WO2014105457A2

WO2014105457A2 - Waterproof member and waterproofing method

Info

Publication number: WO2014105457A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/074885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kengo TAKASU
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2012-12-28
Filing date: 2013-12-13
Publication date: 2014-07-03
Also published as: WO2014105457A3; JP2014130709A

Abstract

Problem: To provide a waterproof member and a waterproofing method whereby good waterproofing can be ensured. Solution: An insulating waterproof member that waterproofs a connecting portion of a cable, comprising a sheet member that covers the connecting portion, wherein the sheet member has a body portion for covering the connecting portion in which an adhesive material layer comprising a material having adhesive properties with respect to the connecting portion is laminated onto a first face, and an extending portion that extends in a first direction from the body portion, the extending portion being able to apply pressure on the body portion that covers the connecting portion with a first region at one end side of the body portion in a second direction that intersects the first direction and a second region at another end side of the body portion.

Description

Title of the Invention: WATERPROOF MEMBER AND WATERPROOFING METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a waterproof member of a connecting portion of a cable and a waterproofing method for the same.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H04-324263 describes a method whereby a branch connecting portion of electrical wire is mounted on adhesive sealing material of a waterproof sheet in which the adhesive sealing material is provided on one side of a protective sheet, a parallel wire group of a main line and branch lines is arranged in a single horizontal row, the waterproof sheet is rolled with the adhesive sealing material facing inward, thereby forcing the parallel wire group into a circular arrangement in accordance with the curvature of the rolling, both edges of the waterproof sheet are joined, and pressure is applied to the waterproof sheet.

[0003]

Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application Publication No. S57- 147240 describes a self- fusing tape that is wrapped around a connecting portion of a cable in order to insulate or waterproof a cable connection interface in an outdoor unit.

[0004]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-322418 describes a waterproof structure, comprising a first opening part having a smaller diameter than that of a stem part of a coaxial connector at one end and a second opening part having a smaller diameter than that of a cable at another end, and further comprising a flexible waterproofing bag shaped cap and a protective cover to cover the cap when the cap is mounted between the coaxial connector and the cable, in order to achieve a waterproof structure between the coaxial connector and the cable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005]

In a conventional waterproof member, waterproof tape or a waterproof sheet is wrapped around connecting portions of a cable, or water and moisture are prevented from entering by means of a plurality of members including waterproof members, covers, and so on. When wrapping the waterproof tape around the connecting portion, if the distance to other adjacent cables or connecting portions is close, it is impossible to pass the waterproof tape, which is wound into a roll around a core, through gaps with the other cables or connecting portions, making it difficult to wrap the connecting portions without wrinkles or gaps. Moreover, when wrapping the waterproof sheet around the connecting portions, if connectors with widely varying diameters near the connecting portions are used in the connecting portions, the waterproof sheet cannot adapt to the changes in diameter, with the result that the desired degree of waterproofing can sometimes not be sufficiently achieved. Furthermore, when using multiple members, including waterproof members, covers, and the like, the structure and assembly procedure tend to become complex.

Means to Solve the Problem

[0006]

A first aspect of the present invention is an insulating waterproof member that waterproofs a connecting portion of a cable, comprising a sheet member that covers the connecting portion, wherein the sheet member has a body portion in which a sheet is laminated with an adhesive material layer comprising a material having adhesive properties with respect to the connecting portion, the body portion being for covering the connecting portion, and an extending portion that extends in a first direction from the body portion, the extending portion being able to apply pressure on the body portion that covers the connecting portion with a first region at one end side of the body portion in a second direction that intersects the first direction and a second region at another end side of the body portion.

[0007]

In the waterproof member, the sheet member includes an extending portion that extends in the first direction from the body portion. The sheet member is disposed such that the adhesive material layer faces the connecting portion of the cable. After the connecting portion is covered by the body portion of the sheet member, the extending portion applies pressure to the body portion, thereby making it possible to improve the degree of waterproofing. The extending portion is able to apply pressure to the body portion with the first region at the one end side in the second direction and the second region at the other end side. Therefore, the extending portion ensures that waterproofing is provided at both end sides and in the region between the end sides. In this manner, a high degree of waterproofing can be ensured.

