Waterproof connector

Abstract

To provide a waterproof connector capable of more securely suppressing a decrease in sealability by a seal member.SOLUTION: A waterproof connector 1 comprises a housing 2 where a storage space S2 having an opening part S2a opening to one side in a first direction is formed. The waterproof connector 1 also comprises a terminal 3 with an electric wire that has a terminal 31 inserted into the storage space S2 from the opening part S2a and held in the housing 2 and an electric wire 32 electrically connected to the terminal 31. The waterproof connector 1 further comprises a seal member 4 which is fitted to the electric wire 32 and seals the opening part S2a with the terminal 31 held in the housing 2. Further, the waterproof connector 1 comprises a holder 5 which has a restriction part 52 restricting the electric wire 32 from moving in a radius direction, and is fixed to the housing 2 on a side closer to the one side in the first direction than the side member 4 in a state where the electric wire 32 is restricted from moving in all radius directions by the restriction part 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproof connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional waterproof connector of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the waterproof connector includes a housing capable of accommodating terminal fittings attached to the ends of electric wires, a waterproof member (sealing member) having an electric wire insertion groove through which the electric wire is inserted, and a cover that is assembled to the housing with the waterproof member sandwiched between the housing and the waterproof member.

[0003] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the cover is provided with an electric wire pushing groove into which the electric wire is pushed. The distance between the opening edge of the electric wire pushing groove is made smaller than the outer diameter of the electric wire, while the distance between the electric wire mounting inner part on the inner side of the opening edge of the electric wire pushing groove is made equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the electric wire. This makes it possible to prevent the waterproof property from being impaired even if tension is applied to the electric wire in a direction that causes it to jump out of the electric wire pushing groove. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-051354 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, although it is possible to restrict the movement of the electric wire in the direction of jumping out of the electric wire pushing groove, the electric wire is also configured to be able to move in the direction of jumping out of the electric wire pushing groove. Therefore, there is a risk that the electric wire will move in the direction of jumping out of the electric wire pushing groove. If the electric wire moves in the direction of jumping out of the electric wire pushing groove, the waterproof member may be deformed, and the waterproofness of the waterproof connector may be impaired.

[0006] As described above, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it was difficult to ensure sufficient sealing performance of the waterproof connector by the sealing member.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional techniques, and an object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof connector that can more reliably prevent the sealing performance of the sealing member from being reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A waterproof connector according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing forming an accommodating space having an opening that opens to one side in a first direction, a wire-attached terminal having a terminal inserted into the accommodating space from the opening and held in the housing, and an electric wire electrically connected to the terminal, a sealing member attached to the electric wire and sealing the opening while the terminal is held in the housing, and a holder having a regulating portion that regulates radial movement of the electric wire, and is fixed to the housing on one side of the sealing member in the first direction with the radial movement of the electric wire in all directions regulated by the regulating portion. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a waterproof connector that can more reliably prevent the sealing performance of the sealing member from being reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an example of a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, seen from one direction. [Diagram 2] 11 is a perspective view of an example of a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, seen from another direction. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, viewed from one direction. [Figure 4] 11 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, seen from another direction. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an electric wire-attached terminal and an example of a sealing member according to an embodiment, disassembled from another direction. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a sealing member according to an embodiment, as viewed from another direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a method for assembling the waterproof connector according to one embodiment, illustrating a state before the wire-connected terminal to which the sealing member is attached is inserted into the housing. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a method for assembling the waterproof connector according to one embodiment, illustrating a state in which the wire-connected terminal to which the sealing member is attached is inserted into the housing. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a method for assembling the waterproof connector according to the embodiment, illustrating a state immediately before the electric wire is clamped by the holder. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a method for assembling the waterproof connector according to the embodiment, in which the electric wire is clamped by the holder. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a method for assembling a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, in which the electric wire is clamped by the holder and the hook portion of the holder is hooked into a hook hole formed in the housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for assembling a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, in which the wire is clamped by the holder and the hook portion of the holder is hooked into a hook hole formed in the housing. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the rear end portion of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a method for assembling the waterproof connector according to one embodiment, illustrating a state in which the holder is fixed to the housing while restricting radial movement of the wires. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for assembling a waterproof connector according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the holder is fixed to the housing while restricting radial movement of the wires. [Figure 16] 16 is an enlarged view of the rear end portion of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 11A and 11B are views for explaining that the opening between the first holder and the second holder is suppressed by fixing the holder to the housing according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The waterproof connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0012] In the following embodiments, a female terminal (wire crimping terminal) to which an electric wire is crimped will be exemplified as the electric wire-attached terminal.

