Waterproof device for connectors

Abstract

To enable suppression of damages to a connector due to water in accordance with an open and a close of a back door.SOLUTION: A waterproof box 30 as a waterproof tool, comprises: an inlet gate 32; an outlet gate 36; and a box main body part 31. In the inlet gate 32, an inlet open 34 is provided. The inlet open 34 is provided for input cables 73A and 78A drawn from connectors 70 and 75. The outlet gate 36 provides an output open 38. The output open 38 is provided for output cables 73B and 78B drawn from the connectors 70 and 75. The box main body part 31 is connected to the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36. In addition, the box main body part 31 removes the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36, and covers a whole surface of the connectors 70 and 75. Also, the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36 are inclined to a lower direction so as to be directed to a lower end of the inner panel 22 from the box main body part 31 to the inlet open 34 and the output open 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a waterproof device for a connector disposed on a panel of a backdoor.

Background Art

[0002] A connector is attached to a panel which is a sheet metal of a vehicle. In order to prevent liquid around the panel from entering the connection part between the male terminal and the female terminal of the connector, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a cover is attached around the connector.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, the panel is installed in a substantially horizontal direction (horizontally installed). A connector is disposed below this panel. A cover is disposed around the connector. The cover has a tunnel shape, and an opening is provided along the extending direction of the electric wire connected to the connector.

[0004] Also, for example, in Patent Document 2, the panel is installed in a substantially vertical direction (vertically installed). A connector is disposed on this panel. A connector cover is attached to the connector. The connector cover includes a roof plate that covers the upper part of the connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, the vehicle's tailgate is positioned upright when closed and horizontally when open. In the upright position, water droplets adhering to the tailgate panel surface drip downwards. In the horizontal position, water droplets adhering to the tailgate panel surface move horizontally along the panel surface. Thus, the flow pattern of liquid adhering to the panel surface changes depending on whether the tailgate is open or closed.

[0007] Furthermore, the tailgate includes an interior component, the door trim, an exterior component, the outer panel, and an inner panel located between the door trim and the outer panel. To avoid exposure to the outside, connectors are positioned, for example, on the inner panel, on the surface facing the door trim. In this case, the impact of closing the tailgate when it is open may cause water droplets adhering to the door trim to splash onto the opposite surface of the inner panel.

[0008] Therefore, the waterproof device for connectors disclosed herein can suppress water exposure to the connector when the back door is opened and closed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The connector waterproofing device disclosed herein is mounted on the inner panel of a back door. The waterproofing device comprises an inlet gate, an outlet gate, and a box body. The inlet gate is provided with an inlet opening for an input cable to be routed from the connector. The outlet gate is provided with an outlet opening for an output cable to be routed from the connector. The box body is connected to the inlet gate and the outlet gate. Furthermore, the box body covers the connector completely, except for the inlet gate and the outlet gate. The inlet gate and the outlet gate are also inclined downward from the box body towards the lower edge of the inner panel, from the inlet gate to the outlet gate.

[0010] With the above configuration, the connector is completely covered by a waterproof device, except for the inlet and outlet gates. This prevents water from getting onto the connector when the back door is opened and closed. In addition, because the inlet and outlet gates are sloped downward toward the lower edge of the inner panel, when the back door is closed, any liquid adhering to the inlet and outlet gates flows down along the slope. As a result, water exposure to the connector is suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the box body may include an opposing wall that faces the inner panel. In this case, fasteners that are inserted into fastening holes in the inner panel are placed on the opposing wall.

[0012] When fasteners are attached to the connector, the box body must be opened and the fastener inserted. In this case, the opening in the box body can become a pathway for liquid to enter. As shown in the above configuration, by fastening the connector to the inner panel via the box body, it is not necessary to provide an opening in the box body for fastening.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the box body may include an exposed wall facing the opposing wall. In this case, a mark is formed on the exposed wall at a position facing the fastener.

[0014] When fastening the connector and the waterproof device housing it to the inner panel, the fastener is inserted into the fastening hole of the inner panel. By forming a mark on the exposed surface of the box body at a position opposite the fastener, the fastener can be inserted into the fastening hole of the inner panel by pressing on the mark.

[0015] In the above configuration, the fastener may also include a clip inserted into a fastening hole in the inner panel and a base that supports the clip and is fixed to the opposing wall. In this case, the fastener is positioned on the opposing wall in close proximity to the entrance gate and the exit gate.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the pedestal of the fastener, the inlet gate, and the outlet gate can be lifted from the inner panel. Along with this, the intrusion of the liquid flowing on the surface of the inner panel into the inlet gate and the outlet gate can be suppressed.

