Connectors and wires with connectors

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a connector with improved waterproofness and an electric wire with a connector. The connector comprises: a terminal fitting connected to the end of the electric wire; a housing having a storage chamber for storing the terminal fitting and an electric wire outlet; a first elastically deformable waterproof component that fills the space between the inner circumference of the housing and the outer circumference of the covering of the electric wire in the storage chamber, forming a first sealed space portion between the housing and the electric wire outlet; a second elastically deformable waterproof component that has one end, another end, and a cylindrical portion connecting the one end and the other end, the inner circumference of the one end closely contacts the outer circumference of the end of the housing on the side of the electric wire outlet, and the inner circumference of the other end closely contacts the outer circumference of the electric wire led out from the electric wire outlet, and the cylindrical portion is provided with a second sealed space portion that communicates with the first sealed space portion through the electric wire outlet; and a vent assembly assembled to the housing to allow gas to flow between the first sealed space portion and the outside of the housing while preventing liquid from flowing therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and an electric wire with the connector. Background Art

[0002] Conventional connectors are known for their ability to prevent water from entering the housing containing terminal fittings. These connectors maintain both liquid-tightness and airtightness within the housing by providing a waterproof feature. Consequently, the internal pressure of the housing fluctuates under specified conditions. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 8 below disclose various technologies for waterproof connectors that take into account fluctuations in the housing's internal pressure.

[0003] For example, this connector physically and electrically connects the end of the wire to the terminal fitting and leads the wire to the outside through the wire outlet of the housing, thereby forming a wire with a connector. In order to prevent water from entering through the wire outlet, such a connector is provided with a waterproof component. One end of the waterproof component tightly covers the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the housing on the wire outlet side and the other end tightly covers the outer peripheral side of the wire led out of the wire outlet, thereby blocking the wire outlet (Patent Document 1, etc.). This conventional waterproof component is formed of an elastic material such as rubber and tightly adheres to the housing and the wire in a manner that leaves no space inside.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-35807

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-164825

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-193823

[0009] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-45425

[0010] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-201319

[0011] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-110096

[0012] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-121442

[0013] Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-241143 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0015] However, in order to prevent the waterproof component from having space inside, the inner circumference of the waterproof component must be precisely matched to the outer shape of the housing or the wires, or the inner circumference of the waterproof component must be smaller than the outer shape of the housing or the wires. Therefore, in this connector, the forming accuracy of the waterproof component must be improved, or the assembly workability of the waterproof component must be sacrificed, which may lead to a surge in costs. Therefore, in this connector, as a practical matter, it is preferable to provide space inside the waterproof component. However, the waterproof component is more flexible than the rigid housing, so the presence of space inside makes it susceptible to changes in shape due to changes in the internal pressure of the housing. Furthermore, in the connector, changes in the shape of the waterproof component may create a gap between the waterproof component and the housing, or may impose an overload on the waterproof component.

[0016] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector and an electric wire with a connector that can improve waterproofness.

