JP3863716B2

JP3863716B2 - Waterproof electrical connector and rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover therefor

Info

Publication number: JP3863716B2
Application number: JP2000308712A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 淳石田; 克幸平井
Original assignee: Onamba Co Ltd
Current assignee: Onamba Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-10-10
Filing date: 2000-10-10
Publication date: 2006-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-10
Also published as: JP2002117929A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は高電流かつ高電圧用の電気ケーブルを着脱自在に結合・離脱できる防水電気コネクターに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図１に従来の防水電気コネクターの一例を示す。図において、１，２は電気ケーブル、３は電気ケーブルの一端の露出芯線、４はプラグ、５はジャック、６はプラグの周囲のゴム製絶縁防水雌カバー、７はジャック側の周囲のゴム製絶縁防水雄カバー、８はプラグ先端絶縁体、９はジャック先端絶縁体、１０はプラグ部材、１１はジャック部材、１９はプラグ部材（プラグ先端絶縁体８を含めて）を収容するジャック部材１１のジャック孔、２２はゴム製絶縁防水雌カバーの一部の円筒状雌部、２３はゴム製絶縁防水雄カバーの一部の係合雄部である。円筒状雌部２２はプラグ部材１０（プラグ先端絶縁体８をも含めて）を間隔を置いて取り囲み係合雄部２３を収容する係合孔２４を形成する。
電気ケーブル１の露出芯線３はプラグ部材１０に電気的に結合されている。かかるプラグ部材１０のまわりにゴム製絶縁防水雌カバー６がインサート成形されている。同様に電気ケーブル２の露出芯線３がジャック部材１１に電気的に結合され、かかるジャック部材１１のまわりにゴム製絶縁防水雄カバー７がインサート成形されている。
【０００３】
電気ケーブル１と電気ケーブル２を結合すべく電気工事者がプラグ４とジャック５を取り扱うとき誤って手、指等が電気伝導部に触れて感電するのをプラグ４の周囲の円筒状雌部２２並びにプラグ先端絶縁体８及びジャックの周囲の係合雄部２３並びにジャック先端絶縁体９で防止されてジャック部材１１並びにプラグ部材１０の高電圧から保護されるようになっている。
一方、電気ケーブル１と電気ケーブル２を電気的に結合すべくジャック部材１１のジャック孔１９にプラグ部材１０を差し込むときゴム製絶縁防水雌カバー６の円筒状雌部２２の係合孔２４にゴム製絶縁防水雄カバー７の係合雄部２３が嵌合される。これによりジャック部材１１とプラグ部材１０との係合部すなわち電気ケーブル１，２の結合部が防水保護されるようになっている。
【０００４】
図２は防水性を改善した防水電気コネクターを示す。図２において示す参照符号のうち図１に示すものと同一の機能のものについては同一の参照符号を付した。従ってそれらの説明は省略して、防水性に関する点についてのみ説明する。１００はゴム製絶縁防水雌カバー６の円筒状雌部２２の入口近くの内側面に形成された環状溝である。１０１はゴム製絶縁防水雄カバー７の係合雄部２３の外側面に形成された環状突条である。環状突条１０１は環状溝１００に収容されている。１０２は円筒状雌部２２の内部の内端に更に軸方向に形成された付加係合孔である。１０３はゴム製絶縁防水雄カバー７の係合雄部２３の先端に更に軸方向に延出された付加係合雄部である。環状溝１００に環状突条１０１がピッタリと収容され、かつ付加係合孔１０２に付加係合雄部１０３が嵌合することにより防水性が改善されている。
【０００５】
図３は更に防水性を改善すると共に、ひとたびジャックにプラグが差し込まれると、結合された電気ケーブル１，２の延長部等を電気工事者が誤って足で引っ掛けてもジャックからプラグがはずれない（すなわち抜去抵抗がある程度大きくなる）ようにしたものである。
図３において示す参照符号のうち図１，図２に示すものと同一の機能のものについては同一の参照符号を付した。従って、それらの説明は省略する。
しかし補足的な参照符号を説明する。１２はプラグ部材１０に電気的に続くプラグ中央部、１４はプラグ中央部１２に電気的に続くプラグ側円筒状カシメ部である。電気ケーブル１の露出芯線３は前記カシメ部１４にカシメ接続される。１３はジャック部材１１に電気的に続くジャック中央部、１５はジャック中央部１３に電気的に続くジャック側円筒状カシメ部である。電気ケーブル２の露出芯線３は前記カシメ部１５にカシメ接続される。１７はプラグ部材１０とジャック部材１１との間に良好な電気接続を達成する電気接触改善バネリングである。
