Panel-mounted connector

Abstract

A panel-mounted connector (10) mounted to a panel (1) having a connector mounting hole (2), the panel-mounted connector (10) including: a panel-side housing having an inner cover (24) protruding from the connector mounting hole (2) to an outer side of the panel (1) and mounted to the panel (1); an inner housing fitted to an inner side of the inner cover (24); an outer housing having an outer cover (51) disposed on the outer side of the panel (1) and fitted to an outer side of the inner cover (24) and having the inner housing mounted thereto; a panel seal sandwiched between an outer peripheral edge portion (3) of the connector mounting hole (2) in the panel (1) and a terminal portion (51T) of the outer cover (51) in a state in which the inner housing and the outer cover (51) are both fitted to the inner cover (24); and a lever (60) movably mounted to the outer cover (51) between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position, the lever (60) causing the inner housing and the outer cover (51) to be fitted to the inner cover (24) by moving from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to panel-mount connectors. Background Technology

[0002] As a panel-mount type connector for mounting on panels of automobile bodies, doors, etc., a connector as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-173837 (hereinafter Patent Document 1) is known. This connector includes a standby-side connector housing fitted into the panel and a waterproof-side connector housing fitted with the standby-side connector housing. The standby-side connector housing has a cover portion with an opening at the front. A flange portion is provided at the outer periphery of the cover portion, and an annular rubber sealing member for mounting holes is fitted onto the front surface of the flange portion. When the end of the cover portion is inserted into a mounting hole provided in the panel, the sealing member for mounting holes seals against the entire periphery of the mounting hole, and the panel and the standby-side connector housing are mounted in a sealed state. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-173837 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] The mounting holes in the panel are typically formed by stamping, which creates a fracture surface on the inner periphery of the mounting hole, making it susceptible to corrosion from water. In the connector described above, the sealing member for the mounting hole contacts the inner side of the panel relative to the outer periphery of the mounting hole. Therefore, if water enters the mounting hole from the outer side of the panel, corrosion of the fracture surface is possible. Solution for solving the problem

[0005] The panel-mount connector disclosed herein is mounted on a panel having a connector mounting hole. The panel-mount connector comprises: a panel-side housing mounted on the panel, having an inner cover protruding outward from the connector mounting hole toward the outside of the panel; an inner housing fitted with the inner side of the inner cover; an outer housing mounted on the inner housing, having an outer cover disposed on the outside of the panel and fitted with the outside of the inner cover; a panel seal held between the outer periphery of the connector mounting hole in the panel and the end portion of the outer cover when both the inner housing and the outer cover are fitted with the inner cover; and a rod movably mounted on the outer cover between a starting engagement position and a completed engagement position, wherein moving from the starting engagement position to the completed engagement position causes both the inner housing and the outer cover to fit with the inner cover. Invention Effects

[0006] According to this disclosure, water can be prevented from seeping into the connector mounting holes from the outside of the panel. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of the panel-mounted connector with the rod in the fully engaged position, viewed from the oblique front. Figure 2 This is a side view of a panel-mounted connector with the rod in the fully engaged position. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the state of the bottom seal being removed from the retainer. Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a rod. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a panel-mounted connector with the rod in the fully engaged position, cut along the long side of the connector mounting hole. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a panel-mounted connector with the rod in the fully engaged position, cut along the short side of the connector mounting hole. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the panel-mounted connector with the rod in the starting position of the engagement, viewed from the oblique front. Figure 8 This is a side view of a panel-mounted connector with the rod in the initial engagement position. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a panel-mounted connector with the rod in the initial engagement position, cut along the long side of the connector mounting hole. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a panel-mounted connector with the rod in the initial engagement position, cut along the short side of the connector mounting hole. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the male connector mounted on the panel, viewed from a slightly oblique front angle. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the male connector mounted on the panel, viewed from a slightly rearward angle. Detailed Implementation

