JP3887254B2

JP3887254B2 - Seal structure of waterproof connector

Info

Publication number: JP3887254B2
Application number: JP2002076300A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 元加藤; 一久石崎
Original assignee: Yazaki Corp
Current assignee: Yazaki Corp
Priority date: 2002-03-19
Filing date: 2002-03-19
Publication date: 2007-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-19
Also published as: JP2003272757A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部の側部と雌型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凹部との間をシール部材によって確実にシールすることができる防水コネクタのシール構造に関するものである。
【従来の技術】
従来、自動車等に使用されているコネクタは水が浸入しないようにほとんどが防水性のものである。この防水コネクタとしては、いろいろな種類のものがあり、例えば車両に搭載されるモータ等の電気機器に設けられたコネクタと電線の端部に装着されたコネクタとを嵌合させて電気的に接続させるものや、２つの電線の端部を雌雄コネクタを介して接続させるものがあるが、ほとんどが雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部と雌型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部とを嵌合させ、その嵌合部分をシールする構造のものである。
【０００２】
防水コネクタとしては、具体的には例えば、図６に示すようなものがある。この防水コネクタ４０は、雄型コネクタハウジング４１の嵌合凸部４２と雌型コネクタハウジング４３の嵌合凹部４４とを嵌合させることにより、嵌合凸部４２の側部と嵌合凹部４４との間がシール部材４５によってシールされるものである。シール部材４５は、図６及び図７に示すように、ゴム材から成る柔軟な筒状パッキン４６の端部に、樹脂材から環状に形成された硬質のパッキンホルダ４７が接着剤等により固着され、パッキンホルダ４７の外周面の２箇所に、外周面から突出する係合爪４８が形成されている。
このシール部材４５を雄型コネクタハウジング４１の外壁を構成するフード４９内の嵌合凸部４２の外周上に挿入し、図８に示すように、係合爪４８と係止突起５０とを係合させることにより、シール部材４５が雄型コネクタハウジング４１に固定される。この雄型コネクタハウジング４１の嵌合凸部４２に、図６に示すように、雌型コネクタハウジング４３の嵌合凹部４４を嵌合させると、嵌合凹部４４の内壁によって筒状パッキン４６が押圧されて弾性変形し雌型コネクタハウジング４３の壁面に密着するので、雄型コネクタハウジング４１と雌型コネクタハウジング４３との間がシールされる。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、前述のシール部材は、ゴム材から成る柔軟な筒状パッキンと、樹脂材から環状に形成された硬質のパッキンホルダとの２つの別部材を例えば接着剤を用いて固着して形成されているため、雌型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部と雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凹部とを嵌合させるとき、シール部材に嵌合方向に沿った大きな力が作用すると、筒状パッキンとパッキンホルダとの固着部分から分離されることがあり得り、雌型コネクタハウジングと雄型コネクタハウジングとの間のシールを十分に行えないことにもなる場合がある。
【０００４】
また、雌型コネクタハウジングと雄型コネクタハウジングとの嵌合形状、例えば嵌合凸部の側部の形状が特殊な場合、例えば内側に向って湾曲されている箇所がある場合には、その湾曲部分に筒状パッキンが密着せずに、嵌合凸部の側部から離れて浮き上がりこのまま嵌合凹部を嵌合させると、その筒状パッキンがかみ込み等を起こして、雌型コネクタハウジングと雄型コネクタハウジングとの間のシールを十分に行えないことがあり得る。
【０００５】
そこで、本発明は、このような実状に鑑みなされたものであり、その目的は、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシールを確実に行うことができる防水コネクタのシール構造を提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために、本発明の防水コネクタのシール構造は、雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部を雌型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凹部内に挿嵌したときの嵌合凸部の側部と嵌合凹部との間を環状のシール部材によってシールする構造において、内側に向かって曲がっている前記嵌合凸部の側部に、該嵌合凸部の曲部のうち最も内側に位置されている箇所に少なくとも１つの係合部を配設し、前記シール部材の内周部に、前記係合部と係合してシール部材を嵌合凸部の側部に密着させる係止突部を一体的に設け、前記嵌合凸部内に、側部に凹部を有する接続端子が収容され、前記係合部が、前記嵌合凹部内に収容された接続端子の凹部に連通する係合孔であり、前記係止突部が、前記係合孔を貫通して接続端子の凹部内に先端部が挿入される係止突起であることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
このように構成することで、嵌合凸部の側部にシール部材を位置させつつ係止突部を係合部に係合させることにより、シール部材が雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部の側部に密着する。雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部に、雌型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凹部を嵌合させることにより、嵌合凹部の内壁によってシール部材が押圧されて弾性変形して内壁に密着するので、嵌合凸部と嵌合凹部との間がシールされる。このように嵌合するとき、シール部材に嵌合方向の大きな力が作用した場合でも、係止突部がシール部材に一体的に設けられているため、シール部材が嵌合凸部から離れることがないので、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材によるシールを確実に行える。
【０００８】
また、前記嵌合凸部と嵌合凹部との嵌合形状が、内側に向って曲っている曲部を有し、前記係合部が嵌合凸部の曲部のうち最も内側に位置されている箇所に少なくとも１つの係合部が配設されている構成を採用している。
【０００９】
これにより、嵌合凸部の曲部ではシール部材が曲部から離れて浮き上がり易いが、シール部材の係止突部を曲部の係合部に係合させることにより、シール部材が曲部において浮き上がることがないので、嵌合形状が特殊な場合でも、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材によるシールを確実に行える。