なお、電気ケーブルの露出芯線３をプラグ側円筒状カシメ部１４に挿入してこの円筒状カシメ部１４の外周面をカシメる前に、電気ケーブル１をプラグ側ゴム製絶縁雌カバー６に通しておく、その後、電気ケーブル１の露出芯線３とプラグ側円筒状カシメ部１４とをカシメにより機械的かつ電気的に接続する。しかる後、プラグ側ゴム製絶縁雌カバー６を電気ケーブルに沿って移動させて図３の左上のようにプラグ４のまわりに被せる。被せたプラグ側ゴム製絶縁雌カバー６がプラグ４から抜けないようにするためにプラグ中央部１２は位置決めフランジを有する。勿論、この位置決めフランジに対応する凹所がプラグ側ゴム製絶縁雌カバー６の内側面に環状に設けられている。ジャック側ゴム製絶縁雄カバーも同様にしてジャック５のまわりに被せる。
【０００６】
さて、図３のゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーの防水性並びに抜去抵抗について説明する。２６は円筒状雌部２２の内側鋸歯状面である。２６Ａは内側鋸歯状面２６の一部でゆるい傾斜で先拡がりの環状前向き面部、２６Ｂは急な傾斜で先細りの環状後向き面部である。これらの複数の面部２６Ａおよび複数の面部２６Ｂによって複数の山２６Ｃと複数の谷２６Ｄを形成する。２７は係合雄部２３の外側鋸歯状面である。２７Ａは外側鋸歯状面２７の一部でゆるい傾斜で先細りの環状前向き面部、２７Ｂは急な傾斜で先拡がりの環状後向き面部である。これら複数の面部２７Ａおよび複数の面部２７Ｂによって複数の山２７Ｃと複数の谷２７Ｄを形成する。
【０００７】
係合雄部２３の外側鋸歯状面２７と円筒状雌部２２の内側鋸歯状面２６は防水電気コネクターの離脱作業（ジャック５からのプラグ４の抜去作業）に対して強く抵抗し、これよりも少ない抵抗で防水電気コネクターの結合作業（ジャック５へのプラグ４の挿入作業）を許容するようになっていることは図から理解されよう。
そして、外側鋸歯状面２７の谷２７Ｄに内側鋸歯状面２６の山２６Ｃが押圧されかつ内側鋸歯状面２６の谷２６Ｄに外側鋸歯状面２７の山２７Ｃが押圧されて嵌り合うことにより防水機能が基本的に発揮される。
また、円筒状雌部２２の先端の環状対接面３０が係合雄部２３の根元にある環状対接面３１に対接して予備的な防水効果を発揮する。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
図３に示す従来の内・外側鋸歯状面を有するゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーを備えた防水電気コネクターは、図１および図２に示す防水電気コネクターより優れているので広く用いられている。それ故、種々な要望が図３に代表される防水電気コネクターに対してなされるようになって来たのである。
例えば、電気工事者が或る部品の裏に手を廻して部品による視界妨害状態で当該防水電気コネクターのプラグとジャックを結合しなければならないときに、ゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーが完全に係合しているかどうかを目で確かめることができないので、二度、三度とプラグとジャックの結合動作の念押しをくり返さなくてはならず、時間はかかるし、疲れる、そして何となく不安であり改善する必要があることが判った。そこで本発明はゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーの結合動作がより軽い力で行われかつ結合動作の完了が手の感覚でも判るようにすることを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
内側鋸歯状面を有する円筒状雌部の肉厚を薄くしてプラグとジャックの結合・離脱の際に円筒状雌部が軸方向に伸縮するようにし、
円筒状雌部の係合孔の内端面と係合雄部の先端面との間および係合雄部の根元の環状対接面と円筒状雌部の先端付近の対応する環状対接面との間に軸方向間隙をもたせてプラグとジャックの結合時に円筒状雌部中への係合雄部の過挿入を許容するようにした。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
円筒状雌部の肉厚を薄くする遣り方は、同じ定格電流・電圧の防水電気コネクターのためのゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーの従来の円筒状雌部の外径よりも小さな外径にすることによる。
円筒状雌部の係合孔の孔の深さを従来のものよりも深くし、係合雄部の根元の環状対接面の位置を軸方向に後方にずらせることにより、プラグとジャックの結合時に円筒状雌部中への係合雄部の過挿入を許容するようにする。すなわち、係合雄部の軸方向寸法を従来のものより長くし、これと同等又はそれ以上に円筒状雌部の軸方向寸法を長くすることにより達成する。
【００１１】
【実施例】
