JP2013004257A - Waterproof connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof connector that can sufficiently protect a conductive member when the conductive member is stored in a housing, and in its stored state.SOLUTION: A plurality of socket housings 31 storing one end 101 of each of covered electric wires 100 are fitted into a base housing 4 having fitting holes 11 formed therein. Socket contacts (32a and 32b) stored in the socket housing 31 are electrically connected to electric wires (103 and 103) of the covered electric wires (100a and 100h). Connection members (5a and 5b) held by the base housing 4 electrically connect the plurality of socket contacts 32 to each other. A first seal member 33 achieves a fluid-tight seal between the socket housing 31 and the base housing 4. Second seal members (34a and 34b) achieve a fluid-tight seal between the socket housing 31 and covered parts (102 and 102) of the covered electric wires (100a and 100h).

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof connector for electrically connecting a plurality of electric wires.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a waterproof type connector having a waterproof structure and electrically connecting a plurality of electric wires is known. The joint connector (11) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing (3) in which a first opening (9) is formed, and a connection conductor (5) disposed in the housing (3). ing. And it is comprised so that the terminal (51) fixed to the front-end | tip of these electric wires (50) may each contact a connection conductor (5), inserting a some electric wire (50) in a 1st opening (9). Yes. Thereby, a some electric wire (50) is electrically connected.

  In addition to the first opening (9), the housing (3) has a second opening (11) opened in a direction opposite to the first opening (9). The second opening (11) The connection state between the terminal (51) and the connection conductor (5) is visible.

  A waterproof rubber plug (57) is attached around the electric wire (50), and the first opening (9) of the housing (3) is formed by the rubber plug (57) and the electric wire (50). It is blocked. The second opening (11) is blocked by the plug member (7). With the above configuration, the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to prevent moisture from entering the housing (3) from the first opening (9) and the second opening (11). .

JP 2010-40263 A

  However, since the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the terminal (51) is directly inserted into the housing (3) in an exposed state, the terminal (51) is guided toward the connecting conductor (5). There is no member to do. For this reason, in the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the terminal (51) is inserted into the first opening (9), the terminal (51) is located at a location different from the original contact location in the connection conductor (5). This makes it easy to cause problems such as deformation or damage of the terminal (51) or failure to pull out the terminal (51). Particularly, in the configuration in which the waterproof plug member (7) is attached to the electric wire (50), the plug member (7) is inserted when the terminal (51) is inserted into the first opening (9) of the housing (3). Therefore, a relatively large force is required for insertion of the terminal (51), and the terminal (51) strongly hits the connecting conductor (5), and the above-described deformation, damage, and the like are likely to occur. Further, when an external force acts on the terminal (51) via the electric wire (50), most of the external force acts on the connecting portion between the terminal (51) and the connecting conductor (5), and the deformation of the connecting portion. Will be invited. In this case, there is a possibility that the terminal (51) cannot be pulled out from the connecting conductor (5). Therefore, when the conductive member provided as the connecting conductor (5) and the terminal (51) is accommodated in and in the housing (3), the waterproof connector can sufficiently protect the conductive member. Realization of is desired.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof connector that can sufficiently protect a conductive member when the conductive member is accommodated in a housing and in a state of being accommodated.

  The waterproof connector according to the first invention for achieving the above object includes a base housing in which a fitting hole is formed, a plurality of socket housings that house one end of the covered electric wire and are fitted in the fitting hole, The one end of the covered electric wire is electrically connected to the electric wire of the covered electric wire and is inserted into the plurality of socket housings, and is held by the base housing, and the plurality of socket contacts are electrically connected to each other. A connection member connected to the first housing, a first sealing member for liquid-tightly sealing between the plurality of socket housings and the base housing, and a portion between the plurality of socket housings and the covering portion of the covered electric wire. And a second sealing member for liquid-tight sealing.

  According to the present invention, the socket housing accommodates and protects the socket contacts. For this reason, insertion of the socket contact into the base housing can be guided by the socket housing. Thereby, it can prevent that a socket contact contacts the location which the connection member does not intend, and damage arises. In particular, in the waterproof connector, a waterproof sealing member is provided, and frictional resistance is generated between the waterproof connector and the socket contact. Therefore, it is necessary to insert the socket contact into the base housing with a relatively large force. Due to this, when connecting the socket contact to the connection member, the socket contact may be brought into contact with an unintended portion of the connection member with a strong force, and the connection member may be damaged. However, according to the present invention, since the insertion of the socket contact into the base housing can be guided by the socket housing, such a problem can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from coming into contact with the socket contact due to carelessness of the operator when handling the socket contact before the socket contact is inserted into the base housing. For this reason, deformation and damage of the socket contact can be prevented. Further, when an external force is applied to the socket contact via the covered electric wire or the like, the external force can be received by the socket housing, and the force transmitted to the connection member can be reduced. For this reason, it can suppress that an excessive load acts on a connection member from a socket contact, and can suppress the deformation | transformation and damage of a connection member, and the adhering to the connection member of a socket contact.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a waterproof connector that can sufficiently protect the conductive member when the socket contact and the connecting member as the conductive member are accommodated in the housing. .

  A waterproof connector according to a second invention is the waterproof connector according to the first invention, wherein a plurality of socket connectors having a configuration in which the socket contact is accommodated in the socket housing are provided, and at least two of the socket connectors are provided in the base housing. When attached, the covered wires are arranged so that the directions of the covered wires at the portions protruding from the socket housing are different from each other.

  According to the present invention, in at least two socket connectors, the directions in which the covered electric wires protrude from the socket housing are different from each other, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in handling the covered electric wires.

  A waterproof connector according to a third aspect of the present invention is the waterproof connector according to the second aspect, wherein at least two of the socket connectors are attached to the base housing so that the directions of the covered electric wires at locations protruding from the socket housing are mutually It arrange | positions so that it may become parallel and reverse direction.

  According to the present invention, the directions in which the covered electric wires protrude from the two socket connectors are parallel and opposite to each other, and the space occupied by the covered electric wires and the base housing is reduced by such a series arrangement. be able to.

  A waterproof connector according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the waterproof connector according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, further comprising a lock mechanism for locking the socket housing to the base housing, and the lock mechanism includes the socket housing. And a locking claw provided on the elastic piece, and a locking part provided on the base housing and capable of locking the locking claw. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, since the lock mechanism is provided, the socket housing can be prevented from being detached from the base housing without permission. Furthermore, the lock claw can be locked to the locking portion by inserting the socket housing into the base housing. Thereby, the socket housing can be easily locked to the base housing.

  The waterproof connector according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the waterproof connector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the base housing has a plurality of fitting holes that can be fitted into the plurality of socket housings. A cap member for liquid-tightly sealing the fitting hole in which the socket housing is not fitted in the fitting hole is further provided.

  According to this invention, the cap member can close the fitting hole in a state where the base housing is not fitted. Thereby, even when using fewer socket contacts than the number of fitting holes, the intrusion of liquid into the base housing can be suppressed. Accordingly, since the waterproof connector can be used regardless of the number of socket contacts of the waterproof connector, the versatility of the waterproof connector can be increased.

  In the case where the lock mechanism is further provided, the base housing includes two wall portions facing each other with the socket housing interposed therebetween, and the locking portion is provided only on one of the two wall portions. It is preferable.

  According to such a configuration, when the socket housing is inserted into the base housing in the wrong direction, the lock claw is not locked to the locking portion, and the lock mechanism does not function. For this reason, the operator can be made aware that the insertion direction is wrong, and the direction in which the socket housing is inserted into the base housing can be prevented from being mistaken.