【００１０】
また、前記嵌合凸部の側部の少なくとも一部が露出し、この露出している側部に前記シール部材を密着させると共に、シール部材が密着する箇所に、シール部材として機能すべくシール部材の一部を露出させて収容するシール部材収容溝を設けることが好ましい。
【００１１】
このようにシール部材収容溝が露出している嵌合凸部の側部に設けられているので、シール部材の収容（装着）を容易に行える。また、シール部材がシール部材収容溝に収容されているため、嵌合凸部と嵌合凹部とを嵌合するとき、シール部材が嵌合方向に沿ってずれ難いので、シール部材によるシールをより確実に行える。
【００１２】
また、前記嵌合凸部内に、側部に凹部を有する接続端子が収容され、前記係合部が、前記嵌合凸部内に収容された接続端子の凹部に連通する係合孔であり、前記係止突部が、前記係合孔を貫通して接続端子の凹部内に先端部が位置されて係止される係止突起である構成を採用している。
【００１３】
このように、係止突起を係合孔に挿入してシール部材を係止するとき、係止突起の先端部が嵌合凸部内に収容された接続端子の凹部内に位置されるため、接続端子の収容が不完全の場合には、係止突起の挿入を完全に行えず、接続端子の完全収容状態の可否を検知することができ、しかも接続端子のガタツキを抑えることができる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を添付図面に基づいて詳述する。
図１乃至図３は本発明の防水コネクタのシール構造の一例を示す図である。図４は本発明のシール部材の一例を示す斜視図である。図５は本発明の接続コネクタとコネクタ部との関係を示す一部断面図である。
【００１５】
図１乃至図３、図５において、１は接続コネクタ２のコネクタハウジング（一方のコネクタハウジング）である。接続コネクタ２は、シールド電線等の絶縁被覆電線３の端部に接続されるものであり、この接続コネクタ２と嵌合されて接続されるコネクタとしては、他のシールド電線等の絶縁被覆電線の端部に接続されたコネクタでもよいが、本実施の形態では、例えば車両に搭載されるモータ等の電気機器４に設けられたコネクタ部５の場合について説明する。
【００１６】
電気機器４は、例えば、電気自動車の３相交流モータであり、一体的にほぼ円弧状のコネクタ部５が突設され、このコネクタ部５は、図５に示すように、例えば雌型コネクタとして形成されていると共に、接続コネクタ２が雄型コネクタとして形成されている。
コネクタ部５の雌型コネクタハウジング６には、ほぼ円弧状の嵌合凹部７が設けられ、この嵌合凹部７内には、その円弧方向に沿って所定の間隔を隔てて３つのピン状の機器端子８が底部から深さ方向に突出して設けられている。嵌合凹部７の底部には、絶縁部材９が設けられ、この絶縁部材９は嵌合凹部７の側部にも設けるようにしてもよい。また、雌型コネクタハウジング６にはＣリング１０が取り付けられ、各機器端子８が係止されている。なお、コネクタ部５は、機器端子（電極）８を３つ有しているが、これに限定されるものではなく、１つでも、２つ又は４つ以上の場合でもよい。
コネクタ部５の周縁部には、接続コネクタ２が嵌合される嵌合段部１１が周設されていると共に、接続コネクタ２を固定する例えばボルト（図示せず）が螺合するネジ溝が螺刻されているコネクタ固定孔１２が設けられている。
【００１７】
接続コネクタ２のコネクタハウジング（雄型コネクタハウジング）１は、図１乃至図３、図５に示すように、断面ほぼ円弧状の円弧状柱体に形成され、一端部、図示例では下端部は、雌型コネクタハウジング６の嵌合凹部７に嵌合するほぼ円弧状の嵌合凸部１３として形成されている。嵌合凸部１３の嵌合方向の長さ（嵌合凹部７に挿入されて嵌合される部分の長さ）は、嵌合凹部７の深さ方向（嵌合方向）の長さより短い寸法、例えば若干短い寸法に形成されている。雄型コネクタハウジング１の側部下端部は、嵌合凸部１３の嵌合方向に沿って延出し、コネクタ部５の嵌合段部１１に嵌合する嵌合片１４として形成されている。つまり、嵌合凸部１３の基部及びその近傍が嵌合片１４によって覆われた形状に形成されている。
雄型コネクタハウジング１には、コネクタ固定孔１２に螺合して雄型コネクタハウジング１（接続コネクタ２）をコネクタ部５に固定するボルト（図示せず）を貫通させるボルト挿通孔（図示せず）が設けられている。
【００１８】
雄型コネクタハウジング１には、一端面（嵌合凸部１３の先端面）から他端面（上面）を貫通する円形状の電線挿通孔１５が３つ設けられている。電線挿通孔１５は、雄型コネクタハウジング１を雌型コネクタハウジング６に嵌合したとき、３つの機器端子８の軸とほぼ同軸に位置されるように円弧方向に沿って所定の間隔を隔てて配設されている。電線挿通孔１５は、ほぼ中央部から上面までが電線部１６に、残りが接続端子収容部１７として形成されている。
電線部１６は、絶縁被覆電線３の外径より大径の円形に形成され、絶縁被覆層が被覆されている絶縁被覆電線３が位置される。
接続端子収容部１７は、絶縁被覆電線３の外径より若干大きな径の円形に形成されており、接続端子１８が収容されるようになっている。
【００１９】
接続端子１８は、導電性材料により絶縁被覆電線３の外径とほぼ同じ外径で、かつ、絶縁被覆電線３の芯線３ａ（又は機器端子８）の径より若干大きな内径の円筒状に形成されている。接続端子１８は、その内部の中央部が閉塞されており、絶縁被覆電線３の絶縁被覆層を除去した芯線３ａを挿入して例えば６箇所で加締めて固着する第１接続部１９と、機器端子８が挿入される第２接続部２０とにより形成されている。第２接続部２０には、機器端子８の外径より小径に形成されるばね挟持部２１が設けられている。
【００２０】
接続端子１８の周面（側部）の中央部には、その周方向に沿って断面凹状の凹部（首部）２２が設けられ、この首部２２は、接続端子収容部１７に収容されたとき、嵌合片１４の先端より嵌合方向前方の嵌合凸部１３内に位置されるようになっている。また、接続端子１８の第２接続部２０の端部の近傍の周面には係止溝２３が設けられている。また、接続端子１８の第１接続部１９の外周端部は、端部にいくに連れて漸次縮径された係合部２４として形成されている。
【００２１】
電線挿通孔１５の電線部１６と接続端子収容部１７との間には、接続端子収容部１７に収容した接続端子１８の第１接続部１９の端部の係合部２４と係合して接続端子１８の接続端子収容部１７からの抜け出を防止する弾性変形可能な係止片２５が設けられている。
電線挿通孔１５の嵌合凸部１３側の開口部１５ａは、接続端子１８の接続端子収容部１７の内径とほぼ同じか若干大きな径に形成されている。嵌合凸部１３の下方には、接続端子１８の係止溝２３に係合して接続端子１８を係止する係止部材（図示せず）を取り付ける係止孔２６が設けられている。
【００２２】
嵌合凸部１３の嵌合凹部７に嵌合される側部（外周部）１３ａには、その周方向に沿ってシール部材２７が密着されている。シール部材２７の位置は、嵌合凹部７に嵌合される部分であれば特に限定されないが、好ましくは嵌合片１４の先端部より嵌合方向前方の外部に露出している部分（嵌合片１４の内部でない部分）であって接続端子収容部１７に収容した接続端子１８の首部２２に対応した位置である。
【００２３】
シール部材２７が密着される嵌合凸部１３の側部には、シール部材２７として機能すべくシール部材２７の一部を露出させて収容するシール部材収容溝２８が設けられている。シール部材収容溝２８は、シール部材２７の一部を収容してシール部材収容溝２８から露出した部分でシール部材２７としての機能を図るもので、シール部材収容溝２８から露出する部分は好ましくはシール部材２７のほぼ半分又はそれ以上がよい。
