Waterproof connector

Abstract

To provide a waterproof connector facilitating mounting work of packing and having high waterproofness.SOLUTION: A waterproof connector 11 includes a housing 20 having a first packing mounting surface 26 and a second packing mounting surface 27 on an outer peripheral surface 21 of an insertion portion 23 that is inserted into a mounting hole of the housing, a first packing 40 attached to the first packing mounting surface 26 on a rear end side of an insertion direction of the insertion portion 23, a second packing 60 attached to the second packing mounting surface 27 on a front end side of the insertion direction of the insertion portion 23, and a retainer 50 being arranged between the first packing 40 and the second packing 60 and having a flexible locking piece 52 locked to a locking portion 33 provided on an outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion portion 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A connector with improved waterproof performance (waterproof connector) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This connector seals the space between the mounting hole of the module (the mating member) into which the housing is inserted and the housing watertightly by two O-rings (packings) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. These two O-rings are respectively supported in a pair of annular grooves (packing accommodation grooves) formed along the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and are arranged side by side along the insertion direction of the housing. Therefore, the two O-rings arranged side by side along the insertion direction of the housing can seal the space between the mounting hole and the housing watertightly more reliably than when there is only one O-ring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when two packings are respectively mounted in a pair of packing accommodation grooves arranged side by side along the insertion direction of the housing, the inner packing needs to be expanded to overcome the wall formed between the pair of packing accommodation grooves, and the mounting workability is not good. And there is a possibility that the packing is twisted or the sealing part of the packing is damaged during mounting, leading to a decrease in sealing performance. Furthermore, when the packing and the packing accommodation groove are not annular, the packing may be displaced during mounting, leading to a decrease in sealing performance. Furthermore, when the insertion portion of the housing is inserted into the mounting hole of the mating member, the front end side in the insertion direction of the packing (first packing) on the back side may be turned up, resulting in biting and possible fitting failure. Also, when the insertion portion of the housing is detached from the mounting hole of the mating member, the rear end side in the insertion direction of the packing (second packing) on the front side may be turned up, causing it to fall off.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and its object is to provide a waterproof connector that is easy to install the packing and has high waterproof performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The above object according to the present invention is achieved by the following configuration. (1) A housing having a packing mounting surface on the outer peripheral surface of an insertion portion to be inserted into a mounting hole of a mating member, a first packing mounted on the packing mounting surface on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion, a second packing mounted on the packing mounting surface on the front end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion, and a retainer disposed between the first packing and the second packing, wherein a flexible lock piece is locked to a locking portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion. A waterproof connector characterized by comprising.

[0007] According to the waterproof connector configured as in (1) above, the first packing mounted on the packing mounting surface in the insertion portion of the housing is positioned and held with respect to the housing by a retainer in which a flexible lock piece is locked to a locking portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion. Then, the first packing and the second packing arranged side by side on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion along the insertion direction of the housing can surely seal the space between the mounting hole and the housing in a watertight manner. Therefore, there is no need for a packing accommodation groove on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part to position and hold the first packing and the second packing. Thus, there is no need to expand and attach the first packing on the back side in order to overcome the wall formed between the pair of packing accommodation grooves as in the conventional waterproof connector, which makes the attachment operation easier. Also, when attaching, the first packing will not be twisted or the sealing part of the first packing will not be damaged, so the sealing performance will not decrease. Furthermore, the retainer is positioned and fixed to the housing by engaging the flexible locking piece with a locking part such as a recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part. When the annular retainer is attached to the insertion part of the housing, it is not necessary to deform the entire retainer. Therefore, the flexible locking piece can increase the engagement margin of the locking projection with respect to the locking part to increase the locking force, and the assemblability will not be reduced.

[0008] (2) The waterproof connector according to (1) above, wherein the flexible locking piece extends in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part.

[0009] According to the waterproof connector having the configuration of (2) above, the flexible locking piece extending in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part in the housing can secure a span without expanding the width of the annular retainer (the length along the insertion direction of the housing). Therefore, without increasing the size of the housing in the insertion direction, the flexibility of the flexible locking piece can be increased, and the attachment workability of the retainer can be improved.

[0010] (3) The waterproof connector according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the retainer has a first holding part that covers a first curling prevention piece provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing, and a second holding part that covers a second curling prevention piece provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing.