[0017] Technical means to solve the problem

[0018] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a connector comprising: a terminal fitting, the terminal fitting being physically and electrically connected to the end of the electric wire; a housing, the housing having: a storage chamber, the storage chamber accommodating the terminal fitting and the end of the electric wire connected to the terminal fitting; and a wire lead-out port, the wire being led out to the outside of the storage chamber via the wire lead-out port; a first waterproof component capable of elastic deformation, the first waterproof component filling the space between the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the electric wire at a position in the storage chamber away from the wire lead-out port, forming a first enclosed space portion between the first waterproof component and the wire lead-out port; a second waterproof component capable of elastic deformation A waterproof component, the second waterproof component has one end, the other end and a cylindrical portion connecting the one end and the other end, the inner circumferential surface of the one end is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the end of the shell on the wire lead-out side, the inner circumferential surface of the other end is in close contact with the outer circumferential side of the wire led out from the wire lead-out, and a second enclosed space portion connected to the first enclosed space portion via the wire lead-out is provided in the cylindrical portion; and a ventilation component, the ventilation component is assembled to the shell to enable gas to flow between the first enclosed space portion and the outside of the shell, and on the other hand, the ventilation component prevents liquid from flowing between the first enclosed space portion and the outside of the shell.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention relates to an electric wire with a connector, comprising: an electric wire; and a connector, wherein the connector is installed at the end of the electric wire, the connector including: a terminal fitting, the terminal fitting being physically and electrically connected to the end of the electric wire; and a shell, the shell having a storage chamber, the storage chamber accommodating the terminal fitting and the end of the electric wire connected to the terminal fitting; and a wire lead-out port, the electric wire being led out to the outside of the storage chamber via the wire lead-out port; a first waterproof component that can be elastically deformed, the first waterproof component filling the space between the inner peripheral surface of the shell and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the electric wire at a position in the storage chamber away from the wire lead-out port, and the first waterproof component and the wire lead-out port. a first enclosed space portion is formed therebetween; a second waterproof component that can be elastically deformed, the second waterproof component having one end, the other end and a cylindrical portion connecting the one end and the other end, the inner circumferential surface of the one end is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the end of the shell on the side of the wire lead-out port, the inner circumferential surface of the other end is in close contact with the outer circumferential side of the wire led out from the wire lead-out port, and a second enclosed space portion that is connected to the first enclosed space portion via the wire lead-out port is provided in the cylindrical portion; and a ventilation component, the ventilation component is assembled to the shell, and can enable gas to flow between the first enclosed space portion and the outside of the shell, on the other hand, the ventilation component prevents liquid from flowing between the first enclosed space portion and the outside of the shell.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] In the connector and the electric wire with the connector according to the present invention, even if the internal pressure of the housing chamber of the housing changes due to changes in the surrounding temperature, the ventilation component can suppress the change in the internal pressure. Therefore, in the connector and the electric wire with the connector, the expansion and contraction of the second waterproof component can be suppressed, so that one end can be kept in close contact with the end of the housing on the side of the wire outlet, and the other end can be kept in close contact with the outer peripheral side of the wire. In addition, in the connector and the electric wire with the connector, by suppressing the expansion and contraction of the second waterproof component, an overload is not applied to the second waterproof component. Therefore, the connector and the electric wire with the connector according to the present invention can continuously maintain the waterproof function of the second waterproof component and improve the waterproof performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a connector and an electric wire with the connector according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 A diagram of a connector side of a cross section of line XX.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a connector-equipped electric wire according to an embodiment, with one connector side exploded.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an example of a breather assembly before assembly.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an example of a breather assembly after assembly.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an exploded view schematically showing a cross section of an example of a breather assembly.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an example of a breather assembly after assembly, together with a cylindrical protective wall.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of a breather assembly after assembly in a modified form.

[0030] Explanation of symbols

[0031] 1 Wire with connector

[0032] 10 Wires

[0033] 11 core wire

[0034] 12 Covering

[0035] 15 Exterior parts

[0036] 20 connectors

[0037] 30 terminal accessories

[0038] 40 shell

[0039] 40a Holding Room

[0040] 40b wire outlet

[0041] 40c First confined space

[0042] 40d through hole

[0043] 41a1 Wall

[0044] 42 Wire lead-out portion (end portion on the wire lead-out side)

[0045] 45 Internal thread part (fixed part)

[0046] 50 First waterproof component

[0047] 60 Second waterproof component

[0048] 60a one end

[0049] 60b Other end

[0050] 60c cylindrical portion

[0051] 64 Second confined space section

[0052] 70 Ventilation Assembly

[0053] 71 ventilation parts

[0054] 72 protective components

[0055] 72a Ventilation chamber

[0056] 72A Main part

[0057] 72B shaft

[0058] 72C fixed part

[0059] 73 Sealing parts DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connector and the electric wire with the connector according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0061] [Implementation Method]

[0062] based on Figures 1 to 8 One embodiment of the connector and the electric wire with a connector according to the present invention will be described.