シール部材収容溝２８の形状は、特に限定されず、例えば、図示するように矩形状、半円形状、半楕円状等どのように形成してもよい。シール部材収容溝２８の大きさは、収容されたシール部材２７が嵌合方向に沿ってほとんど移動しないような大きさに形成することが好ましい。
【００２４】
嵌合凸部１３のシール部材収容溝２８内には、接続端子収容部１７に貫通する係合部である円形状の係合孔２９が設けられている。係合孔２９は、シール部材２７を設ける位置（シール部材収容溝２８内）に１つ又は２つ以上設けてもよいが、シール部材２７を設けたとき（例えばシール部材収容溝２８内に収容したとき）、シール部材収容溝２８からシール部材２７が離脱する箇所には必ず設けるようにする。例えば、嵌合凸部１３が円弧状に形成されている場合には、内側に向って曲っている曲部、つまり内周部のほぼ中央部（最も内側）に係合孔２９を設けるようにする。
【００２５】
シール部材２７としては、特に限定されないが、例えば柔軟性弾性材料により形成された環状のものである。シール部材２７の断面形状は、ほぼ円形状、楕円形状、矩形状、多角形状等どのように形成してもよく、シール部材２７の嵌合凹部７との接触部分及び／又は嵌合凸部１３との接触部分にはその周方向に沿ってリップや突条を１又は２以上設けるようにしてもよい。シール部材２７の長さは、密着させる嵌合凸部１３の側部の周方向の長さより若干短い寸法に形成することがよく、例えばシール部材２７をシール部材収容溝２８内に収容するときにはシール部材収容溝２８内の長さより若干短い寸法に形成することがよい。シール部材２７としては、具体的には例えば、図４に示すようなＯリングが用いられる。
【００２６】
シール部材２７の内周部には、図１、図２及び図４に示すように、係合孔２９と係合してシール部材２７をシール部材収容溝２８（嵌合凸部１３の側部）に密着させる係止突部３０が一体的に内側に向けて突設されている。
係止突部は、具体的には、係合孔２９の径より若干小さい径であって、その係合孔２９の長さより若干長い円柱部３０ａと、その円柱部３０ａの先端部に設けられ、係合孔２９の径より大径に形成された円錐体状に形成された頭部３０ｂとからなる係止突起３０として形成されている。係止突起３０は、係合孔２９に応じて例えば係合孔２９が１つの場合には図示するようにシール部材２７の内周部に１つ設けられており、係止突起３０を係合孔２９に挿入して係止すると共にシール部材２７をシール部材収容溝２８に収容させることにより、シール部材２７がシール部材収容溝２８（嵌合凸部１３の側部）に密着するようになっている。なお、係止突起３０及び係合孔２９によりシール部材２７を密着させたが、シール部材２７のシール機能を十分に発揮することができるならば、シール部材収容溝２８にシール部材２７を密着させた状態を保持する構造例えば嵌合構造やシール部材収容溝２８の開口部にリブを設けるようにしてもよい。
【００２７】
さて、雄型コネクタハウジング１の嵌合凸部１３と雌型コネクタハウジング６の嵌合凹部７とを嵌合させるには、まず、絶縁被覆電線３の端部の絶縁被覆層を除去して芯線３ａを露出させる。この露出させた芯線３ａを接続端子１８の第１接続部１９に挿入して、第１接続部１９をその周方向に沿った例えば６箇所を加締めて接続端子１８を絶縁被覆電線３の芯線３ａに固着する。
【００２８】
この絶縁被覆電線３を雄型コネクタハウジング１の電線挿通孔１５に挿入する。つまり、固着した接続端子１８の第２接続部２０を雄型コネクタハウジング１の上面の電線挿通孔１５の開口部から挿入し、接続端子１８が電線部１６から接続端子収容部１７に達すると、接続端子１８（第２接続部２０）の先端部が係止片２５に接触して係止片２５を押圧して弾性変形させる。これにより、係止片２５が接続端子１８の挿入を許容するように弾性変形し、接続端子１８が接続端子収容部１７に挿入され、接続端子１８が完全に接続端子収容部１７に挿入されて収容される。完全収容されると、図１に示すように、第２接続部２０の先端部が電線挿通孔１５の開口部１５ａを形成する壁部に当接すると共に、係止片２５が接続端子１８による押圧が解除されてもとの形状に復帰して、第１接続部１９の端部の係合部２４と係合して接続端子１８の接続端子収容部１７からの抜け出が防止される。
残りの絶縁被覆電線においても同様に接続端子１８を固着して電線挿通孔１５に挿入して、接続端子１８を接続端子収容部１７に収容させる。
【００２９】
この雄型コネクタハウジング１の嵌合凸部１３を、図５に示すように、雌型コネクタハウジング６の嵌合凹部７につき合せてから、嵌合凹部７内に挿入して機器端子８を電線挿通孔１５内へと導き入れる。機器端子８の先端部は接続端子１８の第２接続部２０に進入し、ばね挟持部２１に当接して止まる。
この雄型コネクタハウジング１のボルト挿通孔にそれぞれボルトを挿入して、各ボルトの先端部を雌型コネクタハウジング６のコネクタ固定孔１２に螺合させる。これらボルトを締め付けることによって、機器端子８の先端部が第２接続部２０のばね挟持部２１を弾性変形させつつ第２接続部２０内に進入する。そして、嵌合凸部１３が嵌合凹部７に嵌合されると共に、雄型コネクタハウジング１の嵌合片１４が雌型コネクタハウジング６の嵌合段部１１に嵌合されて、各機器端子８と絶縁被覆電線３の芯線３ａとがそれぞれ電気的に接続される。
【００３０】
このように、雄型コネクタハウジング１の嵌合凸部１３を雌型コネクタハウジング６の嵌合凹部７に嵌合させるとき、嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａには、図１乃至図３、図５に示すようにシール部材２７例えばＯリングが密着されているため、嵌合凹部７の内壁によってシール部材２７が押圧されて弾性変形して内壁に密着するので、嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａと嵌合凹部７との間がシール部材２７によってシールされる。
【００３１】
そのシール部材２７は、内周部に係止突起３０が一体的に設けられ、この係止突起３０が嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａの係合孔２９に挿入されて係止され、嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａに密着されているので、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材２７によるシールを確実に行える。
すなわち、シール部材２７の係止突起３０の頭部３０ｂを係合孔２９に当接させて係合孔２９に押し込むと、頭部３０ｂが弾性変形して係合孔２９に挿入される。頭部３０ｂは、係合孔２９を貫通すると元の形状に復帰して係合孔２９を形成する壁部に係止される。これにより、シール部材２７が嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａに密着されるため、嵌合凸部１３を嵌合凹部７内に挿入して嵌合させるとき、シール部材２７に嵌合方向に沿った大きな力が作用しても、係止突起３０はシール部材２７に一体的に設けられているので、シール部材２７が嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａの密着位置からずれることがない。したがって、かみ込み等を起こすことなく雄型コネクタハウジング１と雌型コネクタハウジング６との間を確実にシールすることができる。
【００３２】
また、係合孔２９は、シール部材２７が嵌合凸部１３の表面から離脱し易い箇所、例えば、嵌合凸部１３が円弧状に形成されている場合には、内側に向って曲っている曲部、つまり内周部のほぼ中央部（最も内側）に設けられ、この係合孔２９に係止突起３０が挿入されて係止され、シール部材２７が密着されているため、シール部材２７が曲部において浮き上がることがないので、嵌合形状が特殊な場合でも、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材２７によるシールを確実に行える。
