TWI618308B - Waterproof connector and waterproof connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A waterproof connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. Each connector has a housing and a waterproof seal. Each connector is formed in one or two injection molding operations in which the housing is formed of polypropylene and the seal is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. A seal of a connector has a portion disposed on an outer surface of the seal and having a plurality of folds in a direction opposite to a direction of water intrusion when the second connector is coupled to the first connector Ribs, thereby establishing a seal between the two connectors when the two connectors are connected. The seals of the connectors are also provided to the terminal/wire insertion area, and these seals ensure that the terminals/wires are properly inserted. These seals may also include a strain relief to prevent the wires from tilting.

Description

Waterproof connector and waterproof connector assembly

The present invention relates to the field of connectors, and more particularly to connectors for providing a degree of waterproof intrusion.

It is well known to waterproof the connector. A connector will typically include a housing that holds one or more terminals. The housing is often formed from a resin that provides suitable strength and rigidity. Unfortunately, due to the various deviations that occur during the manufacturing process, it is difficult to form a watertight seal between the two housings because there is typically a gap that is large enough to allow water to enter the housing. Thus, a connector will often include a seal or seal at the mating interface that engages a second mating connector, and the seal forms a barrier to water intrusion.

Although the above process is well known, existing designs are often limited to how the housing and seal can be formed. The seal will typically be formed from a durometer that is softer than the housing so that the seal can be pressed between the two housings when the two housings are butted together. The docking operation allows the soft material to move, but this is not satisfactory for the movement of the seal. Thus, many designs include a capture seal (eg, a seal is placed in a recess or secured by a lip of the housing such that the seal is in place Does not move during the process). Although effective for sealing purposes, the use of lips and/or recesses to provide a capture seal structure tends to limit the design of the connector.

Another problem is encountered when providing a wire to wire connector system. In such systems, it is desirable to seal between the two docking connectors and between the housing and the corresponding cable/wire connected to the housing. This is often complicated by the fact that the wires need to be connected to the terminals. One way to seal the housing from the wire is to mold the housing around the wire insert. One problem with this design, however, is that molding the housing directly onto the wire significantly limits the ability to enable the connector to be used in a variety of situations (because various applications often require wires of different lengths). Thus, it is desirable to provide a seal that forms a seal around the wire.

As a result, existing designs often have the drawback that their design is sub-optimal for some applications. As a result, certain groups of people will appreciate the further improvement of a connector that is waterproof and still provides the required flexibility.

The foregoing background description is intended to be merely illustrative of the reader. It is not intended to limit the invention described herein, nor to limit or exaggerate the prior art. Thus, the foregoing description should not be taken as indicating that any particular component of the prior system is not suitable for use by the inventions described herein, and is not intended to indicate that any component is essential in the practice of the inventions described herein. The implementation and application of the inventions described herein are defined by the scope of the accompanying claims.

In a first aspect of the invention, in an embodiment, a waterproof connector is provided. The waterproof connector has a housing that extends from a front surface to a rear surface. The housing defines a seal receiving cavity, and the seal receiving cavity is open to a rear surface of the housing. The housing also defines at least one terminal receiving cavity that communicates with the seal receiving cavity and forwards toward a front surface of the housing. The waterproof connector further has a first waterproof seal (pairing seal) positioned in the seal receiving cavity and chemically coupled to the housing. The first waterproof seal has a rear surface that is generally flush with a rear surface of the housing. The first waterproof seal has at least one through hole disposed through the first waterproof seal. The at least one through hole is aligned with the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the housing. The first waterproof seal is provided with at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole. The at least one rib is configured to seal a wire inserted through the corresponding through hole to prevent water from intruding into the at least one terminal receiving cavity via the at least one through hole of the first waterproof seal.

In another embodiment, the housing and the first waterproof seal are formed from a portion of one or two injection molding operations.

In another embodiment, the housing is formed from polypropylene and the first waterproof seal is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

In another embodiment, the at least one terminal receiving cavity is configured to receive a female terminal therein.

In another embodiment, the at least one terminal receiving cavity is configured to receive a male terminal therein.

In another embodiment, the first waterproof seal is provided with a stress relief. The strain relief is positioned between a rear surface of the first waterproof seal and the at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole.

In another embodiment, the stress relief portion includes a plurality of flanges that extend into the at least one through hole. The plurality of flanges are configured to be positioned against the wire to prevent the wire from tilting.

In another embodiment, the respective flanges are disposed at equal intervals from adjacent flanges.

In another embodiment, each flange has a rear surface, a first inner surface, a second inner surface, and a third inner surface. The rear surface of each flange is generally flush with the rear surface of the first waterproof seal. The first inner surface extends obliquely inwardly and forwardly to the second inner surface. The second inner surface extends forward to the third inner surface. The third inner surface extends obliquely outwardly and forwardly to a wall defined by the at least one through hole.

In another embodiment, a portion of a selectively engaged locking structure is operatively associated with the housing. The selectively engaged locking structure is configured to connect the first waterproof connector to another connector.

In another embodiment, the selectively engaged locking structure The part is an elastic buckle.

In another embodiment, the portion of the selectively engaged locking structure is a locking portion.

In another embodiment, the waterproof connector has a second waterproof seal (annular seal). The second waterproof seal is chemically bonded to an outer surface of the housing. The second waterproof seal is configured to form a waterproof seal between the waterproof connector and the other connector when another connector is coupled to the waterproof connector.

In another embodiment, the housing, the first waterproof seal, and the second waterproof seal are formed as part of a two injection molding operation.

In another embodiment, the housing is formed of polypropylene and the first waterproof seal and the second waterproof seal are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

In another embodiment, the first waterproof seal and the second waterproof seal are integrally formed.

In another embodiment, the second waterproof seal has at least one rib extending outwardly from the second waterproof seal. The at least one rib is configured to fold in a direction opposite to a water intrusion direction when the other connector is coupled to the waterproof connector. The at least one rib is folded over the other connector to prevent water from intruding into the at least one terminal receiving cavity via a connection portion between the waterproof connector and the other connector.