[0008]

According to another aspect, the sheet member has, between the first region and the second region, a third region that adjoins the first region and a fourth region that adjoins the second region, and the extending portion is able to apply pressure to the body portion that covers the connecting portion with the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region. The extending portion can thereby apply unfailing pressure on the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region. [009]

In another aspect, the body portion has one or more cutouts in at least one edge that intersects the second direction. Thus, even if the connecting portion has a diameter that varies widely in a longitudinal direction of the cable, wrinkles do not readily form at side edges of the body portion, making it possible to ensure good waterproofing. [0010]

According to another aspect, the sheet member has a plurality of extending portions, and has at least one of a first extending portion that extends from the first region of the body portion, and a second extending portion that extends from the second region of the body portion. A first extending portion thereby unfailingly applies pressure to at least the first region and a second extending portion unfailingly applies pressure to at least the second region. Thus, because the sheet member includes the extending portion at positions corresponding to the regions where pressure is to be applied, operability for installation personnel is improved.

[001 1]

In another aspect, the sheet member has a plurality of extending portions having a first extending portion that extends from the first region of the body portion, a second extending portion that extends from the second region of the body portion, a third extending portion that extends from the third region of the body portion, and a fourth extending portion that extends from the fourth region of the body portion. The first extending portion thereby unfailingly applies pressure to the first region, the second extending portion unfailingly applies pressure to the second region, the third extending portion unfailingly applies pressure to the third region, and the fourth extending portion unfailingly applies pressure to the fourth region. Thus, because the sheet member includes the extending portion at positions corresponding to the regions where pressure is to be applied, operability for installation personnel is improved.

[0012]

In another aspect, a gap between the two adjoining extending portions is formed in a V-shape. Therefore, there is no break between extending portions and pressure can be applied uniformly to the body portion.

[0013]

In a further aspect, the extending portion may have a long strip-like form. By winding the extending portion with the long strip-like form in the second direction from the one end side to the other end side, pressure can be applied to the first region, the second region, and the third region.

[0014]

In a further aspect, the extending portion may apply pressure to the body portion by being stretched and wound onto the connecting portion with the body portion interposed therebetween. In this manner, the installation personnel can ensure reliable waterproofing by the simple operations of stretching the extending portion and winding the stretched extending portion around the connecting portion. [0015]

A further aspect of the present invention is a waterproofing method for waterproofing the connecting portion using the waterproof member described above. By using the waterproof member, the effects described above can be obtained. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0016]

According to the present invention, a connecting portion of a cable can be waterproofed with a high degree of waterproofing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a waterproof member according to the present embodiment and shows a state before use.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof member illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the waterproof member after use. FIG. 3A illustrates the external appearance, and FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view.

FIGS. 4A to 4F are views for illustrating a waterproofing method for waterproofing a connecting portion of a cable using the waterproof member.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are views for illustrating a waterproofing method for waterproofing a connecting portion of a cable using the waterproof member.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for illustrating a waterproofing method for waterproofing a connecting portion of a cable using the waterproof member.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are views for illustrating a waterproofing method for waterproofing a connecting portion of a cable using the waterproof member.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views illustrating an insulating waterproof member according to a comparative example.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a waterproof member according to a modified example.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a waterproof member according to a modified example.

FIG. 1 1 is a view illustrating a waterproof member according to a modified example.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a waterproof member according to a modified example.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a waterproof member according to a modified example.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating another aspect of the connecting portion.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views illustrating yet another aspect of the connecting portion, FIG. 15A illustrating an external appearance and FIG. 15B illustrating a cross-section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the embodiments below, a case involving a connector for a panel-mounted coaxial cable is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to connectors for panel-mounted coaxial cables.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a waterproof member 1 according to the present embodiment and shows a state before use. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the waterproof member 1 after use. FIG. 3A illustrates the external appearance, and FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 A and 3B, the waterproof member 1 waterproofs a coaxial cable 100 and a connecting portion 101. In the present embodiment, a case in which the coaxial cable 100 is connected is described as an example.