  In the case where the locking part is provided, the elastic piece part further includes an operation part arranged so as to protrude from the base housing, and the lock claw and the It is more preferable if the engagement with the locking portion can be released.

  According to such a configuration, the socket contact can be fixed to the base housing so as to be easily removable.

  In the case where the lock mechanism is provided, it is further preferable that the elastic piece is connected to the socket housing body at a position between the first sealing member and the second sealing member. .

  According to such a configuration, since the force from the lock claw acts on the first sealing member and the second sealing member evenly, the sealing effect by the sealing member is prevented from being disturbed by the lock mechanism. be able to.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the base housing is made of synthetic resin and is integrally formed with the connection member at the time of resin molding.

  According to such a configuration, adhesion (liquid tightness) between the base housing and the connection member can be improved.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the base housing has a plurality of fitting holes that can be fitted into the plurality of socket housings, and the adjacent fitting holes are partitioned by a partition wall.

  According to such a configuration, the insertion of the socket housing into the target fitting hole can be guided by the partition wall. Further, the partition wall and the first sealing member can be sealed by bringing the partition wall into contact with the first sealing member.

  The connection member includes a base portion held by the base housing, and a plurality of connection portions extending from the base portion and contacting the plurality of socket contacts. It is preferable to have a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that are different from each other in the direction extending from the base portion.

  According to such a structure, many connection parts can be arrange | positioned compactly centering | focusing on a connection member.

  In this case, it is more preferable that the first connection portion and the second connection portion extend in the opposite direction with respect to the base portion.

  According to such a configuration, a sufficient space for arranging the first connection portion and the second connection portion can be ensured even in a narrow space.

  In this case, furthermore, at least one of the first connection part and the second connection part is provided in plural, and the first connection part and the second connection part extend along the direction in which the base part extends. It is preferable that they are arranged alternately.

  According to such a configuration, the first connection portion and the second connection portion can be arranged at a short pitch in the extending direction of the base portion.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the waterproof connector which can fully protect this electrically conductive member can be provided when the electrically conductive member is accommodated in a housing and in the accommodated state.

It is a perspective view which shows the waterproof connector which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, and is illustrated in the disassembled state. It is a perspective view which shows the waterproof connector which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, and is illustrated in the state in which each member of the waterproof connector was couple | bonded. It is sectional drawing of a waterproof connector, and is a figure shown corresponding to FIG. It is a perspective view of a base connector and a socket connector, and a part of base connector and a socket connector are cut and shown. It is the side view which looked at the base connector from the socket connector side. It is sectional drawing of a socket connector, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a perspective view of a socket connector, and also shows a part of base housing. It is a perspective view which shows a covered electric wire, the 2nd sealing member, and a socket contact, and has shown the state before a socket contact is accommodated in the accommodation hole of a socket housing. It is a side view for demonstrating the operation | movement which attaches or detaches a socket connector with a base connector, Comprising: A socket connector is shown in a cross section and a base connector has shown the side surface. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the operation | movement which attaches or detaches a socket connector with a base connector, Comprising: The state where the socket housing was fitted by the base housing is shown. It is a perspective view which shows the cap member of the waterproof connector which concerns on a modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the cap member of the waterproof connector which concerns on the modification was inserted in the base housing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention can be widely applied to various uses as an electrical connector of a waterproof structure which electrically connects covered electric wires.

  1 and 2 are perspective views showing a waterproof connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The waterproof connector 1 is shown in an exploded state in FIG. 1, and in FIG. 2, each member of the waterproof connector 1 is shown in a coupled state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof connector 1 and is a view corresponding to FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof connector 1 is provided as a waterproof connector that prevents liquid from entering the conductive member included in the waterproof connector 1 from the outside. The waterproof connector 1 includes a plurality of covered electric wires 100 (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, and 100h, 100i, 100j, 100k, 100l, 100m, extending from a circuit board (not shown), etc. 100n) as a short-circuit connector for short-circuiting the wires. The waterproof connector 1 supplies, for example, power from one covered electric wire 100a connected to a power supply circuit (not shown) provided on the circuit board to the other covered electric wires (100b to 100g). Is provided as a power connector configured to supply power from one covered electric wire 100h connected to a power supply circuit (not shown) provided to the other covered electric wires (100i to 100n). That is, the waterproof connector 1 is provided as a parallel connection connector that connects a plurality of covered electric wires (100a to 100g, 100h to 100n) in parallel.

  The waterproof connector 1 may be disposed in the vicinity of the circuit board described above, in the vicinity of a hydraulic machine or the like controlled by the circuit board, or outdoors. For this reason, the waterproof connector 1 has a waterproof structure, and has a configuration that prevents liquid components such as moisture and oil present around the waterproof connector 1 from entering the conductive portion of the waterproof connector 1. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the waterproof connector 1 includes a base connector 2 and a plurality of socket connectors 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, and 3g). The base connector 2 is provided as a base connector that connects the socket connectors (3a to 3g), and is electrically and mechanically connected to each of the socket connectors (3a to 3g).

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base connector 2 and the socket connectors (3a, 3g), in which a part of the base connector 2 and the socket connector 3a is cut away. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base connector 2 includes a base housing 4 and connecting members 5 (5a, 5b). The base housing 4 is provided as a holding member that holds the connection members (5a, 5b), which are conductive members, and holds the socket connectors (3a to 3g, see FIG. 1) inserted into the base housing 4.

  The base housing 4 is provided as a hollow block-shaped member made of a resin material that is an insulating material. As a resin material for forming the base housing 4, for example, a material such as LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer), PA (polyamide, polyamide), or the like can be used. In addition, when the base housing 4 is molded, simultaneous molding for integrating the connection members (5a, 5b) is performed. As a result, the connection members (5a, 5b) are integrated and held in the base housing 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the base housing 4 extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the socket connectors (3a to 3g) are inserted. The base housing 4 is long in the length direction parallel to the direction in which the socket connectors (3a to 3g) are inserted, is long in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction, and is perpendicular to the width direction and the length direction. It has a flat shape that is short in the direction.

  The outer peripheral portion of the base housing 4 includes a plate-like first outer wall portion 6, second outer wall portion 7, third outer wall portion 8, fourth outer wall portion 9, and the like. When viewed from the direction, it is formed in a rectangular shape. A concave portion 6a is formed in the central portion of the outer surface of the first outer wall portion 6, and a portion of the thickness of the first outer wall portion 6 is reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of flange portions (10, 10) protrude from the second outer wall portion 7 and the fourth outer wall portion 9. The pair of flange portions (10, 10) are projecting portions provided on the outer surface of the second outer wall portion 7 and the outer surface of the fourth outer wall portion 9. The pair of flange portions (10, 10) are formed with insertion holes for allowing a holding member such as a wire (not shown) holding the waterproof connector 1 to pass therethrough.