[0013] In addition, the direction in which the electric wires extend is defined as the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), the direction in which the electric wires are arranged is defined as the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the direction intersecting the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is defined as the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction).

[0014] Furthermore, the waterproof connector will be described by defining the up-down direction of each component with the housing positioned so that the operating lever is located at the top. The side from which the wires of the waterproof connector are pulled out of the housing will be described as the rear side (one side) of the front-rear direction (first direction). The side to which the mating connector of the waterproof connector is mated, i.e., the side that faces the mating connector when mating the mating connector, will be described as the front side (the other side) of the front-rear direction (first direction).

[0015] 1 to 4, the waterproof connector 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 2, an electric wire terminal 3, and a sealing member 4. In this embodiment, the electric wire terminal 3 includes a terminal 31 and an electric wire 32 electrically connected to the terminal 31, and the housing 2 is formed with an accommodating space S2 having an opening S2a that opens to the rear side (one side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). The terminal 31 of the electric wire terminal 3 is inserted into the accommodating space S2 from the opening S2a, so that the terminal 31 is held in the housing 2.

[0016] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sealing member 4 is attached to the electric wire 32, and the opening S2a is sealed by the sealing member 4 with the terminal 31 held in the housing 2. This makes it possible to prevent liquids such as water and foreign matter such as dust from entering the accommodating space S2 through the opening S2a.

[0017] The housing 2 includes a hood portion 21 that is substantially rectangular when viewed along the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). That is, the hood portion 21 includes a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212 that faces the top wall 211 in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction), and a pair of side walls 213 that are connected to the ends of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and is formed into a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0018] In addition, a mating space S1 into which a mating housing of a mating connector (not shown) is fitted is formed in the hood portion 21 (see Figs. 1 and 3). In this embodiment, the mating space S1 is formed so as to open on the front side (the other side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), and the mating housing is fitted into the hood portion 21 by inserting the mating housing into the mating space S1 from this opening.

[0019] In this embodiment, a substantially frame-shaped locking portion 215 is connected to the rear wall 214 of the hood portion 21 so as to extend from the upper end of the rear wall 214 forward (to the other side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). For example, a locking piece of a locking arm formed on the mating housing is locked to this locking portion 215, so that the mating housing is fitted in a state in which it is prevented from coming off from the hood portion 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an operating lever 216 for releasing the locking of the mating housing by the locking portion 215 is connected to the locking portion 215. By moving the rear end of this operating lever 216 downward, the locking of the mating housing by the locking portion 215 is released, and the mating housing can be removed from the hood portion 21.

[0020] In this manner, in this embodiment, the mating housing is removably attached to the hood portion 21. Note that a guide groove 2121 for guiding the attachment and detachment of the mating housing is formed in the bottom wall 212 of the hood portion 21, and guide grooves 2131 for guiding the attachment and detachment of the mating housing are also formed in the pair of side walls 213, respectively.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 2 includes an inner housing 22 located inside the hood portion 21, i.e., in the fitting space S1. In this embodiment, the hood portion 21 includes a rear wall 214 that is connected to rear ends (one ends) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, and the pair of side walls 213. The inner housing 22 is connected to the center of the rear wall 214 so as to extend forward (the other side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), thereby forming the inner housing 22 inside the hood portion 21 (in the fitting space S1).