図４〜図６を参照して本発明の防水電気コネクターの一実施例を示す。図４に示すもののうち図３に示すものと同一の機能のものについては同一の参照符号を付した。従ってそれらの説明は以下に簡単にまとめる。すなわち、１，２は電気ケーブル、３は芯線、４，５はプラグおよびジャック、６，７は防水雌雄カバー、８，９はプラグおよびジャックの先端絶縁体、１０，１１はプラグ部材およびジャック部材、１２，１３はプラグおよびジャックの中央部、１４，１５はプラグおよびジャックのカシメ部、１７は電気接触改善バネリング、１９はプラグ部材１０を収容するジャック孔、２４は係合雄部２３を収容する係合孔、２６，２７は鋸歯状面である。
なお、２０Ａ，２０Ｂは防水雄カバー６の表面に直径方向に対向して設けられた一対の平底の凹所であり、２１Ａ，２１Ｂは防水雌カバー７の表面に直径方向に対向して設けられた一対の平底の凹所である。これらは電気工事者の指が防水雌雄カバーの表面で滑りにくいようにしている。８Ａはプラグ先端絶縁体８から中空金属筒のプラグ部材１０の中を埋めてプラグ中央部１２まで延びそこで中空金属筒の外側に出てゴム製絶縁防水雌カバー６にしっかりと嵌め合されるプラグ側硬質絶縁樹脂体である。９Ａはジャック先端絶縁体９から中空金属筒のジャック部材１１の外側面を包囲して後方へ延び、ジャック中央部１３においてその内部を埋めるジャック側硬質絶縁樹脂体である。かかるプラグ４およびジャック５は図３のプラグ、ジャックと構造が異なっているが電気的には同じ機能を有する。なおこれらの硬質絶縁樹脂体を有するプラグやジャックの詳細は特許第３０１５３７０号を参照されたい。
【００１２】
【００１３】
本発明の防水雌雄カバーによれば、防水雌雄カバーを係合させるときに必要とする挿入押圧力を低くするために円筒状雌部２２の外径ｒ_２をｒ_１（従来の円筒状雌部の外径に相当する）よりも小さくした。すなわち円筒状雌部２２の肉厚を薄くて軟らかくした。これにより防水雌雄カバーの係合挿入時に円筒状雌部２２が軸方向に縮む。軸方向の縮みを考慮して図５に示す通り係合雄部２３の先端面２９から係合孔２４の内端面２８が離されている。このように先端面２９より深く係合孔２４の内端面２８を設定しておかないと内側鋸歯状面２６の複数の山２６Ｃのうちの最前端のもの（図５において四つある山２６Ｃのうち右端のもの）は係合雄部２３の外側鋸歯状面２７の最も高い山２７Ｃをスパッと軽い感じで越えることができない。なお、最右端の山２６Ｃの頂部は面取り２６ＣＣされていて外側鋸歯状面２７の最も高い山２７Ｃを一層容易に越えられるようになされている。
【００１４】
図６は円筒状雌部２２に係合雄部２３を挿入押圧しているときの円筒状雌部２２の軸方向寸法の縮小と内側鋸歯状面２６の山２６Ｃの変形状態を模式的に示している。
再度図５を参照して本発明の特徴を説明する。内側鋸歯状面２６の最右端の山２６Ｃが外側鋸歯状面２７の最も高い山２７Ｃをスパッと軽い感じで越えるためには、その途中で円筒状雌部２２の係合孔２４の内端面２８に係合雄部２３の先端面２９が対接してはならない。同様に円筒状雌部２２の先端部の環状対接面３０が係合雄部２３の根元の環状対接面３１に対接してはならない。内側鋸歯状面２６のそれぞれの山２６Ｃが外側鋸歯状面２７のそれぞれ対応する山２７Ｃをある程度まで通り過ぎるまで係合雄部２３の過挿入を許容するようにしなければならない（なお、補助的に内側鋸歯状面２６の谷２６Ｄの底を平ら２６Ｅになしこれにより外側鋸歯状面２７の山２７Ｃの頂部が軸方向に移動するのを許容する）。従って係合が完了した通常の状態において先端面２９と内端面２８との間に隙間が存在し、円筒状雌部２２の先端部の環状対接面３０と係合雄部２３の根元の環状対接面３１との間に隙間が存在する。なお後者の隙間を覆うために円筒状雌部の先端部に環状の膨出部３８がある。そしてこの膨出部３８の内側面と防水雄カバー７の外側面３９（環状対接面３１に隣接する）との間に半径方向の隙間が存在する。これは膨出部３８に設けた面取り部３８ＣＣと協働して、円筒状雌部２２に係合雄部２３を挿入押圧するときに環状の膨出部３８がやや内側に歪んで環状対接面３１の外周縁につまずいてもジャック側雄カバー７の外側面３９（環状対接面３１に隣接する）に環状の膨出部３８が乗り上がるようにし、その時、空間Ｓと協働してプチッという軽い破裂音が出るようになっている。なお、半径方向の隙間は、雌雄カバーの材質と協働していて通常の雨では表面張力の故に、雨水の浸入を許すものではない。しかし環状の膨出部３８は水深１ｍの水圧では防水効果はない。
【００１５】
以上の説明から理解される通り、本発明の防水雌雄カバーでは係合させるときに従来のものより抵抗が少なくカタカタと外側鋸歯状面の山２７Ｃが内側鋸歯状面２６の山２６Ｃを越えて行くのが判る。そして最後の山２７Ｃを越えるときに最大の挿入力を必要とするのであるが、その力は図７に示す表の「挿入力」の段に示す試験データから判る通り、従来の防水雌雄カバーのものより少なくてすむのである（１５．３８Ｎ＝５８．９８Ｎ−４３．６０Ｎ）。
円筒状雌部の肉厚を薄くして挿入力を小さくした結果、円筒状雌部２２から係合雄部２３を抜去る力が劣ってくるのは好ましくないので、従来のものとの比較試験をした。その結果は図７に示す表の「抜去力」の段に示される通り、劣るどころか従来のものよりも大きな力がいることが判ったのである（７．４１Ｎ＝７４．４１Ｎ−６７．００Ｎ）。この理由は次のようであると思われる。すなわち、一般に伸縮可能な柔軟な管を軸方向に引っ張ると内径が小さくなるのである。このため、抜去の際、円筒状雌部２２は軸方向に伸ばされその径は縮小するのでその内側鋸歯状面は係合雄部の外側鋸歯状面へ強く押し着けられることになる。従って抜去するには一層強い力が必要になると考えられる。