With the connecting portion 101, the coaxial cable 100A in which a plug connector 101 A is mounted on a terminal portion is connected to a receptacle 10 IB that is installed in an outside wall panel 103. Note that the receptacle 10 IB is installed in the outside wall panel 103 with a flange portion 102 that is provided to the receptacle 10 IB interposed therebetween. Appropriate waterproofing has been performed between the flange portion 102 and the outside wall panel 103 by means of a seal material or the like. The waterproof member 1 is provided with a sheet member 2 for covering the connecting portion 101. The connecting portion 101 is such that at least a connecting portion between the plug connector 101 A and the receptacle 10 IB and the entire connecting portion of a coaxial cable insertion portion whereby the coaxial cable 100A is inserted into the plug connector 101 A are covered by the sheet member 2. (See FIGS. 3A and 3B.)

[0020]

As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet member 2 is a sheet in which an adhesive layer 3 which provides adhesive properties with respect to the connecting portion 101 and a sheet 4 comprising a material with outstanding water resistance, insulation, and weather resistance are laminated. For the material of the sheet member 4, resins such as polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and the like can be applied. A thickness of the sheet 4 can be set to, for example, approximately 0.6 mm or more or approximately 0.1 mm or more and approximately 0.3 mm or less or approximately 0.15 mm or less. However, any dimension can be used without particular limitation as long as the thickness is a thickness that allows stretching so as to be able to protect the covered object. The adhesive layer 3 prevents entry of moisture by providing adhesive properties with respect to the connecting portion 101. For example, a soft elastic body having self- fusing properties, such as butyl rubber or the like, a soft plastic body such as putty or the like, or an adhesive agent or the like can be applied. A thickness of the adhesive layer 3 can be set to, for example, approximately 0.3 mm or more or approximately 0.6 mm or more and approximately 2 mm or less or approximately 1.5 mm or less. However, any dimension can be used without particular limitation as long as the thickness is a thickness that allows adhesion of the sheet member 2 to the connecting portion 101. A face opposite the sheet 4 side of the adhesive layer 3 constitutes a first face 2a of the sheet member 2 and a face opposite the adhesive layer 3 side of the sheet 4 constitutes a second face 2b.

Moreover, the adhesive layer 3 has adhesive properties with respect to the second face 2b as well.

[0021]

The sheet member 2 includes a body portion 10 for covering the connecting portion 101 and an extending portion 1 1 that extends from the body portion 10 in a first direction Dl. In the following explanation, a second direction D2 is set relative to the first direction D 1 that is a direction of extension of the extending portion 1 1 , and the second direction D2 intersects with (and in this case is perpendicular to) this first direction D 1. [0022]

In the present embodiment, the body portion 10 is formed in a rectangular shape, having outer edges 10a and 1 Ob parallel with the first direction D 1 and outer edges 10c and 1 Od parallel with the second direction D2. The dimensions of the gap between the outer edge 10a and the outer edge 10b and the dimensions of the gap between the outer edge 10c and the outer edge 1 Od may be set to any dimensions sufficient for covering the connecting portion 101. For example, the dimensions of the gap between the outer edge 10a and the outer edge 10b may be approximately 1.5 times to approximately 2 times the dimension along the longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable of the connecting portion 101 and the dimensions of the gap between the outer edge 10c and the outer edge 1 Od may be approximately 1.1 times to approximately 1.5 times a maximum value of an outer circumference of the connecting portion 101. The body portion 10 and the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID are integrally contiguous. Therefore, the outer edge lOd, which is the border between the body portion 10 and the extending portions, is not visible and is indicated by an imaginary line in the drawings. A first region 12A which is a region at one end side in the second direction (the outer edge 10a side in the present embodiment), a second region 12B which is a region at another end side in the second direction (the outer edge 10b side in the present embodiment), a third region 12C which is a region between the first region 12A and the second region 12B, adjoining the first region 12A but not adjoining the second region 12B, and a fourth region 12D which is a region between the third region 12C and the second region 12B, are set in the body portion 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, imaginary lines LI, L2, and L3 which are parallel to the first direction, serve to divide the body portion 10 into four regions along the second direction. The first region 12A is formed between the outer edge 10a and an imaginary line LI, the third region 12C is formed between the imaginary line LI and an imaginary line L3, the fourth region 12D is formed between the imaginary line L2 and an imaginary line L3, and the second region 12B is formed between the imaginary line L2 and the outer edge 10b.

