JP3085617B2 - Sealed connector - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector having a sealed structure, and more particularly to a connector suitable for use in a special environment such as underwater.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional hermetic connectors, particularly those which are used underwater or the like to prevent ingress of moisture, generally use an O-ring as a sealing mechanism to maintain hermeticity and prevent ingress of moisture. It is used regularly. Further, when higher water resistance is required for the purpose of use in the deep sea or the like, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 92-19493, a seal band and a seal ring of a superabsorbent polymer are used. First, the superabsorbent polymer absorbs moisture when it comes into contact with a liquid and expands in volume to maintain water resistance. Further, even when the expansion rate of the water-absorbing polymer cannot keep up with the rapid infiltration of water, the sealing prevents the infiltration of water and keeps high water resistance for a long time. .

[0003]

Although the above prior art has a structure in which higher sealing performance and water resistance can be obtained as compared with the case where only the O-ring is used, if the connector is kept in water for a long period of time, the pressure will be reduced by water pressure. There was a danger that water would enter through the minute gaps of the steel and the electrical insulation inside would be impaired. In addition, since water resistance is maintained by the expansion effect of the superabsorbent polymer, it is difficult to remove it from the case once it has been used in water or the like, and if a condition that requires replacement of internal parts occurs. However, there was a problem that it could not be disassembled, replaced, or reused. For this reason, it is necessary to replace the entire connector periodically according to the water depth at which the connector is used or when a failure occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to obtain high reliability over a long period of time even under a special environment such as underwater, and to replace a connector even when replacing a connector. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector which has a long service life and is excellent in workability and economy, in which the replacement period is extended and only a part of the components is replaced. That is, to provide a highly reliable hermetically sealed connector that can maintain hermeticity and maintain an insulation resistance value even when used in water for a long time. In addition, it is possible to prevent the insulation resistance value from deteriorating even if moisture enters the inside, and to improve disassembly, repair, and reassembly even if internal parts are defective. It is to provide a type connector.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the present invention, a hermetically sealed connector having the following components and means provided in a conventional connector is provided. (1) A hygroscopic material having an insulating property and a hygroscopic property is provided inside a connector constituted by a combination of a plug and a socket. Preferred hygroscopic materials further have insolubility and non-expandability and have an exchangeable structure, and examples thereof include silica gel and calcium chloride. In particular,
Water resistant silica gel is characterized in that it does not break even when it comes in contact with moisture. In an environment of 90% humidity, it maintains a moisture absorption capacity of about 75%, and is excellent as a moisture absorbing material. (2) The seal portion of the connector, that is, a seal member such as a seal ring or an O-ring, is provided on the seal surface of the plug and the socket, and has water repellency and adhesiveness. , during disconnection state provided detachably and sealing water agent can be removed. (3) One or more water-sealing agents are installed in a ring shape outside the seal member with the contact of the connector as the center. Preferred examples of the water sealing agent include silicone resins and epoxy resins. In particular, the silicone-based resin has a pressure resistance of 250 kp / cm 2 for about 20 years when the operating temperature is in a range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C., and has a high pressure resistance and is excellent as a water sealing agent. (4) A structure in which the moisture absorbing material is covered with a moisture-proof film such as a moisture-proof film. Preferred examples of the moisture-proof film include a plastic film such as polyethylene and laminated paper. (5) When using a moisture-absorbing material covered with a moisture-proof film, use a material that can be broken by the pressing force at the time of connecting the connector, or make a cut in the film in advance so that the film is broken by the pressing force. Configuration. (6) When using a moisture-absorbing material covered with a moisture-proof film, a concave portion is provided in the insulator of the connector on which the moisture-absorbing material is installed, and the insulator of the connector paired with this connector has a moisture-proof material. A structure is provided in which a projection is provided so that a pressing force is easily applied to the film. Note that a structure may be employed in which the concave portion and the protruding portion are reversed, and the protruding portion is provided on the connector on the side where the hygroscopic material is installed. Normally, a moisture absorbing material is provided in the internal space on the plug side, but it may be provided on the socket side or on both sides of the plug and the socket as necessary. (7) A monitor electrode may be provided on the protruding portion, and the monitor electrode may be inserted into the hygroscopic material when the connector is connected, so that the electrical characteristics of the hygroscopic material can be measured. The above means can be applied to an optical connector using an optical coupling mechanism such as a ferrule or a sleeve optical fiber, in addition to the conventionally known electric connector. Here, the present invention
Given the configuration example of such a basic sealed connector,
It is on the street. That is, the features of the sealed connector of the present invention
The point is a set of connectors consisting of a plug and a socket.
The connector constituting the plug is a plug case.
Contact, contact housed inside plug case
Insulator and moisture absorbing means, and the set of connectors
When connecting each other, seal
And a sealing part, together with a sealing member.
Adhesive strength detachable so as to surround the outside of the seal member
In other words, it is provided with a water sealing means having water repellency.