In a second aspect of the invention, in an embodiment, an anti-claim is provided Water connector assembly. The waterproof connector assembly has a first connector having a first housing and a first waterproof seal (annular seal). The first housing has a front surface and a rear surface. The first housing has at least one terminal receiving cavity for receiving the first terminal. The first waterproof seal is chemically bonded to an outer surface of the first housing adjacent to a front surface of the first housing. The first waterproof seal has at least one rib extending outward from the first waterproof seal. The waterproof connector assembly has a second connector having a second housing. The second housing has a front surface and a rear surface. The second housing has at least one terminal receiving cavity for receiving the second terminal. The second terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first terminal. The at least one rib is configured to fold in a direction opposite to a water intrusion direction when the second connector is coupled to the first connector. Folding the at least one rib on the second connector to prevent water from intruding into the first and second housings via a connection portion between the first connector and the second connector At least one terminal receiving cavity.

In another embodiment, the first housing and the second housing each define a seal receiving cavity, and the seal receiving cavity is respectively opened on a rear surface of the first housing and the first a rear surface of the two housings and extending forwardly to the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the first housing and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing, respectively. The two seal receiving chambers respectively communicate with the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the first housing and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing. The first connector and the second connector each further include a plurality of the two secrets respectively The seal receiving cavity is chemically coupled to the second waterproof seal (pairing seal) of the first housing and the second housing, respectively.

In another embodiment, each of the second waterproof seals has a rear surface that is substantially flush with a rear surface of the first housing and a rear surface of the second housing, respectively. Each of the second waterproof seals has at least one through hole disposed through the second waterproof seal. The at least one through hole is respectively aligned with the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the first housing and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing. Each of the second waterproof seals is provided with at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole. The at least one rib is configured to seal a wire inserted through each of the second waterproof seals to prevent water from intruding into the first housing through the at least one through hole of the second waterproof seal The at least one terminal receiving cavity and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing are described.

In another embodiment, each of the second waterproof seals is further provided with a stress relief. The strain relief is positioned between a rear surface of the second waterproof seal and the at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole.

In another embodiment, the second waterproof seal of the first connector is integrally formed with the first waterproof seal of the first connector.

In another embodiment, the waterproof connector assembly further includes a selectively engaged locking structure configured to connect the first connector to the second connector. The first waterproof seal is disposed when the selectively engaged locking knot Forming a waterproof seal between the first connector and the second connector when the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

In a third aspect of the invention, in an embodiment, a waterproof connector assembly is provided. The waterproof connector assembly includes a first connector having a first housing and a first waterproof seal. The first housing has a front surface and a rear surface. The first housing has at least one terminal receiving cavity for receiving the first terminal. The first waterproof seal is chemically bonded to an outer surface of the first housing adjacent to a front surface thereof. The waterproof connector assembly further includes: a second connector having a second housing. The second housing has a front surface and a rear surface. The second housing has at least one terminal receiving cavity for receiving the second terminal, and the second terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first terminal. The waterproof connector assembly also includes a selectively engaged locking structure configured to connect the first connector to the second connector. The first waterproof seal is disposed at the first connector and the second connector when the selectively engaged locking structure interconnects the first connector and the second connector A waterproof seal is formed between them.