なお、説明を付加すれば、円筒状雌部の肉厚を薄くすることにより、結合挿入時の係合雄部の山による円筒状雌部の押し拡げ歪み力を小さくして挿入力を低減することを目論んだことに加えて、円筒状雌部の軸方向の長さの縮みにより円筒状雌部の径が少し増大することによっても挿入力の低減に寄与していると考えられる。
また、本発明の防水雌雄カバーの防水性を従来のものと比較試験をしたところ、その結果は図８に示す表の通りであった。すなわち従来のものと較べて何ら遜色のないものであることが判った。
【００１６】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から判る通り、内側鋸歯状面および外側鋸歯状面を有するゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーを備えた防水電気コネクターにおいて、防水雄カバーの円筒状雌部の肉厚を薄くし、結合時に円筒状雌部中への係合雄部の過挿入を許容するようにした結果、本発明のゴム製絶縁防水雌雄カバーは結合動作がより軽い力で行われかつ結合動作の完了が手の感覚でも判るようになり、しかも一旦結合されると離脱されにくくなった。勿論防水性能は従来のものと何ら変わらないのである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１の従来の防水雌雄カバーを有する防水電気コネクターの断面図。
【図２】第２の従来の防水雌雄カバーを有する防水電気コネクターの断面図。
【図３】第３の従来の防水雌雄カバーを有する防水電気コネクターの断面図。
【図４】本発明の防水雌雄カバーを有する防水電気コネクターの断面図。
【図５】本発明の防水雌雄カバーを説明するための要部拡大断面図。
【図６】本発明の防水雌雄カバーのうちの雌カバーの係合時の変形を模式的に示す図。
【図７】挿抜力比較試験データを示す表。
【図８】防水性比較試験データを示す表。
【符号の説明】
１，２電気ケーブル
４プラグ
５ジャック
６ゴム製絶縁防水雌カバー
７ゴム製絶縁防水雄カバー
１０プラグ部材
１１ジャック部材
２２円筒状雌部
２３係合雄部
２４係合孔
２６内側鋸歯状面
２６Ｃ山
２６Ｄ谷
２６ＣＣ面取り
２７外側鋸歯状面
２７Ｃ山
２７Ｄ谷
２８内端面
２９先端面
３０環状対接面
３１環状対接面
３８膨出部
３９外側面[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a waterproof electrical connector capable of detachably connecting / disconnecting an electric cable for high current and high voltage.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional waterproof electrical connector. In the figure, 1 and 2 are electric cables, 3 is an exposed core wire at one end of the electric cable, 4 is a plug, 5 is a jack, 6 is a rubber insulated waterproof female cover around the plug, and 7 is rubber around the jack side. Insulated waterproof male cover, 8 is a plug tip insulator, 9 is a jack tip insulator, 10 is a plug member, 11 is a jack member, and 19 is a jack member 11 that houses a plug member (including the plug tip insulator 8). A jack hole 22 is a part of a cylindrical female part of the rubber insulated waterproof female cover, and 23 is a part of an engaging male part of the rubber insulated waterproof male cover. The cylindrical female portion 22 surrounds the plug member 10 (including the plug tip insulator 8) at an interval and forms an engagement hole 24 that accommodates the engagement male portion 23.