[0011] According to the waterproof connector having the configuration of (3) above, the first curling prevention piece provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing is covered by the first holding portion of the retainer, and the second curling prevention piece provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing is covered by the second holding portion of the retainer. Therefore, when the insertion portion of the housing is inserted into the mounting hole of the mating member, it is possible to prevent the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing from curling up, and when the insertion portion of the housing is detached from the mounting hole of the mating member, it is possible to prevent the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing from curling up.

[0012] (4) The waterproof connector according to (3) above, wherein the flexible locking piece is arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the retainer with respect to the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0013] According to the waterproof connector having the configuration of (4) above, the flexible locking piece is arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the retainer with respect to the first holding portion and the second holding portion provided on the retainer, and is not arranged side by side in the width direction of the retainer (the direction along the insertion direction of the housing). Therefore, by providing the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the width of the retainer is expanded, and an increase in the size of the housing can be suppressed.

[0014] (5) The waterproof connector according to (4) above, wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer.

[0015] According to the waterproof connector having the configuration of (5) above, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer, and the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the flexible locking piece are not arranged side by side in the width direction of the retainer (the direction along the insertion direction of the housing). Therefore, by providing the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the width of the retainer is expanded, and an increase in the size of the housing can be suppressed.

[0016] (6) The retainer formed in an oval ring shape has thin-walled portions at four corners for forming a gap between the retainer and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion, and the inner peripheral surfaces in the longitudinal direction portion and the short-side direction portion of the retainer are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion. The waterproof connector according to any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized in that.

[0017] According to the waterproof connector having the configuration of (6) above, in the retainer formed in an oval ring shape, the distance between the inner peripheral surfaces of a pair of opposing longitudinal direction portions and the distance between the inner peripheral surfaces of a pair of opposing short-side direction portions are each configured to be narrower than the distance between the outer peripheral surfaces of the corresponding insertion portions. And when the retainer is attached to the insertion portion of the housing, it elastically deforms in a direction in which the curvature of the thin-walled portions formed at the four corners becomes smaller, and the longitudinal direction portion and the short-side direction portion of the retainer are inserted into the insertion portion while expanding. Therefore, the retainer is attached to the insertion portion of the housing in a tightened state with the inner peripheral surfaces in the longitudinal direction portion and the short-side direction portion in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion. Thereby, when the insertion portion of the housing is inserted into the mounting hole of the mating member, it is possible to prevent the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing pushed backward in the insertion direction by the inner wall of the mounting hole from getting into the space between the retainer and the insertion portion. As a result, it is possible to suppress deformation of the retainer due to the second packing getting into the space between the retainer and the insertion portion.

[0018] (7) The front end portion of the housing is provided with a front holder having a third holding portion that covers a third curling prevention piece provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing. The waterproof connector according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that.

[0019] According to the waterproof connector having the configuration of (7) above, the third curling prevention piece provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing is covered by the third holding portion of the front holder. Therefore, when the insertion portion of the housing is inserted into the mounting hole of the mating member, it is possible to prevent the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing from curling up.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the waterproof connector of the present invention, it is an object to provide a waterproof connector that facilitates the packing mounting operation and has high waterproof performance.

[0021] As described above, the present invention has been briefly described. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state before the waterproof connector 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100 which is a mating member. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the waterproof connector 11 shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] The waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a waterproof connector used for direct attachment to equipment when electrically connecting between a battery, an inverter, etc., which are vehicle-mounted electrical equipment (hereinafter simply referred to as "equipment") such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Motors mounted on hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles are supplied with a large current from a battery via an inverter so as to exhibit high driving torque. Usually, for the electric wire 1 connecting such a battery and an inverter, in order to reduce transmission loss, a thick electric wire (thick wire) having a thick conductor diameter and the periphery of the conductor covered with an insulating coating having high insulation performance is used. The waterproof connector 11 is suitable for use in a structure in which such a thick electric wire 1 is directly attached to the mounting hole 101 provided in the housing 100 of the equipment. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction A of the waterproof connector 11 with respect to the mounting hole 101 is the front of the connector, and the removal direction is the rear of the connector.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof connector 11 according to this embodiment mainly includes a housing 20, a first packing 40, a retainer 50, a second packing 60, and a front holder 70. In addition, the waterproof connector 11 includes a terminal 3 connected to the end of the electric wire 1, a shield shell 80, a rubber stopper 85, a pair of upper and lower rear holders 90, and a braided wire 95.