[0017] Also, in the above configuration, the box main body portion may be light transmissive.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the connection state of the connector can be visually recognized from the outside of the box main body portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] The waterproof device for a connector disclosed in this specification can suppress the connector from being wetted with water as the back door opens and closes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] <重要な注意事項:この部分は7桁のタグで、そのまま維持する必要があります。 [Figure 1] It is a perspective view illustrating a back door to which the waterproof device for a connector according to this embodiment is attached. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view illustrating a state when the waterproof device for a connector according to this embodiment is attached to the inner panel of the back door. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the waterproof device for a connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the opposing surface of the cover with the inner panel. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing an example when a connector is attached to the base. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an example when the cover is attached to the base. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view illustrating the process of fastening the waterproof device for a connector according to this embodiment to the inner panel. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view illustrating a light transmissive case.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 equipped with a connector and a waterproof device for the connector according to this embodiment. In Figures 1-8, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is indicated by the axis represented by the symbol FR. The vehicle width direction is indicated by the axis represented by the symbol RW. Furthermore, the vertical direction is indicated by the axis represented by the symbol UP.

[0022] The symbol FR stands for Front, and the longitudinal axis FR is considered positive when the vehicle is facing forward. The symbol RW stands for Right Width, and the width axis RW is considered positive when the vehicle is facing right width. The height axis UP is considered positive when the vehicle is facing upward. As shown in Figure 1, these FR, RW, and UP axes are orthogonal to each other. The waterproof connector device according to this embodiment will be described below, with reference to these three axes as appropriate.

[0023] <backdoor> Referring to Figure 1, a back door 20 is positioned on the rear of the vehicle 10. The back door 20 is a so-called liftgate door and is rotatable around a pivot axis L1 at its upper end. The back door 20 opens and closes around the pivot axis L1. That is, the back door 20 is upright when closed and horizontal when fully open.

[0024] In addition, an upright configuration refers to a state where the angle of the back door 20 with respect to the horizontal plane is close to perpendicular. For example, the back door 20 can be considered to be in an upright configuration when its angle with respect to the horizontal plane is in the range of 75° to 105°.

[0025] Similarly, horizontal placement refers to a state where the angle of the back door 20 with respect to the horizontal plane is close to 0°. For example, the back door 20 can be considered horizontally placed when its angle with respect to the horizontal plane is in the range of -15° to 15°.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of the back door 20. For example, the back door 20 comprises an outer panel 21 (see Figure 1), which is an outer panel, and a door trim (not shown), which is an interior component exposed to the passenger compartment. Furthermore, the back door 20 includes an inner panel 22 between the outer panel 21 and the door trim.

[0027] The inner panel 22 is used to mount vehicle components for the back door 20, including connectors 70 and 75 (see Figure 5). The inner panel 22 is made of metal sheet metal, such as an aluminum panel.

[0028] The inner panel 22 is perforated with service holes 28 and fastening holes 29A and 29B (see Figure 7). The service holes 28 are provided for passing wiring, etc., from the inner surface 24 to the outer surface 26. The fastening holes 29A and 29B are provided for fastening and fixing the waterproof box 30 according to this embodiment to the inner panel 22.

[0029] The outer surface 26 of the inner panel 22 faces the outer panel 21 (see Figure 1). Rainwater from outside the vehicle may enter through the outer panel 21. The opening and closing operation of the back door 20, for example, the impact when closing the back door 20, may cause liquid from the outer panel 21 to splash and adhere to the outer surface 26 of the inner panel 22.

[0030] Furthermore, any liquid adhering to the outer surface 26 of the inner panel 22 may drip down the outer surface 26 and potentially seep into the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22 through holes such as the service hole 28.

[0031] Furthermore, the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22 faces the door trim (not shown). Due to condensation, liquid may form on the surface of the door trim. When the back door 20 is opened and closed, for example, when the back door 20 is closed, the liquid on the surface of the door trim may splash and adhere to the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22.

[0032] Thus, there is a risk that liquids such as water may adhere to the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22. Therefore, in order to protect the connectors 70 and 75 (see Figure 5) that are fastened and fixed to the inner panel 22 from water exposure, a waterproof device according to this embodiment is attached to the inner panel 22.

