a small connector to which a multi-core electric wire is connected, the outer diameter of the waterproof plug becomes large even if the terminals can be made small. Becomes large. Further, a waterproof plug of a type corresponding to the outer diameter of the electric wire is required, and it is difficult to apply the waterproof plug to a flat or distorted electric wire.

[0005] In the latter prior art, during maintenance, the filler adheres or enters the terminal connection portion,
Work was difficult.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to provide a waterproof connector excellent in versatility and flexibility.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a first method for inserting and holding a terminal portion of an electric wire.
A second holding portion having a holding portion and a second holding portion for holding a sheath portion of the electric wire, the housing having an opening formed in the second holding portion, and a lid for closing the opening of the housing; The waterproof connector is characterized in that an elastic soft sealing material which is deformable while conforming to the outer surface shape of the outer sheath portion of the electric wire is attached to the inner surface of the portion and the inner surface of the lid.

According to the present invention, when the opening of the second holding portion is closed with the lid after the terminal portion of the electric wire is inserted and held in the first holding portion of the housing, the elastic soft seal on the inner surface of the second holding portion is provided. Since the material and the elastic soft sealing material on the inner surface of the lid are deformed from both sides while conforming to the outer surface shape of the outer part of the electric wire, the gap between the outer part of the electric wire and the second holding portion and the lid of the housing is changed. Is sealed with an elastic soft sealing material to be waterproof.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the terminal portion of the electric wire is an inner housing for holding a terminal fixed to the electric wire, and the inner housing is inserted into and held by the first holding portion of the outer housing. With this configuration, the inner housing can be directly connected to the mating connector as a non-waterproof connector, and if the inner housing is held by the first holding portion of the outer housing,
Can be connected to the mating connector as a waterproof connector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the lid is configured to be locked to the housing by the engagement between the lock projection and the lock hole when the opening of the second holding portion of the housing is closed. The lid is locked to the housing (outer housing) with one touch by the operation of closing the opening of the holding portion 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the elastic soft seal member is provided with at least one layer of a flexible sheet-like support member in which a number of small holes are formed vertically and horizontally, the second holding portion is provided. When the opening is closed by the lid, the elastic soft sealing material compressed by the lid flows and tries to protrude from the outer part of the electric wire, and enters into the many small holes of the flexible sheet-like support material. When the flow resistance increases, the protrusion is suppressed, and the waterproof sealing property is not easily impaired. In addition, since the elastic soft sealing material is supported by the flexible sheet-like supporting material, the shape processing property of the elastic soft sealing material and the handling property during the assembling work are improved.

Preferably, the flexible sheet-like support member is made of any one of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric and a resin film.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an elastic soft sealing material is attached to a rear end of the first holding portion where the front end of the lid overlaps from above, and an upwardly extending rib is provided in front of the rear end. When a concave groove is formed, and a downward rib that fits into the concave groove when closing the opening is formed at the tip of the front end of the lid, the operation of closing the opening of the second holding portion allows the front end of the lid to be closed. The rear end of the first holding portion is also sealed with an elastic soft sealing material to be waterproof.

Further, since the upward rib of the first holding portion and the downward rib of the lid are fitted in the insertion state, the rib prevents the elastic soft sealing material compressed by the lid from protruding from the gap of the lid to the outside. Is done. Further, when the lid is closed, the downward rib of the lid fits into the concave groove of the first holding portion, so that it serves as a guide when closing the lid, so that the operation of closing the lid can be performed smoothly.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the opening is closed, the lower surface of the lid is stopped by the upper end of the upward rib of the housing, so that the external force from the lid is blocked by the upward rib, and the elastic soft material. Because it does not transmit to the sealing material,
The elastic soft sealing material compressed by the lid is more reliably prevented from protruding from the gap of the lid to the outside.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 3, electric wires 1 (A to C) are
A round electric wire 1A having two signal lines 1a, 1b and a shield layer 1c (FIG. 3 (a)), and a flat electric wire 1 in which each signal line 1a, 1b and a drain line 1d of the shield layer are closely adhered.
B (FIG. 3 (b)), a flat electric wire 1C (FIG. 3) in which each signal line 1a, 1b is isolated from the drain line 1d of the shield layer.
(C)), each signal line 1a, 1b and the shield layer 1c
Alternatively, a terminal (for example, a press contact terminal) is fixed to the drain line 1d, and each terminal is inserted and held in an inner housing 2 made of synthetic resin as shown in FIG. Note that the number of signal lines and the outer shape of each electric wire 1 (A to C) are arbitrary.