[0026] The housing 100 can be, for example, a housing (such as a metal case) of an inverter mounted on an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The housing 100 is a mating member made of a conductive metal having a connector mounting surface 103 and a bolt fixing surface 105 that are substantially orthogonal to each other. Note that the mating member in the present invention is not limited to the housing and can be applied to various mating members such as a mating connector into which the waterproof connector is fitted.

[0027] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are an enlarged perspective view and an enlarged plan view of the housing 20 shown in FIG. 2. The housing 20 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin and is formed in an oval cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the housing 20 has a flange portion 22 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 21 of a substantially intermediate portion in the insertion direction A, an insertion portion 23 provided forward of the flange portion 22 and inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100, and a mounting portion 24 provided rearward of the flange portion 22 and to which the shield shell 80 is attached.

[0028] The flange portion 22 regulates the insertion position of the housing 20 in which the insertion portion 23 is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100 by the front side surface 22a orthogonal to the insertion direction A abutting against the connector mounting surface 103 of the housing 100. On the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 23, a packing mounting surface 25 is provided. The packing mounting surface 25 includes a first packing mounting surface 26 which is a packing mounting surface for the first packing 40 on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 23, a second packing mounting surface 27 which is a packing mounting surface for the second packing 60 on the front end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 23, and a retainer mounting portion 28 which is the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 23 between the first packing mounting surface 26 and the second packing mounting surface 27.

[0029] The first packing mounting surface 26 on which the first packing 40 is mounted is located on the inner side of the housing with respect to the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion portion 23, and a step portion 29 is formed between the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion portion 23 and the first packing mounting surface 26. The annular retainer mounting portion 28 to which the retainer 50 is attached is provided continuously with the first packing mounting surface 26. Locking portions 33 for locking the flexible lock pieces 52 of the retainer 50 are respectively formed on the upper and lower surfaces (the vertical surfaces in FIG. 3(a)) of the retainer mounting portion 28. The locking portion 33 is constituted by a protrusion projecting from the retainer mounting portion 28 and extending in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The second packing mounting surface 27 on which the second packing 60 is mounted is located on the inner side of the housing with respect to the first packing mounting surface 26 on which the first packing 40 is mounted. Therefore, a step portion 34 is formed between the second packing mounting surface 27 on which the second packing 60 is mounted and the first packing mounting surface 26 on which the first packing 40 is mounted.

[0031] On the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing mounting surface 27, a recess 30 having a strip-shaped outer shape along the circumferential direction is provided. The recess 30 is respectively provided on the upper and lower surfaces (the vertical surfaces in FIG. 3(a)) of the second packing mounting surface 27. A step portion 31 is formed between the second packing mounting surface 27 and the recess 30. A plurality of locking portions 32 project along the circumferential direction from the front end edge in the insertion direction of the recess 30.

[0032] On the upper and lower surfaces (the vertical surfaces in Fig. 3(a)) of the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 24, there are respectively provided a locking arm 37 that locks a locking projection 84 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the shield shell 80 to hold the shield shell 80, and a locking projection 36 that locks the locking arm 91 of the rear holder 90 to hold the rear holder 90.

[0033] Inside the housing 20, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of terminal accommodation chambers 38 are formed. Terminals 3 connected to the ends of the electric wires 1 are respectively mounted in the terminal accommodation chambers 38. The terminals 3 are inserted into the terminal accommodation chambers 38 from the rear of the housing 20 and protrude forward of the housing 20. The electric wires 1 are led out from the rear of the housing 20. The terminals 3 inserted into the terminal accommodation chambers 38 are locked to the locking holes 4 by flexible locking arms 39 (see Fig. 10) provided in the terminal accommodation chambers 38, and are prevented from coming out of the terminal accommodation chambers 38. On the inner peripheral surface of the front opening of the housing 20, a locking projection 35 that locks the locking arm 77 of the front holder 70, which will be described later, to hold the front holder 70, protrudes.

[0034] The shield shell 80 is made of a conductive metal. As shown in Fig. 2, the shield shell 80 integrally covers the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 24 in the housing 20 by a cylindrical shell body 81. The shield shell 80 is fixed to the housing 20 when the locking projection 84 protruding from the inner peripheral surface is locked to the locking arm 37 provided on the mounting portion 24. A pair of bolt fixing portions 83 fixed to the bolt fixing surface 105 of the housing 100 are formed on the shield shell 80. In this embodiment, the bolt fixing portion 83 is formed by drilling a bolt insertion hole in an L-shaped bent piece extending from the shell body.