[0033] <Connector> Figure 5 illustrates connectors 70 and 75 that are fastened and fixed to the inner panel 22. Connectors 70 and 75 each consist of female connectors 71 and 76 and male connectors 72 and 77, respectively. Male connectors 72 and 77 are the end connections for input cables 73A and 78A. Female connectors 71 and 76 are the end connections for output cables 73B and 78B. For example, when the tabs 72A and 77A of male connectors 72 and 77 fit into the fastening holes of female connectors 71 and 76, the female connectors 71 and 76 and male connectors 72 and 77 engage and become electrically connected.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the waterproof box 30, which is a waterproof device for connectors according to this embodiment, is capable of housing multiple connectors. In the example in Figure 5, two connectors 70 and 75 are housed in the waterproof box 30. However, by changing the shape of the waterproof box 30, three or more connectors can be housed in the waterproof box 30.

[0035] <Waterproof Box> A waterproof box 30 is provided to protect the connectors 70 and 75, which are attached to the inner panel 22, from water ingress. The waterproof box 30 is attached to the inner panel 22 with the connectors 70 and 75 housed inside. The waterproof box 30 is a waterproof device for protecting the connectors 70 and 75 from water ingress and comprises a box body 31, an inlet gate 32, and an outlet gate 36.

[0036] The inlet gate 32 is a roughly rectangular conduit, with an inlet opening 34 at its end. Input cables 73A and 78A are drawn out from connectors 70 and 75 through the inlet opening 34 to the outside of the waterproof box 30.

[0037] The outlet gate 36 is a roughly rectangular conduit, with an outlet opening 38 at its end. Output cables 73B and 78B are routed from connectors 70 and 75 to the outside of the waterproof box 30 via the outlet opening 38.

[0038] The box body 31 is a box connected to the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36. The box body 31 covers the connectors 70 and 75 in all directions (top, bottom, front, back, left, and right). In other words, the box body 31 covers the connectors 70 and 75 completely, except for the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36.

[0039] Furthermore, the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36 extend downward from the box body 31 to the entrance opening 34 and the exit opening 38. In other words, the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36 extend diagonally from the box body 31 to the entrance opening 34 and the exit opening 38 towards the lower end of the inner panel 22. Also, the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36 are provided in the lower part of the box body 31, that is, near the lower end of the inner panel 22.

[0040] For example, when the back door 20 is closed, that is, when the back door 20 is in an upright position, liquid may adhere to the box body 31 and drip down to the inlet gate 32 and outlet gate 36. Even in such cases, the liquid flows down the walls of the inclined inlet gate 32 and outlet gate 36 and drips down. This prevents liquid from entering through the outlet opening 38 and inlet opening 34.

[0041] As will be described later, the guides 63B and 63C (see Figure 3), which are the bottom walls of the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36, are narrower than the main body 63A of the bottom wall 63. As a result, a gap 39 (see Figure 2) is created in the bottom wall at the lower end of the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36. Liquid escapes through this gap 39, preventing liquid from entering the box body 31.

[0042] <Structure of the waterproof box> Referring to Figure 3, the waterproof box 30 comprises a case 40 and a base 60. For example, these parts are formed from a resin material such as plastic. The case 40 is formed to be wider in front-to-back width (FR axis width) than the base 60. As will be described later, the waterproof box 30 is assembled by sliding the case 40 onto the base 60 and fitting it in place.

[0043] Case 40 is the upper component of the waterproof box 30. Figure 3 shows an example of a perspective view of case 40 with the exposed wall 41 as the main surface. Figure 4 is a perspective view of case 40 from the opposite angle to that in Figure 3. That is, Figure 4 shows an example of a perspective view with the opposing wall 42 as the main surface. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, case 40 comprises the exposed wall 41, opposing wall 42, ceiling wall 43, and side walls 44, 45 that constitute the box body 31.

[0044] The opposing wall 42 is a flat plate portion that faces the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22 (see Figure 2). Fasteners 50 and 51 are attached to the opposing wall 42. Thus, in the waterproof box 30 according to this embodiment, instead of the connectors 70 and 75 having fasteners, the waterproof box 30 is provided with fasteners 50 and 51.