[0023]

An extending portion 11 is constituted so as to be able to apply pressure to the body portion 10 with at least the first region 12A, the second region 12B, the third region 12C, and the fourth region 12D. Specifically, the sheet member 2 has a first extending portion 11 A that extends in the first direction from the first region 12A of the body portion 10, a second extending portion 1 IB that extends in the first direction from the second region 12B of the body portion 10, a third extending portion 1 1C that extends in the first direction from the third region 12C of the body portion 10, and a fourth extending portion 1 ID that extends in the first direction from the fourth region 12D of the body portion 10. The extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 11C, and 1 ID are wrapped around the connecting portion 101 with the body portion 10 interposed therebetween, thereby applying pressure to the body portion 10.

[0024]

The extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID are formed by inserting three rectilinear cutouts CTl, CT2, and CT3 in the outer edge 2d of the rectangular sheet member 2. Note that the region where the cutouts CTl, CT2, and CT3 are not formed is the body portion 10. The first extending portion 1 1A is contiguous at a location corresponding to the first region 12A at an outer edge lOd of the body portion 10, and has an outer edge 1 lAa that is parallel with the first direction, a tip edge 1 lAb parallel to the second direction, and an outer edge 1 lAc formed by the cutout CTl . The second extending portion 1 IB is contiguous at a location corresponding to the second region 12B at an outer edge lOd of the body portion 10, and has an outer edge 1 lBc that is parallel with the first direction, a tip edge 1 lBb parallel to the second direction, and an outer edge 1 IBa formed by the cutout CT2. The third extending portion 1 1C is contiguous at a location corresponding to the third region 12C at an outer edge lOd of the body portion 10, and has a tip edge 1 lCb parallel to the second direction, an outer edge 1 ICa formed by the cutout CTl, and an outer edge 1 ICc formed by the cutout CT3. The fourth extending portion 1 ID is contiguous at a location corresponding to the fourth region 12D at an outer edge lOd of the body portion 10, and has a tip edge 1 lDb parallel to the second direction, an outer edge 1 IDa formed by the cutout CT3, and an outer edge 1 lDc formed by the cutout CT2.

[0025]

The outer edge 1 1 Aa of the first extending portion 11 A forms a straight line that continues along the outer edge 10a of the body portion 10. The outer edge 1 1 Be of the second extending portion 1 IB forms a straight line that continues along the outer edge 10b of the body portion 10. The tip edges 1 lAb, 1 lBb, 1 lCb, and 1 lDb correspond to the outer edge 3c of the protective sheet 3 before the cutouts CTl, CT2 and CT3 are introduced, and are each formed on the same straight line. A dimension A between the tip edges 1 lAb, 1 lBb, 1 lCb, and 1 lDb and the outer edge lOd, which is to say an extension amount of the extending portions 11 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C and 1 ID, is preferably long enough to allow at least one full winding (in the operations of FIGS. 4A to 7C).

[0026]

Note that while in the present embodiment, the regions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D have been clearly defined using the imaginary lines LI, L2, and L3 for the purposes of explanation, the manner in which the regions are defined may be freely selected. In other words, as long as a positional relationship is satisfied whereby the first region 12A is a region at one end side in the second direction of the body portion 10, the second region 12B is a region at another end side in the second direction of the body portion 10, the third region 12C adjoins the first region 12A but does not adjoin the second region 12B, and the fourth region 12D is a region between the regions 12B and 12C, the regions 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may be set in any manner.

[0027]

Next, a waterproofing method for waterproofing the connecting portion 101 of the cable 100 using the waterproof member 1 described above is described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 7C.

[0028]

First, in accordance with a predetermined procedure for the plug connector 101 A and the receptacle 101B, the plug connector 101A is mounted on the coaxial cable 100A, the receptacle 101B is installed in the outside wall panel 103, and the coaxial cable is connected to the receptacle 10 IB, after which, as shown in FIG. 4A, the plug connector 101 A and the receptacle 10 IB are connected. The connecting portion 101 is thus formed. Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the connecting portion 101 is disposed so as to be positioned substantially in the middle of the body portion 10 in the first direction. A fitting portion of the plug connector 101 A and the receptacle 10 IB and the coaxial cable insertion portion of the plug connector 101 A are disposed so as to be positioned substantially in the middle of the body portion 10 in the second direction, and, as shown in FIG. 4C, the body portion 10 is wrapped around the connecting portion 101 so as to enclose the connecting portion 101.