  FIG. 5 is a side view of the base connector 2 as viewed from the socket connector (3a to 3d) side. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of fitting holes 11 (11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, 11 e, 11 f, 11 g) are formed inside the base housing 4. The fitting hole 11 is provided as a fitting portion into which the socket connector 3 is fitted, and at least the number of the socket connectors 3 coupled to the base connector 2 is provided. The fitting hole 11 extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the socket connector 3 is inserted, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the base housing 4, and toward the direction opposite to the direction in which the socket connector 3 is inserted. 4 is open to the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the fitting holes (11 a to 11 g) are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the base housing 4 (first outer wall portion 6, second outer wall portion 7, third outer wall portion 8, fourth outer wall portion 9. ), The first partition wall 12, the second partition wall 13 (13a, 13b, 13c) and the third partition wall 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) provided inside the outer peripheral portion. The first partition wall 12 is disposed at an intermediate portion in the length direction of the base housing 4, extends in the width direction of the base housing 4, and is provided as a connection member holding portion that holds the connection member 5. The first partition wall 12 divides the internal space of the base housing 4 into two parts in the length direction by closing the middle part in the length direction of the base housing 4.

  The second partition wall 13 is configured to divide and partition the internal space of the base housing 4 divided by the first partition wall 12 in the length direction of the base housing 4 in the width direction of the base housing 4. A plurality (three in this embodiment) of second partition walls 13 (13a, 13b, 13c) are provided and extend from the first partition wall 12 to the opening of the fitting hole 11. The second partition walls 13 are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the base housing 4 and extend in the length direction of the base housing 4. The three second partition walls 13 (13a, 13b, 13c), the first outer wall portion 6, the second outer wall portion 7, the third outer wall portion 8, and the fourth outer wall portion 9 provide four fitting holes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d).

  The third partition wall 14 is arranged in an internal space of the base housing 4 that is divided into two by the first partition wall 12, on the opposite side to the second partition wall 13. The internal space of the base housing 4 divided by 12 is further divided and partitioned in the width direction of the base housing 4. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) third partition walls 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are provided, and extend from the first partition wall 12 to the opening of the fitting hole 11. The third partition walls 14 are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the base housing 4 and extend in the length direction of the base housing 4. Of the third partition 14, two third partitions (14 a, 14 d) at both ends in the width direction of the base housing 4 are spaced apart from the second outer wall portion 7 and the fourth outer wall portion 9. Three fitting holes (11e, 11f, 11g) are formed by the four third partition walls 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d), the first outer wall portion 6 and the third outer wall portion 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fitting holes (11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d) are provided as a first fitting hole divided into a plurality by the second partition wall 13. Further, the fitting holes (11 e, 11 f, 11 g) are provided as second fitting holes divided into a plurality by the third partition wall 14. In this embodiment, the numbers of the first fitting holes and the second fitting holes are different, but they may be the same. The fitting holes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) and the fitting holes (11e, 11f, 11g) are opened in parallel and in opposite directions.

  Further, the center positions of the fitting holes (11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d) and the center position of the fitting holes (11 e, 11 f, 11 g) are arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction of the base housing 4. Specifically, along the width direction of the base housing 4, the center of the fitting hole 11a, the center of the fitting hole 11e, the center of the fitting hole 11b, the center of the fitting hole 11f, the center of the fitting hole 11c, the fitting The center of the joint hole 11g and the center of the fitting hole 11d are arranged in this order. In the width direction of the base housing 4, the fitting hole 11 on the second partition 13 side and the fitting hole 11 on the third partition 14 side are arranged. They are arranged alternately.

  The internal shape of each fitting hole 11 is configured similarly. For this reason, in the following description, one fitting hole 11a among fitting holes (11a to 11g) similarly configured will be described, and description of the other fitting holes (11b to 11g) will be omitted. .

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the inner surface of the fitting hole 11a is mainly formed by a surface extending in parallel with the direction in which the socket connector 3 is inserted. The fitting hole 11 a is provided with a back side portion 15 and an opening side portion 16. The back side portion 15 is provided as a portion into which the tip side portion of the socket connector 3 is inserted, and is continuous with the first outer wall portion 6. The rear side portion 15 is a long hole shape elongated in the height direction of the base housing 4 when viewed from the length direction of the base housing 4, and a first sealing member 33 described later of the socket connector 3. Can be accommodated.

  The opening side portion 16 is disposed on the opening side of the fitting hole 11 a with respect to the back side portion 15, and is continuous with the external space of the base housing 4. The opening side portion 16 is formed in a rectangular shape larger than the back side portion 15 when viewed from the length direction of the base housing 4. On the opening side portion 16, a step portion 16 a is formed at an intermediate portion in the direction in which the socket connector 3 is inserted. The step portion 16 a is disposed on both sides of the base housing 4 in the width direction in the fitting hole 11, and is provided as a surface orthogonal to the length direction of the base housing 4. The opening area of the fitting hole 11a (the area seen from the length direction of the base housing 4) is larger on the near side than the back side of the stepped portion 16a in the fitting hole 11a. Further, a chamfered portion 16b is formed in the opening of the opening side portion 16, and the socket connector 3 can be easily inserted.

  Further, the opening side portion 16 is formed with notches (16c, 16c) extending from the opening of the fitting hole 11a toward the back side. The cutout portions (16 c, 16 c) are formed by cutting out the inner surface of the first outer wall portion 6, and are arranged on both sides of the fitting holes 11 a in the width direction of the base housing 4. Protective walls (36, 37) to be described later of the socket connector 3a are inserted into the notches (16c, 16c).

  The connection member 5 (5a, 5b) is provided as a conductive connection member for electrically connecting socket contacts described later of the plurality of socket connectors 3. The connection member 5 is formed by processing a plate-like conductive member made of a metal material or the like, and is made of, for example, a copper alloy as a material. The surface of the connection member 5 is subjected to a plating process such as tin plating or gold plating. One or a plurality of connection members 5 (in this embodiment, two of (5a, 5b)) are provided. The connection member 5a is provided as a first connection member that electrically connects the covered electric wires (100a to 100g) (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The connection member 5b is provided as a second connection member that electrically connects the covered electric wires (100h to 100n).

  The connection members (5a, 5b) are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the base housing 4, the connection member 5a is arranged adjacent to the first outer wall portion 6, and the connection member 5b is the third outer wall portion 8. It is arranged adjacent to. The connecting members (5a, 5b) have the same configuration. For this reason, in the following description, the structure of one connection member 5a among the connection members (5a, 5b) similarly configured will be described, and the description of the structure of the other connection member 5b will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connection member 5 a is integrally formed with the base housing 4 when the base housing 4 is resin-molded (injection molding), and is disposed inside the base housing 4. The connection member 5a includes a base portion 19 and a connection portion 20. The base portion 19 is an elongated rod-like portion that extends linearly along the width direction of the base housing 4, and is embedded in the first partition 12 and held by the base housing 4.

  The connection unit 20 includes a first connection unit 21 and a second connection unit 22. The first connecting portions 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) are electrically and mechanically connected to the socket connectors 3 fitted in the fitting holes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), respectively. It is provided as a connecting element. The first connection portions (21a to 21d) are provided in the same number as the fitting holes (11a to 11d), and each has a long and narrow rectangular shape and extends from the base portion 19 toward the fitting holes (11a to 11d). Yes. The first connection portion 21 extends to the opening side portion 16 through the back side portion 15 of the fitting hole 11. The distal end portion of the first connection portion 21 is located on the back side of the fitting hole 11 with respect to the step portion 16a.

  The second connecting portions 22 (22a, 22b, 22c) are provided as connecting elements that are electrically and mechanically connected to the socket connectors 3 fitted in the fitting holes (11e to 11g), respectively. Yes. The same number of second connection portions (22a, 22b, 22c) as the fitting holes (11e to 11g) are provided, and each of them has an elongated rectangular shape and extends from the base portion 19 toward the fitting holes (11e to 11g). It extends. The second connection portion 22 extends to the opening side portion 16 through the back side portion 15 of the fitting hole 11, and the tip end portion of the second connection portion 22 is deeper than the step portion 16a. Located on the side.