20‧‧‧Waterproof connector assembly

30‧‧‧Selectively engaged locking structure

40‧‧‧Female terminal

42‧‧‧ front end

50‧‧‧First wire

60‧‧‧ Male terminal

62‧‧‧ front end

70‧‧‧second wire

100‧‧‧First connector

102‧‧‧ housing

104‧‧‧Waterproof seals

106‧‧‧ Rear

108‧‧‧ front

109‧‧‧ outer surface

110‧‧‧Back surface

112‧‧‧ front surface

114‧‧‧ outer surface

116‧‧‧ outer shoulder

118‧‧‧Flange

120‧‧‧ front surface

122‧‧‧Back surface

126‧‧‧Flexible holding department

128‧‧‧ Sealing chamber

130‧‧‧ inside and rear surface

132‧‧‧ cavity wall

134‧‧‧Terminal receiving cavity

136‧‧‧ Rear

138‧‧‧Central

140‧‧‧ front

142‧‧‧ cavity wall

144‧‧‧ Rear

145‧‧‧ inner front surface

146‧‧‧Intermediate connection

148‧‧‧ front

149‧‧‧ outer rear surface

150‧‧‧Back surface

152‧‧‧ front surface

154‧‧‧ outer surface

156‧‧‧through hole

158‧‧‧ wall

160‧‧‧ ribs

162‧‧‧The Stress Relief Department

164‧‧‧Flange

166‧‧‧Back surface

168‧‧‧ first inner surface

170‧‧‧Second inner surface

172‧‧‧ Third inner surface

174‧‧‧ ribs

176‧‧‧Connecting components

178‧‧‧Extension components

200‧‧‧Second connector

202‧‧‧Shell

204‧‧‧Waterproof seals

206‧‧‧ Rear

208‧‧‧Central

210‧‧‧ front

212‧‧‧Back surface

214‧‧‧ front surface

216‧‧‧ outer surface

218‧‧‧First outer shoulder

220‧‧‧Second outer shoulder

222‧‧‧Locking Department

224‧‧‧Blocking chamber

226‧‧‧ Sealing chamber

228‧‧‧ inside and rear surface

230‧‧‧ cavity wall

232‧‧‧Terminal receiving cavity

234‧‧‧ inner front surface

236‧‧‧ Rear

238‧‧‧Central

240‧‧‧ front

242‧‧‧ cavity wall

244‧‧‧Connector housing cavity

246‧‧‧ Rear

248‧‧‧ front

250‧‧‧ cavity wall

252‧‧‧ inner shoulder

250a‧‧‧ front wall

250b‧‧‧Back wall

254‧‧‧Back surface

256‧‧‧ outer surface

258‧‧‧ front surface

260‧‧‧through hole

262‧‧‧ wall

264‧‧‧ ribs

266‧‧‧ Stress Relief Department

268‧‧‧Flange

270‧‧‧ rear surface

272‧‧‧First inner surface

274‧‧‧Second inner surface

276‧‧‧ Third inner surface

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in FIG ; 2 shows a second perspective view of this embodiment of the waterproof connector assembly; FIG. 3 shows a first exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the waterproof connector assembly showing a first connector of the waterproof connector assembly And a second connector; FIG. 4 shows a second exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the waterproof connector assembly showing the first connector and the second connector of the waterproof connector assembly; FIG. 5 shows the waterproof connection A first perspective view of the first connector of the component assembly; FIG. 6 illustrates a second perspective view of the first connector of the waterproof connector assembly; FIG. 7 illustrates a housing of the first connector of the waterproof connector assembly Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a waterproof seal of the first connector of the waterproof connector assembly; Figure 9 is a second perspective view of the waterproof seal of the first connector of the waterproof connector assembly; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the waterproof seal of the first connector of the waterproof connector assembly; Figure 11 shows a first perspective view of a second connector of the waterproof connector assembly; Figure 12 shows the waterproof connector assembly a second connector Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a housing of the second connector of the waterproof connector assembly; Figure 14 is a first perspective view of a waterproof seal of the second connector of the waterproof connector assembly; a second seal of the waterproof connector of the second connector of the waterproof connector assembly Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the waterproof seal of the second connector of the waterproof connector assembly; Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the waterproof connector assembly showing the wires/terminals in place; and Figure 18 shows the waterproof A sub-anatomical view of a portion of the connector assembly showing the interaction between the second connector and the waterproof seal of the first connector.

Referring to Figures 1-4, a waterproof connector assembly of an embodiment is generally indicated at 20. The waterproof connector assembly 20 includes a first connector 100 and a second connector 200 that are disposed to be butted together.

As used herein, the terms front, front surface, etc., will be associated with a pair of ends of a connector. Likewise, as used herein, the terms rear, rear surface, etc. will be associated with a terminal/wire insertion end of a connector.

The first connector 100 is best shown in Figures 5-10. The first connector 100 includes a housing (first housing) 102 and a waterproof seal 104. The housing 102 is formed in a first molding operation (e.g., a first injection molding) and the waterproof seal 104 is formed in a second molding operation (e.g., a second injection molding). Thus, the first connector 100 is provided with a housing 102 and a one formed by one injection molding operation. Waterproof seal 104. The waterproof seal 104 is formed from a material that will be chemically bonded to the housing 102. In a preferred embodiment, the waterproof seal 104 can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the housing 102 can be formed from polypropylene.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the housing 102 has a rear portion 106 and a front portion 108. The rear portion 106 extends from a rear surface 110 of the housing 102 to the front portion 108. The front portion 108 extends from the rear portion 106 to a front surface 112 of the housing 102. The rear portion 106 and the front portion 108 each have a generally box-like configuration. An outer surface 114 of the housing 102 extends from the rear surface 110 to the front surface 112. The rear portion 106 is relatively large in size relative to the front portion 108 such that an exposed front surface of the rear portion 106 defines an outer shoulder portion 116 of the outer surface 114 of the housing 102.

Referring to FIG. 5, the front portion 108 of the housing 102 has a plurality of flanges 118 that extend outwardly from the outer surface 114. Each flange 118 has a front surface 120 that is preferably flush with the front surface 112 of the housing 102. Each flange 118 has a rear surface 122 that is spaced apart from the outer shoulder 116 thereby defining a respective recess between the outer shoulder 116 and the plurality of flanges 118. Each flange 118 is preferably disposed 90 degrees from the adjacent flange 118.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the housing 102 has an elastic latching portion 126 that extends outwardly from the rear portion 106 of the outer surface 114 of the housing 102. The resilient clasp 126 is preferably disposed on the same side of the housing 102 as a flange 118. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the resilient clasp 126 does not extend onto the front portion 108 of the housing 102. The resilient latching portion 126 forms a selectively engaged locking structure of the waterproof connector assembly 20 Part of 30.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the housing 102 defines a seal receiving cavity 128. The seal receiving cavity 128 extends forwardly from the rear surface 110 of the housing 102 at the rear portion 106 to an inner rear surface 130 of the housing 102. The seal receiving cavity 128 defines a cavity wall 132 that extends from the rear surface 110 of the housing 102 to the inner rear surface 130 of the housing 102. The inner rear surface 130 of the housing 102 is preferably disposed within the rear portion 106 of the housing 102.

The housing 102 defines a plurality of terminal receiving cavities 134 that extend forwardly from the inner rear surface 130 of the housing 102 to the front surface 112 of the housing 102. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the plurality of terminal receiving cavities 134 are four in number, but it will be understood that more or fewer (or even one) may be provided as desired. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the plurality of terminal receiving cavities 134 are arranged in a 2×2 double row, but it will be understood that the plurality of terminal receiving cavities 134 may alternatively be arranged in a single row. . Each of the terminal receiving cavities 134 has a rear portion 136, a middle portion 138, and a front portion 140. The rear portion 136, the middle portion 138, and the front portion 140 are each preferably cylindrical in shape. Each terminal receiving cavity 134 defines a cavity wall 142 that extends from the inner rear surface 130 of the housing 102 to the front surface 112 of the housing 102.

Referring to FIG. 7, the rear portion 136 of the terminal receiving cavity 134 extends from the inner rear surface 130 to the corresponding middle portion 138. The middle portion 138 extends from the corresponding rear portion 136 to the corresponding front portion 140. The front portion 140 extends from the corresponding middle portion 138 to the front surface 112 of the housing 102. The middle portion 138 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the rear portion 136 of the housing 102 and the diameter of the front portion 140 to assist in the retention of the terminals.