[0006]

The means operates as follows to realize a sealed connector. (1) The water sealing agent and the sealing member enhance the hermeticity of the sealing surfaces of the plug and the socket to prevent moisture from entering the inside of the connector. (2) Even if moisture enters through a minute gap or the like on the connector seal surface, a high insulation resistance is maintained because the moisture absorbing material absorbs the moisture. (3) Also, even if the moisture absorbent absorbs a large amount of water over time as a result of long-term use, or if water enters and the insulation resistance value decreases, the moisture absorbent is easily and detachably replaced. Restores insulation. (4) Since a sealant having a detachable adhesive strength is used for the seal portion, when a problem occurs in an internal part, it can be easily disassembled and the sealant is provided outside the seal member. Therefore, after repair, the sealant can be completely removed during reassembly and a new sealant can be used, so that the connector can be reused repeatedly. (5) Preventing the moisture-proof film covering the hygroscopic material from absorbing moisture before using the connector. Then, when the connector is used, the moisture-proof film is broken by the pressing force of the protrusion or the like, and the moisture absorbing material works, so that the connector can be easily stored. (6) By measuring the electrical characteristics such as the insulation resistance of the hygroscopic material with the monitor electrode inserted inside the hygroscopic material, it is possible to easily determine the deterioration of the insulation resistance value of the hygroscopic material and the replacement time. Since the hermeticity is achieved in this manner, it is effective not only in the above-mentioned water but also in a special environment of high humidity, for example.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As an embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the present invention is applied to a connector for electrical connection will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> (1) Example of Connector Structure FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cross section of a first hermetic connector suitable for use in water according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a connector. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the connectors are separated from each other, and FIG. In the following description, a connector having pins (projecting) for electrical connection is connected to a plug 6 (FIGS. 1 and 2).
The connector connected to the plug 6 will be described as a socket 11 (right connector in FIGS. 1 and 2).

The plug 6 of the sealed connector is a plug case.
A pin 1 for electrical connection is provided inside the switch 6a, and a plug-insulator 5 for ensuring electrical insulation around the pin 1 is provided with an insulating (non-expandable) and non-expandable and moisture-absorbing means which is replaceable (removable). Is inserted. In addition,
In this embodiment, the moisture absorbent 2 used was a container having good air permeability and filled with silica gel. Further, the plug insulator 5 is provided with a seal portion 8 for maintaining the airtightness when the plug 6 and the socket 11 are connected, and the O-ring 3 as a sealing member and a fixed adhesive as a water sealing means on the outside thereof. This is a configuration in which a ring-shaped sealing agent 4 having strength and water repellency is provided. In this example, an adhesive ring-shaped packing made of silicone resin was used as the water sealant 4.

On the other hand, the socket 11 paired with the plug 6 of the waterproof connector is provided with a contact 9 connected to the pin 1 facing the inside of the socket case 11a. In this configuration, there is provided a socket insulator 10 having a seal portion 8 for maintaining the electrical properties and for ensuring electrical insulation.

In this embodiment, the sealing member 8 is provided with one sealing member and one water sealing means. However, a plurality of these members may be provided in order to improve the sealing performance.

When the plug 6 and the socket 11 are connected to each other, a screw portion 7 is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the plug case 6a so as to press the seal portion 8 at a constant pressure. A connection nut 12 corresponding to the screw portion 7 is provided at the tip, and the screw is tightened with the nut after the plug 6 is inserted into the socket 11. Also, 13 and 14 inside the plug 6 and the socket 11 shown in the figure are a lead wire and a cable, respectively, for extending the electrical connection from the connector.

[0013] The following describes how this connector can be used for sealing and insulating.
It will be described how to keep it. By installing the O-ring 3 on the seal portion 8 inside the plug case 6a and the ring-shaped sealing agent 4 on the outside thereof, the plug 6 and the seal portion 8 of the socket 11 come into close contact with each other when the connector is connected, and the O-ring 3 A double sealing structure with the water sealing agent 4 is obtained, and a high sealing effect is obtained.

Further, since the moisture absorbing material 2 is provided in the internal space of the plug case 6a, even if a certain amount of moisture enters into the inside from the minute gap between the plug case 6a and the socket case 11a, the surroundings of the pin 1 can be improved. Since the moisture absorbing material 2 provided in the first embodiment absorbs moisture, a higher insulation resistance value can be secured for a long time than when the moisture absorbing material 2 is not used.