[0035] The shield shell 80 is bolted to the housing 100 with the open end 96 of the tubular braided wire 95 covering the two electric wires 1 connected to the braided fixing part 82 of the shell main body 81 by the metal tie 98. Thus, the shield shell 80 forms a shield circuit and has a structure for shielding noise. The housing 20 is bolted to the housing 100 via the shield shell 80. On the bolt fixing surface 105 of the housing 100, a pair of bolt holes 105a (see Fig. 1) for bolting the bolt fixing part 83 are formed.

[0036] The rubber plug 85 is formed in an annular shape from an elastic material such as rubber. As shown in Fig. 2, the electric wire 1 is inserted inward through the rubber plug 85. The outer periphery of the rubber plug 85 is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the rear end opening 38a (see Fig. 6) of the terminal accommodation chamber 38 in the housing 20. Thus, the rubber plug 85 waterproof-seals between the housing 20 and the electric wire 1.

[0037] The rear holder 90 is attached to the rear end opening 38a of the housing 20. The rear holder 90 is attached to the housing 20 with the locking arm 91 locked to the locking projection 36 of the mounting part 24, thereby suppressing the bending of the electric wire 1. Further, the rear holder 90 suppresses the removal and tilting of the rubber plug 85 in the housing 20.

[0038] Furthermore, a waterproof boot (not shown) is attached to the shell main body 81 of the shield shell 80 from the outside of the braided wire 95 to cover the fixing part between the shield shell 80 and the open end 96 of the braided wire 95 for waterproofing. The electric wire 1 inserted through the waterproof boot is led out from the rear end opening of the waterproof boot.

[0039] Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the first packing 40, retainer 50, and second packing 60 shown in Fig. 2. The first packing 40 is formed in an oval ring shape from an elastic material such as rubber. The first packing 40 is attached to the first packing attachment surface 26 in the insertion part 23 of the housing 20 to waterproof-seal between the insertion part 23 of the housing 20 and the attachment hole 101 of the housing 100.

[0040] On the outer peripheral surface of the first packing 40, an outer lip 41 that is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 101 is provided, and on the inner peripheral surface of the first packing 40, an inner lip 43 that is in close contact with the first packing mounting surface 26 of the insertion part 23 is provided. On the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing 40, a pair of first curling prevention pieces 45 that protrude toward the insertion direction A are provided. The first curling prevention pieces 45 each extend in a substantially C shape along the left and right short side directions (vertical direction). On the rear end side in the insertion direction of the first packing 40, four T-shaped locking pieces 42 that protrude toward the removal direction opposite to the insertion direction A are provided. The T-shaped locking pieces 42 are formed in a T shape with the tip parts extending left and right respectively.

[0041] The retainer 50 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin and is formed in an oval ring shape. The retainer 50 is attached to the retainer attachment part 28 in the insertion part 23 of the housing 20. The retainer 50 is provided with four flexible lock pieces 52 having locking protrusions 53 that are locked to the locking parts 33 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 23, and a first holding part 51 and a second holding part 54 formed on the inner peripheral surface so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the retainer attachment part 28.

[0042] The four flexible lock pieces 52 are respectively provided at the four corners on the inner peripheral surface of the oval ring-shaped retainer 50 so that the locking protrusions 53 are arranged. The flexible lock pieces 52 are formed in a cantilever shape that extends from the middle part side of the upper and lower longitudinal parts along the circumferential direction of the retainer 50 to the left and right sides respectively. The locking protrusion 53 has a vertical locking surface 53a formed on the front end side in the insertion direction and locked to the locking part 33, and a tapered surface 53b formed on the rear end side in the insertion direction.

[0043] The pair of first holding parts 51 are formed on the inner peripheral surface on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the retainer 50, and are recesses that each extend in a substantially C shape along the left and right short side parts. On the front end side in the insertion direction of the first holding part 51, support ribs 51a that extend along the circumferential direction are protruding. The pair of second holding parts 54 are formed on the inner peripheral surface on the front end side in the insertion direction of the retainer 50, and are recesses that linearly extend along the middle parts of the upper and lower longitudinal direction parts respectively. On the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second holding part 54, support ribs 54a that extend along the circumferential direction are protruding.