[0063] Figures 1 to 3 Reference numeral 1 denotes an electric wire with a connector according to this embodiment. The electric wire with a connector 1 includes an electric wire 10 and a connector 20 attached to a terminal end of the electric wire 10 .

[0064] In the electric wire 1 with connector shown here, a connector 20 is attached to each of one end and the other end of the electric wire 10 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 ). Furthermore, in the electric wire 1 with connector shown here, a connector 20 is attached to each of the one end and the other end of each of the two electric wires 10 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 ). In addition, the electric wire 1 with a connector shown here includes an exterior member 15 that covers the electric wire 10 between the two connectors 20 ( Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0065] The electric wire 10 includes a core wire 11 as a conductor and a sheath 12 covering the core wire 11 ( Figure 2). The cross section of the electric wire 10 shown here, which is perpendicular to its axial direction, is circular. Therefore, in this electric wire 10, a cylindrical sheath 12 concentrically covers a cylindrical core wire 11.

[0066] The connector 20 includes a terminal fitting 30 and a housing 40 ( Figures 1 to 3 ). In this connector 20, the terminal fitting 30 that is physically and electrically connected to the end of the electric wire 10 is housed in the housing 40, and the electric wire 10 is led out of the housing 40 to the outside. In the connector 20 shown here, the terminal fitting 30 of each electric wire 10 is housed in the housing 40, and each electric wire 10 is led out of the housing 40 to the outside.

[0067] The terminal fitting 30 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the terminal fitting 30 shown here has a terminal connection portion 31 ( Figures 1 to 3 ) and the wire connecting portion (omitted from the figure) that is physically and electrically connected to the core wire 11 at the end of the wire 10. The terminal fitting 30 is physically and electrically connected to the mating terminal fitting (omitted from the figure) possessed by the mating side device EP ( Figure 2 Here, the mating terminal fitting has a mating terminal connecting portion in the shape of a female terminal, and the terminal connecting portion 31 is fitted and connected to the mating terminal connecting portion.

[0068] The housing 40 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or a conductive material such as metal.

[0069] The housing 40 has an accommodation chamber 40a that accommodates the terminal fitting 30 and the end of the electric wire 10 connected to the terminal fitting 30 ( Figures 1 to 3 Furthermore, the housing 40 has a wire outlet 40b for leading the wire 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 40a. Figure 2 In the housing 40, a storage chamber 40a may be provided for each combination of a terminal fitting 30 and an electric wire 10, or a storage chamber 40a may be provided as a structure for collectively storing multiple combinations of terminal fittings 30 and electric wires 10. Furthermore, in the housing 40, an electric wire lead-out port 40b may be provided for each combination of a terminal fitting 30 and an electric wire 10.

[0070] The housing 40 includes a housing body 41 in which the inner space is used as a storage chamber 40a; and an end portion 42 (hereinafter referred to as a "wire lead-out portion") on the side of the wire lead-out port 40b protruding from the housing body 41 in the direction in which the wires 10 are led out. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0071] The housing body 41 shown here uses the space inside the main body 41a formed into a square tube as a storage chamber 40a, and the combination of two sets of terminal fittings 30 and electric wires 10 is stored in the single storage chamber 40a ( Figures 1 to 3 The housing body 41 has a square ring-shaped wall portion 41b ( ) protruding inward from the end portion of the main body 41a on the side of the wire outlet 40b. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). In the housing body 41, the axes of the main body 41a and the wall portion 41b are coaxially arranged. In the housing 40 shown here, the wire lead portion 42 protrudes from the inner peripheral edge of the wall portion 41b.