[0029]

Next, as shown in FIGS. 4D to 4F, the extending portion 1 IB is wrapped twice around the connecting portion 101 so as to overlap the outer edge 1 1 Be of the extending portion 1 IB with the outer edge 10b of the body portion 10, and any leftover portion is cut off. Next, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the extending portion 1 ID is wrapped twice around the connecting portion 101 with no gap in between so as to cover any wrinkles or gaps formed in the extending portion 1 IB which has been wrapped around the connecting portion 101, and any leftover portion is cut off. This is preferably done by winding in the direction from the coaxial cable 100A side to the flange 102 side. Sufficient pressure is thereby applied to the second region 12B and the fourth region 12D of the body portion 10, thereby ensuring unfailing waterproofing of these portions and preventing entry of moisture through the outer edge 10b.

[0030]

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the extending portion 1 1 A is wrapped twice around the connecting portion 101 such that the outer edge 1 lAa of the extending portion 1 1A overlaps the outer edge 10a of the body portion 10, and any leftover portion is cut off. Next, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the extending portion 1 1 C is stretched and wrapped twice from the coaxial cable 100A side to the flange 102 side while overlapping the extending portion 1 1A, which has already been wrapped around the connecting portion 101, and any leftover portion is cut off. Sufficient pressure can thereby be applied to the first region 12A and the third region 12C of the body portion 10, ensuring unfailing waterproofing of the portions and preventing entry of moisture through the outer edge 10b. Note that when wrapping the extending portions 1 IB, 1 ID, 1 1A, and 1 1C around the connecting portion 101, there is no need to stretch while wrapping around the entire circumference. For example, it is possible to wrap along the connecting portion on a rear face side of the connecting portion 101 and stretch and wrap on a front face side. With the above process, a state is formed as illustrated in FIG. 3A, and the waterproofing of the connecting portion 101 is completed.

[0031]

Next, the action and effect of the waterproof member 1 according to the present invention will be described.

[0032]

For example, when a simple rectangular sheet member 202 is wrapped around the connecting portion 101, as with a waterproof member 201 according to the comparative example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, pressing of an adhesive layer 203 with respect to the connecting portion 101 is insufficient, which can result in insufficient waterproofing. Meanwhile, in the waterproof member 1 according to the present embodiment, the sheet member 2 includes the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 11C, and 1 ID extending in the first direction D l from the body portion 10. After covering the connecting portion 101 with the body portion 10 of the sheet member 3, the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID apply pressure to the body portion 10. Waterproofing can thus be improved as the adhesive layer 3 is sufficiently pressed against the connecting portion 101.

[0033]

Furthermore, with the connecting portion 101, waterproofing methods are known such as wrapping a self-fusing tape, a vinyl tape, or other adhesive tape roll, which is wound around a paper or other type of core, around the connecting portion 101 and at the same time stretching and wrapping the adhesive tape. However, in an environment in which a plurality of the receptacles 10 IB are installed closely to each other on the outside wall panel 103, the gap between adjacent connecting portions 101 is narrow, and it has been difficult to wrap the adhesive tape while moving the adhesive tape roll around the target connecting portion 101 so as to avoid wrinkles and gaps, over the entire length of the connecting portion 101. Waterproofing has also been done by the operator himself/herself winding adhesive tape, which is wound around a core, into a small diameter roll with no core. On the other hand, in the waterproof member 1 according to the present embodiment, the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID are disposed over the entire area of the body portion 10 in the second direction, and therefore sufficient pressure can be applied to the body portion 10 even if the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID are shorter than the adhesive tape. Moreover, wrapping the connecting portion 101 is easy even without winding the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID into a roll.