[0008] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described. The panel-mount connector disclosed herein... (1) A panel-mounted connector mounted on a panel having a connector mounting hole, comprising: a panel-side housing mounted on the panel and having an inner cover protruding outward from the connector mounting hole toward the outside of the panel; an inner housing fitted with the inner side of the inner cover; an outer housing mounted on the inner housing and having an outer cover disposed on the outside of the panel and fitted with the outside of the inner cover; a panel seal held between the outer periphery of the connector mounting hole in the panel and the end portion of the outer cover when both the inner housing and the outer cover are fitted with the inner cover; and a rod movably mounted on the outer cover between a starting position and a completed position, wherein the inner housing and the outer cover are fitted with the inner cover by moving from the starting position to the completed position.

[0009] As the rod moves from the initial engagement position to the completed engagement position, the inner housing engages with the inner side of the inner cover of the panel side housing, and the outer cover of the outer housing engages with the outer side of the inner cover of the panel side housing, thus achieving the completed engagement state. In this completed engagement state, the panel seal is held between the outer periphery of the connector mounting hole in the panel and the end of the outer cover. Here, because the outer cover is located on the outside of the panel, the panel seal is also located on the outside of the panel. Therefore, the panel seal contacts the outer periphery of the connector mounting hole on the outside of the panel, preventing water from entering the connector mounting hole from the outside of the panel.

[0010] (2) Preferably, the device includes a first cover seal and a second cover seal. The first cover seal is held between the inner circumferential surface of the end portion of the outer cover and the outer circumferential surface of the base portion of the inner cover when both the inner housing and the outer cover are fitted with the inner cover. The second cover seal is held between the inner circumferential surface of the base portion of the outer cover and the outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the inner cover when both the inner housing and the outer cover are fitted with the inner cover. The outer cover has a rod mounting hole for mounting the rod, and the rod mounting hole is located between the first cover seal and the second cover seal in the fitting direction of the outer cover and the inner cover. Because the outer casing has a rod mounting hole, it is possible for water to seep into the interior of the outer casing through the rod mounting hole. However, because the rod mounting hole is located between the first and second cover seals in the mating direction of the outer and inner casings, it is possible to prevent water from seeping into the connector mounting hole from the interior of the outer casing, or water from seeping into the panel-side housing.

[0011] (3) Preferably, the panel seal and the first cover seal are integrally formed. This reduces the number of components in the sealing system.

[0012] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates specific examples of the panel-mount connector 10 of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended by way of the claims to include all variations within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0013] [Structure of panel mount connector] The panel-mount connector 10 disclosed herein is mounted on a panel 1, and the connector includes a male connector 20 and a female connector 30 capable of mating with the male connector 20. For example... Figure 11 As shown, a connector mounting hole 2 is provided on the panel 1. The male connector 20 is configured to be pre-installed on the standby side of the panel 1 in a state of being inserted into the connector mounting hole 2. Furthermore, the mating surfaces of the male connector 20 and the female connector 30 are designated as the front side in the front-back direction, based on the mating direction of the male connector 20 and the female connector 30.

[0014] [Structure of the male connector] like Figure 9 As shown, the male connector 20 includes a male housing 21 and a plurality of male terminals M1, M2. The plurality of male terminals M1, M2 include a small male terminal M1 and a large male terminal M2 that is larger than the male terminal M1. The male housing 21 is made of synthetic resin and includes: a male housing body 23 having a plurality of cavities 22 formed therein for receiving each male terminal M1, M2; and an inner cover 24, which is provided in a form that protrudes forward from the periphery of the front surface of the male housing body 23. The inner cover 24 is formed in a cover shape with an opening at the front.

[0015] A pair of panel retaining tabs 25 are provided on both sides of the male housing 21. Figure 5 As shown, the panel locking tab 25 is formed in a cantilever shape, protruding forward. The base of the panel locking tab 25 is located at the front end of the male housing body 23. On the other hand, the end portion of the panel locking tab 25 is located on the side of the inner cover 24. A locking protrusion 25A is provided at the end portion of the panel locking tab 25. The locking protrusion 25A of the panel locking tab 25 can be flexed and deformed in directions relative to the inner cover 24, both towards and away from it.

