Connectors and rubber seals for connectors

Abstract

To provide a connector that comprises a rubber seal capable of securing cut-off performance whatever external diameter an electric wire has.SOLUTION: A connector 1 comprises terminal metal fittings 3 fitted to an electric wire 2, a housing 4 housing the terminal metal fittings 3, and a rubber seal 5 fitted in the housing 4 while covering the electric wire 2. Then the rubber seal 5 has an inner layer part 61 which is a radially inside layer provided with an electric wire holding hole 61h for holding the electric wire 2 and an outer layer part 62 which is a radially outside layer encircling the inner layer part 61 and also fitted in the housing 4, the inner layer part 61 having higher deformability than the outer layer part 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0001] This invention relates to a connector and a rubber seal for a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, connectors used for connecting harnesses are known. Such a connector includes a rubber seal that is fitted into a housing in a state of being externally fitted to an electric wire so that water droplets do not penetrate inside through the electric wire insertion hole of the housing (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] By the way, the rubber seal is changed according to the outer diameter of the electric wire. That is, in a specification with a small outer diameter of the electric wire, the rubber seal is changed to a rubber seal with a small inner diameter of the electric wire holding hole, and in a specification with a large outer diameter of the electric wire, the rubber seal is changed to a rubber seal with a large inner diameter of the electric wire holding hole. However, there has been a problem that it is difficult to produce and store rubber seals with different inner diameters of the electric wire holding holes and appropriately select them during the assembly work of the connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector provided with a rubber seal capable of ensuring water stoppage regardless of the outer diameter of an electric wire and a rubber seal for a connector capable of ensuring water stoppage regardless of the outer diameter of an electric wire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This invention relates to a connector comprising a terminal fitting to be attached to an electric wire, a housing for housing the terminal fitting, and a rubber seal fitted into the housing while the electric wire is fitted onto it, wherein the rubber seal has an inner layer which is a diameter-inward layer provided with a wire-holding hole for holding the electric wire, and an outer layer which surrounds the inner layer and is fitted into the housing, wherein the inner layer has higher deformability than the outer layer, and the rubber seal is provided with a press-fit portion which is a cylindrical portion that is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole of the housing, and a crimping portion which is a cylindrical portion into which the wire crimping portion of the terminal fitting is crimped, wherein the inner layer is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged continuously inside the press-fit portion and inside the crimping portion The outer layer surrounds the axial end face of the inner layer, and the outer layer is provided with an opening that is coaxial with the wire holding hole and communicates with the wire holding hole. It is characterized by the following.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a rubber seal for a connector that is fitted into a housing while fitted onto an electric wire, comprising an inner layer which is a diameter-inside layer provided with an electric wire holding hole for holding the electric wire, and an outer layer which surrounds the inner layer and is fitted into the housing, wherein the inner layer has higher deformability than the outer layer, and the rubber seal is provided with a press-fit portion which is a cylindrical portion that is press-fitted into the electric wire insertion hole of the housing, and a crimping portion which is a cylindrical portion that is crimped onto the electric wire crimping portion of the terminal fitting, wherein the inner layer is formed in a cylindrical shape and is continuously arranged inside the press-fit portion and inside the crimping portion. The outer layer surrounds the axial end face of the inner layer, and the outer layer is provided with an opening that is coaxial with the wire holding hole and communicates with the wire holding hole. It is characterized by having this feature.

[0008] These inventions make it possible to ensure watertightness regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire. More specifically, the connector and rubber seal for the connector according to the present invention have an inner layer, which is a diameter-inside layer provided with wire-holding holes for holding electric wires, and an outer layer, which surrounds the inner layer and is fitted into the housing, with the inner layer having higher deformability than the outer layer. Therefore, the wire-holding holes in the inner layer expand according to the outer diameter of the electric wire, and become in close contact with the outer surface of the electric wire. Consequently, it is possible to prevent gaps from forming between the outer surface of the electric wire and the inner surface of the rubber seal, regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire. In turn, watertightness can be ensured regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire.