【００３３】
すなわち、嵌合凸部１３の曲部ではシール部材２７が曲部から離れて浮き上がり易い。特にシール部材２７としてＯリングを用いると、Ｏリングの初期形状は、嵌合凸部１３の円弧形状ではなく、円形や楕円形又はその形に近い形状であるので、嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａに密着させると、シール部材２７は曲部において側部１３ａの表面から離れて浮き上がる。この状態のまま嵌合凸部１３を嵌合凹部７に嵌合させると、浮き上がったシール部材２７がかみ込み等を起こすことがある。これに対して、係止突起３０を係合孔２９に挿入して係止させることにより、曲部においてシール部材２７が側部１３ａの表面から離れて浮き上がることなく密着するので、嵌合形状が特殊な場合でも、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材２７によるシールを確実に行える。
【００３４】
また、シール部材２７が密着されている箇所が、嵌合片１４より嵌合方向前方の露出している嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａであるため、シール部材２７の収容（装着）を容易に行える。つまり、雄型コネクタハウジング１は小さなものがおおく、例えば、嵌合凸部１３がフード等の内部に位置されていると、そのフードと嵌合凸部１３との間には指も入らないので、シール部材２７を装着し難い。これに対して、シール部材２７を密着させる箇所が露出していると、外部に邪魔になるものがないので、シール部材２７の装着を行えやすい。
【００３５】
また、シール部材２７をシール部材収容溝２８に収容させて嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａに密着させることにより、シール部材２７に嵌合方向に沿った力が作用しても、シール部材２７が嵌合凸部１３の側部１３ａの密着位置からずれ難いので、シール部材２７によるシールをより確実に行える。
【００３６】
また、係合孔２９が接続端子収容部１７に収容した接続端子１８の首部２２に対応する位置に設けられ、この係合孔２９に挿入した係止突起３０の頭部３０ｂが接続端子１８の首部２２内に挿入されるので、接続端子１８の接続端子収容部１７への収容が不完全の場合には、係止突起３０の挿入を完全に行えず、接続端子１８の完全収容状態の可否を検知することができる。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上要するに請求項１に記載の発明によれば、シール部材を嵌合凸部に係合する係止突部がシール部材に一体的に設けられているため、嵌合時、シール部材が嵌合凸部から離れることがないので、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材によるシールを確実に行える。
また、シール部材が曲部において浮き上がることがないので、嵌合形状が特殊な場合でも、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材によるシールを確実に行える。
また、シール部材の装着を容易に行えると共に、嵌合凸部と嵌合凹部とを嵌合するとき、シール部材が嵌合方向に沿ってずれ難いので、シール部材によるシールをより確実に行える。
また、係止突起を係合孔に挿入してシール部材を係止するとき、係止突起の先端部が嵌合凸部内に収容された接続端子の凹部内に位置されるので、接続端子の完全収容状態の可否を検知することができ、接続端子のガタツキは確実に防止される。
【００３８】
請求項２に記載の発明によれば、シール部材が曲部において浮き上がることがないので、嵌合形状が特殊な場合でも、かみ込み等を起こすことなくシール部材によるシールを確実に行える。
【００３９】
請求項３に記載の発明によれば、シール部材の装着を容易に行えると共に、嵌合凸部と嵌合凹部とを嵌合するとき、シール部材が嵌合方向に沿ってずれ難いので、シール部材によるシールをより確実に行える。
【００４０】
請求項４に記載の発明によれば、係止突起を係合孔に挿入してシール部材を係止するとき、係止突起の先端部が嵌合凸部内に収容された接続端子の凹部内に位置されるので、接続端子の完全収容状態の可否を検知することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の防水コネクタのシール構造の一例を示す断面図である。
【図２】図１中のＡ−Ａ線矢視断面図である。
【図３】本発明の防水コネクタのシール構造の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図４】本発明のシール部材の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図５】本発明の接続コネクタとコネクタ部との関係を示す一部断面図である。
【図６】従来の防水コネクタのシール構造の一例を示す断面図である。
【図７】従来のシール部材と雌型コネクタハウジングとの関係を示す斜視図である。
【図８】従来のシール部材の係止の状態を示す断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１雄型コネクタハウジング
６雌型コネクタハウジング
７嵌合凹部
１３嵌合凸部
１３ａ側部
１８接続端子
２２首部（凹部）
２７シール部材（Ｏリング）
２８シール部材収容溝
２９係合孔（係合部）
３０係止突起（係止突部）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sealing structure for a waterproof connector capable of reliably sealing between a side of a fitting convex portion of a male connector housing and a fitting concave portion of a female connector housing by a sealing member.
[Prior art]
Conventionally, most connectors used in automobiles are waterproof so that water does not enter. There are various types of waterproof connectors. For example, a connector provided in an electric device such as a motor mounted on a vehicle and a connector attached to an end of an electric wire are fitted and electrically connected. There are those that connect the ends of the two electric wires via male and female connectors, most of which fit the fitting convex part of the male connector housing and the fitting convex part of the female connector housing, The fitting portion is sealed.