[0022] The inner housing 22 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). That is, the inner housing 22 includes a top wall 221, a bottom wall 222 facing the top wall 221 in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction), and a pair of side walls 223 connected to ends of the top wall 221 and the bottom wall 222 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). Thus, in this embodiment, the inner housing 22 is also formed into a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0023] The inner housing 22 has an accommodation space S2 in which the terminal 31 of the electric wire terminal 3 is inserted and held (see Figs. 1 and 3). In this embodiment, the accommodation space S2 is formed to penetrate in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and has an opening S2a opening to the rear (one side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and an opening S2b opening to the front (the other side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). The terminal 31 of the electric wire terminal 3 is inserted from the opening S2a opening to the rear, so that the terminal 31 is held in the accommodation space S2. At this time, the terminal 31 can be held in the inner housing 22 by pressing it into the accommodation space S2, or the terminal 31 can be held in the inner housing 22 by engaging a locking portion formed on the terminal 31 with the inner housing 22.

[0024] When the mating housing is inserted into the fitting space S1 with the terminal 31 of the wire-attached terminal 3 inserted and held in the accommodation space S2, the mating terminal of the mating connector is inserted into the accommodation space S2 from the opening S2b and electrically connected to the terminal 31. In this manner, in this embodiment, the opening S2a opening rearward (one side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) serves as an insertion opening for inserting the terminal 31. And the opening S2b opening forward (the other side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) serves as an introduction opening for introducing the mating terminal.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner housing 22 has two partition walls 224 extending in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction), and the two partition walls 224 divide the space formed inside the inner housing 22 into three spaces. The terminals 31 of the electric wire terminals 3 are inserted and held in each space. In this manner, in this embodiment, the waterproof connector 1 has three (plural) electric wire terminals 3, and the housing 2 (inner housing 22) has three (plural) accommodation spaces S2. In this embodiment, the three (plural) accommodation spaces S2 are formed so as to be aligned in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). Therefore, when the terminals 31 of the electric wire terminals 3 are inserted and held in each accommodation space S2, the three electric wires 32 are drawn out to the rear of the housing 2 aligned in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the wire-attached terminal 3 includes a terminal 31 and an electric wire 32. The terminal 31 and the electric wire 32 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 33, so that the electric wire 32 is electrically connected to the terminal 31. In this embodiment, the terminal 31 and the connecting portion 33 are integrally formed. The terminal 31 and the connecting portion 33 can be formed, for example, by punching a flat metal material so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and then appropriately performing plastic processing such as bending on the punched product. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 31 is formed in a substantially box shape that opens forward (the other side) in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction). Then, a mating terminal is introduced from the opening of the terminal 31 formed in a substantially box shape and brought into contact with a contact portion formed inside the substantially box-shaped terminal 31, so that the mating terminal and the terminal 31 are electrically connected to each other.

[0027] In this embodiment, the electric wire 32 includes a conductor 321 and an insulating coating 322 that covers the conductor 321. When connecting (crimping) the electric wire 32 to the connection portion 33, the electric wire 32 with the conductor 321 exposed at the tip is used, and the exposed conductor 321 is crimped and fixed with a crimp piece formed on the connection portion 33. In this manner, a crimping portion 331 to which the conductor 321 of the electric wire 32 is crimped is formed in the connection portion 33, and the conductor 321 of the electric wire 32 is electrically connected to the terminal 31 via the connection portion 33 (crimping portion 331).

[0028] With the terminal 31 of the electric wire-attached terminal 3 inserted and held in the accommodation space S2, the mating connector is fitted and held in the waterproof connector 1. In this way, the mating terminal is electrically connected to the conductor 321 of the electric wire 32, and electrical communication can be performed between the electric wire 32 and the device on the mating connector side.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sealing member 4 is attached to the electric wire 32. Specifically, the sealing member 4 is attached to the electric wire 32 by inserting the electric wire 32 into a through hole 4a formed in the sealing member 4.

[0030] 6, the sealing member 4 includes an elastically deformable rubber plug 41. The electric wire 32 is inserted into a through hole 41a formed in the rubber plug 41 while widening the through hole 41a (elastically deforming the rubber plug 41), so that the rubber plug 41 is attached in a state of being in close contact with the outer surface of the electric wire 32 (the outer surface 3221a of the insulating coating 322).

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing member 4 includes a holding member 42 that holds one side (the side into which the tip end of the electric wire 32 is inserted) of the through hole 41a of the rubber plug 41 in an expanded state (see Figs. 5 and 6). With the rubber plug 41 held by the holding member 42, the through hole 42a formed in the holding member 42 is made to communicate with the expanded through hole 41a. This allows the electric wire 32 to be inserted through the through hole 41a more smoothly.