[0044] Therefore, the flexible lock pieces 52 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the retainer 50 with respect to the first holding part 51 and the second holding part 54, and the first holding part 51 and the second holding part 54 are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer 50. That is, all the first holding parts 51, the second holding parts 54, and the flexible lock pieces 52 are not arranged side by side in the width direction of the retainer 50 (the direction along the insertion direction of the housing 20), but are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer 50.

[0045] When the retainer 50 is attached to the retainer attachment part 28, a gap is defined between the first holding part 51 and the second holding part 54 on the inner peripheral surface before and after in the insertion direction A and the outer peripheral surface of the retainer attachment part 28. The first curl prevention piece 45 of the first packing 40 is inserted into the gap in the first holding part 51, and the second curl prevention piece 65 of the second packing 60 described later is inserted into the gap in the second holding part 54.

[0046] The second packing 60 is formed in an oval ring shape by an elastic material such as rubber. The second packing 60 is attached to the second packing attachment surface 27 in the insertion part 23 of the housing 20, and waterproof-seals between the insertion part 23 of the housing 20 and the attachment hole 101 of the housing 100.

[0047] On the outer peripheral surface of the second packing 60, an outer lip 61 that adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 101 is provided, and on the inner peripheral surface of the second packing 60, an inner lip 63 that adheres to the second packing attachment surface 27 of the insertion part 23 is provided. On the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60, a second curling prevention piece 65 that protrudes in the removal direction opposite to the insertion direction A is provided. The second curling prevention pieces 65 extend linearly along the middle parts of the upper and lower longitudinal direction parts respectively.

[0048] On the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60, four third curling prevention pieces 67 that protrude in the insertion direction A are provided. The third curling prevention pieces 67 extend along the middle parts of the upper and lower longitudinal direction parts and the middle parts of the left and right lateral direction parts respectively. The third curling prevention pieces 67 of the second packing 60 have an outer shape corresponding to the strip-shaped outer shape of the recess 30 formed in the second packing mounting surface 27, and can be complementarily engaged with the recess 30. Furthermore, the third curling prevention pieces 67 of the second packing 60 are covered by an annular part 71 of a front holder 70 described later.

[0049] Figs. 5(a) and (b) are a perspective view of the front holder 70 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed from the front and a perspective view as viewed from the rear. The front holder 70 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin and is attached to the front end part of the housing 20. The front holder 70 has an oval-ring-shaped annular part 71 and an oval-plate-shaped front wall part 73 provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the annular part 71 as shown in Fig. 5(a).

[0050] A terminal insertion port 75 through which the terminal 3 is inserted is formed in the front wall part 73. On the rear end side in the insertion direction of the front wall part 73, as shown in Fig. 5(b), a plurality (four in this embodiment) of locking arms 77 locked to the locking projections 35 of the housing 20, a pair of engaging projections 78 that engage with the locking holes 4 of the terminal 3 to doubly lock the terminal 3, and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of flexible pieces 79 that elastically contact the terminal 3 to suppress the rattling of the terminal 3 are provided.

[0051] The front holder 70 is attached to the front end of the housing 20 to restrict the detachment of the second packing 60. Further, an annular portion 71 on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the front holder 70 can cover the third turned-up prevention piece 67 of the second packing 60 as a third holding portion. Also, the front holder 70 can position the terminal 3 inserted into the terminal insertion port 75.

[0052] Next, the mounting procedure of the first packing 40 and the second packing 60 to the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 will be described. Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views for explaining the mounting operation of the first packing 40 shown in Fig. 2. Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views for explaining the mounting operation of the second packing 60 shown in Fig. 2.

[0053] First, as shown in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), the first packing 40 is mounted on the first packing mounting surface 26 in the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20. The first packing 40 inserted into the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is moved until the rear end 40a in the insertion direction abuts against a step portion 29 formed between the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion portion 23 and the first packing mounting surface 26. Then, the first packing 40 is locked by the T-shaped locking piece 42 to the locking portion recess 22b formed in the flange portion 22, and the movement in the insertion direction A is restricted and the turning-up on the rear end side in the insertion direction is prevented.

[0054] Next, the retainer 50 is mounted on the retainer mounting portion 28 in the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20. The retainer 50 inserted into the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is moved until the locking projection 53 of the flexible locking piece 52 is locked to the locking portion 33 of the retainer mounting portion 28. The retainer 50 mounted on the retainer mounting portion 28 is held by the retainer mounting portion 28 when the locking projection 53 is locked to the locking portion 33.