[0072] The wire lead-out portion 42 shown here has: a square cylindrical first wire lead-out portion 42a, which protrudes coaxially from the inner peripheral edge portion of the wall portion 41b; a wall portion 42b, which closes the opening on the protruding direction side of the first wire lead-out portion 42a; and a cylindrical second wire lead-out portion 42c, which protrudes from the wall portion 42b in cooperation with each wire 10, so that the space inside the first wire lead-out portion 42a is communicated with the outside of the housing 40 ( Figure 2 In the wire lead-out portion 42, a cylindrical second wire lead-out portion 42c protrudes from the wall portion 42b in the axial direction of the first wire lead-out portion 42a, and the opening on the protruding side of the second wire lead-out portion 42c serves as a wire lead-out opening 40b. In the connector 20, the terminal fitting 30 and the ends of the wires 10 are inserted through the wire lead-out opening 40b, and then inserted into the accommodating chamber 40a via the wire lead-out portion 42. As a result, the wires 10 are led out of the accommodating chamber 40a through the wire lead-out opening 40b.

[0073] The connector 20 shown here is a so-called shielded connector. Therefore, in order to suppress the intrusion of external noise into the storage chamber 40a, the housing 40 of the connector 20 is formed of a conductive material such as metal, and the housing 40 is electrically connected to the metal housing of the counterpart device EP. Furthermore, in the electric wire 1 with a connector shown here, the portion of the electric wire 10 that is led out from the electric wire lead-out port 40b is covered with a cylindrical braided wire 16 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 The braided wire 16 is a component made by braiding metal wires into a mesh and cylindrical shape, and suppresses external noise from entering the electric wire 10. The braided wire 16 shown here covers the outer peripheral surface of the second electric wire lead-out portion 42c and is electrically connected to the second electric wire lead-out portion 42c.

[0074] In this connector-equipped electric wire 1, an outer covering 15 covers the braided wire 16 from the radially outer side. This outer covering 15 is formed into a cylindrical shape from an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The electric wire 10, which is drawn out from the electric wire outlet 40b, is inserted through the inner side of the outer covering 15 along with the braided wire 16. Thus, the outer covering 15 covers both the electric wire 10 drawn out from the electric wire outlet 40b and the braided wire 16 covering the electric wire 10. The outer covering 15 shown here is formed into a cylindrical shape and covers the electric wire 10 and the braided wire 16 approximately concentrically. For example, a cylindrical, corrugated tube is used for this outer covering 15.

[0075] The connector 20 has a waterproof function for preventing water from coming into contact with the terminal fitting 30. Therefore, the connector 20 includes a first waterproof member 50 ( Figures 1 to 3 ), the first waterproof member 50 fills the space between the inner peripheral surface of the housing 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 12 of the wire 10 in the storage chamber 40a away from the wire outlet 40b, and a first closed space portion 40c is formed between the first waterproof member 50 and the wire outlet 40b ( Figure 2 ).

[0076] The first enclosed space 40c is a space enclosed in the housing 40 of the connector 20. The first enclosed space 40c is formed by the space in the storage chamber 40a that is closer to the wire outlet 40b than the first waterproof component 50 and the space inside the wire outlet 42. In the connector 20, by further providing a waterproof function on the wire outlet 40b side, the first enclosed space 40c can be formed in the housing 40. In addition, the first waterproof component 50 shown here is formed into a rectangular flat plate shape, for example, from a synthetic rubber material, and has a through hole 51 ( Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ).

[0077] Here, the housing 40 has a square ring-shaped inner wall body 43 that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 41a of the housing body 41 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inner wall 43 is positioned within the storage chamber 40a, closer to the wire outlet 40b than the first waterproof member 50. The wires 10 are drawn out from the through-hole 51 of the first waterproof member 50 and passed through the space inside the inner wall 43 to the wire outlet 40b. The inner wall 43 shown here serves to suppress deformation of the first waterproof member 50. Therefore, within the storage chamber 40a, the inner wall 43 is preliminarily in contact with the first waterproof member 50, closer to the wire outlet 40b than the first waterproof member 50.