[0016] Male connector 20 is located inside panel 1. Figure 5 The connector mounting hole 2 (as shown in the lower part of the diagram) is inserted into the connector mounting hole 2 of panel 1. The inner side of panel 1 refers to the interior of the vehicle, and hereafter, is sometimes simply referred to as the interior side. The connector mounting hole 2 is formed by stamping panel 1 using a stamping process. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the connector mounting hole 2 is formed as a fracture surface.

[0017] When the male connector 20 flexes the panel retaining tab 25 to reach the correct installation position, such as Figure 11 As shown, the panel locking tab 25 elastically recovers, and the locking protrusion 25A, relative to the outer peripheral edge 3 of the connector mounting hole 2, extends from the outside of the panel 1. Figure 5(The upper side of the diagram) is locked. The outer side of panel 1 refers to the outer side of the car, and hereafter, is sometimes simply referred to as the outer side of the vehicle. This prevents the male connector 20 from detaching towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0018] like Figure 12 As shown, a pair of panel support portions 27 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the inner cover 24, respectively. The panel support portions 27 can contact the outer periphery 3 of the connector mounting hole 2 of the panel 1 from the inside of the vehicle. This prevents the male connector 20 from falling off to the outside of the vehicle. That is, by arranging the panel 1 between the locking protrusion 25A of the panel locking piece 25 and the panel support portions 27 in the mating direction of the male connector 20 and the female connector 30, the male connector 20 is kept in a standby state of being pre-installed on the panel 1. In this state, the inner cover 24 is formed in a posture that protrudes outward from the panel 1.

[0019] like Figure 11 As shown, a pair of upper and lower ribs 26 are provided on the inner surface of the inner cover 24. The ribs 26 are reinforcing ribs to prevent deformation of the inner cover 24 during temperature aging. A fitting protrusion 28 and an anti-misconnection protrusion 29 are respectively provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the inner cover 24. The fitting protrusion 28 is located at the center in the left-right direction of the inner cover 24. On the other hand, the anti-misconnection protrusion 29 is located at one end in the left-right direction of the inner cover 24, and the pair of anti-misconnection protrusions 29 are arranged vertically.

[0020] The panel 1 is provided with multiple recess holes 4, which allow each mating protrusion 28 and each anti-misconnection protrusion 29 to pass through. These recess holes 4 are designed to allow the mating protrusion 28 and the anti-misconnection protrusion 29 to pass through the panel 1 without interference when the male connector 20 is installed from the inside of the vehicle. If the male connector 20 is to be installed on the panel 1 in an upside-down position, the anti-misconnection protrusion 29 will interfere with the panel 1 and cannot be installed. Furthermore, the outer periphery of each recess hole 4 in the outer peripheral edge 3 of the connector mounting hole 2 on the outer side of the vehicle is formed as a sealing surface 5.

[0021] [Structure of the female connector] like Figure 9 As shown, the female connector 30 includes a female housing 40, a plurality of female terminals F1, F2, a retainer 50, a rod 60, a bottom seal 70, and a top seal 80. The plurality of female terminals F1, F2 include a small female terminal F1 and a large female terminal F2 larger than the female terminal F1. A small male terminal M1 is fitted inside the small female terminal F1, thereby enabling conductive connection. A large male terminal M2 is fitted inside the large female terminal F2, thereby enabling conductive connection.

[0022] [Structure of the female shell] The female housing 40 is made of synthetic resin and has multiple cavities 41 for accommodating the female terminals F1 and F2. The female housing 40 can fit into the inner side of the inner cover 24 of the male housing 21.

[0023] [Structure of the body] The retainer 50 is made of synthetic resin and includes: an outer cover 51 that houses the female housing 40; a wire storage section 52 that houses the wires W connected to the female terminals F1 and F2; and a housing fixing section 53 that fixes the female housing 40. The outer cover 51 can fit into the outer side of the inner cover 24 of the male housing 21.