[0032] When the terminal 31 of the wire-attached terminal 3 is inserted and held in the accommodation space S2 with the sealing member 4 attached to the electric wire 32, a gap formed between the outer surface of the electric wire 32 and the periphery of the opening S2a of the housing 2 is closed by the rubber plug 41. In this way, the opening S2a of the accommodation space S2 is sealed by the sealing member 4, and it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as liquids such as water and dust from entering the accommodation space S2 through the opening S2a.

[0033] However, in a state where the opening S2a of the accommodating space S2 is simply sealed by the sealing member 4, the portion of the electric wire 32 exposed from the housing 2 and the sealing member 4 can be freely moved or bent in the radial direction. That is, in the state shown in Fig. 8, the end 32211 of the exposed portion 3221 of the insulating coating 322 near the sealing member 4 can be bent up, down, left, and right.

[0034] If the end 32211 of the exposed portion 3221 of the insulating coating 322 near the sealing member 4 is bent vertically or horizontally, the rubber plug 41 will be elastically deformed, and the waterproofness of the waterproof connector 1 may be impaired.

[0035] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the sealing performance of the sealing member 4 from being reduced.

[0036] Specifically, the waterproof connector 1 has a restricting portion 52 that restricts radial movement of the electric wire 32, and includes a holder 5 that is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). Then, in a state in which the radial movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions is restricted by the restricting portion 52, the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). Thus, in this embodiment, in a state in which the radial movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions is restricted by the restricting portion 52, the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction).

[0037] In this way, the restricting portion 52 restricts the electric wire 32 located between the sealing member 4 and the holder 5 from bending or moving in the radial direction. In other words, the portion of the electric wire 32 located rearward of the sealing member 4 in the front-rear direction and in the vicinity of the sealing member 4 is prevented from being affected by the bending or movement in the radial direction of the portion of the electric wire 32 located rearward of the holder 5 in the front-rear direction.

[0038] In this way, when the electric wires 32 located rearward of the holder 5 in the front-rear direction are bent in the radial direction, the electric wires 32 located forward of the holder 5 in the front-rear direction can be prevented from moving in the radial direction by the restricting portion 52 formed on the holder 5. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation (e.g., elastic deformation, etc.) of the sealing member 4 caused by bending or moving in the radial direction of the electric wires 32 located rearward of the sealing member 4 and in the vicinity of the sealing member 4. As a result, the opening S2a can be sealed more reliably by the sealing member 4.

[0039] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the holder 5 having the regulating portion 52 formed thereon is fixed to the housing 2 to suppress deformation of the sealing member 4, thereby more reliably suppressing deterioration of the sealing ability of the opening S2a provided by the sealing member 4.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a holder main body 51 is provided, which has a first holder 511, a second holder 512 formed of a separate member from the first holder 511, and a hinge 513 connecting the first holder 511 and the second holder 512. This allows the electric wire 32 to be sandwiched between the first holder 511 and the second holder 512. The holder main body 51 is formed with a restricting portion 52.

[0041] Specifically, three substantially semicircular grooves are formed at the lower end of the first holder 511 so as to be aligned in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the electric wire 32 is sandwiched between the first holder 511 and the second holder 512, the outer surface of the upper half of each electric wire 32 (the outer surface 3221a of the insulating coating 322) faces the inner surface 521a of the substantially semicircular groove. In this manner, the upward bending and movement of the electric wire 32 are restricted by the inner surface 521a of the substantially semicircular groove. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inner surface 521a of the substantially semicircular groove corresponds to the first restricting portion 521 that restricts the movement of the electric wire 32 in a part of the radial direction.

[0042] Furthermore, three substantially semicircular grooves are formed in the upper end of the second holder 512 so as to be aligned in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). When the electric wires 32 are sandwiched between the first holder 511 and the second holder 512, the outer surface of the lower half of each electric wire 32 (the outer surface 3221a of the insulating coating 322) faces the inner side surface 522a of the substantially semicircular groove.