[0078] Furthermore, in order to provide a waterproof function to the wire outlet 40b side, the connector 20 is provided with a second waterproof member 60 capable of elastic deformation, which is used to prevent external liquid (water, etc.) from penetrating into the wire outlet 40b ( Figures 1 to 3 The second waterproof member 60 comprises: an end portion 60a, the inner circumference of which is in close contact with the outer circumference of the end portion (wire lead-out portion 42) on the wire lead-out port 40b side of the housing 40; an inner circumference of which is in close contact with the outer circumference of the wire 10 led out from the wire lead-out port 40b; and a cylindrical portion 60c connecting the one end portion 60a and the other end portion 60b ( Figures 1 to 3 The second waterproof member 60 is formed of, for example, a synthetic rubber material.

[0079] The second waterproof member 60 shown here includes: a square cylindrical first waterproof portion 61; a wall portion 62 that closes an opening at one end of the first waterproof portion 61; and a cylindrical second waterproof portion 63 that is provided for each wire 10 relative to the wall portion 62 and communicates the space inside the first waterproof portion 61 with the outside ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the second waterproof member 60 , a cylindrical second waterproof portion 63 is projected from the wall portion 62 in the axial direction of the first waterproof portion 61 .

[0080] In the second waterproof member 60, the end portion on the open side of the other end of the first waterproof portion 61 serves as one end portion 60a for closely contacting the inner peripheral surface with the outer peripheral surface of the wire lead-out portion 42. This one end portion 60a covers the first wire lead-out portion 42a of the wire lead-out portion 42 from the outer peripheral surface side, and closely contacts the inner peripheral surface with the outer peripheral surface of the first wire lead-out portion 42a.

[0081] Furthermore, in the second waterproof member 60, the second waterproof portion 63 serves as the other end portion 60b whose inner circumference is in close contact with the outer circumference of the electric wire 10 drawn out from the electric wire outlet 40b. If the electric wire 1 with a connector does not include the exterior member 15 and the braided wire 16, the other end portion 60b (the second waterproof portion 63) covers the electric wire 10 drawn out from the electric wire outlet 40b from the outer circumference, with the inner circumference of the other end portion 60b in close contact with the outer circumference of the electric wire 10. On the other hand, since the electric wire 1 with a connector includes the exterior member 15 and the braided wire 16, the other end portion 60b (the second waterproof portion 63) shown here covers the exterior member 15 from the outer circumference, and the exterior member 15 covers the electric wire 10 drawn out from the electric wire outlet 40b from the outside, with the inner circumference of the other end portion 60b in close contact with the outer circumference of the exterior member 15. Here, the exterior member 15 is a corrugated bellows tube, and therefore the inner peripheral surface of the other end portion 60 b (second waterproof portion 63 ) is brought into close contact with the plurality of peaks of the exterior member 15 .

[0082] In addition, in the second waterproof member 60, the remaining portion of the first waterproof portion 61 except the one end portion 60a is used as a cylindrical portion 60c. A second enclosed space portion 64 ( Figure 2 For example, the cylindrical portion 60c is formed so that a gap is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 60c and the outer circumferential surface (braided wire 16) of the second wire lead-out portion 42c of the wire lead-out portion 42, and between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 60c and the outer circumferential surface (braided wire 16) of the wire lead-out portion 42. In other words, the second waterproof component 60 is formed so that an annular space is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 60c and the outer circumferential surface of the second wire lead-out portion 42c of the wire lead-out portion 42, and between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 60c and the outer circumferential surface of the wire 10. Therefore, in the second waterproof component 60, this annular space becomes the second enclosed space 64.