As best seen in Figures 8-10, the waterproof seal 104 has a rear portion (a mating seal) 144, an intermediate connection portion 146, and a front portion (an annular seal member) 148. The rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 extends from a rear surface 150 of the waterproof seal 104 to the intermediate connection portion 146. The intermediate connection 146 extends from the rear portion 144 to the front portion 148. The front portion 148 extends from the intermediate connection portion 146 to a front surface 152 of the waterproof seal 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 is configured to be positioned and fill the space of the seal receiving cavity 128 of the housing 102. The rear surface 150 of the waterproof seal 104 is preferably flush with the rear surface 110 of the housing 102. An outer surface 154 of the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 is chemically bonded to the cavity wall 132 defined by the seal receiving cavity 128 of the housing 102. An inner front surface 145 (see FIG. 10) of the rear portion 144 of the watertight seal 104 is chemically bonded to the inner rear surface 130 of the housing 102.

Referring to Figures 7, 8, and 10, the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 defines a plurality of through holes 156, each of the through holes 156 defining a wall 158 that extends forwardly from the rear surface 150 of the waterproof seal 104 to a watertight seal. Inner front surface 145 of rear portion 144 of piece 104. As shown in Figure 8, the number of through holes 156 is four, but it will be understood that more or fewer (or even one) can be provided as desired. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of through holes 156 are arranged in a 2 x 2 double row arrangement, but it will be understood that the through holes 156 may alternatively be arranged in a single row. The number of through holes 156 provided and the arrangement of the through holes 156 (for example, double row or single row) should be the same as the terminal receiving cavity provided in the casing 102 (see FIG. 5). The number and arrangement of 134 are the same. Each of the through holes 156 is disposed to be aligned with one of the terminal receiving cavities 134.

Referring to Figures 7 and 10, each of the through holes 156 preferably has a diameter that is preferably equal to the diameter of the rear portion 136 of the terminal receiving cavity 134. Thus, the wall 158 of the through hole 156 that is adjacent to the rear portion 136 of the terminal receiving cavity 134 is preferably flush with the cavity wall 142 of the rear portion 136 of the terminal receiving cavity 134.

The rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 has a plurality of ribs 160 extending circumferentially inwardly from the walls 158 of the through holes 156. As shown in Figure 10, the number of ribs 160 is three, but it will be understood that more or fewer (or even one) can be provided as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, between the plurality of ribs 160 and the rear surface 150 of the waterproof seal 104, the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 has a stress relief portion 162 defined in the through hole 156. The strain relief 162 is defined by a plurality of flanges 164 that extend inwardly from the wall 158 of the through bore 156 in the longitudinal direction. Each flange 164 is preferably spaced from the adjacent flange 164 at equal intervals. As shown, the flange 164 is preferably four in number and preferably 90 degrees apart from the adjacent flange 164. Although the flanges 164 are shown as four, it will be understood that more or fewer can be provided as desired.

Each flange 164 preferably has a rear surface 166 that is flush with the rear surface 150 of the waterproof seal 104. Each flange 164 has a first inner surface 168 that extends inwardly and forwardly to a second inner surface 170. If desired, the junction between the rear surface 166 of the flange 164 and the first inner surface 168 of the flange 164 can be It is a circular arc. The second inner surface 170 extends forwardly to a third inner surface 172. The third inner surface 172 extends outwardly and forwardly to the wall 158 of the through hole 156.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 is disposed to surround the outer surface 114 of the front portion 108 of the housing 102 and is generally positioned between the outer shoulder 116 and the rear surface 122 of the flange 118. The front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 thus substantially fills the space defined by the recess.

Referring to Figures 5, 7, and 8, the outer rear surface 149 of the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 is chemically bonded to the outer shoulder 116. The front surface 152 of the front portion 148 of the watertight seal 104 is chemically bonded to the rear surface 122 of the flange 118. An inner surface 155 (see FIG. 9) of the front portion 148 of the watertight seal 104 is chemically bonded to the outer surface 109 of the front portion 108 of the housing 102.

Referring to Figures 7-9, the outer surface 154 of the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 has a diameter that is preferably slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 118. The front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 has a plurality of ribs 174 that extend circumferentially outward from the outer surface 154 of the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104. The number of ribs 174 is three, but it will be understood that more or fewer (or even one) may be provided as desired. Each rib 174 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the flange 118, but each rib 174 has an outer diameter that is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the outer surface 114 of the rear portion 106 of the housing 102.

The intermediate connection portion 146 of the waterproof seal 104 connects the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 to the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104. As shown in Figure 8-10, the middle The connecting portion 146 preferably includes four connecting members 176 and four extending members 178, although it will be understood that more or fewer can be provided as desired. Each connecting element 176 extends from the inner front surface 145 of the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 to the outer rear surface 149 of the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104. Each extension element 178 extends from the inner front surface 145 of the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 toward the outer rear surface 149 of the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104. Unlike the connecting element 176, the extending element 178 preferably does not extend to and is not connected to the outer rear surface 149. Each of the connecting elements 176 and each of the extending elements 178 extend through a corresponding aperture (the corresponding aperture is disposed through the rear portion 106 of the housing 102). The corresponding holes do not interfere and do not open into the terminal receiving cavity 134 defined by the housing 102. The corresponding aperture preferably does not pass in and out via the outer surface 114 of the housing 102, but the corresponding aperture may alternatively be formed integrally or partially as a recess disposed along the outer surface 114 of the housing 102. Connecting element 176 and extension element 178 are chemically bonded to housing 102.