  The direction in which the first connection portion 21 extends from the base portion 19 and the direction in which the second connection portion 22 extends from the base portion 19 are different. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 21 is parallel to the length direction of the base connector 2 and is mutually The opposite direction. The first connection portions 21 and the second connection portions 22 are alternately arranged along the direction in which the base portion 19 extends.

  Next, the socket connector 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the socket connector 3 is provided at one end of the covered electric wire 100 connected to a circuit board or the like as described above, and in the present embodiment, a plurality (seven) are provided. The socket connectors (3a to 3g) are configured to be connected to the base connector 2, whereby the socket connectors (3a to 3g) are electrically connected.

  The socket connectors (3a to 3g) are similarly configured. The socket connectors (3a to 3g) are mounted on the base connector 2 in the same manner. For this reason, in the following description, the configuration of one socket connector 3a among the socket connectors (3a to 3g) similarly configured will be described, and the description of the configuration of the other socket connectors (3b to 3g) will be omitted. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the socket connector 3a and corresponds to FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the socket connector 3a includes a socket housing 31, socket contacts 32 (32a and 32b) which are conductive members, a first sealing member 33, and a second sealing member 34 (34a and 34b). , Etc. are provided.

  The socket housing 31 accommodates the socket contact 32 (32a, 32b) and one end 101 (101a, 101h) of the covered electric wire 100 (100a, 100h), and the first sealing member 33 and the second sealing member (34a, 34 b) is provided as a holding member, and is configured to be detachable from the base housing 4.

  The socket housing 31 is provided as an elongated block-shaped member by a resin material that is an insulating material. As a resin material for forming the socket housing 31, for example, the same material as that of the base housing 4 can be cited.

  By inserting the socket housing 31 toward the fitting hole 11, most of the socket housing 31 is accommodated in the base housing 4 and locked to the base housing 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the socket connector 3 and also shows a part of the base housing 4. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the socket housing 31 is formed to be elongated with the direction in which the socket connector 3 is inserted into the base connector 2 (the length direction of the base housing 4) as the longitudinal direction.

  The socket housing 31 includes a socket housing main body 35, protective walls (36, 37), and an elastic piece portion 38. The socket housing body 35 includes an outer peripheral portion 39 and an inner portion 40. An inner portion 40 is formed so as to be surrounded by the outer peripheral portion 39. The outer peripheral portion 39 includes a tip portion 39a, an intermediate portion 39b, and a base portion 39c that are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31.

  The front end 39a has a vertically long shape that is long in the height direction of the base housing 4, and has a configuration in which the ends of semicircular arc-shaped surfaces facing each other are connected by two parallel surfaces. Yes. At the tip of the tip 39a, a flange 39d is provided as a receiving member when the socket housing 31 is inserted into the base housing 4. The flange 39 d is formed so as to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31 with respect to the inside 40 of the socket housing 31. A holding groove 39e is formed in the tip 39a adjacent to the flange 39d. The holding groove 39e is formed in a recessed shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 39d, and holds the first sealing member 33. An intermediate portion 39b is disposed adjacent to the flange portion 39d.

  The intermediate portion 39b is provided as a support portion that supports the elastic piece portion 38 and the protective walls (36, 37). The intermediate portion 39b is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is larger than the tip portion 39a when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31, the length of the intermediate portion 39b is configured to be substantially the same as the length of the tip portion 39a. The elastic piece 38 and the protective walls (36, 37) protrude from one side surface of the intermediate portion 39b. A base portion 39c is arranged so as to be aligned with the intermediate portion 39b.

  The base portion 39c is provided as a support portion that supports the protective walls (36, 37) together with the intermediate portion 39b. The base 39c is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is larger than the intermediate portion 39b when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31. The base portion 39c is configured so that the length in the height direction of the socket housing 31 (corresponding to the height direction of the base housing 4) is the same as that of the intermediate portion 39b, while the width direction of the socket housing 31 (of the base housing 4). (Corresponding to the width direction) is longer than the intermediate portion 39b. The height direction, the width direction, and the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31 correspond to the height direction, the width direction, and the length direction of the base housing 4, respectively.

  Protective walls (36, 37) protrude from one side surface of the base portion 39c. An inside 40 is disposed inside the outer peripheral portion 39. The interior 40 is provided as a holding portion that holds one end (101a, 101h) of the covered electric wires (100a, 100h), the socket contact (32a, 32b), and the second sealing member (34a, 34b). The interior 40 has accommodation chambers (41 a, 41 b) formed through the interior 40 along the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31. The number of storage chambers (41a, 41b) is the same as the number of connection members 5 connected to the socket connector 3a, and two are provided in this embodiment. The accommodation chambers (41 a, 41 b) are arranged in the height direction of the socket housing 31.

  The storage chambers (41a, 41b) are configured in the same manner. Furthermore, the socket contacts (32a, 32b), the covered electric wires (100a, 100h) and the second sealing are arranged in the storage chambers (41a, 41b). The members (34a, 34b) are configured similarly. For this reason, in the following description, the structure of one storage chamber 41a of the storage chambers (41a, 41b) similarly configured will be described, and the description of the configuration of the other storage chamber 41b will be omitted. Further, one of the socket contacts 32a, the covered electric wire 100a, and the second one of the socket contacts (32a, 32b), the covered electric wires (100a, 100h), and the second sealing members (34a, 34b) configured similarly. The configuration of the sealing member 34a will be described, and the description of the configuration of the other socket contact 32b, the covered electric wire 100h, and the second sealing member 34b will be omitted.

  A portion of the storage chamber 41a surrounded by the tip 39a and the intermediate portion 39b of the outer peripheral portion 39 has a relatively small cross-sectional area (area viewed from the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31). In this portion, a lance 42 is disposed as a retaining protrusion that extends from the inner surface of the storage chamber 41a toward the interior of the storage chamber 41a. The lance 42 is provided as a small piece member for suppressing the socket contact 32 inserted into the storage chamber 41a from slipping out of the storage chamber 41a. The lance 42 is surrounded by an intermediate portion 39 b of the outer peripheral portion 39, and extends from the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 14 a in a direction in which the socket housing 31 is inserted toward the base housing 4. A portion of the accommodation chamber 41a surrounded by the base 39c is a cylindrical portion having a relatively large cross-sectional area, and accommodates the second sealing member 34a.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the covered electric wire 100 a, the second sealing member 34 a, and the socket contact 32 a, and shows a state before the socket contact 32 a is accommodated in the accommodation hole 41 a of the socket housing 35. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the covered wire 100a is connected to the socket contact 32a. The covered electric wire 100 a includes a covered portion 102 and an electric wire 103. The covering portion 102 is provided as an insulating member for preventing moisture, oil, and the like from adhering to the electric wire 103, and is joined to the electric wire 103 while surrounding the electric wire 103. As an insulating material for forming the covering portion 102, for example, a material such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) can be used.

  At one end 101a of the covered electric wire 100a, the electric wire 103 is exposed from the covering portion 102. The electric wire 103 is formed of a metal wire that is a conductive material. The other end of the electric wire 103 is configured to be electrically connected to a conductive portion or the like of a circuit board (not shown). A socket contact 32 is disposed at one end 101a of the covered electric wire 100a. The socket contact 32a is provided as a connecting member that electrically connects the electric wire 103 and the first connecting portion 21 (see FIG. 3) of the connecting member 5a of the base connector 2, and at one end 101a of the covered electric wire 100a, It is electrically connected to the electric wire 103. The socket contact 32 is provided as a fixing member that fixes the second sealing member 34a to the covered electric wire 100a.