[0002]
Specific examples of the waterproof connector include those shown in FIG. The waterproof connector 40 is configured such that the fitting convex portion 42 of the male connector housing 41 and the fitting concave portion 44 of the female connector housing 43 are fitted to each other, whereby the side portion of the fitting convex portion 42 and the fitting concave portion 44 are The space between the two is sealed by the seal member 45. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the seal member 45 has a hard packing holder 47 formed in an annular shape from a resin material fixed to an end portion of a flexible cylindrical packing 46 made of a rubber material by an adhesive or the like. Engaging claws 48 projecting from the outer peripheral surface are formed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the packing holder 47.
The seal member 45 is inserted on the outer periphery of the fitting convex portion 42 in the hood 49 constituting the outer wall of the male connector housing 41, and the engaging claw 48 and the locking projection 50 are engaged as shown in FIG. As a result, the seal member 45 is fixed to the male connector housing 41. As shown in FIG. 6, when the fitting concave portion 44 of the female connector housing 43 is fitted to the fitting convex portion 42 of the male connector housing 41, the cylindrical packing 46 is pressed by the inner wall of the fitting concave portion 44. Then, it is elastically deformed and comes into close contact with the wall surface of the female connector housing 43, so that the space between the male connector housing 41 and the female connector housing 43 is sealed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the above-mentioned sealing member is formed by fixing two separate members of a flexible cylindrical packing made of a rubber material and a hard packing holder formed in an annular shape from a resin material using, for example, an adhesive. Therefore, when the fitting convex part of the female connector housing and the fitting concave part of the male connector housing are fitted, if a large force along the fitting direction acts on the seal member, the cylindrical packing and the packing holder May be separated from the fixed portion of the connector, and the seal between the female connector housing and the male connector housing may not be sufficiently performed.
[0004]
Further, when the fitting shape of the female connector housing and the male connector housing, for example, the shape of the side of the fitting convex portion is special, for example, when there is a portion that is curved inward, the curve If the cylindrical packing is not in close contact with the part but is lifted away from the side of the fitting convex part and is fitted into the fitting concave part as it is, the cylindrical packing will bite into the female connector housing and the male part. The seal between the mold connector housing and the mold connector housing may not be sufficient.
[0005]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof connector sealing structure capable of reliably performing sealing without causing biting or the like.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the waterproof connector seal structure of the present invention is such that the fitting convex portion of the male connector housing is inserted into the fitting concave portion of the female connector housing. In the structure in which the gap between the fitting recess and the fitting recess is sealed by an annular sealing member, on the side of the fitting protrusion bent toward the inside,At least one of the curved portions of the fitting convex portion is located at the innermost position.Engaging partArranged,A locking projection is integrally provided on the inner peripheral portion of the seal member so as to engage with the engagement portion and to bring the seal member into close contact with the side of the fitting convex portion.A connecting terminal having a concave portion on a side portion is accommodated in the fitting convex portion, and the engaging portion is an engaging hole communicating with the concave portion of the connecting terminal accommodated in the fitting concave portion; The stop protrusion is a locking protrusion through which the distal end is inserted into the recess of the connection terminal through the engagement hole.
[0007]
By configuring in this way, the sealing member is positioned on the side of the fitting convex portion, and the engaging projection is engaged with the engaging portion while the sealing member is positioned on the side of the fitting convex portion. Adhere to the side. By fitting the fitting concave part of the female connector housing to the fitting convex part of the male connector housing, the sealing member is pressed by the inner wall of the fitting concave part and elastically deforms and closely contacts the inner wall, The space between the convex portion and the fitting concave portion is sealed. Even when a large force in the fitting direction acts on the seal member when fitting in this manner, the seal protrusion is provided integrally with the seal member, so that the seal member is separated from the fitting convex portion. Therefore, sealing with a sealing member can be performed reliably without causing biting.
[0008]
  Moreover, the fitting shape of the fitting convex part and the fitting concave part has a curved part bent inward, and the engaging part is located on the innermost side among the curved parts of the fitting convex part. At least oneThe engaging partArrangedAdopting configuration.
[0009]
As a result, the sealing member is likely to be lifted away from the curved portion at the curved portion of the fitting convex portion, but by engaging the engaging protrusion of the sealing member with the engaging portion of the curved portion, the sealing member is Since it does not float up, even if the fitting shape is special, sealing with the sealing member can be performed reliably without causing biting.
[0010]
  Also,At least a part of the side portion of the fitting convex portion is exposed, the seal member is brought into close contact with the exposed side portion, and the seal member is provided to function as a seal member at a place where the seal member comes into close contact. It is preferable to provide a seal member receiving groove for exposing and storing the portion..
[0011]
As described above, since the seal member accommodation groove is provided on the side portion of the fitting convex portion where the seal member is exposed, the seal member can be easily accommodated (mounted). Further, since the seal member is accommodated in the seal member accommodation groove, when the fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion are fitted, the seal member is not easily displaced along the fitting direction. It can be done reliably.
[0012]
  Also,The fitting convexInternalIn addition, a connection terminal having a concave portion on the side portion is accommodated, the engagement portion is an engagement hole communicating with the concave portion of the connection terminal accommodated in the fitting convex portion, and the locking protrusion is the It is a locking projection that penetrates the engagement hole and is locked with the tip portion positioned in the recess of the connection terminal.The configuration is adopted.
[0013]
  Thus, when the locking protrusion is inserted into the engagement hole to lock the seal member, the tip of the locking protrusion is positioned in the recess of the connection terminal accommodated in the fitting protrusion, so that the connection If the terminal is not fully accommodated, the locking projection cannot be completely inserted, and it is possible to detect whether the connection terminal is completely accommodated.In addition, rattling of the connection terminal can be suppressed.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 3 are views showing an example of the sealing structure of the waterproof connector of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the seal member of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the connector of the present invention and the connector portion.
[0015]
1 to 3 and 5, reference numeral 1 denotes a connector housing (one connector housing) of the connection connector 2. The connection connector 2 is connected to an end portion of the insulation-coated electric wire 3 such as a shielded electric wire. As a connector to be connected by being connected to the connection connector 2, an insulation-coated electric wire such as another shielded electric wire is used. Although a connector connected to the end portion may be used, in the present embodiment, the case of a connector portion 5 provided in an electric device 4 such as a motor mounted on a vehicle will be described.
[0016]
The electric device 4 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor of an electric vehicle, and is integrally provided with a substantially arc-shaped connector portion 5 that protrudes as a female connector, for example, as shown in FIG. The connection connector 2 is formed as a male connector while being formed.