On the front surface of the inner housing 2, there are formed holes 2a for inserting and connecting each terminal (male terminal) of the mating connector to each terminal of the electric wires 1 (A to C). A lock projection 2b is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the inner housing 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer housing 3 made of synthetic resin is
Rectangular cylindrical first holding part 3 for inserting and holding the
The rear end 3b of the first holding portion 3a projects slightly outward from the rear end of the outer housing 3 so that the rear end of the inserted inner housing 2 becomes the first holding portion. It is set so that it does not protrude outward from the rear end 3b of 3a.

A lock recess 3c for locking the lock projection 2b of the inserted inner housing 2 at the insertion position is formed on an upper surface in the first holding portion 3a, and an inner surface is formed on a front surface in the first holding portion 3a. Hole 2 for insertion connection of housing 2
A hole 3d corresponding to a is formed.

A large-diameter hood portion 3e for fitting a mating connector is formed on the front side of the first holding portion 3a, and the mating connector is locked in the hood portion 3e at a fitting position. A hook lever portion 3f is formed, and the hook lever portion 3f can release the engagement of the mating connector by pushing a push portion 3g that projects rearward from the inside of the hood portion 3e.

First holding part 3 of the outer housing 3
A lower semicircular second holding portion 3h for holding a lower half of the jacket 1e of the electric wire 1 (A to C) is formed in a lower rear portion of the second holding portion 3h. A circumferential groove 3i is formed.

In the concave groove 3i of the second holding portion 3h, an elastic soft sealing material 4 (A) made of a silicone gel or a closed cell foam is inserted in a vertical wall shape up to the height of the second holding portion 3h. At the center of the upper part of the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A), a concave portion 4a is formed in which the lower surface and both side surfaces of the outer surface of the jacket 1e of the electric wires (A to C) fit.

The lower semicircular upper surface of the second holding portion 3h has an opening 3
j, an upper semicircular lid 5 that closes the opening 3j.
Are separately provided, and both lower end portions of the lid 5 are connected to the second holding portions 3h.
And the front end 5c overlaps the rear end 3b of the first holding portion 3a from above with a slight gap. Lock holes 5a are formed at both lower ends of the lid 5, and lock projections 3k are formed at both sides of the second holding portion 3h. When the opening 3j is closed by the lid 5, the lock holes 5a are formed. Engages with the lock projection 3k,
The lid 5 is locked to the outer housing 3.

The inner surface of the lid 5 is formed with a circumferential groove 5b which is deeper than the groove 3i of the second holding portion 3h, and is formed in the groove 5b up to the height of the lid 5. An elastic soft sealing material 4 (B) of the same type as the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A) is inserted in a standing wall shape, and the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A) is provided at the lower center of the elastic soft sealing material 4 (B). A convex portion 4b that fits into the concave portion 4a) is formed.

With the above-described configuration, in order to assemble the waterproof connector 6, each signal line 1 of the electric wires 1 (A to C) is required.
The terminals are fixed to a, 1b, etc., and each terminal is inserted and held in the inner housing 2 (the state of FIG. 1).

The elastic soft sealing material 4 (A) is inserted into the concave groove 3 i of the second holding portion 3 h of the outer housing 3, and the elastic soft sealing material 4 (B) is inserted into the concave groove 5 b of the lid 5. . Furthermore, the same kind of elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) as the above-mentioned elastic soft sealing material 4 (A) is attached to the upper half of the rear end 3b of the first holding portion 3a.