[0009] Furthermore, the rubber seal is provided with a press-fit portion, which is a cylindrical part that is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole of the housing, and the inner layer is positioned at least inside the press-fit portion. Therefore, when the press-fit portion of the rubber seal is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole of the housing, the compressive load acting in the radially inward direction is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the clamping load is evenly applied to the wire held by the rubber seal in the circumferential direction via the inner layer. Consequently, in this rubber seal, where the clamping load tends to be uneven due to the high deformability of the inner layer, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0010] Furthermore, the rubber seal is provided with a crimping portion, which is a cylindrical portion to which the wire crimping portion of the terminal fitting is crimped, and the inner layer is positioned at least inside the crimping portion. Therefore, when the wire crimping portion of the terminal fitting is crimped to the crimping portion of the rubber seal, the compressive load acting in the radially inward direction is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the clamping load is also applied evenly in the circumferential direction to the wire held by the rubber seal via the inner layer. Consequently, in this rubber seal, where the clamping load tends to be uneven due to the high deformability of the inner layer, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0011] Also The outer layer surrounds the axial end face of the inner layer, and the outer layer is provided with an opening that is coaxial with the wire holding hole and communicates with the wire holding hole. Therefore, even if the wire is inserted into the wire-holding hole in the inner layer and the wire-holding hole widens, the axial deformation of the inner layer is suppressed and acts as a clamping load on the wire, thereby improving the adhesion between the outer surface of the wire and the inner surface of the inner layer. Consequently, good watertightness can be ensured.

[0012] In another aspect of this invention, the inner diameter of the opening hole may be larger than the wire holding hole. According to this invention, the tip of the electric wire can be inserted into the opening in the outer layer, and the wire can be pushed in straight using the opening as a guide, thereby allowing the electric wire to be inserted straight into the wire-holding hole in the inner layer. Therefore, in this rubber seal, where the outer surface of the electric wire and the inner surface of the inner layer are in close contact regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire, the process of inserting the electric wire becomes easier.

[0013] In another aspect of this invention, a contact piece having radial elasticity that contacts the outer surface of the electric wire may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening hole. According to this invention, even if the electric wire bends or becomes eccentric and shifts from its predetermined position, the contact piece follows, preventing a gap from forming between it and the outer surface of the electric wire. Therefore, in this rubber seal, where the inner layer has high deformability and the electric wire is prone to bending or becoming eccentric, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0014] In another aspect of this invention, at least one of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the inner layer may be provided with a notch or groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. According to this invention, the notches or grooves extend circumferentially according to the outer diameter of the electric wire, making it easier for the electric wire holding holes in the inner layer to widen. Therefore, the electric wire insertion process becomes easier.

[0015] In another aspect of this invention, the inner layer may be formed of a gel material that incorporates a dispersion medium inside the intermolecular network structure. According to this invention, even if the electric wire bends or becomes eccentric and shifts from its predetermined position, the inner layer follows its path, thus reliably preventing a gap from forming between the outer surface of the electric wire and the inner surface of the inner layer. Therefore, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0016] In another aspect of this invention, the inner layer may be formed of a water-absorbing material that has an intermolecular network structure and is capable of incorporating a liquid dispersion medium inside the intermolecular network structure. According to the present invention, water droplets or the like transmitted through the electric wire can be taken in and swollen, and the adhesion between the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire and the inner peripheral surface of the inner layer portion can be improved. Therefore, it becomes possible to ensure better water stoppage performance.

Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the invention of the present application, water stoppage performance can be ensured regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the connector. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the terminal fitting. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the housing. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the rubber seal. [Figure 5] Side view of the rubber seal. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] Explanatory view showing the situation of inserting an electric wire into the rubber seal. [Figure 8] Partial cross-sectional view showing the situation of press-fitting a rubber seal externally fitted to an electric wire into the electric wire insertion hole of the housing. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B and cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 8.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] One embodiment of this invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the present application, the direction of the connector 1 is shown in all the drawings. Specifically, the arrow F indicates the front side, the arrow B indicates the rear side, the arrow R indicates the right side, and the arrow L indicates the left side. And the arrow U indicates the upper side, and the arrow D indicates the lower side. In addition, in the present application, the front-rear direction will be described as X, the left-right direction as Y, and the up-down direction as Z.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of connector 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view of terminal fitting 3, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of housing 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view of rubber seal 5, Figure 5 is a side view of rubber seal 5, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 5. Furthermore, Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation of inserting the electric wire 2 into rubber seal 5, Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the situation of press-fitting the rubber seal 5, which is fitted onto the electric wire 2, into the electric wire insertion hole 42h of housing 4, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow BB and arrow CC in Figure 8.