[0055] When the retainer 50 is inserted into the insertion portion 23, the locking projection 53 moves while the tapered surface 53b rides on the frame portion 33a on the front end side in the insertion direction of the locking portion 33 and elastically deforms the flexible locking piece 52 outward. Then, when it moves until the support ribs 51a and 54a of the retainer 50 contact the step portion 34, the locking projection 53 locked to the locking portion 33 is locked by the vertical locking surface 53a to the frame portion 33a on the front end side in the insertion direction of the locking portion 33 to prevent removal (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0056] The first curling prevention piece 45 of the first packing 40 is inserted into the gap defined between the outer peripheral surface of the retainer mounting portion 28 and the first holding portion 51 of the retainer 50, and the outer peripheral surface is covered by the retainer 50 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, the first packing 40 is restricted from moving in the insertion direction A by the retainer 50 and the curling on the front end side in the insertion direction is prevented.

[0057] Next, the second packing 60 is mounted on the second packing mounting surface 27 in the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20. The second packing 60 inserted into the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is moved until the rear end 60a in the insertion direction contacts the front end 50a in the insertion direction of the retainer 50, or until the rear end 67a in the insertion direction of the third curling prevention piece 67 contacts the step portion 31. The second packing 60 mounted on the second packing mounting surface 27 is held on the second packing mounting surface 27 by the third curling prevention piece 67 complementarily engaging with the recess 30 and being locked to the locking portion 32.

[0058] The second curling prevention piece 65 of the second packing 60 is inserted into the gap defined between the second packing mounting surface 27 and the second holding portion 54 of the retainer 50, and the outer peripheral surface is covered by the retainer 50 (see FIG. 9). Therefore, the second packing 60 is prevented from curling on the rear end side in the insertion direction by the retainer 50.

[0059] Finally, a front holder 70 is attached to the front end portion of the housing 20. The front holder 70 attached to the front end portion of the housing 20 is moved until the locking arm 77 is locked to the locking projection 35 of the housing 20. The front holder 70 attached to the front end portion of the housing 20 is held at the front end portion of the housing 20 when the locking arm 77 is locked to the locking projection 35.

[0060] The third curling prevention piece 67 of the second packing 60 has an outer peripheral surface covered by an annular portion 71 provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the front holder 70 (see FIG. 9). Therefore, the second packing 60 is prevented from curling on the front end side in the insertion direction by the front holder 70.

[0061] Next, the operation of the waterproof connector 11 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the waterproof connector 11 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100 which is a mating member. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the waterproof connector 11 shown in FIG. 1 with the shield shell 80 removed. FIG. 14(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIVa-XIVa in FIG. 13, and FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIVb-XIVb in FIG. 12.

[0062] According to the waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the first packing 40 mounted on the first packing mounting surface 26 in the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is positioned and held with respect to the housing 20 by a retainer 50 in which a flexible lock piece 52 is locked to a locking portion 33 provided on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion portion 23. Then, the first packing 40 and the second packing 60 arranged side by side on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion portion 23 along the insertion direction A of the housing 20 can surely seal the space between the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100 and the housing 20 in a watertight manner.

[0063] Therefore, there is no need for a packing accommodation groove for positioning and holding the first packing 40 and the second packing 60 on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion part 23. Thus, there is no need to expand and mount the first packing 40 on the back side in order to cross the wall formed between the pair of packing accommodation grooves as in the conventional waterproof connector, which facilitates the mounting operation. Also, when mounting, the first packing 40 will not be twisted or the inner lip 43, which is the sealing part of the first packing 40, will not be damaged, so the sealing performance will not deteriorate.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 14(a), the retainer 50 is positioned and fixed to the housing 20 by the flexible locking piece 52 being locked to the locking part 33 provided on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion part 23. When the annular retainer 50 is mounted on the insertion part 23 of the housing 20, there is no need to deform the entire retainer for the flexible locking piece 52. Thus, the flexible locking piece 52 can increase the engagement margin of the locking projection 53 with respect to the locking part 33 to increase the locking force, without reducing the assemblability.