The second connector 200 is best shown in Figures 11-16. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the second connector 200 includes a housing (second housing) 202 and a waterproof seal 204. The housing 202 is formed in a first molding operation (e.g., a first injection molding) and the waterproof seal 204 is formed in a second molding operation (e.g., a second injection molding). Thus, the second connector 200 is provided with a housing 202 and a waterproof seal 204 formed by one or two injection molding operations. The waterproof seal 204 is formed from a material that will be chemically bonded to the housing 202. In a preferred embodiment, the waterproof seal 204 can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the housing 202 can be formed from polypropylene.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the housing 202 has a rear portion 206, a central portion 208, and a front portion 210. The rear portion 206 extends from a rear surface 212 of the housing 202 to a central portion 208. The middle portion 208 extends from the rear portion 206 to the front portion 210. The front portion 210 extends from the central portion 208 to a front surface 214 of the housing 202. The rear portion 206, the middle portion 208, and the front portion 210 each have a generally box-shaped structure. An outer surface 216 of the housing 202 extends from the rear surface 212 to the front surface 214. The rear portion 206 is smaller in size relative to the central portion 208 such that an exposed rear surface of the central portion 208 defines a first outer shoulder 218 of the outer surface 216 of the housing 202. The central portion 208 is smaller in size than the front portion 210 such that an exposed rear surface of the front portion 210 defines a second outer shoulder 220 of the outer surface 216 of the housing 202.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, the housing 202 has a locking portion 222 that extends outwardly from a side of the front portion 210 of the outer surface 216 of the housing 202. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the locking portion 222 does not extend to the central portion 208 or the rear portion 206 of the housing 202. The locking portion 222 forms a second portion of the selectively engaged locking structure 30 of the waterproof connector assembly 20. The locking portion 222 defines a latching portion receiving cavity 224.

Referring to Figure 13, the housing 202 defines a seal receiving cavity 226. The seal receiving cavity 226 extends forwardly from the rear surface 212 of the housing 202 within the rear portion 206 to an inner rear surface 228 of the housing 202. The seal receiving cavity 226 defines a cavity wall 230 that extends from the rear surface 212 of the housing 202 to the inner rear surface 228 of the housing 202. The inner rear surface 228 of the housing 202 is preferably disposed at the rear portion 206 of the housing 202.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 13, the housing 202 is defined from the inside of the housing 202. Surface 228 extends forwardly to a plurality of terminal receiving cavities 232 of an inner front surface 234 of housing 202. As shown in Figure 13, the number of terminal receiving cavities 232 is four, but it will be understood that more or fewer (or even one) can be provided as desired. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of terminal receiving cavities 232 are arranged in a 2 x 2 double row arrangement, but it will be understood that the plurality of terminal receiving cavities 232 may alternatively be arranged in a single row. The number of terminal receiving cavities 232 provided and the arrangement of the terminal receiving cavities 232 (for example, double row or single row) should be the same as the number and arrangement of the terminal receiving cavities 134 provided in the housing 102 of the first connector 100. Consistent. Each of the terminal receiving cavities 232 has a rear portion 236, a middle portion 238, and a front portion 240. The rear portion 236, the middle portion 238, and the front portion 240 are each preferably cylindrical in shape. Each terminal receiving cavity 232 defines a cavity wall 242 that extends from the inner rear surface 228 of the housing 202 to the inner front surface 234 of the housing 202.

Referring to Figure 13, the rear portion 236 of the terminal receiving cavity 232 extends from the inner rear surface 228 to a corresponding central portion 238. The central portion 238 extends from the corresponding rear portion 236 to the corresponding front portion 240. The front portion 240 extends from the corresponding middle portion 238 to the inner front surface 234 of the housing 202. The middle portion 238 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the rear portion 236 of the terminal receiving cavity 232 and the diameter of the front portion 240.

Referring to Figures 11 and 13, the central portion 208 and the front portion 210 of the housing 202 define a connector receiving cavity 244. The connector receiving cavity 244 extends rearwardly from the front surface 214 of the housing 202 and through the front portion 210 and into the central portion 208 up to the inner front surface 234 of the housing 202.

The connector receiving cavity 244 has a rear portion 246 and a front portion 248. The rear portion 246 of the connector receiving cavity 244 is defined by the central portion 208 of the housing 202, while the front portion 248 of the connector receiving cavity 244 is defined by the front portion 210 of the housing 202. The connector receiving cavity 244 defines a cavity wall 250 that extends from the front surface 214 of the housing 202 to the inner front surface 234 of the housing 202. The rear portion 246 of the connector receiving cavity 244 is smaller than the front portion 248 of the connector receiving cavity 244 such that an exposed inner front surface of the central portion 208 defines an inner shoulder 252 of the cavity wall 250 of the housing 202. Thus, the inner shoulder 252 divides the cavity wall 250 into a front cavity wall 250a of the front portion 210 of the housing 202 and a rear cavity wall 250b of the central portion 208 of the housing 202.

A portion of the front portion 210 of the housing 202 is removed such that the front portion 248 of the connector receiving cavity 244 communicates with the buckle receiving cavity 224 defined by the locking portion 222.

As best seen in Figures 14-16, a watertight seal (a pair of seals) 204 is provided to position and fill the space of the seal receiving cavity 226 of the housing 202. A rear surface 254 of the waterproof seal 204 is preferably flush with the rear surface 212 of the housing 202. An outer surface 256 of the watertight seal 204 is chemically bonded to the cavity wall 230 defined by the seal receiving cavity 226 of the housing 202 (see Figure 13). A front surface 258 of the waterproof seal 204 is chemically bonded to the inner rear surface 228 of the housing 202 (see Figure 13).

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, the waterproof seal 204 defines a plurality of through holes 260, each of the through holes 260 defining a wall 262 that extends forwardly from the rear surface 254 of the waterproof seal 204 to the front surface 258 of the waterproof seal 204. . As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the number of through holes 260 is four, but it will be understood that more or fewer can be set as needed. (even one). Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the plurality of through holes 260 are disposed in a 2×2 double row arrangement, but it will be understood that the through holes 260 may alternatively be disposed in a single row. The number of through holes 260 provided and the arrangement of the through holes 260 (for example, a double row or a single row) should be identical to the number and arrangement of the terminal receiving cavities 232 provided in the housing 202. Each of the through holes 260 is disposed to be aligned with one of the terminal receiving cavities 232.

Each of the through holes 260 preferably has a diameter that is preferably equal to the diameter of the rear portion 236 of the terminal receiving cavity 232. Thus, the wall 262 of the through hole 260 that is adjacent to the rear portion 236 of the terminal receiving cavity 232 is preferably flush with the cavity wall 242 of the rear portion 236 of the terminal receiving cavity 232.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the waterproof seal 204 has a plurality of ribs 264 extending inwardly from the walls 262 of the through holes 260. As shown in Figure 16, the number of ribs 264 is three, but it will be understood that more or fewer (or even one) may be provided as desired.