The female connector housing 6 of the connector portion 5 is provided with a substantially arc-shaped fitting recess 7, and in this fitting recess 7, three pin-like shapes are spaced at predetermined intervals along the arc direction. A device terminal 8 is provided so as to protrude in the depth direction from the bottom. An insulating member 9 is provided at the bottom of the fitting recess 7, and this insulating member 9 may also be provided on the side of the fitting recess 7. In addition, a C-ring 10 is attached to the female connector housing 6 and each device terminal 8 is locked. In addition, although the connector part 5 has three apparatus terminals (electrodes) 8, it is not limited to this, The case of one, two, or four or more may be sufficient.
A fitting step portion 11 into which the connection connector 2 is fitted is provided around the peripheral portion of the connector portion 5, and a screw groove for screwing, for example, a bolt (not shown) for fixing the connection connector 2 is formed. A screwed connector fixing hole 12 is provided.
[0017]
A connector housing (male connector housing) 1 of the connection connector 2 is formed in an arc-shaped column having a substantially arc-shaped cross section as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. The fitting connector 13 is formed as a substantially arcuate fitting projection 13 that fits into the fitting recess 7 of the female connector housing 6. The length of the fitting convex portion 13 in the fitting direction (the length of the portion inserted and fitted into the fitting concave portion 7) is shorter than the length of the fitting concave portion 7 in the depth direction (fitting direction). For example, it is formed in a slightly short dimension. The lower end portion of the side portion of the male connector housing 1 is formed as a fitting piece 14 that extends along the fitting direction of the fitting convex portion 13 and is fitted to the fitting step portion 11 of the connector portion 5. That is, the base of the fitting convex portion 13 and the vicinity thereof are formed in a shape covered with the fitting piece 14.
The male connector housing 1 has a bolt insertion hole (not shown) through which a bolt (not shown) screwed into the connector fixing hole 12 to fix the male connector housing 1 (connection connector 2) to the connector portion 5 is passed. ) Is provided.
[0018]
The male connector housing 1 is provided with three circular electric wire insertion holes 15 penetrating from one end surface (tip surface of the fitting convex portion 13) to the other end surface (upper surface). When the male connector housing 1 is fitted into the female connector housing 6, the wire insertion holes 15 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the arc direction so as to be positioned substantially coaxially with the axes of the three device terminals 8. It is arranged. The electric wire insertion hole 15 is formed from the substantially central portion to the upper surface in the electric wire portion 16 and the rest as the connection terminal accommodating portion 17.
The electric wire portion 16 is formed in a circular shape having a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the insulating coated electric wire 3, and the insulating coated electric wire 3 covered with the insulating coating layer is positioned.
The connection terminal accommodating portion 17 is formed in a circular shape having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insulating coated electric wire 3, and the connection terminal 18 is accommodated therein.
[0019]
The connection terminal 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the insulation-coated electric wire 3 and a slightly larger inner diameter than the diameter of the core wire 3a (or the equipment terminal 8) of the insulation-coated electric wire 3 by a conductive material. ing. The connection terminal 18 is closed at the center in the interior thereof, and the first connection part 19 is inserted by inserting the core wire 3a from which the insulation coating layer of the insulation-coated electric wire 3 is removed and crimped at, for example, six locations, It is formed with the 2nd connection part 20 in which the terminal 8 is inserted. The second connection portion 20 is provided with a spring clamping portion 21 that is formed to have a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the device terminal 8.
[0020]
A concave portion (neck portion) 22 having a concave cross section along the circumferential direction is provided in the central portion of the peripheral surface (side portion) of the connection terminal 18, and when the neck portion 22 is accommodated in the connection terminal accommodating portion 17, It is located in the fitting convex part 13 ahead of the fitting direction from the tip of the fitting piece 14. A locking groove 23 is provided on the peripheral surface of the connection terminal 18 near the end of the second connection portion 20. Further, the outer peripheral end portion of the first connection portion 19 of the connection terminal 18 is formed as an engagement portion 24 that is gradually reduced in diameter toward the end portion.
[0021]
Between the wire portion 16 of the wire insertion hole 15 and the connection terminal accommodating portion 17, the engagement portion 24 at the end of the first connection portion 19 of the connection terminal 18 accommodated in the connection terminal accommodating portion 17 is engaged. An elastically deformable locking piece 25 for preventing the connection terminal 18 from coming out of the connection terminal accommodating portion 17 is provided.
The opening 15 a on the fitting convex portion 13 side of the wire insertion hole 15 is formed to have a diameter that is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connection terminal accommodating portion 17 of the connection terminal 18. Below the fitting convex portion 13, a locking hole 26 is provided for attaching a locking member (not shown) that engages with the locking groove 23 of the connection terminal 18 to lock the connection terminal 18.
[0022]
A seal member 27 is in close contact with the side portion (outer peripheral portion) 13 a fitted in the fitting concave portion 7 of the fitting convex portion 13 along the circumferential direction. The position of the seal member 27 is not particularly limited as long as it is a portion that can be fitted into the fitting recess 7, but preferably a portion that is exposed to the outside in the fitting direction from the tip of the fitting piece 14 (fitting It is a position corresponding to the neck portion 22 of the connection terminal 18 accommodated in the connection terminal accommodating portion 17.
[0023]
On the side of the fitting convex portion 13 to which the seal member 27 is closely attached, a seal member accommodation groove 28 is provided for exposing and accommodating a part of the seal member 27 so as to function as the seal member 27. The seal member accommodating groove 28 is a portion that accommodates a part of the seal member 27 and that is exposed from the seal member accommodating groove 28, and functions as the seal member 27. The portion exposed from the seal member accommodating groove 28 is preferably Approximately half or more of the seal member 27 is preferred.
The shape of the seal member accommodation groove 28 is not particularly limited, and may be formed in any shape such as a rectangular shape, a semicircular shape, a semielliptical shape as illustrated. The size of the seal member accommodation groove 28 is preferably formed such that the accommodated seal member 27 hardly moves along the fitting direction.
[0024]
A circular engagement hole 29, which is an engagement portion that penetrates the connection terminal accommodating portion 17, is provided in the seal member accommodating groove 28 of the fitting convex portion 13. One or more engagement holes 29 may be provided at a position (in the seal member accommodation groove 28) where the seal member 27 is provided, but when the seal member 27 is provided (for example, accommodated in the seal member accommodation groove 28). When the seal member 27 is detached from the seal member receiving groove 28, the seal member 27 is always provided. For example, when the fitting convex portion 13 is formed in an arc shape, the engagement hole 29 is provided in the curved portion that is bent inward, that is, in the substantially central portion (innermost) of the inner peripheral portion. To do.