The exposed core wire 3 of the electric cable 1 is electrically coupled to the plug member 10. A rubber insulating waterproof female cover 6 is insert-molded around the plug member 10. Similarly, the exposed core wire 3 of the electric cable 2 is electrically coupled to the jack member 11, and a rubber insulating waterproof male cover 7 is insert-molded around the jack member 11.
[0003]
When an electrician handles the plug 4 and the jack 5 in order to connect the electric cable 1 and the electric cable 2, a hand, a finger or the like touches the electric conducting portion and feels an electric shock, so that the cylindrical female portion 22 around the plug 4 Further, the plug tip insulator 8 and the engaging male portion 23 around the jack and the jack tip insulator 9 are prevented from being protected from the high voltage of the jack member 11 and the plug member 10.
On the other hand, when the plug member 10 is inserted into the jack hole 19 of the jack member 11 so as to electrically connect the electric cable 1 and the electric cable 2, the rubber is inserted into the engagement hole 24 of the cylindrical female portion 22 of the rubber insulating waterproof female cover 6. The engaging male part 23 of the insulating waterproof male cover 7 is fitted. As a result, the engaging portion between the jack member 11 and the plug member 10, that is, the connecting portion between the electric cables 1 and 2, is protected by waterproofing.
[0004]
FIG. 2 shows a waterproof electrical connector with improved waterproofness. 2 having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. Therefore, those explanations are omitted, and only the points relating to waterproofness will be explained. Reference numeral 100 denotes an annular groove formed on the inner surface near the entrance of the cylindrical female portion 22 of the rubber insulating waterproof female cover 6. Reference numeral 101 denotes an annular ridge formed on the outer surface of the engaging male portion 23 of the rubber insulating waterproof male cover 7. The annular protrusion 101 is accommodated in the annular groove 100. Reference numeral 102 denotes an additional engagement hole formed in the inner end of the cylindrical female portion 22 in the axial direction. Reference numeral 103 denotes an additional engaging male portion further extended in the axial direction at the tip of the engaging male portion 23 of the rubber insulating waterproof male cover 7. The annular ridge 101 is perfectly accommodated in the annular groove 100, and the additional engagement male portion 103 is fitted into the additional engagement hole 102, so that the waterproof property is improved.
[0005]
3 further improves the waterproofness, and once the plug is inserted into the jack, even if an electrician accidentally hooks the extended portion of the combined electric cables 1 and 2 with his / her foot, the plug does not come off from the jack. (That is, the removal resistance increases to some extent).
3 having the same functions as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference symbols. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
However, supplementary reference symbols will be described. Reference numeral 12 denotes a plug central portion electrically connected to the plug member 10, and reference numeral 14 denotes a plug-side cylindrical caulking portion electrically connected to the plug central portion 12. The exposed core wire 3 of the electric cable 1 is caulked and connected to the caulking portion 14. Reference numeral 13 denotes a jack central portion electrically connected to the jack member 11, and reference numeral 15 denotes a jack side cylindrical caulking portion electrically connected to the jack central portion 13. The exposed core wire 3 of the electric cable 2 is caulked and connected to the caulking portion 15. Reference numeral 17 denotes an electrical contact improving spring ring that achieves a good electrical connection between the plug member 10 and the jack member 11.
Before inserting the exposed core wire 3 of the electric cable into the plug-side cylindrical caulking portion 14 and caulking the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical caulking portion 14, the electric cable 1 is passed through the plug-side rubber insulating female cover 6. After that, the exposed core wire 3 of the electric cable 1 and the plug-side cylindrical caulking portion 14 are mechanically and electrically connected by caulking. Thereafter, the plug-side rubber insulating female cover 6 is moved along the electric cable and placed around the plug 4 as shown in the upper left of FIG. In order to prevent the covered plug-side rubber insulating female cover 6 from being removed from the plug 4, the plug central portion 12 has a positioning flange. Of course, a recess corresponding to the positioning flange is annularly provided on the inner side surface of the plug-side rubber insulating female cover 6. The jack-side rubber insulating male cover is also put around the jack 5 in the same manner.