In addition, even if moisture invades inside as the time elapses and the insulation resistance value inside the connector lowers or a failure occurs in the internal parts, the seal portion 8 has a removable adhesive strength. Since the water sealant 4 is used, the connector can be easily disassembled, and the plug 6 and the socket 1 can be disassembled.
1 can be separated and the hygroscopic material 2 can be replaced to restore insulation, or a defective component can be replaced.

Further, since the sealant 4 having a certain adhesive strength is provided outside the O-ring 3, the sealant 4 is completely removed at the time of reassembly after repair, and a new sealant 4 is provided. Is easy to install, and has a structure suitable for repeatedly using the connector.

(2) Structural Example of Hygroscopic Material Next, a typical structural example of the hygroscopic material 2 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 3A is a top view, FIG. 3B is a side view,
1 shows a first shape and structure of a hygroscopic material 2. As shown, the shape is a cylinder, and two holes 15 are provided in a flat portion of the cylinder. The size of these two holes 15 is larger than that of the pin 1 and has a structure surrounding the protrusion of the plug insulator 5 in which the pin 1 is implanted.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the second shape and structure of the hygroscopic material 2, wherein (1) is a top view and (2) is a side view. Also in this case, the shape is cylindrical, and a hole 15 surrounding the entire plug insulator 5 is provided in a flat portion of the cylinder.

The structure of the moisture absorbing material 2 can be changed according to the shapes of the plug 6 and the socket 11, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5 and 6, (1) is a top view and (2) is a side view.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a material obtained by dividing the hygroscopic material 2 into two parts such as 2a and 2b may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, if the hygroscopic material 2 is configured to be covered with the moisture-proof film 16, the hygroscopic material 2 during storage can be obtained.
Can prevent moisture absorption before use. 8A is a top view, FIG. 8B is a transverse sectional view, and FIG. 8C is a side sectional view. That is, the present embodiment shows a configuration of a moisture absorbing material suitable for disassembling and storing the connector in a high humidity environment. This moisture-proof film 16
Is made of a material which can be broken by the pressing force at the time of connecting the connector, or by making a cut 16a in the surface in advance and breaking by the pressing force at the time of connecting the connector as shown in FIG. Since the material 2 operates for the first time when the connector is connected, the insulation resistance value can be secured for a long time.

The insulation resistance at 10 m under water was compared with that of the conventional example.
Some of them deteriorated over the years, but in this embodiment,
No deterioration was observed for a considerable amount of years.

<Embodiment 2> FIGS. 10 and 11 show cross sections of a second hermetically sealed connector. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the connectors are separated from each other, and FIG. 11 shows a state in which the connectors are connected. I have. The plug-side structure of the hermetically-sealed connector uses an insulator 17 provided with a concave portion 17a on the periphery instead of the plug insulator 5 for ensuring electrical insulation in the plug 6 shown in FIGS. The cylindrical hygroscopic material 2 covered with the moisture-proof film 16 is inserted around it. The configuration on the socket 11 side is a configuration in which a projection 18 for pushing the hygroscopic material 2 is provided in the socket shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

When connecting the connector, as shown in FIG. 11, the projection 18 provided on the socket 11 pushes the hygroscopic material 2 and the plug-side insulation provided with the recess 17a.
The moisture-proof film 16 is pressed by the pressing force of the
, The insulation resistance value can be secured by the action of the hygroscopic material 2. Since it is sufficient that a pressing force is applied to the moisture-proof film at the time of connecting the connector, the structure may be reverse to that shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 so that the recess may be provided on the socket side and the protrusion may be provided on the plug side. it is obvious.

<Embodiment 3> FIG. 12 shows a cross section of a third hermetically sealed connector, in which the connectors are connected to each other. The configuration on the plug 6 side of the sealed connector is the same as that of the second embodiment in FIG. 10, but the configuration on the socket 11 side is the protrusion 18 of the socket 11 of the connector shown in FIG.
In addition, a monitor electrode 19 is further provided. When the connector is connected, the electrode 19 is inserted into the hygroscopic material 2 so that the electrical characteristics (for example, resistance value) of the hygroscopic material provided inside the connector can be measured. A power supply 20, a voltmeter 21, and an ammeter 22 are provided outside the connector to measure the electrical characteristics of the absorbent material, and to easily know the deterioration of the characteristics, that is, the time to replace parts. It is.

Of course, a display device such as a light emitting diode is provided in the monitor external circuit, and when the insulation resistance value of the hygroscopic material 2 becomes lower than a specific value, various displays such as turning on the display device are performed. Means can be provided.