When the inner housing 2 is inserted into the first holding portion 3a from the second holding portion 3h side, the lock projection 2b of the inner housing 2 engages with the lock recess 3c of the first holding portion 3a, and The housing 2 is locked at the insertion position. At this time, the jacket 1 of the electric wires 1 (A to C)
The lower surface and both side surfaces of e are fitted in the concave portions 4a of the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A).

Next, the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h is
, The lock hole 5a of the lid 5 engages with the lock projection 3k of the second holding portion 3h, and the lid 5 is
Will be locked in.

When the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h is closed by the lid 5, the convex portion 4b of the elastic soft sealing material 4 (B) of the lid 5
Abuts on the upper surface of the jacket 1e of the wires 1 (A to C) and deforms while conforming to the outer shape of the jacket 1e.
An elastic soft sealing material 4 is provided on the outer surface of the jacket
(A, B) comes into close contact and is sealed. Also,
The front end portion 5c of the lid 5 comes into close contact with the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) of the rear end portion 3b of the first holding portion 3a to be sealed. Thereby, the assembly of the waterproof connector 6 is completed.

As described above, by simply closing and locking the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h of the outer housing 3 with the lid 5, the elastic soft sealing material 4B of the second holding portion 3h and the elastic soft sealing material of the lid 5 are formed. 4A is deformed from both sides while conforming to the outer shape of the jacket 1e of the electric wires 1 (A to C).
Since (A to C) are waterproof, the multi-core electric wire 1
(A) to (C), the small waterproof connector 6
Since the outer diameter does not increase as compared with a small waterproof connector using a conventional waterproof plug, the waterproof connector 6 does not increase in size.

Further, since each soft sealing material 4 (A, B) deforms while conforming to the outer shape of the jacket 1 e of the electric wires 1 (A to C), it conforms to the outer diameter of a conventional waterproof plug. It does not require a different type, and is applicable to flat or distorted electric wires. As a result, versatility and flexibility are improved.

Further, it is possible to directly hold the terminals of the electric wires 1 (A to C) in the outer housing 3. However, as in the present embodiment, the inner terminal holding the terminals of the electric wires 1 (A to C) is used. The housing 2 is replaced with the outer housing 3
When inserted and held in the first holding portion 3a, the inner housing 2 and the outer housing 3 can be connected to the mating connector as the waterproof connector 6 and only the inner housing 3 is connected to the mating connector as it is as a non-waterproof connector. Therefore, the inner housing 3 can be used for both waterproof and non-waterproof use.

The lid 5 is locked to the outer housing 3 by the engagement of the lock projection 3k and the lock hole 5a, so that the operation of closing the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h causes the lid 5 to be connected to the outer housing 3. Can be locked with one touch.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the front end 5c of the lid 5 comes into close contact with the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) at the rear end 3b of the first holding portion 3a to be sealed. However, there is a possibility that the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) compressed by the lid 5 protrudes from the gap of the lid 5 to the outside (see a in the figure), and the sealing performance may be deteriorated.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rear end of the first holding portion 3a of the outer housing 3 in which the front end 5c of the lid 5 overlaps from above via the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C). A concave groove 3n is formed at a position in front of 3b via an upward rib 3m.

At the tip of the front end 5c of the lid 5, a downward rib 5d is formed to fit into the concave groove 3n when closing the opening 3j.

With this configuration, the front end 5c of the lid 5 and the rear end 3b of the first holding portion 3a are resiliently sealed by the operation of closing the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h of the outer housing 3. (C) is sealed and becomes waterproof.

At this time, the first holding portion 3a upward rib 3m
And the downward ribs 5d of the lid 5 are fitted into the ribs, so that the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) compressed by the lid 5 protrudes outside of the gap of the lid 5 by 3m, 5d into each rib. Will be blocked.

When the lid 5 is closed, the downward rib 5d of the lid 5 fits into the concave groove 3n of the first holding portion 3a.
As a guide when closing the lid 5, the operation of closing the lid 5 can be performed smoothly.