Between the plurality of ribs 264 and the rear surface 254 of the waterproof seal 204, the waterproof seal 204 has a strain relief 266 defined within the through bore 260. The strain relief 266 is defined by a plurality of flanges 268 that extend inwardly from the wall 262 of the through bore 260 in the longitudinal direction. Each flange 268 is preferably spaced from the adjacent flange 268 at equal intervals. As shown, the flange 268 is preferably four in number and preferably spaced 90 degrees from the adjacent flange 268. Although the flanges 268 are shown as four, it will be understood that more or fewer can be provided as desired.

Referring to Figures 14 and 16, each flange 268 preferably has a waterproof seal A rear surface 270 of the rear surface 254 of the 204 is flush. Each flange 268 has a first inner surface 272 that extends inwardly and forwardly to a second inner surface 274. If desired, the connecting portion between the rear surface 270 of the flange 268 and the first inner surface 272 of the flange 268 can be arcuate. The second inner surface 274 extends forwardly to a third inner surface 276. The third inner surface 276 extends outwardly and forwardly to the wall 262 of the through hole 260.

The waterproof seal 204 can be provided with a front extension (not shown) that extends forward from the front surface 258 of the waterproof seal 204. The front extension extends forwardly through a corresponding aperture (not shown) (the corresponding aperture is disposed through the rear portion 206 of the housing 202). The corresponding holes do not interfere and do not open into the terminal receiving cavity 232 defined by the housing 202. The corresponding aperture may be integrally or partially formed as a recess disposed along the outer surface 216 of the housing 202. The front extension can be chemically bonded to the housing 202.

The first connector 100 will now be described in connection with FIGS. 1-4, 17 and 18 to be coupled to the second connector 200 to form the waterproof connector assembly 20. Before the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200, the wires/terminals are to be mounted to the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, which will be explained with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 13 and FIG. 17 , the rear ends of the plurality of female terminals (first terminals) 40 are respectively engaged with the plurality of first wires 50 to fix the female terminal 40 to the first wire 50 and provide the mother. Electrical connection between the terminal 40 and the first lead 50. Similarly, the rear ends of the plurality of male terminals (second terminals) 60 are respectively engaged with the plurality of second wires 70 to fix the male terminal 60 to the second wire 70 and provide the male terminal 60 and the second wire. 70 Electrical connection between. The number of the female terminal 40, the first wire 50, the male terminal 60, and the second wire 70 should be the same as the number of the terminal receiving cavity 134 disposed in the first connector 100 and the terminal receiving cavity 232 disposed in the second connector 200. Consistent.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 17, each female terminal 40 is then inserted and passed through a through hole 156 provided in the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 of the first connector 100. Each female terminal 40 is then inserted into the corresponding terminal receiving cavity 134 until a front end 42 of the female terminal 40 is positioned at the front portion 140 of the terminal receiving cavity 134 but still behind the front surface 112 of the first connector 100. The waterproof seal 104 chemically bonded to the housing 102 helps to ensure that the through hole 156 of the waterproof seal 104 remains properly positioned relative to the terminal receiving cavity 134 of the housing 102 when the female terminal 40 is inserted through the waterproof seal 104.

Referring to Figures 7, 10 and 17, the plurality of ribs 160 of the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 are configured to be forwardly pressed and/or flexed when the female terminal 40 is inserted. When the female terminal 40 is properly positioned within the terminal receiving cavity 134, the plurality of ribs 160 are pressed and/or flexed on the first wire 50. The plurality of ribs 160 are pressed and/or flexed to provide a watertight seal between the first connector 100 and the first wire 50 on the first wire 50, thereby preventing water from intruding into the terminal receiving cavity 134 of the first connector 100. And contacting the female terminal 40.

When the female terminal 40 is properly positioned within the terminal receiving cavity 134, the plurality of flanges 164 of the strain relief 162 are pressed or flexed or bent over the first wire 50. The plurality of flanges 164 are pressed or flexed or bent over the first wire 50 to prevent the first wire The inclination of 50, if the first wire 50 is tilted, will reduce the seal compression on one side of the first wire 50.

Referring to FIGS. 13 , 15 , and 17 , each male terminal 60 is then inserted into and passed through a through hole 260 of the waterproof seal 204 disposed on the second connector 200 . Each male terminal 60 is then inserted into a corresponding terminal receiving cavity 232 until a front end 62 of the male terminal 60 is positioned beyond the inner front surface 234 of the second connector 200. The waterproof seal 204 chemically bonded to the housing 202 helps to ensure that the through hole 260 of the waterproof seal 204 remains properly positioned relative to the terminal receiving cavity 232 of the housing 202 when the male terminal 60 is inserted through the waterproof seal 204.

Referring to Figures 15-17, the plurality of ribs 264 of the waterproof seal 204 are forwardly pressed and/or flexed when the male terminal 60 is inserted. When the male terminal 60 is properly positioned within the terminal receiving cavity 232, the plurality of ribs 264 are pressed and/or flexed onto the second wire 70. The plurality of ribs 264 are pressed and/or flexed to provide a waterproof seal between the second connector 200 and the second wire 70 on the second wire 70, thereby preventing water from intruding into the terminal receiving cavity 232 of the second connector 200. And contact the male terminal 60.

When the male terminal 60 is properly positioned within the terminal receiving cavity 232, the plurality of flanges 268 of the strain relief 266 are pressed or flexed or bent over the second wire 70. The plurality of flanges 268 are pressed or flexed or bent over the second wire 70 to prevent the second wire 70 from tilting, which would reduce the press seal on one side of the second wire 70 if the second wire 70 is tilted.