  The second sealing member 34a is provided as a sealing member for liquid-tightly sealing between the socket housing 31 and the covering portion 102 of the covered electric wire 100a. The second sealing member 34a is provided as a cylindrical member formed of an elastic material having elasticity. The second sealing member 34a is provided as an elastic member formed of an elastic material, and is provided as a rubber member or a packing containing glass fiber. The inner peripheral surface of the second sealing member 34a is liquid-tightly fitted to the outer peripheral surface of one end of the covering portion 102, and the passage of liquid between the covering portion 102 and the second sealing member 34a is prevented. Blocking.

  The second sealing member 34 a includes a cylindrical portion 43 and a bellows portion 44. The cylindrical portion 43 is provided as a portion fixed by the socket contact 32 and surrounds the covering portion 102. A bellows portion 44 is arranged adjacent to the cylindrical portion 43. The bellows portion 44 is a cylindrical portion that is thicker than the cylindrical portion 43, and is provided as a sealing portion that seals between the socket housing 31. The bellows portion 44 extends to the other end side of the covered electric wire 100a with respect to the cylindrical portion 43, and has a configuration in which a crest portion having a large diameter (outer diameter) and a trough portion having a small diameter are alternately arranged. ing.

  The peak portion of the bellows portion 44 is in contact with the cylindrical inner wall surface surrounded by the base portion 39c in the accommodation chamber 41a of the socket housing 31, and is compressed and elastically deformed by the inner wall surface. As a result, the peak portion of the bellows portion 44 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the socket housing 31, and the space between the second sealing member 34 a and the socket housing 31 is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. In other words, the bellows portion 44 is provided with the socket contact 32a adjacent to the second sealing member 34a for liquid-tightly sealing between the socket housing 31 and the one end 101a.

  The socket contact 32a is a metal member separate from the electric wire 103 provided as a conductive connecting member for electrically connecting the electric wire 103 and the connecting member 5a of the base connector 2 (see FIG. 3). The socket contact 32 is formed by processing a plate-like member made of a metal material. For example, the socket contact 32 is made of a copper alloy. The surface of the socket contact 32 is subjected to a plating process such as tin plating.

  The socket contact 32 is provided with a body portion 32c, a first fixing portion 32d, a second fixing portion 32e, and a connection portion 32f that are integrally formed. The main body portion 32c is provided as a support portion that supports the first fixing portion 32d, the second fixing portion 32e, and the connection portion 32f. The main body portion 32 c is formed in a flat plate shape, and extends from one end of the electric wire 103 in parallel to one end of the electric wire 103 and away from the electric wire 103. The main body portion 32 c is formed in an elongated plate shape, and a portion adjacent to one end of the electric wire 103 is constricted.

  The first fixing portion 32 d is provided as a fixing portion that fixes the second sealing member 34 a to the covered electric wire 100. The first fixing portion 32d is configured as a pair of portions extending from the main body portion 32c toward the cylindrical portion 43 of the second sealing member 34a, and a shape in which the tips of the pair of portions are folded back to the main body portion 32c side. have. The pair of folded portions of the first fixing portion 32d are pressed against the cylindrical portion 43 of the second sealing member 34a. Accordingly, the first fixing portion 32d presses one end of the cylindrical portion 43 and the covering portion 102 toward the main body portion 32c, and fixes the second sealing member 34a to the covered electric wire 100.

  The second fixing portion 32e is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the electric wire 103. The second fixing portion 32e is configured as a pair of portions extending from the main body portion 32c toward one end of the electric wire 103 at a position adjacent to one end of the electric wire 103, and the tip ends of the pair of portions are folded back toward the main body portion 32c. It has a shape. The pair of folded portions of the second fixing portion 32e are pressed against the electric wire 103, respectively. Thereby, the second fixing portion 32 e presses the electric wire 103 toward the main body portion 32 c and is coupled to the electric wire 103.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the connection portion 32 f is mechanically and electrically connected to the connection member 5 by contacting the connection portion 20 (first connection portion 21) of the connection member 5 a of the base connector 2. It is configured to be. The connection portion 32f includes a flat plate-like portion extending from the main body portion 32c and a pair of portions extending from the flat plate-like portion at a position away from the electric wire 103 in the main body portion 32c. This part has a shape folded back to the flat part side. Thereby, a space into which the connection portion 20 (first connection portion 21) of the connection member 5a is inserted is formed in the connection portion 32f, and the first connection portion 21 is inserted into this space. Thereby, the connection part 32f contacts the 1st connection part 21 of the connection member 5, and connects the connection member 5a and the electric wire 103 electrically.

  The connection portion 32 f is disposed on the flange 39 d side of the socket housing 31 with respect to the lance 42 and is disposed so as to be surrounded by the first sealing member 33. The connecting portion 32f and the lance 42 are disposed so as to face each other. When the socket contact 32 a receives a force in a direction in which the socket contact 32 a is pulled out from the socket housing 31, the connection portion 32 f is caught by the lance 42 and does not come out of the socket housing 31.

  Further, when the socket contact 32a is assembled to the socket housing 31, the pair of portions of the connection portion 32f contacts the lance 42, passes through the lance 42, and proceeds to the front portion 39a side. On the other hand, when the direction in which the connection portion 32f is inserted into the accommodation chamber 41a is upside down, the flat portion of the connection portion 32f is caught by the lance 42, and as a result, the socket contact 32a is moved to the accommodation chamber 41a. Can't insert. Thereby, it is prevented that the assembly direction of the socket contact 32a with respect to the storage chamber 41a is wrong.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the first sealing member 33 includes the tip 39 a of the outer peripheral portion 39 of the socket housing 31 and the back side portion 15 of the fitting hole 11 (fitting hole 11 a) of the base housing 4. Is provided as a sealing member that liquid-tightly seals between the two. The first sealing member 33 is provided as a cylindrical member made of an elastic material. As an elastic material for forming the first sealing member 33, rubber or glass fiber can be exemplified. The shape of the inner peripheral surface of the first sealing member 33 is a shape that follows the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the holding groove 39e of the socket housing 31, and has two semicircular arc-shaped portions. These parts are connected by a pair of parallel planar parts. The inner peripheral surface of the first sealing member 33 is in contact with the entire circumferential direction of the holding groove 39e at the bottom of the holding groove 39e, and between the first sealing member 33 and the outer peripheral portion 39 of the socket housing 31. Liquid-tight sealing.

  In addition, annular protrusions (33c, 33c) are provided on the outer periphery of the first sealing member 33. The convex portions (33c, 33c) extend around the entire circumference of the first sealing member 33, and are in fluid-tight contact with the entire circumference of the inner wall surface of the back side portion 15 of the base housing 4, thereby providing the first sealing member. The space between the stop member 33 and the back side portion 15 is liquid-tightly sealed. Thus, the first sealing member 33 seals the space between the base housing 4 and the socket housing 31 in a liquid-tight manner. One protrusion or a plurality of protrusions (33c, 33c) are provided apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31, and two protrusions are provided in the present embodiment.

  Next, the lock mechanism 45 for removably locking the socket housing 31 to the base housing 4 will be described. The lock mechanism 45 includes an elastic piece portion 38, an operation portion 46, a lock claw 47, and a locking portion 48.