[0024] The interior space of the outer casing 51 is connected to the interior space of the wire storage section 52. The wire storage section 52 has a wire outlet 54 with an opening on the side. The wire W, which is led out from the cavity 41 to the rear, is bent vertically toward the wire outlet 54 inside the wire storage section 52, and then exits from the wire outlet 54 to the outside of the retainer 50.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer cover 51 has a pair of long sides 51L and a pair of short sides 51S that are narrower than the long sides 51L. Figure 5 As shown, the wire outlet 54 is located behind the short side portion 51S. A wire fixing portion 52A is provided at the end of the wire storage portion 52, and the multiple wires W are secured together with a cable tie (not shown) by the wire fixing portion 52A. A cable sheath mounting portion 52B is provided in front of the wire fixing portion 52A, and a cable sheath (not shown) is installed on the cable sheath mounting portion 52B. The panel-mount connector 10 is completely waterproofed by the bottom seal 70, the top seal 80, and the cable sheath. A general-purpose cable sheath can be used instead of a dedicated cable sheath.

[0026] like Figure 10 As shown, the housing fixing portion 53 is formed to protrude inward from the long side portion 51L of the outer cover 51. A pair of housing fixing portions 53 are arranged in an opposing configuration. On the other hand, a housing locking portion 42 is provided at the base end portion 43 of the female housing 40, which engages with the housing fixing portion 53 from the rear. A pair of housing locking portions 42 are arranged in an opposing configuration. The female housing 40 is engaged with the pair of housing fixing portions 53 by the pair of housing locking portions 42, thereby being mounted to the retainer 50. In this fixed state, the end portion 44 of the female housing 40 protrudes forward beyond the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, a rod mounting hole 55 for mounting the rod 60 is provided in front of the housing fixing part 53 in the long side portion 51L of the outer cover 51. Figure 10As shown, the rod mounting hole 55 is formed to penetrate the long side 51L of the outer cover 51. Therefore, the space inside the outer cover 51 that communicates with the rod mounting hole 55 becomes a non-waterproof area R1 where water can seep in from the outside. Figure 6 As shown, the rod mounting hole 55 is located between the bottom seal 70 and the top seal 80 in the mating direction of the outer cover 51 and the inner cover 24. That is, the area between the bottom seal 70 and the top seal 80 in the internal space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the outer cover 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cover 24 is a non-waterproof area R1.

[0028] A top seal mounting groove 53G is provided on the front surface of the housing fixing part 53. The top seal mounting groove 53G is formed to be recessed rearward. The top seal mounting groove 53G is provided circumferentially along the inner peripheral surface of the outer cover 51. The top seal 80 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the top seal mounting groove 53G. Figure 9 As shown, a sealing member locking hole 53H communicating with the top sealing member mounting groove 53G is provided on the short side 51S side of the housing fixing part 53.

[0029] [Structure of the top seal] The top seal 80 is an elastic component such as rubber, formed in a ring shape. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a top seal locking part 81 is provided on the top seal 80. The top seal locking part 81 enters the seal locking hole 53H and locks against the housing fixing part 53 from the rear. By locking the top seal locking part 81 against the housing fixing part 53, the top seal 80 is kept in the state of being housed in the top seal mounting groove 53G.

[0030] When the male connector 20 and the female connector 30 are engaged, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the inner cover 24 is inserted between the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51, and a top seal 80 is clamped between the end portion 24T of the inner cover 24 and the base portion 51B of the outer cover 51. That is, with both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 fitted with the inner cover 24, the top seal 80 is clamped between the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 51B of the outer cover 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the end portion 24T of the inner cover 24. This prevents water from seeping into the rear of the female housing 40 from the non-waterproof area R1 connected to the rod mounting hole 55.