The above description has been made with reference to the connector for electrical connection as an example. However, the sealed connector according to the present invention is an optical connector such as a ferrule, a sleeve, an optical fiber or the like instead of pins and contacts and cables for realizing electrical connection. It is apparent that the present invention can be applied to an optical connector using a mechanism, and a connector having the same hermeticity and moisture absorption or water resistance can be realized.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing a moisture absorbing material inside the connector, it is possible to prevent insulation deterioration even if a certain amount of moisture enters inside the connector.
In addition, since the moisture absorbent can be detachably replaced, the insulation can be restored by replacing the moisture absorbent even if a large amount of water enters. In addition, since a sealant with an adhesive strength that can be detached from the seal surface is installed outside the O-ring, the sealability is improved, and even if a problem occurs, it can be easily repaired and reassembled. it can.

Further, the moisture absorbing material is covered with a moisture proof film, and when the connector is connected, the film is broken to allow the moisture absorbing material to work, thereby preventing the moisture absorbing material from absorbing moisture before using the connector. A sealed connector excellent in storage property can be provided.

Further, by providing the monitor circuit, the maintenance of the connector can be more easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first sealed connector of the present invention in a separated state.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the same connection state.

FIG. 3 is a structural view showing an example of a hygroscopic material.

FIG. 4 is a structural view showing another example of the hygroscopic material.

FIG. 5 is a structural view showing another example of the hygroscopic material.

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram showing another example of the hygroscopic material.

FIG. 7 is a structural view showing another example of the hygroscopic material.

FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing another example of the hygroscopic material.

FIG. 9 is a structural view showing another example of the hygroscopic material.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the second sealed connector in a separated state.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the same connection state.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a connection state of the third hermetically sealed connector;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... pin for electrical connection, 2 ... hygroscopic material,
3. O-ring, 4. Sealant, 5.
Plug insulator, 6 ... plug,
6a: plug case, 7: screw part, 8: seal part,
9 ... Contact, 10 ... Socket insulator, 11 ... Socket,
11a: socket case, 12: nut part,
13 ... lead wire, 14 ... cable, 1
5 ... Hole, 16 ... Moisture-proof film, 17 ... Plug insulator provided with recess, 18 ... Protrusion, 19 ... Monitor electrode, 20 ... Power supply,
21: voltmeter, 22: ammeter.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References Japanese Utility Model Sho 58-17771 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Hei 3-4671 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Sho 50-130690 (JP, U) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01R 13/523 H01R 13/52

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] A set of connectors comprising a plug and a socket.
A is a connector constituting the plug, the plug Ke <br/> over scan and plug Ke - scan inside the contained contacts, an insulator and moisture absorption means for holding the contacts, the set of co <br /> possess a sealing portion to maintain the connector inside the sealability when connecting connectors together, the seal portion includes a sealing member
Both are detachable so as to surround the outside of the seal member
A sealed connector comprising a water sealing means having adhesive strength and water repellency . 2. A connector constituting the plug - Le section, while placing the sealing member around the contacts of the connector, and characterized in that installed a ring-shaped seal water means the outside of the sealing member The sealed connector according to claim 1 . Wherein the sealing water means is a detachable freely configured,
The connector is made of a water-repellent material having an adhesive strength capable of bonding the seal portions of the connectors together when connecting the connectors and removing the seal portions when separating the connectors. Item 3. The sealed connector according to Item 1 or 2 . 4. A connector constituting the plug is provided with a moisture absorbing means having a moisture proof means, and forms a pair with the connector.
The connector constituting the socket, Izu <br/> Re one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a projecting portion to break the moisture means adding pressure to moisture absorption means the connectors when connecting sealed connector as claimed in. 5. A concave portion is provided in a peripheral portion of an insulator of a connector on a side on which the moisture absorbing means is provided, and a pressing force is applied to the moisture absorbing means when the connectors are connected to the insulator of a connector paired with the connector. The hermetically sealed connector according to claim 4 , wherein the hermetic connector has a structure provided with a projection. 6. The sealed connector as claimed in <br/> any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a monitoring circuit means for detecting an electrical characteristic of the moisture absorbing means. 7. A structure according to claim 6, wherein said projection is a monitor electrode for detecting an electrical characteristic of said moisture absorbing means, and is inserted into said moisture absorbing means when said connectors are connected to each other. Sealed connector. 8. An optical connector using an optical coupling mechanism for a contact of said connector.
8. The sealed connector according to any one of 7 above. Wherein said hygroscopic means is sealed connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an insulating property and hygroscopicity, and detachably attached to the case . 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said moisture absorbing means has a structure covered with a moisture-proof film, and said moisture-proof film is destroyed by a pressing force when said connectors are connected to each other. Item 10. A moisture absorbing means for a sealed connector according to any one of Items 4 to 9 . 11. A moisture absorbing means for a hermetically sealed connector according to claim 10 , wherein a dividing line is formed in said moisture-proof film so as to be broken by a pressing force at the time of connecting the connectors.