  The elastic piece 38 is provided as a lever member extending in the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31. The base end of the elastic piece portion 38 is connected to the intermediate portion 39b of the outer peripheral portion 39 of the socket housing main body 35, that is, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31, the first sealing member 33 and the second sealing member ( 34a, 34b) is connected to the socket housing body 35. The elastic piece portion 38 extends from the intermediate portion 39b toward the base portion 39c while extending away from the outer peripheral portion 39. As described above, the elastic piece portion 38 extends so as to be inclined with respect to the side surface of the socket housing body 35 that faces the elastic piece portion 38, and the elastic piece portion 38 is accompanied by elastic deformation. The amount that can be displaced is sufficiently large. Further, the elastic piece portion 38 has a shape in which a part on the base side is cut out, and a middle portion from the base end toward the tip has a shape divided into two.

  An operation portion 46 is provided at the distal end portion of the elastic piece portion 38. The operation unit 46 is provided as an operation unit for displacing the elastic piece 38 with an operator's finger or the like. The operation portion 46 protrudes in a direction away from the socket housing body 35 with respect to the distal end portion of the elastic member 38, and is arranged so as to be aligned with the base portion 39 c of the socket housing body 35. Further, the operation portion 46 is disposed so as to protrude from the opening side portion 16 of the base housing 4 when the socket connector 3 is inserted into the base housing 4.

  In addition, lock claws 47 (47a, 47b) are disposed in the middle portion of the elastic piece portion 38. The lock claw 47 is provided as a retaining member that prevents the elastic piece portion 38 from coming off the base housing 4 by engaging with the locking portion 48 of the base housing 4. The lock claw 47 is a small piece member formed on one side surface of the intermediate portion of the elastic piece portion 38 facing the locking portion 48 side of the base housing 4. One or more lock claws 47 are provided on the elastic piece portion 38 (two in this embodiment). The lock claw 47 is configured to increase in thickness as the socket housing 31 advances in the direction opposite to the direction in which the socket housing 31 is inserted into the base housing 4.

  When the socket housing 31 is inserted into the fitting hole 11a of the base housing 4, the elastic piece portion 38 is bent and elastically deformed. At this time, the lock claw 47 advances toward the inner side of the base housing 4 while being pressed and rubbed against the inner surface of the first outer wall portion 6 of the base housing 4. Then, the lock claw 47 is fitted into the locking portion 48. Thereby, when the locking by the locking mechanism 45 is completed and a force in the direction in which the socket housing 31 is pulled out from the base housing 4 is applied, the lock claw 47 is locked to the inner wall surface of the locking portion 48, and the socket housing 31 is Dropping is prevented.

  The locking portion 48 is formed on the first outer wall portion 6 of the base housing 4, and one locking portion 48 is provided in the fitting hole 11 a. Specifically, the locking portion 48 is formed only on the first outer wall portion 6 of the first outer wall portion 6 and the third outer wall portion 8 of the base housing 4 facing each other with the socket housing 31 interposed therebetween. When 31 is inserted in the wrong direction with respect to the base housing 4, the lock claw 47 is configured not to engage with the locking portion 48. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the insertion direction of the socket housing 31 from the base housing 4 from being mistaken. The locking portion 48 is provided as a rectangular hole disposed in the vicinity of the opening side portion 16 of the fitting hole 11 of the base housing 4, and the first outer wall portion 6 of the base housing 4 extends in the thickness direction. It penetrates. For example, one or a plurality of locking portions 48 (one in the present embodiment) are provided for one fitting hole 11.

  The elastic piece 38 of the lock mechanism 45 is protected by protective walls (36, 37). The protective walls (36, 37) are provided as protective members for preventing foreign matter from coming into contact with the elastic piece portion. The protective walls (36, 37) are provided as portions extending from the intermediate portion 39b and the base portion 39c of the socket housing main body 35, and are arranged so as to sandwich the elastic piece portion 38 in the width direction of the socket housing main body 35. Specifically, the protective walls (36, 37) are arranged so as to sandwich the base end, the intermediate portion, and the tip end of the elastic member 38 in the width direction of the socket housing 31. A chamfer is formed at the end, and the end on the base 39 c side is adjacent to the operation unit 46.

  Moreover, the height of the part provided in the base part 39c is high compared with the height of the part provided in the intermediate part 39b in the protective walls (36, 37). The elastic piece portion 38 is sandwiched between the protective walls (36, 37), and the operation portion 46 protrudes from the protective wall (36, 37) to one side in the height direction of the socket housing 31. Thereby, the operator can press the operation part 46 without being disturbed by the protective walls (36, 37). In addition, protrusions (36 a, 37 a) that protrude toward the elastic piece 38 are provided in the protective walls (36, 37) that are aligned with the operation unit 46. The elastic piece portion 38 is provided with a protrusion-like portion that extends downward from the protruding portions (36a, 37a) and protrudes to the side, and is sandwiched between the protruding portions (36a, 37a) and the base portion 39a. . The protrusions (36a, 37b) are in contact with the protrusions (36a, 37b) to prevent the elastic piece 38 from protruding in the height direction of the socket housing 31 from between the protective walls (36, 37). Has been.

  Next, the operation of the waterproof connector 1 described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining the operation of attaching and detaching the socket connector 3 to and from the base connector 2. The socket connector 3 is shown in cross section, and the base connector 2 shows the side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an operation of attaching / detaching the socket connector 3 to / from the base connector 2, and shows a state in which the socket housing 31 is fitted to the base housing 4.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when mechanically and electrically connecting the socket connector 3 (3a) to the base connector 2, first, an operator presses the operation portion 46 of the socket connector 3a with a finger or the like, The elastic piece 38 is deflected and displaced. Along with this, the elastic piece portion 38 is displaced toward the socket housing body 35 side with the base end as a fulcrum, and the lock claw 47 is displaced toward the socket housing body 35 side. In this state, the socket housing 31 faces the fitting hole 11a of the base housing 4, and the socket housing 31 is displaced in the insertion direction (longitudinal direction of the socket housing 31). Thus, the portion of the socket housing main body 35 excluding a part of the base portion 39c is inserted into the fitting hole 11a of the base housing 4 as shown in FIG. 10, and the elastic piece portion 38 is inserted into the fitting hole. 11a. Further, the protective walls (36 and 37, the protective wall 37 are not shown) are inserted into the cutout portion 16c of the fitting hole 11a. At this time, the operation portion 46 is disposed outside the fitting hole 11a.

  At this time, the lock claw 47 enters the inside of the fitting hole 11a. Further, when the tip 39 a of the socket housing body 35 abuts on the first partition wall 12 of the fitting hole 11, the socket housing 31 is restricted from entering the base housing 4 any more. When the operation of the operation portion 46 is released in this state, the elastic piece portion 38 is displaced in a direction in which the intermediate portion and the tip thereof are separated from the socket housing main body 35, and as shown in FIG. 4 is inserted into the locking portion 48. Accordingly, the lock claw 47 is disposed to face the inner wall surface of the locking portion 48 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction in which the socket housing 31 is inserted into the base housing 4. Therefore, when the socket housing 31 is displaced in the opposite direction with respect to the base housing 4, the lock claw 47 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the locking portion 48, and the socket housing 31 is not dropped from the base housing 4. It is prevented.