[0043] At this time, a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed by the approximately semicircular groove formed in the first holder 511 and the approximately semicircular groove formed in the second holder 512. That is, the inner side surface 521a and the inner side surface 522a form the approximately circular inner side surface 52a. In this way, the entire circumference of the outer surface of the electric wire 32 (the outer surface 3221a of the insulating coating 322) faces the approximately circular inner side surface 52a, and the electric wire 32 is prevented from slipping out of the through hole.

[0044] In this manner, in this embodiment, bending and movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction are restricted by the inner side surfaces 521a and 522a of the approximately semicircular groove. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inner side surface 522a of the approximately semicircular groove corresponds to the second restricting portion 522 that can restrict movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction together with the first restricting portion 521. The approximately circular inner side surface 52a formed by the inner side surfaces 521a and 522a corresponds to the restricting portion 52.

[0045] Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) with the restricting portion 52 restricting the radial movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions.

[0046] Specifically, the extension wall 23 is connected to the rear wall 214 of the housing 2 so as to extend rearward. In this embodiment, the extension wall 23 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed along the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) as shown in Fig. 7. That is, the extension wall 23 includes a top wall 231, a bottom wall 232 facing the top wall 231 in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction), and a pair of side walls 233 connected to ends of the top wall 231 and the bottom wall 232 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and is formed into a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0047] A fitting space S3 that opens rearward (on one side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) is formed in the extension wall 23, and the holder 5 is fitted into the fitting space S3. In this embodiment, the top wall 231 is formed with a notch 2311 for inserting a tool or the like used when removing the holder 5 from the housing 2.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a hooking protrusion 53 is formed on one side (hinge 513 side: root side) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) of the holder main body 51. In this embodiment, this hooking protrusion 53 includes a first hooking protrusion 531 formed on the first holder 511 and a second hooking protrusion 532 formed on the second holder 512. When the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2, the hooking protrusion 53 is hooked on a hooking hole 2331 formed in the side wall 233 on one side (hinge 513 side: root side) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0049] Further, a locking protrusion 54 is formed on the other side (tip side) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) of the holder main body 51. In this embodiment, this locking protrusion 54 includes a first locking protrusion 541 formed on the first holder 511 and a second locking protrusion 542 formed on the second holder 512. When the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2, the locking protrusion 54 is locked to a locking hole 2332 formed in the side wall 233 on the other side (tip side) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0050] Specifically, first, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, three electric wires 32 are clamped between a first holder 511 and a second holder 512 so that the radial movement of the three electric wires 32 in all directions can be collectively restricted by a single holder 5.

[0051] 11 to 13, in a state in which the three electric wires 32 are sandwiched between the first holder 511 and the second holder 512, the hooking protrusions 53 (the first hooking protrusions 531 and the second hooking protrusions 532) are hooked into the hooking holes 2331. In this embodiment, the first hooking protrusions 531 and the second hooking protrusions 532 have a first interference prevention inclined surface 5311 and a second interference prevention inclined surface 5321 at the front ends thereof, which are inclined outward and backward in the width direction. This makes it possible to prevent the front ends from interfering with the hooking holes 2331 when the wires are hooked into the hooking holes 2331.

[0052] 14 to 16, the other side (tip side) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) of the holder main body 51 is pushed forward to lock the locking protrusions 54 (the first locking protrusion 541 and the second locking protrusion 542) into the locking holes 2332. In this way, the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2.