[0006]
Now, the waterproof property and removal resistance of the rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover of FIG. 3 will be described. Reference numeral 26 denotes an inner serrated surface of the cylindrical female portion 22. Reference numeral 26A denotes a part of the inner serrated surface 26, which is an annular forward surface part that is gently inclined and widens, and 26B is an annular rearward surface part that is sharply inclined and tapered. A plurality of peaks 26C and a plurality of valleys 26D are formed by the plurality of face portions 26A and the plurality of face portions 26B. Reference numeral 27 denotes an outer serrated surface of the engaging male portion 23. Reference numeral 27A denotes a part of the outer serrated surface 27, which is a slanted and tapered annular front surface part, and 27B is a steeply slanted and annular rearward surface part. A plurality of peaks 27C and a plurality of valleys 27D are formed by the plurality of surface portions 27A and the plurality of surface portions 27B.
[0007]
The outer serrated surface 27 of the engaging male part 23 and the inner serrated surface 26 of the cylindrical female part 22 strongly resist the work of removing the waterproof electrical connector (the work of removing the plug 4 from the jack 5). It will be understood from the drawing that the waterproof electric connector is allowed to be joined (the work of inserting the plug 4 into the jack 5) with less resistance.
The crest 26C of the inner serrated surface 26 is pressed against the trough 27D of the outer serrated surface 27, and the crest 27C of the outer serrated surface 27 is pressed against the trough 26D of the inner serrated surface 26 to fit with each other. Is basically demonstrated.
In addition, the annular contact surface 30 at the tip of the cylindrical female portion 22 comes into contact with the annular contact surface 31 at the base of the engagement male portion 23 to exert a preliminary waterproof effect.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional waterproof electrical connector provided with a rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover having inner and outer serrated surfaces shown in FIG. 3 is widely used because it is superior to the waterproof electrical connector shown in FIGS. Therefore, various demands have been made for waterproof electrical connectors represented by FIG.
For example, a rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover is fully engaged when an electrical worker has to put the hand behind a certain part and connect the plug and jack of the waterproof electric connector in a state of obstructing visibility by the part. I can't see if I'm doing it, so I'll have to repeat the plug and jack combination again, again, it takes time, I'm tired, and somehow uneasy and improved I found it necessary to do. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable the joining operation of the rubber insulated waterproof male and female covers to be performed with a lighter force so that the completion of the joining operation can be recognized by hand.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Reduce the thickness of the cylindrical female part with the inner serrated surface so that the cylindrical female part expands and contracts in the axial direction when connecting and disconnecting the plug and jack.
Between the inner end surface of the engagement hole of the cylindrical female portion and the distal end surface of the engagement male portion, and at the root of the engagement male portion, the corresponding annular contact surface near the distal end of the cylindrical female portion A gap in the axial direction is provided between the plug and the jack so as to allow over-insertion of the engaging male part into the cylindrical female part when the plug and jack are coupled.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
To reduce the thickness of the cylindrical female part, the outer diameter should be smaller than the outer diameter of the conventional cylindrical female part of a rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover for waterproof electrical connectors with the same rated current and voltage. by.
By making the depth of the engagement hole of the cylindrical female part deeper than the conventional one and shifting the position of the annular contact surface at the base of the engagement male part back in the axial direction, the plug and jack An excessive insertion of the engaging male part into the cylindrical female part is allowed at the time of coupling. That is, it is achieved by making the axial dimension of the engaging male part longer than that of the conventional one, and making the axial dimension of the cylindrical female part longer or equal to this.
[0011]
【Example】
An embodiment of the waterproof electrical connector of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, their explanation is briefly summarized below. That is, 1 and 2 are electrical cables, 3 is a core wire, 4 and 5 are plugs and jacks, 6 and 7 are waterproof male and female covers, 8 and 9 are plug and jack tip insulators, and 10 and 11 are plug members and jack members. , 12 and 13 are plug and jack central portions, 14 and 15 are caulking portions of the plug and jack, 17 is an electric contact improving spring ring, 19 is a jack hole for accommodating the plug member 10, and 24 is an engaging male portion 23. The engaging holes 26 and 27 are serrated surfaces.