[0025]
Although it does not specifically limit as the sealing member 27, For example, it is the cyclic | annular thing formed with the flexible elastic material. The cross-sectional shape of the seal member 27 may be formed in a substantially circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, or the like. The contact portion of the seal member 27 with the fitting concave portion 7 and / or the fitting convex portion 13 may be used. One or two or more lips or protrusions may be provided along the circumferential direction of the contact portion. The length of the seal member 27 is preferably formed to be slightly shorter than the circumferential length of the side portion of the fitting convex portion 13 to be closely attached. For example, when the seal member 27 is accommodated in the seal member accommodating groove 28, the seal member 27 is sealed. It is preferable to form a dimension slightly shorter than the length in the member accommodating groove 28. Specifically, for example, an O-ring as shown in FIG. 4 is used as the seal member 27.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the seal member 27 engages with the engagement hole 29 to place the seal member 27 in the seal member receiving groove 28 (the side portion of the fitting convex portion 13). The locking protrusion 30 is closely projecting inwardly.
Specifically, the locking protrusion is provided at a cylindrical portion 30a having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the engaging hole 29 and slightly longer than the length of the engaging hole 29, and a tip portion of the cylindrical portion 30a. The locking projection 30 is formed of a conical head portion 30b having a diameter larger than the diameter of the engagement hole 29. For example, when there is one engagement hole 29 according to the engagement hole 29, one engagement protrusion 30 is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the seal member 27 as shown in the figure, and the engagement protrusion 30 is engaged. The seal member 27 is brought into close contact with the seal member accommodation groove 28 (side portion of the fitting convex portion 13) by being inserted into the hole 29 to be locked and accommodating the seal member 27 in the seal member accommodation groove 28. ing. Although the seal member 27 is brought into close contact with the locking projection 30 and the engagement hole 29, the seal member 27 is brought into close contact with the seal member receiving groove 28 if the seal function of the seal member 27 can be sufficiently exhibited. For example, a rib may be provided on the opening of the fitting structure or the seal member housing groove 28, for example.
[0027]
Now, in order to fit the fitting convex portion 13 of the male connector housing 1 and the fitting concave portion 7 of the female connector housing 6, first, the insulating coating layer at the end of the insulating coated electric wire 3 is removed and the core wire is removed. Expose 3a. The exposed core wire 3a is inserted into the first connection portion 19 of the connection terminal 18, and the first connection portion 19 is caulked at, for example, six locations along the circumferential direction thereof to connect the connection terminal 18 to the core wire of the insulation coated electric wire 3. It adheres to 3a.
[0028]
The insulation covered electric wire 3 is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 15 of the male connector housing 1. That is, when the second connection portion 20 of the fixed connection terminal 18 is inserted from the opening of the electric wire insertion hole 15 on the upper surface of the male connector housing 1 and the connection terminal 18 reaches the connection terminal accommodating portion 17 from the electric wire portion 16, The tip of the connection terminal 18 (second connection portion 20) contacts the locking piece 25 and presses the locking piece 25 to be elastically deformed. As a result, the locking piece 25 is elastically deformed to allow the insertion of the connection terminal 18, the connection terminal 18 is inserted into the connection terminal accommodating portion 17, and the connection terminal 18 is completely inserted into the connection terminal accommodating portion 17. Be contained. When completely accommodated, as shown in FIG. 1, the distal end portion of the second connection portion 20 comes into contact with the wall portion forming the opening portion 15 a of the wire insertion hole 15, and the locking piece 25 is pressed by the connection terminal 18. Even if is released, it returns to its original shape and engages with the engaging portion 24 at the end of the first connecting portion 19 to prevent the connecting terminal 18 from coming out of the connecting terminal accommodating portion 17.
Similarly, in the remaining insulation-coated wires, the connection terminals 18 are fixed and inserted into the wire insertion holes 15, and the connection terminals 18 are accommodated in the connection terminal accommodating portions 17.
[0029]
The fitting projection 13 of the male connector housing 1 is aligned with the fitting recess 7 of the female connector housing 6 as shown in FIG. It is introduced into the insertion hole 15. The distal end portion of the device terminal 8 enters the second connection portion 20 of the connection terminal 18 and comes into contact with the spring clamping portion 21 and stops.
Bolts are respectively inserted into the bolt insertion holes of the male connector housing 1, and the tip portions of the respective bolts are screwed into the connector fixing holes 12 of the female connector housing 6. By tightening these bolts, the distal end portion of the device terminal 8 enters the second connection portion 20 while elastically deforming the spring clamping portion 21 of the second connection portion 20. Then, the fitting convex portion 13 is fitted into the fitting concave portion 7, and the fitting piece 14 of the male connector housing 1 is fitted to the fitting step portion 11 of the female connector housing 6, so that each device terminal 8 and the core wire 3a of the insulation coated electric wire 3 are electrically connected to each other.
[0030]
As described above, when the fitting convex portion 13 of the male connector housing 1 is fitted into the fitting concave portion 7 of the female connector housing 6, the side portion 13 a of the fitting convex portion 13 is formed with FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, since the seal member 27, for example, an O-ring is in close contact, the seal member 27 is pressed by the inner wall of the fitting recess 7 and elastically deforms and closely contacts the inner wall. A seal member 27 seals between the portion 13 a and the fitting recess 7.
[0031]
The seal member 27 is integrally provided with a locking projection 30 on the inner peripheral portion, and the locking projection 30 is inserted into the engagement hole 29 of the side portion 13a of the fitting convex portion 13 and locked. Since it is in close contact with the side portion 13a of the mating convex portion 13, the sealing by the seal member 27 can be reliably performed without causing biting or the like.
That is, when the head 30 b of the locking projection 30 of the seal member 27 is brought into contact with the engagement hole 29 and pushed into the engagement hole 29, the head 30 b is elastically deformed and inserted into the engagement hole 29. When the head 30 b passes through the engagement hole 29, the head 30 b returns to its original shape and is locked to the wall portion that forms the engagement hole 29. As a result, the seal member 27 is brought into close contact with the side portion 13a of the fitting convex portion 13. Therefore, when the fitting convex portion 13 is inserted into the fitting concave portion 7 to be fitted, the sealing member 27 is fitted in the fitting direction. Even when a large force is applied, the locking protrusion 30 is provided integrally with the seal member 27, so that the seal member 27 does not deviate from the contact position of the side portion 13 a of the fitting convex portion 13. Therefore, the gap between the male connector housing 1 and the female connector housing 6 can be reliably sealed without causing biting or the like.