[0021] Connector 1 is used to connect the electric wires 2. As shown in Figure 1, connector 1 comprises terminal fittings 3, a housing 4, and a rubber seal 5. The following describes these structures and explains why the present invention is effective.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the terminal fitting 3 is attached to the electric wire 2. More specifically, it is attached to the exposed core wire 21 at the tip of the electric wire 2. The terminal fitting 3 is formed by punching out a sheet material such as a copper alloy and bending it into a predetermined shape. The terminal fitting 3 has a terminal body portion 31 and an electric wire crimping portion 32. The terminal body portion 31 is formed on the front side F in the front-rear direction X, and the electric wire crimping portion 32 is formed on the rear side B. However, the terminal fitting 3 is not limited to the one shown in this application. For example, it may be a male terminal.

[0023] The terminal body portion 31 is formed in a rectangular shape, with a roughly rectangular cross-section. The terminal body portion 31 has an elastic contact piece 311 at its front edge, which is folded inward. The elastic contact piece 311 contacts the mating terminal (male terminal) inserted into the terminal body portion 31, enabling electrical connection. In addition, the terminal body portion 31 has a locking hole 31h formed in the center of the front-to-back direction X on its lower surface. The locking claw of the terminal holding portion 411, which will be described later, will catch on the locking hole 31h.

[0024] The wire crimping section 32 has a core barrel section 321 that is crimped onto the core wire 21 of the electric wire 2, and a sheath barrel section 322 that is crimped onto the rubber seal 5 fitted onto the electric wire 2. The core barrel section 321 is formed on the front side F in the front-rear direction X, and the sheath barrel section 322 is formed on the rear side B. The cross-sectional shape of the core barrel section 321 before crimping is a roughly U-shape that opens upward U, and the core wire 21 positioned inside can be crimped by bending the plate pieces on both sides. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape of the sheath barrel section 322 before crimping is a roughly U-shape that opens upward U, and the barrel crimping section 52 of the rubber seal 5 positioned inside can be crimped by bending the plate pieces on both sides.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 4 houses the terminal fitting 3. More specifically, it houses the terminal fitting 3 attached to the electric wire 2 in a predetermined position and orientation. The housing 4 is formed by injecting a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate into a mold. The housing 4 has a housing fitting portion 41 and a harness contact portion 42. The housing fitting portion 41 is formed on the front side F in the front-rear direction X, and the harness contact portion 42 is formed on the rear side B. However, the housing 4 is not limited to the one shown in this application. For example, it may be a male connector.

[0026] The housing fitting portion 41 is formed in a rectangular shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section. The housing fitting portion 41 has a terminal holding portion 411 on its inside that holds the terminal fitting 3 along the front-rear direction X. The terminal holding portion 411 has cavities 41c formed in three rows in the left-right direction Y and two rows in the up-down direction Z, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The housing fitting portion 41 also has a locking arm 412 in the central part of the left-right direction Y on its upper surface. The locking claw of the mating housing (male housing) catches in the locking groove of the locking arm 412.

[0027] The harness connection section 42 has multiple wire insertion sections 421 through which the electric wire 2 is inserted. Each wire insertion section 421 has a roughly cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, and one electric wire 2 is inserted through each wire insertion section 421. Therefore, the harness connection section 42 has a shape in which three rows of wire insertion sections 421 are bundled together in the left-right direction Y and two rows in the up-down direction Z. In the following, the holes in the wire insertion section 421 through which the electric wire 2 is inserted will be described as wire insertion holes 42h. The wire insertion holes 42h connect the inside and outside of the housing 4 along the front-rear direction X.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the rubber seal 5 is fitted into the housing 4 while it is fitted onto the electric wire 2. More specifically, it is fitted into the wire insertion hole 42h of the wire insertion section 421 while it is fitted onto the electric wire 2. The rubber seal 5 is formed by injecting a resin material such as silicone into a mold. The rubber seal 5 has a seal press-fit section 51 and a barrel crimping section 52. The seal press-fit section 51 is formed on the rear side B in the front-rear direction X, and the barrel crimping section 52 is formed on the front side F. The rubber seal 5 is composed of an inner layer 61 and an outer layer 62. These will be explained in detail later.