Referring to FIG. 17, once the first and second connectors 100, 200 have the terminals 40, 60 and the first and second wires 50, 70 respectively positioned and fixed therein, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are They can be fixed relative to one another, thereby allowing the male terminal 60 and the female terminal 40 to engage each other to establish an electrical connection therebetween. This connection will be illustrated by moving the first connector 100 relative to the second connector 200, but it will be understood that this connection can also be made by moving the second connector 200 relative to the first connector 100 or by making the first connection The device 100 and the second connector 200 are moved relative to each other.

Referring to Figures 7, 13, and 17, the first connector 100 is first moved to position the front portion 108 of the housing 102 and the front portion 148 (see Figure 8) of the waterproof seal 104 to the housing of the second connector 200. The connector 202 of the body 202 houses the front portion 248 of the cavity 244. Subsequently, the first connector 100 is moved to position the front portion 108 of the housing 102 and the front portion 148 (see FIG. 8) of the waterproof seal 104 to the connector receiving cavity 244 of the housing 202 of the second connector 200. Inside the rear section 246.

When the front portion 108 of the housing 102 and the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 are properly positioned within the rear portion 246 of the connector receiving cavity 244 of the housing 202 of the second connector 200, the following actions will occur: (1) The front surface 112 of the first connector 100 is in a position facing or abutting against the inner front surface 234 of the second connector 200; (2) each terminal receiving cavity 134 of the first connector 100 is connected to the second connection A corresponding terminal receiving cavity 232 of the device 200 is correctly aligned; (3) the front end 62 of each male terminal 60 of the second connector 200 is inserted into an aligned terminal receiving cavity 134 of the first connector 100 and each The male terminal 60 is engaged with the female terminal 40 disposed in the aligned terminal receiving cavity 134, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the female terminal 40 and the male terminal 60; (4) with reference to FIG. 18, waterproof sealing The plurality of ribs 174 of the front portion 148 (see FIG. 8) of the member 104 will flex rearwardly when engaged with the rear portion 246 of the cavity wall 250 of the connector receiving cavity 244. More specifically, the ribs 174 are set to a particular size and are more easily flipped in a folded, rather than compressed manner. The plurality of ribs 174 are flexed or folded back to provide a waterproof seal between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 on the cavity wall 250, thereby preventing water from being in the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. The connection portion intrudes into any one of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 and contacts either one of the male terminal 60 or the female terminal 40. More specifically, the abutment of the two connectors 100, 200 causes the ribs 174 to flex/fold in a rearward direction, which causes water caused by a vacuum of a hot to cold event. The intrusion is more difficult to perform because the water actually forces the ribs 174 up against the cavity wall 250 of the second connector 200, thereby creating a stronger seal. Moreover, in order to invade the water, the water will have to reverse the rib 174 in the opposite direction to break the rib 174, which requires more force to be achieved; (5) the rear portion 106 of the housing 102 of the first connector 100 One front Positioned in the front portion 248 of the connector receiving cavity 244 of the housing 202 of the second connector 200; and (6) with reference to FIG. 18, the elastic latching portion 126 associated with the first connector 100 is positioned by The locking portion defined by the locking portion 222 of the second connector 200 is received in the receiving portion 224. The locking portion 222 thereby holds and locks the resilient latching portion 126 in place, thereby securely securing the first connector 100 to the second connector 200.

Referring to Figures 8 and 17, it should be noted that the waterproof connector assembly 20 can be modified as needed. For example, one or both of the stress relief portion 162 of the first connector 100 and the stress relief portion 266 of the second connector 200 may be correspondingly removed. Additionally, although the waterproof seal 104 is illustrated and illustrated as a single piece, such a configuration is not required, and if desired, the front portion 148 and the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 are separable such that the intermediate connection portion 146 may not Need or modify as needed.

Referring to Figures 7, 8, and 17, it should also be noted that in some embodiments, the rear portion 144 of the waterproof seal 104 can be omitted. For example, the housing 102 can be directly insert molded around the first wire 50. Such a connector would only be limited to a predetermined wire, but for some applications, the increased robustness of direct molding around the wire may be an acceptable compromise. However, the front portion 148 of the waterproof seal 104 will still need to seal the second connector 200.

The knot of the selectively engaged locking structure 30 can be modified if desired The elastic latching portion is disposed in a holding receiving cavity or a holding receiving recess, and the locking portion is received in the holding receiving cavity or the holding receiving recess to engage with the elastic latching portion. Alternatively, if desired, the structure of the selectively engaged locking structure 30 can be reversed such that the resilient catch is associated with the second connector and the locking portion is associated with the first connector.

Although the connector assembly 20 is illustrated herein as a waterproof connector assembly 20, it will be understood that the connector assembly 20 can also be used to prevent other liquids, gases, or foreign matter particles, such as dust, from entering the terminal receiving cavities 134, 232. Thus, the term "water" as used herein and in the scope of the claims is to be interpreted broadly to encompass any liquid, gas or foreign particle.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed systems and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present application may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. The disclosure or examples of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative of specific examples of the disclosure and are not intended to imply any limitation of the scope of the disclosure. All the differences and ambiguities of the features are intended to indicate that those features are not preferred, but are not to be completely excluded from the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise stated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to be a simplistic expression, which is intended to independently refer to the individual values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein In, as it is in this article It is listed as independently. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims. In addition, any combination of the above-described components of the present disclosure in all possible variations of the present disclosure is encompassed by the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

Claims (24)