[0053] In this embodiment, a first guide inclined surface 5411 and a second guide inclined surface 5421 that are inclined outward and rearward in the width direction are formed at the front ends of the first locking projection 541 and the second locking projection 542 (see FIGS. 13 and 16). This makes it easier for the first locking projection 541 and the second locking projection 542 to be locked in the locking hole 2332.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first opening prevention inclined surface 5412 inclined downward and outward in the width direction is formed at the upper end of the first locking projection 541. A second opening prevention inclined surface 5422 inclined upward and outward in the width direction is formed at the lower end of the second locking projection 542 (see FIG. 17). This prevents the first holder 511 from moving open relative to the second holder 512, and more reliably prevents the electric wire 32 from slipping out of the restricting portion 52.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, when the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2, the end 32211 of the exposed portion 3221 of the insulating coating 322 near the sealing member 4 faces the inner surface 52a. This makes it possible to prevent the end 32211 of the exposed portion 3221 of the insulating coating 322 near the sealing member 4 from moving in the radial direction by the restricting portion 52. This restricts the movement of the end 32211 of the electric wire 32 located near the sealing member 4, which is a portion that is likely to affect the deformation of the sealing member 4, so that the deformation of the sealing member 4 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the holder 5 includes the first holder 511 having the first restricting portion 521 that restricts the movement of the electric wire 32 in a partial direction in the radial direction. Furthermore, the holder 5 includes the second holder 512 that is formed of a separate member from the first holder 511 and has the second restricting portion 522 that, together with the first restricting portion 521, can restrict the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction.

[0057] In this way, simply by sandwiching the electric wire 32 between the first holder 511 and the second holder 512, the first restricting portion 521 and the second restricting portion 522 can restrict the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction. In other words, the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction can be restricted without inserting the electric wire 32 through a through hole formed in the holder 5. In this way, the restriction of the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction by the restricting portion 52 formed in the holder 5 can be more easily performed.

[0058] Moreover, the holder 5 includes a hinge 513 that connects the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 together.

[0059] This makes it easier to clamp the electric wire 32 using the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 while preventing the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 from being lost.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the waterproof connector 1 includes a plurality of wire-attached terminals 3, and one holder 5 is formed with the same number of restricting portions 52 as the number of wire-attached terminals 3. Each restricting portion 52 individually restricts the radial movement of the electric wires 32 in all directions.

[0061] This makes it possible to regulate the radial movement of multiple electric wires 32 in all directions collectively using a single holder 5, thereby making it possible to more efficiently regulate the radial movement of the electric wires 32 in all directions.

[0062] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configuration of the waterproof connector shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0063] The waterproof connector 1 shown in the above embodiment includes a housing 2 in which an accommodation space S2 is formed, the accommodation space S2 having an opening S2a that opens to the rear side (one side) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). The waterproof connector 1 also includes a wire-attached terminal 3 including a terminal 31 inserted into the accommodation space S2 from the opening S2a and held in the housing 2, and an electric wire 32 electrically connected to the terminal 31. The waterproof connector 1 also includes a sealing member 4 that is attached to the electric wire 32 and seals the opening S2a with the terminal 31 held in the housing 2.

[0064] The waterproof connector 1 includes a holder 5 having a restricting portion 52 that restricts radial movement of the electric wire 32, and is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). The holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) in a state in which the restricting portion 52 restricts radial movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions.

[0065] In this manner, in the waterproof connector 1 shown in the above embodiment, the holder 5 is fixed to the housing 2 on the rear side (one side) of the sealing member 4 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) in a state in which the radial movement of the electric wire 32 is restricted by the restricting portion 52. In this manner, the restricting portion 52 restricts the electric wire 32 located between the sealing member 4 and the holder 5 from bending or moving in the radial direction. In other words, the portion of the electric wire 32 located rearward of the sealing member 4 in the front-rear direction and in the vicinity of the sealing member 4 is prevented from being affected by the radial bending or movement of the portion of the electric wire 32 located rearward of the holder 5 in the front-rear direction.

[0066] This suppresses deformation (e.g., elastic deformation, etc.) of the sealing member 4 due to radial bending or movement of the electric wire 32 located near the sealing member 4 and to the rear of the sealing member 4 in the fore-and-aft direction, thereby enabling the opening S2a to be more reliably sealed by the sealing member 4.

[0067] In this manner, with the waterproof connector 1 shown in the above embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the sealing performance of the sealing member 4 at the opening S2a from being reduced.

[0068] The holder 5 may include a first holder 511 having a first restricting portion 521 that restricts the movement of the electric wire 32 in a partial direction in the radial direction. The holder 5 may include a second holder 512 that is formed of a separate member from the first holder 511 and has a second restricting portion 522 that, together with the first restricting portion 521, can restrict the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction.