[0045] If fasteners are provided on connectors 70 and 75, it is necessary to drill holes in the opposing wall 42 of the waterproof box 30 and insert the fasteners. In this case, the holes in the opposing wall 42 may become a pathway for liquid to enter. By not providing fasteners to the inner panel 22 on connectors 70 and 75, and instead providing fasteners 50 and 51 on the opposing wall 42 of the waterproof box 30, it becomes unnecessary to drill holes in the opposing wall 42.

[0046] The fasteners 50 and 51 each comprise clips 50A and 51A, flanges 50B and 51B, and bases 50C and 51C. The clips 50A and 51A are inserted into fastening holes 29A and 29B (Figure 7) of the inner panel 22. Once the clips 50A and 51A are fully inserted into the fastening holes 29A and 29B of the inner panel 22, the inner panel 22 is clamped between the flanges 50B and 51B and the clips 50A and 51A.

[0047] The bases 50C and 51C are the bases of the fasteners 50 and 51 and are fixed to the opposing wall 42. For example, the bases 50C and 51C are fixed to the opposing wall 42 by welding. The bases 50C and 51C extend in the front-rear direction (FR axis direction). In other words, the bases 50C and 51C cause the opposing wall 42 to float away from the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22.

[0048] Furthermore, the fasteners 50 and 51 are positioned on the opposing wall 42 in close proximity to the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36. For example, the fasteners 50 and 51 are positioned on the boundary line between the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36 and the box body 31. With this arrangement, the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36 are raised (separated) from the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22. Therefore, the ingress of liquid flowing along the inner surface 24 into the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36 is suppressed.

[0049] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the exposed wall 41 faces the opposing wall 42 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (FR axis direction). The exposed wall 41 is visible to workers, etc., when the door trim (not shown) is removed from the back door 20.

[0050] The ceiling wall 43 and side walls 44 and 45 are connected between the opposing wall 42 and the exposed wall 41. These wall materials form a box-shaped structure with an open bottom.

[0051] Marks 41A and 41B are formed on the exposed wall 41. These marks 41A and 41B are positioned opposite the fasteners 50 and 51 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Referring to Figure 7, the marks 41A and 41B serve as guides for inserting the fasteners 50 and 51 into the fastening holes 29A and 29B. The marks 41A and 41B may be printed on the exposed wall 41. Alternatively, the marks 41A and 41B may be three-dimensional structures formed during the molding of the case 40.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, claws 41C and 41D are formed at the lower end of the exposed wall 41. The claws 41C and 41D extend downward from the lower end of the exposed wall 41. As will be described later, the claws 41C and 41D are inserted into slots 61A1 and 61A2 of the base 60.

[0053] Case 40 comprises a gate ceiling wall 32A and gate side walls 32B and 32C that constitute the entrance gate 32. Case 40 also comprises a gate ceiling wall 36A and gate side walls 36B and 36C that constitute the exit gate 36. These walls have an inclined structure that slopes downward as they move away from the box body 31, that is, toward the lower end of the inner panel 22. With this structure, when the back door 20 is closed, i.e., in an upright position, any liquid adhering to the gate ceiling walls 32A and 36A flows along the inclined surface and drips downward from the waterproof box 30. This prevents liquid from entering the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36.

[0054] Referring to Figure 3, the base 60 is the lower component of the waterproof box 30. The base 60 has a tray shape with an open top. More specifically, the base 60 has a three-sided structure consisting of an exposed wall 61, an opposing wall 62, and a bottom wall 63.

[0055] The opposing wall 62 faces the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22. The opposing wall 62 includes a fastening portion 62A and gate side wall portions 62B and 62C. The fastening portion 62A is formed to be longer in the height direction than the gate side wall portions 62B and 62C. Slots 62A1 and 62A2 are formed in the fastening portion 62A. The claws 74 and 79 provided on the connectors 70 and 75 (see Figure 5) are inserted into these slots 62A1 and 62A2.

[0056] The exposed wall 61 faces the opposing wall 62 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The exposed wall 61 includes a fastening portion 61A and gate side wall portions 61B and 61C. Slots 61A1 and 61A2 are provided in the fastening portion 61A. The claws 41C and 41D of the case 40 are inserted into these slots 61A1 and 61A2.

[0057] The bottom wall 63 also includes a main body 63A and guides 63B and 63C. The fastening portion 61A of the exposed wall 61, the fastening portion 62A of the opposing wall 62, and the main body 63A of the bottom wall become part of the box body 31. The gate side wall portions 61B and 61C of the exposed wall 61, the gate side wall portions 62B and 62C of the opposing wall 62, and the guides 63B and 63C of the bottom wall become part of the entrance gate 32 and the exit gate 36.