Further, when the opening 3j is closed by the lid 5, as shown in FIG.
m, the external force from the lid 5 is blocked by the upward rib 3m and the elastic soft sealing material 4
(C), the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) compressed by the lid 5 is more reliably prevented from leaking out of the gap of the lid 5 to the outside.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, a concave groove 3n is formed in the rear end 3b of the first holding portion 3a of the outer housing 3, and the concave groove is formed at the tip of the front end 5c of the lid 5. 3n, a downward rib 5d to be fitted into the front part is formed,
If the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) is inserted into the gap between the downward rib 5 d and the concave groove 3 n, the concave groove 3
The n and the downward rib 5 d prevent the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C) compressed by the lid 5 from protruding from the gap of the lid 5 to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h of the outer housing 3 is closed by the lid 5, the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A, B) compressed by the lid 5 becomes soft. There is a possibility that the fluid may flow so much that the wire 1 (A to C) protrudes outside from the jacket portion (see b in the figure), and the sealing property is deteriorated.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
a is provided with a flexible sheet-like supporting material 7A, 7B (for example, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a resin film or the like) in the form of a mesh or a punched metal formed vertically and horizontally and divided into two elastic soft sealing materials 4 (A , B), one layer of the flexible sheet-like support members 7A, 7B is insert-molded (see FIG. 9A) or bonded with an adhesive 8 (see FIG. 9B). If the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A, B) has self-adhesiveness, it may be attached with this self-adhesiveness.

The elastic soft sealing material 4 divided into three pieces
(A, B) Two layers of flexible sheet-like support members 7A, 7B
May be formed by insert molding (see FIG. 9C) or bonded with an adhesive 8 (see FIG. 9D). Also,
One layer of flexible sheet-like support members 7A, 7B is insert-molded on one side of one elastic soft seal member 4 (A, B) (FIG. 9).
(See FIG. 9E), or may be bonded with an adhesive 8 (see FIG. 9F).

With this configuration, when the opening 3j of the second holding portion 3h of the outer housing 3 is closed by the lid 5, the elastic soft sealing material 4 compressed by the lid 5
The flexible sheet-like support member 7 causes (A, B) to flow and to protrude from the jacket portion of the electric wires 1 (A to C).
Since the flow resistance is increased by entering the small holes 7a of (A, B), the protrusion is suppressed, and the waterproof sealing property is not easily impaired. In addition, since the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A, B) is carried by the flexible sheet-like support member 7 (A, B), the elastic soft sealing material 4 (A, B) is supported.
The shape workability of B) and the handleability during assembling work are also improved. In addition, it is possible to employ this configuration also for the elastic soft sealing material 4 (C).

[0047]

As is clear from the above description, in the waterproof connector of the present invention, after the terminal portion of the electric wire is inserted into and held in the first holding portion of the housing, the opening of the second holding portion is covered with the lid. When closed, the elastic soft sealing material on the inner surface of the second holding portion and the elastic soft sealing material on the inner surface of the lid are deformed from both sides while conforming to the outer shape of the outer sheath portion of the electric wire. The space between the portion and the second holding portion and the lid of the housing is sealed with a soft sealing material to be waterproof.

Therefore, in the case of a small connector to which a multi-core electric wire is connected, the outer diameter does not increase unlike the conventional waterproof plug, so that the connector does not increase in size. In addition, since the soft seal material deforms while conforming to the outer surface shape of the outer sheath of the electric wire, it does not need a type corresponding to the outer diameter like a conventional waterproof plug, and it can also be used for flat or distorted electric wires. Can be applied. As a result, versatility and flexibility are improved.