[0029] The seal press-fit portion 51 refers to the portion with a large outer diameter formed in the rear half (rear side B) of the rubber seal 5 in the front-rear direction X. The seal press-fit portion 51 is a substantially cylindrical shape, formed with a radius approximately equal to the radius of the wire insertion hole 42h, centered on the central axis C of the wire holding hole 61h formed along the front-rear direction X. In addition, two seal lips 511 and 512 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the seal press-fit portion 51, protruding radially outward. When these seal lips 511 and 512 are press-fitted into the wire insertion hole 42h, they are compressed radially inward (see Figure 8).

[0030] The barrel crimping portion 52 refers to a small outer diameter portion formed in the front half of the rubber seal 5 in the front-rear direction X. The barrel crimping portion 52 is approximately cylindrical in shape, with a radius smaller than the radius of the wire insertion hole 42h, centered on the central axis C of the wire holding hole 61h formed along the front-rear direction X. Furthermore, a flange portion 521 protruding radially outward is formed at the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the barrel crimping portion 52. In addition, a flange portion 522 protruding radially outward is formed at the rear end of the outer circumferential surface of the barrel crimping portion 52. These flange portions 521 and 522 indicate the crimping position of the sheath barrel portion 322. That is, the section sandwiched between flange portions 521 and 522 indicates the crimping position of the sheath barrel portion 322. They also function as a stopper to prevent the crimped sheath barrel portion 322 from shifting (see Figure 8).

[0031] Incidentally, the rubber seal 5 according to this embodiment has an inner layer 61, which is a diameter-inward layer provided with a wire-holding hole 61h for holding the electric wire 2, and an outer layer 62, which is a diameter-outward layer surrounding the inner layer 61 and fitted into the housing 4. The inner layer 61 has higher deformability than the outer layer 62. In other words, although both the inner layer 61 and the outer layer 62 are made of silicone rubber, the inner layer 61 has a relatively lower hardness, and the outer layer 62 has a relatively higher hardness. Therefore, when inserting the electric wire 2 into the wire-holding hole 61h, the wire-holding hole 61h expands and comes into close contact with the outer surface of the electric wire 2 (see Figures 7 and 8). The inner diameter of the wire-holding hole 61h is designed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the expected electric wire 2 in order to accommodate the electric wire 2 with the smallest outer diameter.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rubber seal 5 also has the outer layer 62 surrounding the axial end face (the end face in the front-rear direction X) of the inner layer 61. In other words, not only the outer peripheral surface 61s of the inner layer 61, but also the front end face 61f and the rear end face 61b are covered by the outer layer 62. The outer layer 62 is provided with an opening 62h that is coaxial with the wire holding hole 61h and communicates with the wire holding hole 61h. This allows the electric wire 2 to be inserted straight from one opening 62h to the other (see Figure 7).

[0033] In this case, even if the wire 2 is inserted into the wire holding hole 61h of the inner layer 61 and the wire holding hole 61h expands, the deformation of the inner layer 61 in the front-rear direction X is suppressed and acts as a clamping load on the wire 2, thereby improving the adhesion between the outer surface of the wire 2 and the inner surface of the inner layer 61. In other words, by suppressing the deformation of the inner layer 61 so that it does not escape in the front-rear direction X even when the wire 2 is inserted, the clamping load acting in the radially inward direction is maintained and the adhesion is improved (see Figure 7).