[0032]
Further, the engagement hole 29 is bent inward when the seal member 27 is easily detached from the surface of the fitting projection 13, for example, when the fitting projection 13 is formed in an arc shape. Since the engagement protrusion 29 is inserted and locked in the engagement hole 29 and the seal member 27 is in close contact, the seal member 27 is provided. Since 27 does not float at the curved portion, even when the fitting shape is special, sealing by the seal member 27 can be performed reliably without causing biting or the like.
[0033]
That is, the sealing member 27 is likely to float away from the curved portion at the curved portion of the fitting convex portion 13. In particular, when an O-ring is used as the seal member 27, the initial shape of the O-ring is not the arc shape of the fitting convex portion 13, but is a circle, an ellipse, or a shape close to that shape. When brought into close contact with the portion 13a, the sealing member 27 floats away from the surface of the side portion 13a at the curved portion. If the fitting convex part 13 is fitted to the fitting concave part 7 in this state, the lifted seal member 27 may be bitten. On the other hand, by inserting the locking projection 30 into the engagement hole 29 and locking it, the sealing member 27 comes into close contact with the curved portion without being lifted away from the surface of the side portion 13a. Even in special cases, the sealing by the sealing member 27 can be reliably performed without causing biting.
[0034]
Further, since the portion where the seal member 27 is in close contact is the side portion 13a of the fitting convex portion 13 exposed forward of the fitting piece 14 in the fitting direction, the sealing member 27 can be easily accommodated (mounted). It can be done. That is, a small male connector housing 1 is used. For example, if the fitting convex portion 13 is positioned inside a hood or the like, no finger can enter between the hood and the fitting convex portion 13. It is difficult to attach the seal member 27. On the other hand, if the portion where the seal member 27 is brought into close contact is exposed, there is nothing to the outside so that the seal member 27 can be easily mounted.
[0035]
Further, even if a force along the fitting direction acts on the seal member 27 by accommodating the seal member 27 in the seal member accommodating groove 28 and closely contacting the side portion 13a of the fitting convex portion 13, the seal member 27 Since it is difficult to shift from the close contact position of the side portion 13a of the fitting convex portion 13, the sealing by the seal member 27 can be performed more reliably.
[0036]
Further, the engagement hole 29 is provided at a position corresponding to the neck portion 22 of the connection terminal 18 accommodated in the connection terminal accommodating portion 17, and the head portion 30 b of the locking projection 30 inserted into the engagement hole 29 is connected to the connection terminal 18. Since it is inserted into the neck portion 22, when the connection terminal 18 is not completely accommodated in the connection terminal accommodating portion 17, the locking projection 30 cannot be completely inserted, and whether or not the connection terminal 18 is completely accommodated. Can be detected.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
  In summary, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the locking protrusion for engaging the sealing member with the fitting convex portion is provided integrally with the sealing member, the sealing member is fitted when fitting. Since it does not leave the convex portion, sealing by the sealing member can be reliably performed without causing biting or the like.
  Also,Since the sealing member does not float at the curved portion, even when the fitting shape is special, sealing with the sealing member can be reliably performed without causing biting or the like.
  Also,The seal member can be easily mounted, and when the fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion are fitted, the seal member is not easily displaced along the fitting direction, so that the sealing by the sealing member can be performed more reliably.
  Also,When the locking protrusion is inserted into the engaging hole to lock the seal member, the distal end portion of the locking protrusion is positioned in the concave portion of the connection terminal accommodated in the fitting convex portion, so that the connection terminal is completely accommodated. It can detect the status, Rattling of connection terminals is reliably prevented.
[0038]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the sealing member does not float at the curved portion, even when the fitting shape is special, sealing with the sealing member can be reliably performed without causing biting or the like.
[0039]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the seal member can be easily mounted, and when the fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion are fitted, the seal member is not easily displaced along the fitting direction. Sealing with a member can be performed more reliably.
[0040]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the locking protrusion is inserted into the engaging hole and the sealing member is locked, the distal end portion of the locking protrusion is in the concave portion of the connection terminal accommodated in the fitting convex portion. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the connection terminal is completely accommodated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a seal structure of a waterproof connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the sealing structure of the waterproof connector of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a seal member of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the connector of the present invention and the connector part.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a sealing structure of a conventional waterproof connector.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a conventional seal member and a female connector housing.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of locking a conventional seal member.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Male connector housing
6 Female connector housing
7 Fitting recess
13 Fitting projection
13a side
18 Connection terminal
22 Neck (recess)
27 Seal member (O-ring)
28 Sealing member receiving groove
29 Engagement hole (engagement part)
30 Locking protrusion (Locking protrusion)

Claims

雄型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凸部を雌型コネクタハウジングの嵌合凹部内に挿嵌したときの嵌合凸部の側部と嵌合凹部との間を環状のシール部材によってシールする構造において、内側に向かって曲がっている前記嵌合凸部の側部に、該嵌合凸部の曲部のうち最も内側に位置されている箇所に少なくとも１つの係合部を配設し、前記シール部材の内周部に、前記係合部と係合してシール部材を嵌合凸部の側部に密着させる係止突部を一体的に設け、前記嵌合凸部内に、側部に凹部を有する接続端子が収容され、
前記係合部が、前記嵌合凹部内に収容された接続端子の凹部に連通する係合孔であり、前記係止突部が、前記係合孔を貫通して接続端子の凹部内に先端部が挿入される係止突起であることを特徴とする防水コネクタのシール構造。In the structure in which the gap between the side of the fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion when the fitting convex portion of the male connector housing is inserted into the fitting concave portion of the female connector housing is sealed by an annular seal member, At least one engaging portion is disposed on a side portion of the fitting convex portion that is bent inwardly at a position located on the innermost side among the curved portions of the fitting convex portion, and the sealing member an inner periphery portion, the engaging portion engaging with integrally set only the locking projection to adhere the seal member on the side of the fitting convex portion, in the fitting convex portion, the concave portion on the side of A connecting terminal having
The engaging portion is an engaging hole that communicates with a concave portion of a connection terminal accommodated in the fitting concave portion, and the locking protrusion penetrates the engaging hole and is inserted into the concave portion of the connecting terminal. A sealing structure for a waterproof connector, wherein the sealing protrusion is inserted into the portion .