A waterproof connector comprising: a housing extending from a front surface to a rear surface, the housing defining a seal receiving cavity, the seal receiving cavity opening on a rear surface of the housing, The housing further defines at least one terminal receiving cavity that communicates with the seal receiving cavity and extends forward toward the front surface of the housing; and a first waterproof seal positioned in the seal receiving cavity and chemically Combined with the housing, the first waterproof seal has a rear surface that is substantially flush with a rear surface of the housing, and the first waterproof seal is provided with at least the first waterproof seal a through hole, the at least one through hole being aligned with the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the housing, the first waterproof seal being provided with at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole, The at least one rib is configured to seal a wire inserted through the corresponding through hole to prevent water from intruding into the at least one terminal receiving cavity via the at least one through hole of the first waterproof seal. The waterproof connector of claim 1, wherein the housing and the first waterproof seal are formed by a portion of a two-shot molding operation. The waterproof connector of claim 2, wherein the housing is formed of polypropylene and the first waterproof seal is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The waterproof connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one terminal receiving cavity is disposed to receive a female terminal therein. The waterproof connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one terminal receiving cavity is disposed to receive a male terminal therein. The waterproof connector of claim 1, wherein the first waterproof seal A stress relief portion is also disposed, the strain relief being positioned between a rear surface of the first waterproof seal and the at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole. The waterproof connector of claim 6, wherein the stress relief portion includes a plurality of flanges extending into the at least one through hole, the plurality of flanges being disposed to be positioned against the wire, To prevent the wire from tilting. The waterproof connector of claim 7, wherein each of the flanges is disposed at equal intervals from the adjacent flanges. The waterproof connector of claim 7, wherein each flange has a rear surface, a first inner surface, a second inner surface, and a third inner surface, the rear surface of each flange and the first waterproof a rear surface of the seal is substantially flush, the first inner surface extending obliquely inwardly and forwardly to the second inner surface, the second inner surface extending forwardly to the third inner surface, the first The three inner surfaces extend obliquely outwardly and forwardly to a wall defined by the at least one through hole. The waterproof connector of claim 1, wherein a portion of a selectively engaged locking structure is operatively associated with the housing, the selectively engaged locking structure configured to connect the waterproof connection The device is connected to another connector. The waterproof connector of claim 10, wherein the portion of the selectively engaged locking structure is an elastic buckle. The waterproof connector of claim 10, wherein the portion of the selectively engaged locking structure is a locking portion. The waterproof connector of claim 1, further comprising a second waterproof seal a seal, the second waterproof seal is chemically coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and the second waterproof seal is disposed at the waterproof connector when another connector is coupled to the waterproof connector A waterproof seal is formed with the other connector. The waterproof connector of claim 13, wherein the housing, the first waterproof seal, and the second waterproof seal are formed as part of a two-shot injection molding operation. The waterproof connector of claim 14, wherein the housing is formed of polypropylene, and the first waterproof seal and the second waterproof seal are formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The waterproof connector of claim 13, wherein the first waterproof seal and the second waterproof seal are integrally formed. The waterproof connector of claim 13, wherein the second waterproof seal has at least one rib extending outward, the at least one rib being disposed to be connected to the waterproof when the other connector is connected The connector is folded in a direction opposite to the direction of water intrusion; wherein the at least one rib is folded over the other connector to prevent water from passing through the waterproof connector and the other connector The connection portion between the two invades the at least one terminal receiving cavity. A waterproof connector assembly includes: a first connector having a first housing and a first waterproof seal, the first housing having a front surface and a rear surface, the first housing having At least one terminal receiving cavity for receiving the first terminal, the first waterproof seal being chemically coupled to the front surface of the first housing An outer surface of the first housing, the first waterproof seal has at least one rib extending outward from the first waterproof seal; and a second connector having a second housing The second housing has a front surface and a rear surface, the second housing has at least one terminal receiving cavity for receiving the second terminal, and the second terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first terminal; The at least one rib is configured to fold in a direction opposite to a water intrusion direction when the second connector is coupled to the first connector; wherein the at least one rib is folded over The second connector prevents water from intruding into the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the first housing and the second housing via a connection portion between the first connector and the second connector. The waterproof connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the first housing and the second housing each define a seal receiving cavity, and the seal receiving cavity is respectively open to the first housing a rear surface and a rear surface of the second housing and extending forwardly to the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the first housing and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing, respectively Two seal receiving cavities respectively communicating with the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the first housing and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing, and wherein the first connector and the first connector The second connectors each further include a second waterproof seal positioned to the two seal receiving cavities and chemically coupled to the first housing and the second housing, respectively. The waterproof connector assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the second waterproof seals has a rear surface of the first housing and the second housing a substantially flush rear surface of the rear surface, each of the second waterproof seals having at least one through hole disposed through the second waterproof seal, the at least one through hole and the at least one of the first housings respectively The terminal receiving cavity is aligned with the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing, and each of the second waterproof seals is provided with at least one rib extending into the at least one through hole, the at least one rib a portion is configured to seal a wire inserted through each of the second waterproof seals to prevent water from intruding into the at least one terminal of the first housing through the at least one through hole of the second waterproof seal The cavity and the at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second housing. The waterproof connector assembly of claim 20, wherein each of the second waterproof seals is further provided with a stress relief portion, the stress relief portion being positioned at a rear surface of the second waterproof seal and extending into the at least one pass Between the at least one rib in the hole. The waterproof connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the second waterproof seal of the first connector is integrally formed with the first waterproof seal of the first connector. The waterproof connector assembly of claim 18, further comprising: a selectively engaged locking structure configured to connect the first connector to the second connector, the first waterproof seal being configured to A waterproof seal is formed between the first connector and the second connector when the selectively engaged locking structure interconnects the first connector and the second connector. A waterproof connector assembly comprising: a first connector having a first housing and a first waterproof seal, the first housing having a front surface and a rear surface, the first housing having at least a first terminal for receiving the first terminal a terminal receiving cavity and a sealing member receiving cavity, the sealing member receiving cavity is open to a rear surface of the housing, the first waterproof sealing member is positioned in the sealing member receiving cavity and chemically coupled to the first An outer surface of a casing adjacent to a front surface thereof; a second connector having a second casing, the second casing having a front surface and a rear surface, the second casing having Accommodating at least one terminal receiving cavity of the second terminal, the second terminal being disposed to be electrically connected to the first terminal; and a selectively engaged locking structure configured to connect the first connector to the a second connector, the first waterproof seal being disposed at the first connector and the ground when the selectively engaged locking structure interconnects the first connector and the second connector Forming a waterproof seal between the second connectors .