[0058] Guides 63B and 63C are formed to have a shorter width in the vehicle's longitudinal direction compared to the main body 63A. As a result, a gap 39 is formed at the bottom of the inlet gate 32 and the outlet gate 36, as illustrated in Figure 2. Even if liquid enters through the inlet opening 34 and the outlet opening 38, the liquid will be discharged outside the waterproof box 30 through the gap 39.

[0059] As described above, the waterproof box 30 according to this embodiment surrounds the connectors 70 and 75 in all directions: top, bottom, front, back, left, and right. For example, when the back door 20 is closed and the inner panel 22 is positioned upright, any liquid dripping down the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22 from above the waterproof box 30 is stopped by the ceiling wall 43 of the waterproof box 30.

[0060] Furthermore, when the back door 20 is open and the inner panel 22 is positioned horizontally, any liquid flowing along the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22 is stopped by any of the opposing wall 42, top wall 43, side walls 44, 45, or bottom wall 63 of the waterproof box 30.

[0061] <Waterproof box installation process> Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the claws 74 and 79 of connectors 70 and 75 are inserted into slots 62A1 and 62A2 of base 60. This engages connectors 70 and 75 with base 60.

[0062] Referring further to Figure 6, the case 40 is slid onto the base 60. At this time, the claws 41C and 41D of the case 40 are inserted into the slots 61A1 and 61A2 of the base 60. This engages the case 40 with the base 60. Also, the outlets of the input cables 73A and 78A are gathered at the inlet gate 32. Similarly, the outlets of the output cables 73B and 78B are gathered at the outlet gate 36.

[0063] Referring to Figure 7, the worker roughly positions the fastening holes 29A and 29B formed on the inner surface 24 of the inner panel 22 and the fasteners 50 and 51 of the waterproof box 30. Then, the worker pushes the marks 41A and 41B toward the rear of the vehicle (towards the inner panel 22). This causes the clips 50A and 51A to be inserted into the fastening holes 29A and 29B. As a result, the waterproof box 30 and the connectors 70 and 75 housed therein are fastened and secured to the inner panel 22.

[0064] <Another example of a waterproof box> Figure 8 shows another example of the waterproof box 30 according to this embodiment. In this example, the case 40, which constitutes most of the box body 31, is made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the case 40 is made of so-called transparent plastic.

[0065] By making case 40 light-transmitting, the inside of the waterproof box 30 becomes visible. For example, it becomes possible to see from the waterproof box 30 whether connectors 70 and 75 are disconnected or not. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10 Vehicle, 20 Back door, 22 Inner panel, 29A, 29B Fastening holes, 30 Waterproof box (waterproofing device), 31 Box body, 32 Inlet gate, 34 Inlet opening, 36 Outlet gate, 38 Outlet opening, 40 Case, 41 Exposed wall, 41A, 41B Marks, 42 Opposite wall, 50 Fasteners, 60 Base, 70, 75 Connectors, 73A, 78A Input cables, 73B, 78B Output cables.

Claims

1. A waterproof device for a connector that is mounted on the inner panel of the back door, An entrance gate provided with an entrance opening for an input cable to be pulled out from the connector, An outlet gate is provided with an outlet opening for the output cable drawn out from the connector, A box body that is connected to the entrance gate and the exit gate and covers the connector completely, except for the entrance gate and the exit gate, Equipped with, The entrance gate and the exit gate are inclined downward from the box body to the entrance opening and the exit opening toward the lower end of the inner panel. Waterproofing device for connectors.

2. A waterproof device for a connector according to claim 1, The box body portion is provided with an opposing wall that faces the inner panel, A fastener is placed on the opposing wall, which is inserted into the fastening hole of the inner panel. Waterproofing device for connectors.

3. A waterproof device for a connector according to claim 2, The box body is provided with an exposed wall facing the opposing wall, A mark is formed on the exposed wall at a position opposite to the fastener. Waterproofing device for connectors.

4. A waterproof device for a connector according to claim 2 or 3, The fastener comprises a clip inserted into the fastening hole of the inner panel and a base that supports the clip and is fixed to the opposing wall. The fastener is positioned on the opposing wall in close proximity to the entrance gate and the exit gate. Waterproofing device for connectors.

5. A waterproof device for a connector according to claim 1, The box body is light-transmitting. Waterproofing device for connectors.

Images