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rubber seal 5 is designed so that the inner diameter of the opening hole 62h provided in the outer layer 62, which covers the front end surface 61f and rear end surface 61b of the inner layer 61, is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the wire holding hole 61h. By doing so, the tip of the electric wire 2 is inserted into the opening hole 62h of the outer layer 62, and the electric wire 2 is pushed in straight using the relatively hard opening hole 62h as a guide, allowing the electric wire 2 to be inserted straight into the wire holding hole 61h of the inner layer 61 (see Figure 7).

[0035] Furthermore, a sealing lip 621 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening hole 62h on the front side F, which abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire 2. Similarly, a sealing lip 622 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening hole 62h on the rear side B, which abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire 2. When the electric wire 2 is inserted, these sealing lips 621 and 622 are stretched inward or compressed outward. Therefore, they can follow the movement of the electric wire 2 even if it bends or becomes eccentric and shifts from its predetermined position.

[0036] In addition, in the rubber seal 5 according to this embodiment, the inner layer 61 is located inside the seal press-fit portion 51. Since the inner layer 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the thickness of the rubber portion from the outer surface of the seal press-fit portion 51 to the outer surface of the inner layer 61 is constant in the circumferential direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(a), when the seal press-fit portion 51 of the rubber seal 5 is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole 42h of the housing 4, the compressive load F1 acting in the radially inward direction is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the wire 2 held by the rubber seal 5 is also subjected to an evenly distributed clamping load (compressive load F1) in the circumferential direction via the inner layer 61.

[0037] In addition, in the rubber seal 5 according to this embodiment, the inner layer 61 is located not only inside the seal press-fitting portion 51 but also inside the barrel crimping portion 52. Since the inner layer 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the thickness of the rubber portion from the outer surface of the barrel crimping portion 52 to the outer surface of the inner layer 61 is constant in the circumferential direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(b), when the sheath barrel portion 322 of the terminal fitting 3 is crimped to the barrel crimping portion 52 of the rubber seal 5, the compressive load F2 acting in the radially inward direction is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the electric wire 2 held by the rubber seal 5 is also subjected to an evenly distributed clamping load (compressive load F2) in the circumferential direction via the inner layer 61.

[0038] Furthermore, in the rubber seal 5 according to this embodiment, the inner layer 61 is provided with a notch 61n extending in the front-rear direction X on the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 61h. More specifically, the notch 61n extending in the front-rear direction X is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the wire holding hole 61h in a portion adjacent to the opening hole 62h. This makes it easier for the tip portion of the wire 2 to enter the wire holding hole 61h. Also, the wire holding hole 61h of the inner layer 61 can be made to expand according to the outer diameter of the wire 2. In this regard, the notch 61n may be provided from the front edge to the rear edge of the wire holding hole 61h, or it may be provided in the middle portion in the front-rear direction X. Furthermore, it may be a groove with a concave cross-section, not limited to a notch 61n. Moreover, the notch 61n or groove may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner layer 61.

[0039] As described above, the connector 1 according to the present invention comprises a terminal fitting 3 attached to an electric wire 2, a housing 4 that houses the terminal fitting 3, and a rubber seal 5 that is fitted into the housing 4 while the electric wire 2 is fitted onto it. The rubber seal 5 has an inner layer portion 61 which is a diameter-inward layer provided with an electric wire holding hole 61h for holding the electric wire 2, and an outer layer portion 62 which surrounds the inner layer portion 61 and is fitted into the housing 4, with the inner layer portion 61 having higher deformability than the outer layer portion 62.

[0040] Furthermore, the rubber seal 5 according to the present invention has an inner layer portion 61 which is a diameter-inward layer provided with wire-holding holes 61h for holding the electric wire 2, and an outer layer portion 62 which surrounds the inner layer portion 61 and is fitted into the housing 4, and the inner layer portion 61 has higher deformability than the outer layer portion 62.

[0041] With such a connector 1 and rubber seal 5, watertightness can be ensured regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire 2. More specifically, the connector 1 and rubber seal 5 according to the present invention have an inner layer 61, which is a diameter-inward layer provided with wire-holding holes 61h for holding the electric wire 2, and an outer layer 62, which surrounds the inner layer 61 and is fitted into the housing 4. The inner layer 61 has higher deformability than the outer layer 62. Therefore, the wire-holding holes 61h of the inner layer 61 expand according to the outer diameter of the electric wire 2, and become in close contact with the outer surface of the electric wire 2. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a gap from forming between the outer surface of the electric wire 2 and the inner surface of the rubber seal 5, regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire 2. In other words, watertightness can be ensured regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire 2.