20A and 20B are a pair of flat bottom recesses provided on the surface of the waterproof male cover 6 in a diametrical direction, and 21A and 21B are provided on the surface of the waterproof female cover 7 in a diametrical direction. A pair of flat bottom recesses. These keep the electrician's fingers from slipping on the surface of the waterproof male and female covers. 8A is a plug which extends from the plug tip insulator 8 into the plug member 10 of the hollow metal tube and extends to the plug center portion 12 where it goes out of the hollow metal tube and is securely fitted to the rubber insulating waterproof female cover 6. It is a side hard insulating resin body. 9A is a jack-side hard insulating resin body that surrounds the outer surface of the jack member 11 of the hollow metal cylinder from the jack tip insulator 9 and extends rearward, and fills the inside of the jack central portion 13. The plug 4 and the jack 5 are different in structure from the plug and jack shown in FIG. For details of plugs and jacks having these hard insulating resin bodies, refer to Japanese Patent No. 3015370.
[0012]
[0013]
According to the waterproof male and female cover of the present invention, the outer diameter r ₂ of the cylindrical female portion 22 is reduced to r ₁ (conventional cylindrical female portion) in order to reduce the insertion pressing force required when the waterproof male and female covers are engaged. Smaller than the outer diameter). That is, the thickness of the cylindrical female portion 22 was made thin and soft. As a result, the cylindrical female portion 22 contracts in the axial direction when the waterproof male and female cover is engaged and inserted. Considering axial contraction, the inner end face 28 of the engagement hole 24 is separated from the distal end face 29 of the engagement male part 23 as shown in FIG. Thus, unless the inner end face 28 of the engagement hole 24 is set deeper than the distal end face 29, the one at the foremost end of the plurality of peaks 26C of the inner serrated surface 26 (the four peaks 26C in FIG. 5). The one on the right end) cannot pass the highest peak 27C of the outer serrated surface 27 of the engaging male portion 23 with a light feeling. The top of the rightmost peak 26C is chamfered 26CC so that the highest peak 27C of the outer serrated surface 27 can be crossed more easily.
[0014]
FIG. 6 schematically shows a reduction in the axial dimension of the cylindrical female portion 22 and the deformation state of the crest 26C of the inner serrated surface 26 when the engaging male portion 23 is inserted and pressed into the cylindrical female portion 22. ing.
The features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 again. In order for the rightmost peak 26C of the inner serrated surface 26 to exceed the highest peak 27C of the outer serrated surface 27 with a light feeling, the inner end surface 28 of the engagement hole 24 of the cylindrical female portion 22 is in the middle. The front end surface 29 of the engaging male part 23 should not contact. Similarly, the annular contact surface 30 at the tip of the cylindrical female portion 22 should not contact the root annular contact surface 31 of the engagement male portion 23. The over-insertion of the engaging male part 23 must be allowed until each crest 26C of the inner serrated surface 26 passes to some extent over the corresponding crest 27C of the outer serrated surface 27 (note that the inner side is supplementarily inside). The bottom of the valley 26D of the serrated surface 26 is made flat 26E, thereby allowing the top of the crest 27C of the outer serrated surface 27 to move axially). Therefore, in the normal state where the engagement is completed, there is a gap between the distal end surface 29 and the inner end surface 28, and the annular contact surface 30 at the distal end portion of the cylindrical female portion 22 and the annular shape at the base of the engaging male portion 23. There is a gap between the contact surface 31. An annular bulge 38 is provided at the tip of the cylindrical female part to cover the latter gap. A radial gap exists between the inner side surface of the bulging portion 38 and the outer side surface 39 (adjacent to the annular contact surface 31) of the waterproof male cover 7. In cooperation with the chamfered portion 38CC provided in the bulging portion 38, the annular bulging portion 38 is slightly distorted inward when the engagement male portion 23 is inserted and pressed into the cylindrical female portion 22, and the annular contact is made. Even if the outer peripheral edge of the surface 31 is stumbled, the annular bulging portion 38 rides on the outer surface 39 (adjacent to the annular contact surface 31) of the jack-side male cover 7, and at that time, in cooperation with the space S There is a light popping sound. Note that the gap in the radial direction cooperates with the material of the male and female covers and does not allow rainwater to enter due to surface tension in normal rain. However, the annular bulging portion 38 has no waterproof effect at a water pressure of 1 m.
[0015]
As understood from the above description, the waterproof male and female cover of the present invention has less resistance than the conventional one when engaged, and the crest 27C of the outer sawtooth surface and the crest 27C of the inner serrated surface 26 go beyond the crest 26C. I understand. The maximum insertion force is required when the last peak 27C is exceeded. As can be seen from the test data shown in the “insertion force” stage of the table shown in FIG. Less than that (15.38N = 58.98N-43.60N).