[0031] [Structure of the bottom seal] like Figure 3As shown, a bottom seal mounting groove 51G is provided at the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51. The bottom seal mounting groove 51G is formed to be recessed rearward. The bottom seal mounting groove 51G is provided in a circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the outer cover 51. The bottom seal 70 is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the bottom seal mounting groove 51G. A plurality of seal locking holes 51H communicating with the bottom seal mounting groove 51G are provided on the long side portion 51L of the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51.

[0032] The bottom seal 70 is an elastic component such as rubber and is ring-shaped. Multiple bottom seal locking portions 71 are provided on the bottom seal 70. These portions 71 enter multiple seal locking holes 51H and lock with the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51 from the rear. By locking the bottom seal portions 71 with the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51, the bottom seal 70 is held in a state where it is housed in the bottom seal mounting groove 51G.

[0033] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the bottom seal 70 is held between the inner circumferential surface of the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 24B of the inner cover 24, with both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 fitted into the inner cover 24. This prevents water from seeping into the male housing body 23 from the non-waterproof area R1 connected to the rod mounting hole 55 through the connector mounting hole 2 of the panel 1. Thus, the interior of the panel-mounted connector 10 is waterproofed by the bottom seal 70 and the top seal 80, both of which are implemented on the outside of the inner cover 24. Consequently, ribs 26 for preventing deformation of the inner cover 24 during temperature aging at high temperatures can be provided on the inside of the inner cover 24.

[0034] A lip 72 is integrally formed with the front surface of the bottom seal 70, and the lip 72 contacts the sealing surface 5 of the panel 1. The lip 72 extends in a ring shape, connecting the entire circumference of the bottom seal 70. With both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 fitted with the inner cover 24, the bottom seal 70 is clamped between the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51 and the sealing surface 5 of the panel 1, thereby sealing the lip 72 with the sealing surface 5. This prevents water adhering to the panel 1 from moving along the panel 1 from the outside of the vehicle and entering the connector mounting hole 2. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the space covered by the front surface of the bottom seal 70 forms a waterproof area R2 that communicates with the connector mounting hole 2. Figure 5 As shown, the bottom seal 70 is configured in a manner that does not interfere with the locking protrusion 25A of the panel locking piece 25.

[0035] [The structure of the rod] Rod 60 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 4As shown, the rod is generally formed in a gate shape. The rod 60 includes a pair of rod bodies 61 arranged in an opposing state, and a rod operating portion 62 connecting the ends of the pair of rod bodies 61 to each other. A rod shaft portion 63 is provided at the end of the rod body 61 opposite to the rod operating portion 62. The rod shaft portion 63 is formed into a circular, protruding shaft shape. A pair of rod locking portions 64 are provided at the protruding end of the rod shaft portion 63.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, the rod shaft portion 63 engages with the rod mounting hole 55 of the outer cover 51 from the outside, thereby supporting the rod 60 so that it can rotate. Specifically, the rod 60 can be operated via the operating rod operating portion 62. Figure 9 The shown starting position of the interlocking is... Figure 5 The rod 60 rotates between the shown engagement completion positions. When the rod 60 rotates from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position, it engages with the engagement protrusion 28 via one rod locking part 64, thereby engaging both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 with the inner cover 24. When the rod 60 rotates from the engagement completion position to the engagement start position, it engages with the engagement protrusion 28 via the other rod locking part 64, thereby disengaging both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 from the inner cover 24.

[0037] A lever locking part 65 is provided in the lever operating part 62. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a rod retaining protrusion 56 that engages with the rod locking portion 65 is provided on the outer surface of the outer cover 51. The rod 60 is held in the engaged position by the rod locking portion 65 engaging with the rod retaining protrusion 56. Therefore, when the female connector 30 disengages from the male connector 20, the rod 60 can be allowed to rotate from the engaged position to the engaged position by releasing the engagement of the rod locking portion 65.