[0042] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, the front end surface 61f and rear end surface 61b of the inner layer 61 are surrounded by the outer layer 62, and the outer layer 62 is provided with an opening 62h that is coaxial with the wire holding hole 61h and communicates with the wire holding hole 61h.

[0043] With this type of connector 1, even if the wire 2 is inserted into the wire holding hole 61h of the inner layer 61 and the wire holding hole 61h expands, deformation of the inner layer 61 in the front-rear direction X is suppressed and acts as a clamping load on the wire 2, thereby improving the adhesion between the outer surface of the wire 2 and the inner surface of the inner layer 61. Therefore, good watertightness can be ensured.

[0044] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, the inner diameter of the opening hole 62h is larger than that of the wire holding hole 61h. With this type of connector 1, the tip of the electric wire 2 can be inserted into the opening 62h of the outer layer 62, and the electric wire 2 can be pushed in using the opening 62h as a guide, thereby guiding the electric wire 2 into the electric wire holding hole 61h of the inner layer 61. Therefore, in this rubber seal 5, where the outer surface of the electric wire 2 and the inner surface of the inner layer 61 are in close contact regardless of the outer diameter of the electric wire 2, the insertion of the electric wire 2 becomes easier.

[0045] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, sealing lips 621 and 622 having radial elasticity that contact the outer surface of the electric wire 2 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening hole 62h. With this type of connector 1, even if the wire 2 bends or becomes eccentric and shifts from its predetermined position, the seal lips 621 and 622 follow its movement, preventing a gap from forming between them and the outer surface of the wire 2. Therefore, in this rubber seal 5, where the inner layer 61 has high deformability and the wire 2 is prone to bending or becoming eccentric, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0046] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, the rubber seal 5 is provided with a seal press-fit portion 51, which is a cylindrical portion that is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole 42h of the housing 4, and at least an inner layer portion 61 is arranged inside the seal press-fit portion 51. With this type of connector 1, when the seal press-fit portion 51 of the rubber seal 5 is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole 42h of the housing 4, the compressive load F1 acting in the radially inward direction is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the wire 2 held by the rubber seal 5 is also subjected to an evenly distributed clamping load in the circumferential direction via the inner layer portion 61. Therefore, in this rubber seal 5, where the clamping load tends to be uneven due to the high deformability of the inner layer portion 61, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0047] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, the rubber seal 5 is provided with a barrel crimping portion 52, which is a cylindrical portion into which the sheath barrel portion 322 of the terminal fitting 3 is crimped, and at least an inner layer portion 61 is arranged inside the barrel crimping portion 52. With this type of connector 1, when the sheath barrel portion 322 of the terminal fitting 3 is crimped to the barrel crimp portion 52 of the rubber seal 5, the compressive load F2 acting in the radially inward direction is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the clamping load is evenly applied to the electric wire 2 held by the rubber seal 5 via the inner layer portion 61 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in this rubber seal 5, where the clamping load tends to be uneven due to the high deformability of the inner layer portion 61, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0048] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, a notch 61n extending in the front-rear direction X is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the inner layer portion 61. With this type of connector 1, the notch 61n extends circumferentially according to the outer diameter of the wire 2, making it easier for the wire holding hole 61h in the inner layer 61 to widen. Therefore, the insertion of the wire 2 becomes easier.