[0034]

When extending portions 31 1 A and 31 IB are formed at both end sides in the second direction

D2 but no extending portion is formed in a region therebetween so that a straight outer edge 31 Od is formed, as in the sheet member 302 of a waterproof member 301 as illustrated in FIG. 8B, it is not possible to impart sufficient pressure on the body portion 310 in proximity to the central position.

Therefore, it may not be possible to obtain sufficient waterproofing in this portion. On the other hand, with the present embodiment, the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID can apply pressure to the body portion 10 with the first region 12A at one end side in the second direction D2, the second region 12B at the other end side, and the third region 12C, which is a region between the first region 12A and the second region 12B, adjoining the first region 12A, and not adjoining the second region 12B, and the fourth region 12D, which is the region between the third region 12C and the second region 12B.

Therefore, the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID ensure that waterproofing is provided at both end sides and in the region between the end sides. In this manner, a high degree of waterproofing can be ensured.

[0035]

Furthermore, for example, if a type of waterproof member is used whereby pressure is applied to the regions by wrapping the extending portions 41 1A, 41 IB, and 51 1, which are long, as with a sheet member 402 of a waterproof member 401 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 9 or a sheet member 502 of a waterproof member 501 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 10, the operator must adjust the position while wrapping. On the other hand, with the present embodiment, a sheet member 2 has a first extending portion 1 1A that extends from the first region 12A of the body portion 10, a second extending portion 1 IB that extends from the second region 12B of the body portion 10, a third extending portion 1 1C that extends from the third region 12C of the body portion 10, and a fourth extending portion 1 ID that extends from the fourth region 12D of the body portion 10.

Specifically, from the region where pressure is to be imparted, an extending portion capable of imparting the pressure is contiguously provided. Even when the operator does not adjust the wrapping position, pressure can thereby be unfailingly applied to the first region 12A by the first extending portion 1 1A, pressure can be unfailingly applied to the second region 12B by the second extending portion 1 IB, pressure can be unfailingly applied to the third region 12C by the third extending portion 1 1C while applying the pressure to the first region 12A, and pressure can be unfailingly applied to the fourth region 12D by the fourth extending portion 1 ID while applying the pressure to the second region 12B. Thus, because the sheet member 3 includes the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID at positions corresponding to the regions where pressure is to be applied, operability for installation personnel is improved.

[0036]

Moreover, the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID impart pressure on the body portion

10 by being stretched and wound on the connecting portion 101 with the body portion 10 interposed therebetween. In this manner, the installation personnel can ensure reliable waterproofing by a simple operation of stretching the extending portions 1 1A, 1 IB, 1 1C, and 1 ID and winding the stretched extending portions around the connecting portion 101.

[0037]

Next, experiments to compare waterproof members 201 and 301 according to comparative examples and a waterproof member 1 according to a working example are described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. The waterproof member 201 according to comparative example 1 is illustrated in FIG. 8A. A waterproof member 201 according to the comparative example 1 is a rectangular sheet member 202 that does not have extending portions and in which an adhesive layer 203 is laminated. The waterproof member 201 was wrapped around the connecting portion 101 and subjected to a water submersion test (water depth lm, 30 min). There were examples of water entry as a result of the water submersion test.

[0038]

The waterproof member 301 of comparative example 2 is illustrated in FIG. 8B. The waterproof member 301 of comparative example 2 includes the extending portions 31 1A and 31 IB at both end sides in the second direction D2, but does not have an extending portion formed in the region between the extending portions 311A and 31 IB, and a straight outer edge 3 lOd of the body portion 310 is formed instead. The waterproof member 301 was wrapped around the connecting portion 101 and subjected to a water submersion test (water depth lm, 30 min). There were examples of water entry as a result of the water submersion test.

[0039]

The waterproof member 1 according to working example 1 was as shown in FIG. 1. The waterproof member 1 was wrapped around the connecting portion 101 and subjected to a water submersion test (water depth lm, 30 min). As a result of the water submersion test, no water entry was observed when using the waterproof member according to working example 1. In this manner, it can be seen that a sufficient degree of waterproofing could be obtained.