[0038] [Operating Instructions for Panel Mount Connectors] Next, the operation of the panel-mount connector 10 will be explained. For example... Figure 8 As shown, at the start of engagement, the two connectors 20 and 30 are pre-engaged shallowly so that the engagement protrusion 28 of the male connector 20 enters between a pair of rod locking parts 64. When the rod 60 is rotated from the engagement start position toward the engagement completion position, the engagement of the two connectors 20 and 30 is achieved by one of the rod locking parts 64 engaging with the engagement protrusion 28.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, when rod 60 reaches the fully engaged position, the two connectors 20 and 30 are fully engaged, with male terminals M1 and M2 engaging with female terminals F1 and F2, thus establishing an electrical connection between the two connectors 20 and 30. In this state, the lip 72 of the bottom seal 70 installed on the female connector 30 is fully and circumferentially sealed against the sealing surface 5 of the panel 1, forming a waterproof area R2. Therefore, the lip 72 can prevent water from seeping into the connector mounting hole 2 from the outside of the vehicle, preventing water from adhering to the fracture surface of the connector mounting hole 2 and causing corrosion on the fracture surface.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, because the rod mounting hole 55 of the outer casing 51 is a through hole, water may enter the non-waterproof area R1 of the outer casing 51. However, because the rod mounting hole 55 is located between the bottom seal 70 and the top seal 80, the following can be prevented: water from entering the mating portion of the two housings 21, 40 from the non-waterproof area R1, or water from entering the connector mounting hole 2 from the non-waterproof area R1. Assuming that water enters the non-waterproof area R1, the water from... Figure 5 The dewatering hole 57 shown discharges water to the outside of the vehicle.

[0041] [Function and Effect of Panel Mount Connectors] A panel-mount connector 10 is mounted on a panel 1 having a connector mounting hole 2. The panel-mount connector 10 includes: a male housing 21, mounted on the panel 1, having an inner cover 24 protruding from the connector mounting hole 2 outward from the outside of the panel 1; a female housing 40, fitted inside the inner cover 24; a retainer 50, on which the female housing 40 is mounted, having an outer cover 51 disposed on the outside of the panel 1 and fitted outside the inner cover 24; a lip 72, held between the outer periphery 3 of the connector mounting hole 2 in the panel 1 and the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51 when both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 are fitted inside the inner cover 24; and a rod 60, movably mounted on the outer cover 51 between a starting position and a completed position, such that by moving from the starting position to the completed position, both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 are fitted inside the inner cover 24.

[0042] When the rod 60 moves from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position, the female housing 40 engages with the inner side of the inner cover 24 of the male housing 21, and the outer cover 51 of the retainer 50 engages with the outer side of the inner cover 24 of the male housing 21, thus achieving the engagement completion state. In this engagement completion state, the lip 72 is held between the outer peripheral edge 3 of the connector mounting hole 2 in the panel 1 and the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51. Here, since the outer cover 51 is located on the outer side of the panel 1, the lip 72 is also located on the outer side of the panel 1. Therefore, the lip 72 contacts the outer peripheral edge 3 of the connector mounting hole 2 on the outer side of the panel 1, preventing water from entering the connector mounting hole 2 from the outer side of the panel 1.

[0043] (2) Preferably, the device includes a bottom seal 70 and a top seal 80. The bottom seal 70 is held between the inner circumferential surface of the end portion 51T of the outer cover 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 24B of the inner cover 24 when both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 are fitted with the inner cover 24. The top seal 80 is held between the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 51B of the outer cover 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the end portion 24T of the inner cover 24 when both the female housing 40 and the outer cover 51 are fitted with the inner cover 24. The outer cover 51 has a rod mounting hole 55 for mounting a rod 60. The rod mounting hole 55 is located between the bottom seal 70 and the top seal 80 in the fitting direction of the outer cover 51 and the inner cover 24. Because the outer casing 51 has a rod mounting hole 55, it is possible for water to seep into the interior of the outer casing 51 through the rod mounting hole 55. However, because the rod mounting hole 55 is located between the bottom seal 70 and the top seal 80 in the mating direction of the outer casing 51 and the inner casing 24, it is possible to prevent water from seeping into the connector mounting hole 2 from the interior of the outer casing 51, or water from seeping into the male housing 21.