[0049] In the correspondence between the structure of the present invention and the embodiments described above, The connector corresponds to connector 1, The same applies to the following: The wire corresponds to wire 2, The terminal fitting corresponds to terminal fitting 3. The housing is compatible with Housing 4. The rubber seal is compatible with rubber seal 5. The terminal body corresponds to the terminal body 31. The wire crimping section corresponds to the wire crimping section 32. The press-fit portion corresponds to the seal press-fit portion 51. The crimping section corresponds to the barrel crimping section 52. The inner layer corresponds to the inner layer 61. The outer layer corresponds to the outer layer 62, The contact pieces correspond to the seal lips 621 and 622. The wire insertion hole corresponds to wire insertion hole 42h. The wire holding hole corresponds to wire holding hole 61h. The opening corresponds to opening 62h, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0050] In the connector 1 according to the present invention, the inner layer 61 is made of silicone rubber with low hardness. However, the material is not limited. In other words, the inner layer 61 can be any elastomer, which means an elastic material in a broad sense. The inner layer 61 may also be a so-called elastomer gel, which is an intermediate state between solid and liquid. Examples include urethane gel.

[0051] Thus, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, the inner layer 61 forms an intermolecular network structure, and may be formed from a gel material that incorporates a dispersion medium inside the intermolecular network structure. With this type of connector 1, even if the wire 2 bends or becomes eccentric and the harness shifts from its predetermined position, the inner layer 61 follows its path, thus reliably preventing a gap from forming between the outer surface of the wire 2 and the inner surface of the inner layer 61. Therefore, better watertightness can be ensured.

[0052] Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, the inner layer 61 may be formed of an intermolecular network structure, and may be made of a water-absorbing material that can incorporate a liquid dispersion medium inside the intermolecular network structure. With this type of connector 1, water droplets that have traveled along the wire 2 can be absorbed and swelled, improving the adhesion between the outer surface of the wire 2 and the inner surface of the inner layer 61. Therefore, it is possible to ensure better watertightness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1… Connector 2…Harness 3…Terminal fittings 4… Housing 5... Rubber seal 31...Terminal body 32...Wire crimping section 51...Seal press-fit section 52... Barrel crimping section 61...Inner layer 62…Outer layer part 321... Core barrel section 322...Sheath barrel section 621... Seal Lip 622... Seal Lip 42h... Wire insertion hole 61h…Wire holding hole 62h…opening hole

Claims

1. Terminal fittings that can be attached to electrical wires, A housing for accommodating the aforementioned terminal fittings, A connector comprising a rubber seal that is fitted into the housing while being fitted onto the electric wire, The aforementioned rubber seal is The inner layer is a layer on the inner side of the diameter, which is provided with wire-holding holes for holding the aforementioned electric wires, It has an outer layer which surrounds the inner layer and is fitted into the housing, The inner layer has higher deformability than the outer layer, The rubber seal is provided with a press-fit portion, which is a cylindrical portion that is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole of the housing, and a crimping portion, which is a cylindrical portion into which the wire crimping portion of the terminal fitting is crimped. The inner layer is formed in a cylindrical shape and is continuously arranged inside the press-fit portion and inside the crimping portion. The outer layer surrounds the axial end face of the inner layer. The outer layer is provided with an opening that is coaxial with the wire holding hole and communicates with the wire holding hole. connector.

2. The inner diameter of the opening is larger than the wire holding hole. The connector according to claim 1.

3. A contact piece having radial elasticity that contacts the outer surface of the electric wire is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the inner layer is provided with a notch or groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The inner layer forms an intermolecular network structure, and the gel material is formed by incorporating a dispersion medium inside the intermolecular network structure. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The inner layer is formed of an intermolecular network structure, and is made of a water-absorbing material that can incorporate a liquid dispersion medium inside the intermolecular network structure. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A rubber seal for a connector that is fitted into a housing while being externally attached to an electric wire, The inner layer is a layer on the inner side of the diameter, which is provided with wire-holding holes for holding the aforementioned electric wires, It has an outer layer which surrounds the inner layer and is fitted into the housing, The inner layer has higher deformability than the outer layer, The rubber seal is provided with a press-fit portion, which is a cylindrical portion that is press-fitted into the wire insertion hole of the housing, and a crimping portion, which is a cylindrical portion into which the wire crimping portion of the terminal fitting is crimped. The inner layer is formed in a cylindrical shape and is continuously arranged inside the press-fit portion and inside the crimping portion. The outer layer surrounds the axial end face of the inner layer. The outer layer is provided with an opening that is coaxial with the wire holding hole and communicates with the wire holding hole. Rubber seals for connectors.

Images