[0069] In this way, by sandwiching the electric wire 32 between the first holder 511 and the second holder 512, the first restricting portion 521 and the second restricting portion 522 can restrict the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction. That is, it is possible to restrict the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction without inserting the electric wire 32 into a through hole formed in the holder 5. As a result, it becomes easier to restrict the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction by the restricting portion 52 formed in the holder 5.

[0070] Moreover, the holder 5 may include a hinge 513 that connects the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 together.

[0071] This makes it possible to prevent the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 from being lost, and also makes it easier to clamp the electric wire 32 with the first holder 511 and the second holder 512.

[0072] Furthermore, the waterproof connector 1 may include a plurality of wire-attached terminals 3, and one holder 5 may be formed with the same number of restricting portions 52 as the number of wire-attached terminals 3. The restricting portions 52 may individually restrict the radial movement of the electric wires 32 in all directions.

[0073] In this way, the radial movement of multiple electric wires 32 in all directions can be restricted by a single holder 5, making it possible to more efficiently restrict the radial movement of the electric wires 32 in all directions.

[0074] [others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0075] For example, in the above embodiment, the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 are connected by a hinge 513, but it is also possible for the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 to be separate, independent components without being connected by the hinge 513.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the holder 5 is configured by the first holder 511 and the second holder 512 which is a separate member from the first holder 511. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and it is also possible to use, for example, a single integrated holder 5. In this way, when using a single integrated holder 5, a through hole is formed in the holder 5 and the electric wire 32 is inserted into the through hole, thereby restricting the movement of the electric wire 32 in all directions in the radial direction.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the radial movement of all the electric wires 32 is restricted by one holder 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, it is possible to restrict the radial movement of at least one electric wire by a holder different from that of the other electric wires. That is, the waterproof connector 1 can be configured to include a plurality of holders. In this case, it is also possible to provide one holder for each electric wire. In addition, when the electric wires arranged in the width direction are formed in multiple stages, it is also possible to provide a plurality of holders that collectively restrict the movement of the electric wires in each stage. For example, when the electric wires arranged in the width direction are formed in two stages, it is also possible to configure the electric wires in the upper stage to be collectively restricted by one holder, while restricting the radial movement of the electric wires in the upper stage by another holder.

[0078] Furthermore, the number of electric wire-attached terminals is not limited to three, but may be one, two, four or more.

[0079] In addition, in the above embodiment, an electric wire crimping terminal to which the electric wire 32 is crimped is exemplified as the electric wire-attached terminal 3, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and it is also possible to apply the present invention to an electric wire-attached terminal other than a electric wire crimping terminal.

[0080] In addition, in the above embodiment, a female terminal is exemplified as the electric wire-connected terminal 3, but the present invention can also be applied to a male terminal to which an electric wire is connected.

[0081] In addition, the housing, the wire-attached terminals, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Waterproof connector 2. Housing 3 Wire terminal 31 Terminal 32 Electric wire 4 Sealing member 5 Holder 511 First Holder 512 Second Holder 513 Hinge 52 Regulatory Department 521 First Regulatory Department 522 Second Regulatory Department S2 Containment Space S2a opening

Claims

1. a housing having an accommodation space formed therein and an opening portion opening to one side in a first direction; a wire-attached terminal including a terminal inserted into the accommodating space through the opening and held in the housing, and an electric wire electrically connected to the terminal; a sealing member attached to the electric wire and configured to seal the opening while the terminal is held in the housing; a holder having a restricting portion that restricts radial movement of the electric wire, the holder being fixed to the housing on one side of the sealing member in the first direction in a state in which the restricting portion restricts radial movement of the electric wire in all directions; Equipped with Waterproof connector.

2. The holder includes: a first holder having a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the electric wire in a part of a radial direction; a second holder formed of a separate member from the first holder and having a second restricting portion capable of restricting movement of the electric wire in all directions in a radial direction thereof together with the first restricting portion; Equipped with The waterproof connector according to claim 1.

3. The holder includes a hinge that connects the first holder and the second holder. The waterproof connector according to claim 2.

4. The terminal includes a plurality of the electric wire terminals, The holder has the same number of restricting portions as the electric wire-connected terminals, Each of the restricting portions individually restricts the movement of the electric wire in all directions in the radial direction. The waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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