[0083] Thus, in the connector 20 and the electric wire 1 with a connector, a second enclosed space 64 is provided inside the second waterproof member 60. Therefore, in the connector 20 and the electric wire 1 with a connector, if the internal pressure of the first enclosed space 40c of the housing 40 changes due to changes in the surrounding temperature, etc., there is a possibility that the second waterproof member 60 will expand or contract due to the change in internal pressure. Moreover, if the second waterproof member 60 expands or contracts excessively, for example, a gap may be generated between one end 60a and the first wire lead-out portion 42a, or between the other end 60b and the outer peripheral side of the electric wire 10 (here, the outer peripheral surface of the exterior member 15). In addition, this excessive expansion and contraction may cause an overload to act on the second waterproof member 60. Moreover, changes in the internal pressure of the first enclosed space 40c may also cause the shape of the first waterproof member 50 to change.

[0084] Therefore, the connector 20 of this embodiment includes a vent assembly 70, which is assembled to the housing 40 to allow gas to flow between the first enclosed space portion 40c and the outside of the housing 40, and on the other hand, the vent assembly 70 is used to prevent liquid from flowing between the first enclosed space portion 40c and the outside of the housing 40 ( Figures 1 to 3 The ventilation assembly 70 is assembled to the through hole 40d of the housing 40 ( Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The through hole 40 d is formed in the wall 41 a 1 of the main body 41 a constituting the housing body 41 , and allows the first sealed space 40 c to communicate with the outside of the housing 40 .

[0085] The ventilation assembly 70 includes: a ventilation member 71 that allows gas to pass through and, on the other hand, prevents liquid from passing through; and a protective member 72 that accommodates and protects the ventilation member 71 ( Figures 4 to 6). Furthermore, the breather assembly 70 includes a sealing member 73 for preventing liquid (water, etc.) from entering through the through hole 40 d of the housing 40 .

[0086] The ventilation member 71 is made of, for example, a porous member. This porous member is, for example, a porous membrane obtained by making PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) porous. The ventilation member 71 shown here is formed in a disk shape.

[0087] The protective member 72 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The protective member 72 has a ventilation chamber 72a, which is connected to the first enclosed space 40c and the outside of the housing 40, and accommodates a ventilation member 71 so that gas can flow between the first enclosed space 40c and the outside of the housing 40 only through the ventilation member 71 ( Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 ). In addition, the protective member 72 has a first communicating portion 72b that communicates the vent chamber 72a with the first sealed space portion 40c and a second communicating portion 72c that communicates the vent chamber 72a with the outside of the housing 40 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0088] For example, the protection member 72 includes: a main portion 72A provided with the ventilation chamber 72a; a shaft portion 72B protruding from the main portion 72A and inserted into the through hole 40d of the housing 40; and a fixing portion 72C ( Figures 4 to 6 The first communication portion 72b is formed as a passage, for example, extending from the main portion 72A to the shaft portion 72B. Furthermore, the second communication portion 72c is formed in the main portion 72A as a passage or opening, for example. The sealing member 73 is formed in an annular shape through which the shaft portion 72B is inserted. The sealing member 73 is positioned between the main portion 72A and the outer surface of the wall 41a1 of the housing 40, and is in close contact with the main portion 72A and the outer surface of the wall 41a1, thereby preventing liquid from entering through the through hole 40d of the housing 40.

[0089] Specifically, the protective member 72 shown here is a member assembled from a first protective member 74 and a second protective member 75, and the main portion 72A is divided into a first protective member 74 side and a second protective member 75 side ( Figures 4 to 6 The first protection member 74 and the second protection member 75 may be held in an assembled state by a locking mechanism (not shown) such as a claw, or may be bonded to each other by an adhesive.

[0090] The first protective member 74 includes: a plate-shaped base portion 74a as a division of the main portion 72A; a cantilevered shaft portion 72B vertically provided from the base portion 74a; and a plurality of claw-shaped fixing portions 72C ( Figures 4 to 6 ) Furthermore, the first protective member 74 is formed with a first communicating portion 72b.

[0091] In the first protective member 74, the base portion 74a is formed into an annular plate shape, and the shaft portion 72B is formed into a cylindrical shape coaxial with the base portion 74a. In the first protective member 74, the space inside the base portion 74a and the shaft portion 72B serves as a cylindrical first communication portion 72b.