  When the insertion of the socket housing 31 into the base housing 4 is completed, the first sealing member 33 has a convex portion (33c, 33c) extending over the inner peripheral surface of the back side portion 15 of the base housing 4 over the entire circumference. They are in contact in a compressed state, and are in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the back side portion 15. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the first sealing member 33 is in liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holding groove 39 e of the outer peripheral portion 39 of the socket housing 31 over the entire periphery. Thus, the first sealing member 33 seals the space between the base housing 4 and the socket housing 31 in a liquid-tight manner. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the second sealing member (34a, 34b) is in liquid-tight contact with the covering portion (102, 102) of the covered electric wire (100a, 100h) over the entire circumference, and the second sealing member (34a, 34b) The peak portions of the bellows portions (44, 44) of the sealing members (34a, 34b) are in liquid-tight contact with the accommodation chambers (41a, 41b) of the socket housing 31 over the entire circumference. Thereby, the 2nd sealing member (34a, 34b) has liquid-tightly sealed between the socket housing 31 and the coating | coated part (102,102) of a covered electric wire (100a, 100h).

  Similarly, the socket housing 31 of the socket connector 3 is fitted into the fitting holes (11b to 11g) other than the fitting hole 11a in the base housing 4, and all the fitting holes (11a to 11g) are fitted. The socket connectors (3a to 3g) are fitted. Then, the lock claw 47 of the socket housing 31 of the socket connector (3a to 3g) is fitted into the locking portion 48. In each of the socket connectors (3a to 3g), the first sealing member 33 liquid-tightly seals between the tip 39a of the socket housing 31 and the back side 15 of the fitting hole 11 of the base housing 4. To do.

  As described above, the fitting hole 11 is connected to the socket connector 3, and the back side portion 15 of the fitting hole 11 is formed by the socket housing 31, the first sealing member 33, and the second sealing member (34 a, 34 b). Sealed liquid-tight. This prevents foreign matters such as moisture from entering the connection member 5 and the socket contact 32 in the base housing 4 from the outside of the waterproof connector 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when a plurality of socket connectors (3a to 3g) are attached to the base housing 4, the covered electric wires (100a to 100d and 100h to 100k) protrude from the socket connectors (3a to 3d). And the direction in which the covered electric wires (100e to 100g and 100l to 100n) protrude from the socket connectors (3e to 3g) are arranged to be different from each other. Specifically, the direction in which the covered electric wires (100a to 100d and 100h to 100k) protrude from the socket connectors (3a to 3d) and the covered electric wires (100e to 100g and 100l to 100n) protrude from the socket connectors (3e to 3g). The directions are parallel and opposite to each other.

  Next, when removing the socket connector 3 (for example, connector 3a) fitted to the base connector 2, the operator presses the operation portion 46 of the socket connector 3a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the elastic piece portion 38 is deflected and displaced so that the tip thereof is close to the base portion 39 c of the socket housing body 35, and the engagement between the lock claw 47 and the locking portion 48 of the base housing 4. The match is released. Then, the socket housing 31 is pulled from the base housing 4 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. As a result, the socket housing is pulled out from the fitting hole 11a of the base housing 4 as shown in FIG. At this time, the lock claw 47 is displaced to the outside of the fitting hole 11 a while sliding in the vicinity of the inner surface of the first outer wall portion 6. Moreover, the 1st sealing member 33 is displaced to the exterior of the fitting hole 11a through the opening side part 16 from the back | inner side part 15 of the fitting hole 11a. As described above, by removing each of the plurality of socket connectors (3a to 3g) from the base housing 4, the operation of removing the socket connector 3 from the base connector 2 is completed.

  As described above, according to the waterproof connector 1, the socket housing 31 accommodates and protects the socket contact 32. For this reason, insertion of the socket contact 32 into the fitting hole 11 of the base housing 4 can be guided by the socket housing 31. Thereby, it can prevent that the socket contact 32 contacts the location which the connection member 5 does not intend, and a damage arises. In particular, in the waterproof connector 1, the waterproof first sealing member 33 and the second sealing member 34 are provided, and frictional resistance acts between the base housing 4 and the socket contact 32 is relatively large. It is necessary to insert into the base housing 4 by force. Due to this, when connecting the socket contact 32 to the connection member 5, the socket contact 32 may be brought into contact with an unintended portion of the connection member 5 with a strong force, and the connection member 5 may be damaged. Conceivable. However, according to the waterproof connector 1, the insertion of the socket contact 32 into the base housing 4 can be guided by the socket housing 31, so that such a problem can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matters from coming into contact with the socket contact 32 due to carelessness of the operator when handling the socket contact 32 before the socket contact 32 is inserted into the base housing 4. For this reason, deformation and damage of the socket contact 32 can be prevented. Further, when an external force is applied to the socket contact 32 via the covered electric wire 100 or the like, this external force can be received by the socket housing 31 and the force transmitted to the connection member 5 can be reduced. For this reason, it can suppress that an excessive load acts on the connection member 5 from the socket contact 32, and can suppress the deformation | transformation and damage of the connection member 5, and the adhering to the connection member 5 of the socket contact 32.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide the waterproof connector 1 that can sufficiently protect the conductive member when the connecting member 5 and the socket contact 32 as the conductive member are accommodated in the base housing 4 and in the accommodated state. .

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, when the socket connectors (3a to 3g) are attached to the base connector 2, the socket housing 31 is provided between the socket connectors (3a to 3d) and the socket connectors (3e to 3g). The directions in which the covered electric wire 100 protrudes from each other are different from each other, whereby the degree of freedom in handling the covered electric wire 100 can be increased.

  Specifically, in the socket connectors (3a to 3d), the direction in which the covered electric wire 100 protrudes from the socket housing 31 and the direction in which the covered electric wire 100 protrudes from the socket housing 31 in the socket connectors (3e to 3g) are parallel and The direction is reversed. By adopting such a series arrangement, the space occupied by the covered electric wire 100 and the base housing 4 can be reduced.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, since the lock mechanism 45 is provided, the socket housing 31 can be prevented from being detached from the base housing 4 without permission. Further, by inserting the socket housing 31 into the base housing 4, the lock claw 47 can be locked to the locking portion 48. Thereby, the socket housing 31 can be easily locked to the base housing 4.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the locking portion 48 is provided only on the first outer wall portion 6 of the first outer wall portion 6 and the third outer wall portion 8 of the base housing 4. With this configuration, when the socket housing 31 is inserted into the base housing 4 in the wrong direction, the lock claw 47 is not locked to the locking portion 48 and the lock mechanism 45 does not function. For this reason, the operator can be made aware that the insertion direction is wrong, and the direction in which the socket housing 31 is inserted into the base housing 4 can be prevented from being mistaken.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the engagement between the lock claw 47 and the locking portion 48 can be released in accordance with the displacement operation of the operation portion 46 provided on the elastic piece portion 38, whereby the socket contact 32. Can be fixed to the base housing 4 in an easily removable manner.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the base end of the elastic piece portion 38 is located at the position between the first sealing member 33 and the second sealing member 34 in the direction in which the socket housing 31 is inserted into the base housing 4. 35. According to such a configuration, since the force from the lock claw 47 acts on the first sealing member 33 and the second sealing member 34 evenly, the sealing by the first sealing member 33 and the second sealing member 34 is performed. It is possible to suppress the effect from being disturbed by the lock mechanism 45.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the base housing 4 is made of synthetic resin and is integrally formed with the connection member 5 at the time of resin molding. Thereby, the adhesiveness (liquid tightness) of the base housing 4 and the connection member 5 can be improved.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the adjacent fitting holes 11 of the base housing 4 are partitioned by the second partition wall 13 or the third partition wall 14. Thereby, the insertion of the socket housing 31 into the target fitting hole 11 can be guided by the second partition wall 13 or the third partition wall 14. Further, the second partition wall 13 or the third partition wall 14 and the first sealing member 33 are brought into contact with each other, thereby sealing between the second partition wall 13 or the third partition wall 14 and the first sealing member 33. be able to.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 of the connecting member 5 have different directions extending from the base portion 19. Thereby, many 1st connection parts 21 and 2nd connection parts 22 can be arrange | positioned compactly centering | focusing on the connection member 5. FIG.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 22 of the connection member 5 extend in the opposite direction with respect to the base portion 19. With such an arrangement, a sufficient arrangement space for the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 22 can be ensured even in a narrow space.