[0044] (3) Preferably, the lip 72 and the bottom seal 70 are integrally formed. This reduces the number of components in the sealing system.

[0045] <Other Implementation Methods> (1) In the above embodiment, a rotatable rod 60 is shown, but it may also be a sliding rod.

[0046] (2) In the above embodiment, a female connector 30 having a bottom seal 70 and a top seal 80 is exemplified, but it may also be a female connector that has no rod mounting hole in the retainer and only has a seal that has a lip that can contact the panel 1 when the inside of the female connector is formed as a waterproof area.

[0047] (3) In the above embodiment, a rod mounting hole 55 is provided in the outer cover 51, but a shaft portion can also be provided instead of the rod mounting hole 55, and a hole that fits into the shaft portion is provided in the rod.

[0048] (4) In the above embodiment, the male connector 20 is shown to be mounted from the inside relative to the panel 1, but the male connector may also be mounted from the outside relative to the panel. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0049] 1: Panel 2: Connector mounting hole 3: Outer perimeter 4: Retraction hole 5: Sealing surface 10: Panel mount connector 20: Male connector; 21: Male housing (panel side housing); 22: Cavity; 23: Male housing body; 24: Inner cover; 24B: Base end; 24T: End portion; 25: Panel locking tab; 25A: Locking protrusion; 26: Rib; 27: Panel support portion; 28: Fitting protrusion; 29: Protrusion to prevent misconnection. 30: Female connector 40: Inner shell 41: Cavity 42: Shell locking part 43: Base end 44: End part 50: Retaining body (outer shell) 51: Outer cover 51B: Base end 51G: Bottom seal mounting groove 51H: Seal locking hole 51L: Long side 51S: Short side 51T: End part 52: Wire storage part 52A: Wire fixing part 52B: Wire sheath mounting part 53: Housing fixing part 53G: Top seal mounting groove 53H: Seal locking hole 54: Wire outlet 55: Rod mounting hole 56: Rod retaining protrusion 57: Dehydration hole 60: Rod; 61: Rod body; 62: Rod operating part; 63: Rod shaft part; 64: Rod locking part; 65: Rod locking part. 70: Bottom seal (first cover seal) 71: Bottom seal locking part 72: Lip (panel seal) 80: Top seal (second cover seal) 81: Top seal locking part F1: Small female terminal; F2: Large female terminal M1: Small male terminal M2: Large male terminal R1: Non-waterproof area R2: Waterproof area W: Wire

Claims

1. A panel-mount connector, mounted on a panel having connector mounting holes, the panel-mount connector comprising: A panel-side housing, mounted on the panel, has an inner cover protruding outward from the connector mounting hole toward the outside of the panel; The inner shell fits into the inner side of the inner cover; The outer casing has the inner casing installed thereon and has an outer cover disposed on the outside of the panel and fitted with the outside of the inner cover; A panel seal, held between the outer periphery of the connector mounting hole in the panel and the end portion of the outer cover, with both the inner housing and the outer cover engaged with the inner cover; and A rod, movably mounted on the outer cover between a starting engagement position and a completed engagement position, allows both the inner housing and the outer cover to engage with the inner cover by moving from the starting engagement position to the completed engagement position. The panel-mount connector includes a first cover seal and a second cover seal. The first cover seal is held between the inner circumferential surface of the end portion of the outer cover and the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion of the inner cover, with both the inner housing and the outer cover fitted into the inner cover. The second cover seal is held between the inner circumferential surface of the base end of the outer cover and the outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the inner cover, with both the inner housing and the outer cover fitted into the inner cover. The outer cover has rod mounting holes for mounting the rod. The rod mounting hole is located between the first cover seal and the second cover seal in the fitting direction of the outer cover and the inner cover.

2. The panel-mount connector according to claim 1, wherein, The panel seal and the first cover seal are integrally formed.

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