[0092] The fixing portion 72C is inserted into the first enclosed space 40c and is locked to the inner wall surface of the wall 41a1 of the housing 40. The fixing portion 72C is inserted into the first enclosed space 40c and is locked to the periphery of the through hole 40d in the inner wall surface of the wall 41a1 of the housing 40.

[0093] The ventilation member 71 is attached to the base portion 74a while closing the opening of the first communication portion 72b on the base portion 74a side. For example, the ventilation member 71 may be welded to the base portion 74a or bonded to the base portion 74a with an adhesive.

[0094] The second protective member 75 is another segment of the main portion 72A. The second protective member 75 has a space serving as a ventilation chamber 72a for accommodating the ventilation member 71 attached to the base portion 74a. The second protective member 75 also has a second communication portion 72c.

[0095] The second protection member 75 is formed into a cylindrical shape with an opening at one end closed. At least one groove constituting the second communication portion 72 c is formed on a peripheral wall of the second protection member 75 .

[0096] As described above, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1 of this embodiment, even when the internal pressure of the first enclosed space 40c of the housing 40 changes due to ambient temperature fluctuations, the vent assembly 70 can suppress changes in the internal pressure of the first enclosed space 40c. Consequently, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1, expansion and contraction of the second waterproof member 60 can be suppressed, thereby maintaining close contact between the one end 60a and the first wire lead-out portion 42a, and maintaining close contact between the other end 60b and the outer circumference of the electric wire 10 (here, the outer circumference of the exterior member 15). Furthermore, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1, suppressing expansion and contraction of the second waterproof member 60 prevents excessive load from being applied to the second waterproof member 60. Therefore, the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1 of this embodiment can maintain the waterproof function of the second waterproof member 60, thereby improving waterproof performance.

[0097] Furthermore, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1 according to the present embodiment, the shape change of the first waterproof member 50 can be suppressed, and the waterproof function of the first waterproof member 50 can be maintained, thereby further improving the waterproof performance.

[0098] Furthermore, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1 of this embodiment, the braided wire 16 is arranged in the space surrounded by the housing 40 , the second waterproof member 60 , and the exterior member 15 , and thus a waterproof function can also be provided for the braided wire 16 .

[0099] Furthermore, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1 of the present embodiment, the vent assembly 70 is assembled to the housing 40 which is highly rigid and easily maintains a flat surface, rather than to the flexible second waterproof member 60 , and thus the vent assembly 70 can be easily assembled.

[0100] Furthermore, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1 of the present embodiment, the vent assembly 70 can be pre-assembled to the connector 20 . Therefore, the vent assembly 70 does not particularly hinder the assembly work of the connector 20 to the mating side.

[0101] Furthermore, in the connector-equipped electric wire 1 of this embodiment, since the housing chambers 40a of the two connectors 20 are connected via the exterior member 15, providing the vent assembly 70 in only one connector 20 can suppress variations in the internal pressure of the first enclosed space 40c in each housing chamber 40a. Therefore, even if the connector-equipped electric wire 1 of this embodiment is provided with the vent assembly 70 in only one connector 20, it can achieve the same effects as the connector-equipped electric wire described previously. In this case, a housing 40 capable of mounting the vent assembly 70 is provided for one connector 20, while a housing without the through-hole 40d is provided for the other connector 20.

[0102] In the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1, the protective function of the ventilation member 71 can be improved by providing a cylindrical protective wall 44 surrounding the periphery of the main portion 72A of the protective member 72 in the housing 40 ( Figure 7 ).

[0103] In addition, in the connector 20 and the electric wire with connector 1, the external thread portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 72B can also be used as the fixing portion 72C, and the fixing portion 72C can be screwed into the internal thread portion 45 provided on the peripheral wall surface of at least the through hole 40d of the housing 40, thereby assembling the vent assembly 70 to the housing 40 ( Figure 8 Here, in order to ensure the axial force between the fixing portion 72C as the external thread portion and the internal thread portion 45, a cylindrical fixing portion 46 is provided on the inner wall surface of the wall body 41a1 of the housing 40, and the internal thread portion 45 extends to the inner circumferential surface of the fixing portion 46 ( Figure 8 ).