As a result of reducing the insertion force by reducing the thickness of the cylindrical female part, it is not preferable that the force for removing the engaging male part 23 from the cylindrical female part 22 is inferior. Did. As a result, as shown in the column of “extraction force” in the table shown in FIG. 7, it was found that there was a greater force than the conventional one (7.41N = 74.41N−67.00N). . The reason seems to be as follows. That is, generally, when a flexible tube that can be expanded and contracted is pulled in the axial direction, the inner diameter becomes smaller. For this reason, at the time of extraction, the cylindrical female portion 22 is extended in the axial direction and the diameter thereof is reduced, so that the inner serrated surface is strongly pressed against the outer serrated surface of the engaging male portion. Therefore, it is considered that a stronger force is required for removal.
In addition, if explanation is added, by reducing the thickness of the cylindrical female part, the expansion distortion force of the cylindrical female part due to the mountain of the engaging male part at the time of insertion is reduced, thereby reducing the insertion force. In addition to the above, it is considered that the insertion force is also reduced by a slight increase in the diameter of the cylindrical female portion due to the contraction of the axial length of the cylindrical female portion.
Further, when the waterproofing of the waterproof male and female cover of the present invention was compared with the conventional one, the result was as shown in the table of FIG. In other words, it was found that it was nothing inferior to the conventional one.
[0016]
【The invention's effect】
As can be seen from the above description, in a waterproof electrical connector having a rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover having an inner serrated surface and an outer serrated surface, the thickness of the cylindrical female portion of the waterproof male cover is reduced and the cylinder is joined when coupled. As a result of permitting over-insertion of the engaging male part into the female part, the rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover of the present invention can be coupled with a lighter force and the coupling operation can be completed even with the sense of the hand. It became easier to understand, and once it was combined, it became difficult to be removed. Of course, the waterproof performance is not different from the conventional one.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof electrical connector having a first conventional waterproof male / female cover.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof electrical connector having a second conventional waterproof male and female cover.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof electrical connector having a third conventional waterproof male / female cover.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof electrical connector having a waterproof male and female cover according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining a waterproof male and female cover of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing deformation at the time of engagement of a female cover of the waterproof male and female covers of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a table showing insertion / extraction force comparison test data.
FIG. 8 is a table showing waterproofness comparison test data.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Electric cable 4 Plug 5 Jack 6 Rubber insulation waterproof female cover 7 Rubber insulation waterproof male cover 10 Plug member 11 Jack member 22 Cylindrical female part 23 Engagement male part 24 Engagement hole 26 Inner serrated surface 26C Mountain 26D Valley 26CC Chamfer 27 Outer serrated surface 27C Mountain 27D Valley 28 Inner end surface 29 Tip surface 30 Annular contact surface 31 Annular contact surface 38 Swelling portion 39 Outer surface

Claims

A rubber insulated waterproof male cover that has an outer serrated surface and has an engaging male part around the jack member is put on a jack connected to one end of one electric cable to be connected. Rubber insulation comprising a cylindrical female part that is covered with a plug connected to one end of the other electrical cable, forms an engagement hole around the plug member, has an inner serrated surface and receives the engagement male part In a rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover consisting of a waterproof female cover,
Reduce the thickness of the cylindrical female part with the inner serrated surface so that the cylindrical female part expands and contracts in the axial direction when connecting and disconnecting the plug and jack.
Between the inner end surface of the engagement hole of the cylindrical female portion and the distal end surface of the engagement male portion, and at the root of the engagement male portion, the corresponding annular contact surface near the distal end of the cylindrical female portion A rubber insulated waterproof male / female cover characterized in that an axial gap is provided between the plug and jack to allow over-insertion of the engaging male part into the cylindrical female part.

The rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover according to claim 1, wherein chamfering is performed on the top of the peak closest to the tip of the cylindrical female part among the plurality of peaks of the inner serrated surface of the cylindrical female part. Rubber insulated waterproof male and female covers.

3. The rubber insulated waterproofing male and female cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a bulging portion is provided at the tip of the cylindrical female portion, and the bulging portion continues to the outer peripheral edge of the annular contact surface at the base of the engaging male portion. A rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover characterized by covering the outer surface of the rubber insulated waterproof male cover.

A rubber insulated waterproof male and female cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a plug surrounded by a rubber insulated waterproof female cover of the rubber insulated waterproof male and female covers, and a rubber insulated waterproof male cover. Waterproof electrical connector consisting of a jack.