When the inner housing of the electric wire is inserted and held in the first holding portion of the outer housing, the inner housing is connected to the mating connector as it is as a non-waterproof connector. In addition, if the inner housing is held by the first holding portion of the outer housing, it can be connected to the mating connector as a waterproof connector, so that the inner housing can be used for both waterproof and non-waterproof use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the lid is configured to be locked to the housing by the engagement between the lock projection and the lock hole, the lid is locked to the housing with one touch by closing the opening of the second holding portion. Therefore, the sealing operation can be easily performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the elastic soft sealing material is provided with at least one layer of a flexible sheet-like supporting material in which a large number of small holes are formed vertically and horizontally,
When closing the opening of the holding part with the lid, the elastic soft sealing material compressed by the lid flows and tries to protrude from the outer part of the electric wire. When the flow resistance increases due to the penetration, the protrusion is suppressed, and the waterproof sealing property is not easily impaired.
In addition, since the elastic soft sealing material is supported by the flexible sheet-like supporting material, the shape processing property of the elastic soft sealing material and the handling property during the assembling work are improved. In addition, it is preferable that the flexible sheet-like support member is made of any one of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, and a resin film.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an elastic soft sealing material is attached to the rear end of the first holding portion where the front end of the lid overlaps from above, and a concave groove is formed at the front position of the rear end via an upward rib. If a downward rib is formed at the front end of the front end of the lid to fit into the concave groove when closing the opening,
By closing the opening of the holding portion, the front end of the lid and the rear end of the first holding portion are sealed with an elastic soft sealing material to be waterproof.

Further, since the upward rib of the first holding portion and the downward rib of the lid are fitted in the insertion state, the rib prevents the elastic soft sealing material compressed by the lid from protruding from the gap of the lid to the outside. Is done. Further, when the lid is closed, the downward rib of the lid fits into the concave groove of the first holding portion, so that it serves as a guide when closing the lid, so that the operation of closing the lid can be performed smoothly.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the opening is closed, the lower surface of the lid is stopped by the upper end of the upward rib of the housing, so that the external force from the lid is blocked by the upward rib and the elastic soft Because it does not transmit to the sealing material,
The elastic soft sealing material compressed by the lid is more reliably prevented from protruding from the gap of the lid to the outside.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof connector according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a waterproof connector according to the first embodiment, in which (a)
Is a side sectional view, (b) is a rear view, and (c) is a rear sectional view of the lid.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of various electric wires in a waterproof state.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of a housing and a lid according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a waterproof connector according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side sectional view of a waterproof connector according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a waterproof connector according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an elastic soft sealing material in which a flexible sheet-like supporting material is laminated.

FIGS. 9A to 9F are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of an elastic soft seal material in which flexible sheet-like support materials are laminated.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 (A-C) Electric wire 1e Jacket 2 Inner housing 3 Outer housing 3a 1st holding part 3b Rear end 3h 2nd holding part 3j Opening 3m Upward rib 3n Groove 4 (A-C) Elastic soft sealing material 5 Lid 5c Front end 5d Downward rib 6 Waterproof connector 7 (A, B) Flexible sheet-like support material 7a Small hole 8 Adhesive

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Jun Imazu 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Inside Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Hiura 1, Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture No.7-10, Harness Research Institute, Inc.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first terminal for inserting and holding a terminal portion of an electric wire.
A second holding portion having a holding portion and a second holding portion for holding a sheath portion of the electric wire, the housing having an opening formed in the second holding portion, and a lid for closing the opening of the housing; A waterproof connector characterized in that an elastic soft seal material that is deformable while conforming to the outer surface shape of the outer sheath portion of the electric wire is attached to the inner surface of the part and the inner surface of the lid. 2. The terminal portion of the electric wire is an inner housing for holding a terminal fixed to the electric wire, and the inner housing is inserted and held in a first holding portion of the housing, which is an outer housing. The waterproof connector according to claim 1. 3. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the lid is locked to the housing by engagement of a lock projection and a lock hole when the opening of the second holding portion of the housing is closed. Waterproof connector. 4. The elastic soft sealing material according to claim 1, wherein at least one layer of a flexible sheet-like supporting material having a large number of small holes formed in a matrix is provided. Waterproof connector. 5. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet-like support member is made of one of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, and a resin film. 6. An elastic soft sealing material is attached to the rear end of the first holding portion where the front end of the lid overlaps from above, and a concave groove is formed at the front position of the rear end via an upward rib. The waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a downward rib that fits into the concave groove when the opening is closed is formed at a front end of the front end of the lid. 7. When the opening is closed, the lower surface of the lid is stopped by the upper end of the upward rib of the housing.
The waterproof housing according to the above.