[0065] Also, in the waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment, the flexible locking piece 52 extending in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 21 of the insertion part 23 in the housing 20 can secure a span without increasing the width of the annular retainer 50 (the length along the insertion direction of the housing 20). Thus, without increasing the size of the housing 20 in the insertion direction, the flexibility of the flexible locking piece 52 can be increased to improve the mountability of the retainer 50. It goes without saying that when it is not necessary to reduce the size of the housing 20 according to the present invention, the flexible locking piece 52 may be configured to extend in the width direction (the insertion direction of the housing) of the retainer 50.

[0066] In addition, in the waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a first curling prevention piece 45 provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing 40 is covered by the first holding portion 51 of the retainer 50. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 14(b), a second curling prevention piece 65 provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60 is covered by the second holding portion 54 of the retainer 50. Therefore, when the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100, it is possible to prevent the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing 40 from curling up, and when the insertion portion of the housing 20 is detached from the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100, it is possible to prevent the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60 from curling up.

[0067] In addition, in the waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 14(a) and (b), the flexible lock pieces 52 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the retainer 50 with respect to the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 54 provided on the retainer 50, and are not arranged side by side in the width direction of the retainer 50 (the direction along the insertion direction A of the housing 20). Furthermore, the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 54 are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer 50, and the first holding portion 51, the second holding portion 54, and the flexible lock pieces 52 are not arranged side by side in the width direction of the retainer 50 (the direction along the insertion direction A of the housing 20). Therefore, by providing the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 54, the width of the retainer 50 is expanded, and an increase in the size of the housing 20 can be suppressed.

[0068] In addition, in the waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a third curling prevention piece 67 provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60 is covered by the annular portion 71 of the front holder 70. Therefore, when the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100, it is possible to prevent the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60 from curling up.

[0069] Therefore, according to the waterproof connector 11 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a waterproof connector that is easy to perform the packing mounting operation and has high waterproof performance.

[0070] FIGS. 15 and 16 are a perspective view and a rear view of a retainer 50A according to a modification. FIG. 17 is a cross section of a state where the retainer 50A shown in FIG. 16 is mounted on the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20. Note that, for the constituent parts similar to the retainer 50 in the retainer 50A, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the retainer 50A is formed in an oval ring shape in the same manner as the retainer 50. The retainer 50A is provided with four flexible lock pieces 52 having locking protrusions 53, a first holding portion 51 and a second holding portion 54 formed on the inner peripheral surface so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the retainer mounting portion 28 (the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 23), and a thin portion 55.

[0072] The pair of first holding portions 51 are formed on the inner peripheral surface on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the retainer 50A, and are recesses extending in a substantially C shape along the left and right short side portions, respectively. The interval W1 between both inner peripheral surfaces 56 on the front end side in the insertion direction of the pair of first holding portions 51 is configured to be slightly narrower than the interval W2 of the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding insertion portion 23 (see FIG. 17).

[0073] The pair of second holding portions 54 are formed on the inner peripheral surface on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the retainer 50A, and are recesses extending linearly along the middle portions of the upper and lower longitudinal portions, respectively. The interval H1 between both inner peripheral surfaces 57 which are the tip surfaces of the support ribs 54a on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the pair of second holding portions 54 is configured to be slightly narrower than the interval H2 of the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding insertion portion 23 (see FIG. 17).

[0074] When the retainer 50A is attached to the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20, as shown in FIG. 17, the thin-walled portions 55 formed at the four corners are elastically deformed in a direction in which the curvature becomes smaller, and the longitudinal and lateral portions of the retainer 50A are inserted into the insertion portion 23 while expanding. Therefore, the retainer 50A is attached to the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 in a tightened state with the inner peripheral surfaces 56 and 57 in the longitudinal and lateral portions being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the retainer mounting portion 28 (the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 23).

[0075] As a result, when the insertion portion 23 of the housing 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 101 of the housing 100, it is possible to prevent the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing 60, which is pushed rearward in the insertion direction by the inner wall of the mounting hole 101, from getting between the retainer 50A and the insertion portion 23. Consequently, it is possible to suppress deformation of the retainer 50A due to the second packing 60 getting between the retainer 50A and the insertion portion 23.