[0040]

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, but includes modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0041]

For example, the form of the extending portion is not limited to any particular form and may be varied to forms such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13. As discussed above, the long extending portions 411 A and 41 IB are provided to both sides, in the second direction D2, of the sheet member 402 of the waterproof member 401 shown in FIG. 9. No extending portion is provided to the region therebetween, which is a straight outer edge 41 Od. Furthermore, a V-shaped cutout 415 is provided to the outer edges 410a and 410b of the body portion 410, making it difficult for wrinkles to form when wrapping around the connecting portion 101. Moreover, the waterproof member 501 shown in FIG. 10 has the long, strip-like extending portion 51 1 , as discussed above. By wrapping the long, strip-like extending portion 51 1 from the coaxial cable 100A side to the flange 102 side in the second direction D2, pressure can be applied to the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region.

[0042]

Furthermore, a sheet member 602 of a waterproof member 601 shown in FIG. 1 1 only has a first region and a second region, and a cutout CT4 between a first extending portion 611 A and a second extending portion 61 IB is a V-shaped cutout having an outer edge 610d of the body portion 610 as a bottom. A waterproof member 801 and a waterproof member 901 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 have a narrower third region and fourth region and, as a result, have fifth extending portions 71 IE and 81 IE and a sixth extending portion 81 IF.

[0043]

The aspects of the connecting portion are not limited to the above embodiments and may be varied within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15A and 15B, the waterproof member of the present invention can also be applied to a connecting portion 151 which connects a coaxial cable 150A on which a plug connector 151 A is mounted and a coaxial cable 150B on which a receptacle 151B is mounted, or a connecting portion 161 in which an insulating sleeve 161 A connects a plastic-covered wire 160A and a plastic-covered wire 160B.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0044]

1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, and 801 ... Waterproof member

2, 202, 302, 402, 502, and 602 ... Sheet member

10, 310, 410, 510, and 610 ... Body portion

1 1 and 51 1 ... Extending portion

1 1A, 31 1A, 411A, 61 1A, 71 1A, and 81 1A ... First extending portion I IB, 31 IB, 41 IB, 61 IB, 71 IB, and 81 IB ... Second extending portion

I IC, 71 1C, and 81 1C ... Third extending portion

1 ID, 71 ID, and 81 ID ... Fourth extending portion

12A ... First region

12B ... Second region

12C ... Third region

12D ... Fourth region

100, 100A, 150A, 150B ... Coaxial cable

101, 151, and 161 ... Connecting portion

101 A, 151 A ... Plug connector

101B, 15 IB ... Receptacle

102 ... Flange

103 ... Outside wall panel

160A, 160B ... Plastic-covered wire

161 A ... Insulating sleeve

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. An insulating waterproof member that waterproofs a connecting portion of a cable, comprising: a sheet member for covering the connecting portion; wherein

the sheet member:

is formed by laminating a sheet and an adhesive material layer comprising a material that has adhesive properties with respect to the connecting portion,

and has:

a body portion for covering the connecting portion, and

an extending portion that extends in a first direction from the body portion; and

the extending portion can apply pressure on the body portion that covers the connecting portion with a first region at one end side of the body portion in a second direction that intersects the first direction and a second region at another end side of the body portion.

2. The waterproof member according to claim 1, wherein the sheet member has, between the first region and the second region, a third region that adjoins the first region, and a fourth region that adjoins the second region, and

the extending portion can apply pressure on the body portion that covers the connecting portion with the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region.

3. The waterproof member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body portion has one or more cutouts in at least one edge portion that intersects the second direction.

4. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

the sheet member has a plurality of the extending portions, having at least:

a first extending portion that extends from the first region of the body portion, and

a second extending portion that extends from the second region of the body portion.

5. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

the sheet member has a plurality of the extending portions, having:

a first extending portion that extends from the first region of the body portion,

a second extending portion that extends from the second region of the body portion, a third extending portion that extends from the third region of the body portion, and a fourth extending portion that extends from the fourth region of the body portion.

6. The waterproof member according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a gap between the two adjoining extending portions is formed in a V-shape.

7. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extending portion is formed as a long strip.

8. The waterproof member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extending portion applies pressure to the body portion by being stretched and wrapped around the connecting portion with the body portion interposed therebetween.

9. A waterproofing method, wherein a connecting portion is waterproofed using the waterproof member described in any one of claims 1 to 8.