  Further, according to the waterproof connector 1, a plurality of first connection portions 21 and second connection portions 22 are provided, and the first connection portions 21 and the second connection portions 22 are alternately arranged along the extending direction of the base portion 19. Is arranged. According to such a configuration, the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 22 can be arranged at a short pitch in the extending direction of the base portion 19.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, when a plurality of socket connectors are attached to the base housing, at least two socket connectors are arranged so that the directions of the covered wires at the portions protruding from the socket housing are different from each other. Although the form has been described as an example, this need not be the case. For example, when a plurality of socket connectors are attached to the base housing, only the socket connectors in which the directions of the covered electric wires in the portions protruding from the socket housing are the same may be provided. At this time, the 1st connection part and 2nd connection part of a connection member will be extended in the same direction from a base part.

(2) Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a plurality of socket connectors are attached to the base housing, they are arranged so that the directions of the covered wires at the portions protruding from the socket housing are parallel to each other and opposite to each other. The embodiment having at least two socket connectors has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. For example, when a plurality of socket connectors are attached to the base housing, it may have at least two socket connectors arranged so that the directions of the covered electric wires at the portions protruding from the socket housing are orthogonal or inclined to each other Good. At this time, the first connection portion and the second connection portion of the connection member extend in a direction orthogonal to or inclined with respect to the base portion of the connection member.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the base connector is connected to all of the plurality of fitting holes of the base housing has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. For example, the socket connector is fitted into only a part of the plurality of fitting holes, and the cap member is fitted into the fitting hole where the socket connector is not fitted. The holes may be sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Specifically, for example, the cap member 50 shown in the modification of FIGS. 11 and 12 may be used.

  Although the waterproof connector 1a which concerns on the modification shown in FIG.11 and FIG.12 is comprised similarly to the waterproof connector 1, in the point by which the cap member 50 is attached to some fitting holes 11 (11a), Different from the waterproof connector 1. 11 and 12, the same components as those of the waterproof connector 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof is omitted.

  The cap member 50 according to the modification shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is configured in the same manner as the socket housing 31, but the accommodation chamber 410a and the accommodation chamber 420a formed in the cap member 50 are opened to the base 39c side. The socket connector 3 is different from the socket connector 3 in that the socket contact 32 and the covered electric wire 100 (see FIG. 3) are not accommodated.

  The cap member 50 includes a socket housing main body 35a, an elastic piece portion 38, and protective walls (36, 37). The socket housing body 35a includes an outer peripheral portion 39 and an inner portion 40a. The interior 40a includes a storage chamber 410a that stores the first connection portion 21 of the connection member 5a and a storage chamber 420a that stores the first connection portion 21 of the connection member 5b. The storage chamber 410a and the storage chamber 420a are: The socket housing body 35 has a closed base 39c side. For this reason, the liquid is prevented from entering the interior 40a. With the above configuration, when the cap member 50 is attached to the fitting hole 11 (for example, the fitting hole 11a) of the base housing 4, the cap member 50 closes the fitting hole 11 with the socket housing body 35a, and The first sealing member 33 liquid-tightly seals between the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 39 a of the socket housing body 35 a and the inner peripheral surface of the back side portion 15 of the fitting hole 11.

  Of the other fitting holes 11 of the base housing 4, the fitting housing 11 into which the socket connector 3 is not inserted is fitted with the socket housing 31 of the cap member 50 in the same manner as described above. In addition, the socket connector 3 or the cap member 50 is attached. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as moisture from entering the connection member 5 in the base housing 4 and the socket contact 32 of the socket connector 3 from the outside of the waterproof connector 1a.

  Even in such a waterproof connector 1a, the same effect as the waterproof connector 1 can be obtained. Further, according to the waterproof connector 1a, the cap member 50 can close the fitting hole 11 in a state where the base housing 4 is not fitted. Thereby, even when only the socket connector 3 fewer than the number of the fitting holes 11 is used, infiltration of the liquid into the periphery of the connection member 5 can be suppressed in the base housing 4. Thereby, since the waterproof connector 1a can be used irrespective of the number of socket connectors 3, the versatility of the waterproof connector 1a can be enhanced.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the locking portion of the lock mechanism is provided only on one of the first outer wall portion and the third outer wall portion of the base housing has been described as an example. Good. The third outer wall portion may be provided with a locking portion, and the socket housing may be further provided with a lock claw for locking to the locking portion of the third outer wall portion. The lock claw is provided on the elastic piece protruding from the socket housing toward the third outer wall.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the connecting members are arranged in two upper and lower rows has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. Only one connection member may be arranged, or three or more rows may be arranged vertically.

(6) The shape of each of the base housing, the connecting member, the socket housing, the socket contact, the first sealing member, and the second sealing member is not limited to the shape illustrated in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are made. May be.

  The present invention can be widely applied as a waterproof connector for electrically connecting electric wires.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Waterproof connector 3 Socket connector 4 Base housing 5 Connection member 11 Fitting hole 31 Socket housing 32 Socket contact 33 1st sealing member 34 2nd sealing member 100 Covered electric wire 101 One end 102 Covering part 103 Electric wire

Claims (5)

A base housing in which a fitting hole is formed;
A plurality of socket housings that house one end of the covered wire and are fitted into the fitting holes;
A plurality of socket contacts electrically connected to the wires of the covered wires at the one end of the covered wires and inserted into the plurality of socket housings;
A connection member that is held by the base housing and electrically connects the plurality of socket contacts;
A first sealing member for liquid-tightly sealing between the plurality of socket housings and the base housing;
A second sealing member that liquid-tightly seals between the plurality of socket housings and the covering portion of the covered electric wire;
A waterproof connector characterized by comprising: The waterproof connector according to claim 1,
A plurality of socket connectors having a configuration in which the socket contacts are accommodated in the socket housing;
The waterproof connector, wherein the at least two socket connectors are arranged such that directions of the covered electric wires are different from each other at a portion protruding from the socket housing when the socket connector is attached to the base housing. The waterproof connector according to claim 2,
When the at least two socket connectors are attached to the base housing, the at least two socket connectors are arranged so that the directions of the covered wires at the portions protruding from the socket housing are parallel to each other and opposite to each other. Waterproof connector. The waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A locking mechanism for locking the socket housing to the base housing;
The locking mechanism is
An elastic piece extending from a socket housing body for accommodating the socket contact in the socket housing;
A lock claw provided on the elastic piece,
A locking portion provided in the base housing and capable of locking the locking claw;
A waterproof connector characterized by comprising: The waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The base housing has a plurality of fitting holes that can be fitted into the plurality of socket housings,
A waterproof connector, further comprising a cap member for liquid-tightly sealing the fitting hole in which the socket housing is not fitted, among the plurality of fitting holes.

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