[0076] Here, the features of the embodiment of the waterproof connector according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below. [1] A housing (20) having packing mounting surfaces (the first packing mounting surface 26 and the second packing mounting surface 27) on the outer peripheral surface (21) of the insertion portion (23) that is inserted into the mounting hole (101) of the mating member (housing 100), A first packing (40) attached to the packing mounting surface (the first packing mounting surface 26) on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion (23), A second packing (60) attached to the packing mounting surface (the second packing mounting surface 27) on the front end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion (23), A retainer (50, 50A) disposed between the first packing (40) and the second packing (60), and having flexible locking pieces (52) locked to locking portions (33) provided on the outer peripheral surface (21) of the insertion portion (23), A waterproof connector (11), characterized by comprising the above. [2] The waterproof connector (11) according to [1] above, characterized in that the flexible locking piece (52) extends in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface (21) of the insertion portion (23). [3] The waterproof connector (11) according to (1) or (2) above, characterized in that the retainer (50, 50A) has a first holding portion (51) that covers a first anti-turn-up piece (45) provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the first packing (40), and a second holding portion (54) that covers a second anti-turn-up piece (65) provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the second packing (60). [4] The waterproof connector (11) according to [3] above, characterized in that the flexible locking piece (52) is arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the retainer (50, 50A) with respect to the first holding portion (51) and the second holding portion (54). [5] The waterproof connector (11) according to [4] above, characterized in that the first holding portion (51) and the second holding portion (54) are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer (50, 50A). [6] The retainer (50A) formed in an oval ring shape has thin-walled portions (55) at four corners for forming a gap between the retainer and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion (23), The waterproof connector (11) according to any one of [1] to [5] above, characterized in that the inner peripheral surfaces (56, 57) in the longitudinal direction portion and the short-side direction portion of the retainer (50A) are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion (23). [7] The waterproof connector (11) according to any one of [1] to [6] above, characterized in that a front holder (70) having a third holding portion (annular portion 71) that covers a third anti-turn-up piece (67) provided on the front end side in the insertion direction of the second packing (60) is provided at the front end portion of the housing (20).

[0077] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited. For example, in the waterproof connector 11 according to the above embodiment, the positioning of the rear end side in the insertion direction of the first packing 40 is achieved by abutting the rear end 40a in the insertion direction against the stepped portion 29 formed between the outer peripheral surface 21 and the first packing mounting surface 26, and by locking the T-shaped locking piece 42 to the locking portion recess 22b formed in the flange portion 22. However, the waterproof connector of the present invention is not limited to this, and a protrusion may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first packing and locked to a locking recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion, or a locking arm provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first packing may be engaged with a recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion to position the rear end side in the insertion direction of the first packing 40.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0078] 11... Waterproof connector 20... Housing 21... Outer peripheral surface 23... Insertion portion 26... First packing mounting surface (packing mounting surface on the rear end side in the insertion direction) 27... Second packing mounting surface (packing mounting surface on the front end side in the insertion direction) 33... Locking portion 40... First packing 50... Retainer 52... Flexible locking piece 60... Second packing 70... Front holder 100... Housing (counterpart member) 101... Mounting hole

Claims

1. A housing having a packing mounting surface on the outer peripheral surface of a fitting portion that is inserted into a mounting hole of a mating member, a first packing mounted on the packing mounting surface on the rear end side in the fitting direction of the fitting portion, a second packing mounted on the packing mounting surface on the front end side in the fitting direction of the fitting portion, a retainer disposed between the first packing and the second packing, and having a flexible locking piece locked to a locking portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion, comprising: The waterproof connector is characterized in that the flexible locking piece is formed in a cantilever beam shape extending along the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion and along the circumferential direction of the retainer.

2. The waterproof connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is constituted by a protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion and extending in the circumferential direction of the fitting portion.

3. The retainer has a first holding portion that covers a first curling prevention piece provided on the front end side in the fitting direction of the first packing, and a second holding portion that covers a second curling prevention piece provided on the rear end side in the fitting direction of the second packing. The waterproof connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. The waterproof connector according to claim 3, wherein the flexible locking pieces are arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the retainer with respect to the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

5. The waterproof connector according to claim 4, wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the circumferential direction of the retainer.

6. The retainer formed in an oval ring shape has thin wall portions at four corners for forming a gap between the retainer and the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion, The waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner peripheral surfaces of the longitudinal portion and the short transverse portion of the retainer are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion.

7. The waterproof connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a front holder having a third holding portion that covers a third curling prevention piece provided on the front end side in the fitting direction of the second packing is provided at the front end portion of the housing.

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