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: have: a terminal fitting that is physically and electrically connected to an end of the wire; a housing having: a housing chamber for housing the terminal fitting and a terminal end of the electric wire connected to the terminal fitting; and a wire lead-out port through which the wires are led out to the outside of the accommodation chamber; a first waterproof member capable of elastic deformation, the first waterproof member filling a space between an inner peripheral surface of the housing and an outer peripheral surface of the covering of the wires at a position in the accommodating chamber away from the wire lead-out port, thereby forming a first enclosed space portion between the first waterproof member and the wire lead-out port; a second elastically deformable waterproof member, the second waterproof member having one end, another end, and a cylindrical portion connecting the one end and the other end, the inner circumferential surface of the one end being in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the end of the housing on the wire lead-out side, the inner circumferential surface of the other end being in close contact with the outer circumference of the wire led out from the wire lead-out, and a second enclosed space being provided in the cylindrical portion and communicating with the first enclosed space via the wire lead-out; as well as A vent assembly is assembled to the shell, the vent assembly allows gas to flow between the first enclosed space and the outside of the shell, and on the other hand, the vent assembly prevents liquid from flowing between the first enclosed space and the outside of the shell.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The ventilation assembly includes: a ventilation component that allows gas to pass through and prevents liquid from passing through; and a protective component that accommodates and protects the ventilation component. The protective member has a vent chamber that communicates with the first enclosed space and the outside of the housing, respectively, and accommodates the vent member so that gas can flow between the first enclosed space and the outside of the housing only through the vent member.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The housing has a through hole in the wall thereof for communicating the first enclosed space with the outside of the housing. The protective member includes: a main portion provided with the ventilation chamber; a shaft portion protruding from the main portion and inserted into the through hole; and a fixing portion fixed to the housing. The breather assembly includes an annular sealing member through which the shaft portion is inserted and in close contact with the main portion and the outer wall surface of the wall of the housing between the main portion and the outer wall surface of the wall.

4. An electric wire with a connector, characterized in that: have: electric wire; as well as a connector mounted on the end of the wire, The connector comprises: a terminal fitting that is physically and electrically connected to an end of the electric wire; and a housing having a housing chamber for housing the terminal fitting and a terminal end of the electric wire connected to the terminal fitting; and an electric wire lead-out port through which the electric wire is led out to the outside of the housing chamber; a first waterproof member capable of elastic deformation, the first waterproof member filling a space between an inner peripheral surface of the housing and an outer peripheral surface of the covering of the wires at a position in the accommodating chamber away from the wire lead-out port, thereby forming a first enclosed space portion between the first waterproof member and the wire lead-out port; a second elastically deformable waterproof member, the second waterproof member having one end, another end, and a cylindrical portion connecting the one end and the other end, the inner circumferential surface of the one end being in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the end of the housing on the wire lead-out port side, the inner circumferential surface of the other end being in close contact with the outer circumferential side of the wire led out from the wire lead-out port, and a second enclosed space portion being provided in the cylindrical portion and communicating with the first enclosed space portion via the wire lead-out port; and A vent assembly is assembled to the shell, the vent assembly allows gas to flow between the first enclosed space and the outside of the shell, and on the other hand, the vent assembly prevents liquid from flowing between the first enclosed space and the outside of the shell.

5. The electric wire with connector according to claim 4, characterized in that A cylindrical outer member is provided, the outer member covering the electric wires drawn out from the electric wire outlet, The second waterproof member has an inner peripheral surface of the other end portion in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the exterior member.

6. The electric wire with connector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: One end and the other end of the electric wire are respectively equipped with one of the connectors.

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