Patent Publication Number: US-9431756-B2

Title: Waterproof connector

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     An applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Patent Application No. JP2014-129090 filed Jun. 24, 2014. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a waterproof connector having waterproof structure. 
     For example, this type of connector is disclosed in JP-A 2011-9092 (Patent Document 1), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 37 , a receiving connector (connector) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is attached to a case, for example, of a motor (not shown). The connector is mateable with a mating connector along an upper-lower direction, wherein the mating connector is attached to another case. The connector is a so-called floating connector. In detail, the connector comprises an outer housing, spring members, an inner housing, a terminal and two sealing members, namely, an upper sealing member and a lower sealing member. The outer housing is fixed to the case. The spring member is attached to the outer housing. The inner housing is supported by the spring members and is movable relative to the outer housing. The terminal is partially accommodated within the inner housing. The lower sealing member prevents water from invading between the outer housing and the case. The upper sealing member prevents water from invading between the outer housing and the mating connector under a state where the connector is mated with the mating connector. 
     The lower sealing member of Patent Document 1 is pressed downward by the mating connector to seal a gap between the outer housing and the mating connector. Accordingly, when a pressing force of the mating connector is insufficient, the gap between the outer housing and the mating connector is not completely prevented from water. Moreover, since the inner housing of Patent Document 1 needs to be movable relative to the outer housing, the inner housing cannot be fixed to the outer housing by using the existing sealing member shown in  FIG. 37 . Accordingly, between the outer housing and the inner housing, there might be another gap which cannot be prevented from water. If water invades through the gap between the outer housing and the mating connector, the water might reach the terminal within the inner housing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a waterproof connector which is a floating connector comprising a first housing and a second housing movable relative to the first connector, and which can prevent water from invading between the first housing and the second housing. 
     One aspect of the present invention provides a waterproof connector mateable with a mating connector along a mating direction. The waterproof connector comprises a first housing, a second housing and a primary sealing member. The second housing is movable relative to the first housing in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. The primary sealing member has a first fixed portion, a second fixed portion and a middle portion. The first fixed portion is fixed to the first housing, and the second fixed portion is fixed to the second housing. The first fixed portion is connected to the second fixed portion via the middle portion with no break in a cross-section in parallel to the mating direction. The middle portion is looped with no break in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. 
     According to the present invention, the first fixed portion is connected to the second fixed portion with no break via the middle portion having no break, wherein the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion are fixed to the first housing and the second housing, respectively. This structure prevents water from invading between the first housing and the second housing. Moreover, a movement of the second housing relative to the first housing is not affected, for example, when the sealing member is wholly made of elastomer. 
     An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a waterproof connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the waterproof connector and the mating connector are in an unmated state. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 1 , wherein the waterproof connector and the mating connector are in a mated state. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 2 , wherein cables are not illustrated. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 2 , wherein the cables are not illustrated. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, perspective view showing the waterproof connector of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a first housing of the waterproof connector of  FIG. 5 , wherein the cables are not illustrated, and line VII-VII and line VIII-VIII positionally correspond to line XV-XV in  FIG. 4  and line XIX-XIX in  FIG. 3 , respectively. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view showing the first housing of  FIG. 6 , taken along line VII-VII, wherein the vicinity of a secondary sealing member (the part enclosed by chain dotted line) is enlarged to be illustrated, and the enlarged illustration shows dashed outline of the secondary sealing member prior to attachment of the first housing to a case. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing the first housing of  FIG. 6 , taken along line VIII-VIII, wherein the vicinity of the secondary sealing member (the part enclosed by chain dotted line) is enlarged to be illustrated, and the enlarged illustration shows dashed outline of the secondary sealing member prior to the attachment of the first housing to a case. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a second housing of the waterproof connector of  FIG. 5 , wherein line X-X and line XI-XI positionally correspond to line XV-XV in  FIG. 4  and line XIX-XIX in  FIG. 3 , respectively. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view showing the second housing of  FIG. 9 , taken along line X-X. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view showing the second housing of  FIG. 9 , taken along line XI-XI. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a primary sealing member of the waterproof connector of  FIG. 5 , wherein line XIII-XIII positionally corresponds to line XV-XV in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view showing the primary sealing member of  FIG. 12 , taken along line XIII-XIII. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing a fixing member of the waterproof connector of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 4 , taken along line XV-XV, wherein the waterproof connector and the mating connector are in the unmated state. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the primary sealing member (the part enclosed by dashed line A) of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 4 , taken along line XVII-XVII, wherein the waterproof connector and the mating connector are in the mated state. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the primary sealing member (the part enclosed by dashed line B) of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the waterproof connector and a part of the mating connector of  FIG. 3 , taken along line XIX-XIX. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the waterproof connector and a part of the mating connector of  FIG. 17 , wherein the mating connector is shifted to one of opposite sides of the waterproof connector. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing a primary sealing member according to a first modification of the first embodiment, wherein each of line XXII-XXII and XXIII-XXIII positionally corresponds to line XV-XV in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the primary sealing member of  FIG. 21 , taken along line XXII-XXII. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view showing another waterproof connector comprising the primary sealing member of  FIG. 21 , taken along line XXIII-XXIII, wherein outline of the mating connector under a mated state is illustrated by dashed line. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing a primary sealing member according to a second modification of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a front view showing the primary sealing member of  FIG. 24 , wherein each of line XXVI-XXVI and XXVII-XXVII positionally corresponds to line XV-XV in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the primary sealing member of  FIG. 25 , taken along line XXVI-XXVI. 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view showing still another waterproof connector comprising the primary sealing member of  FIG. 25 , taken along line XXVII-XXVII, wherein outline of the mating connector under a mated state is illustrated by dashed line. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view showing a waterproof connector and a mating connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the waterproof connector and the mating connector are in an unmated state. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 29 , taken along line XXX-XXX. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view showing the waterproof connector of  FIG. 29 , taken along line XXXI-XXXI. 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a primary sealing member of the waterproof connector (the part enclosed by dashed line C) of  FIG. 31 , wherein outline of the primary sealing member prior to elastic deformation is illustrated by dashed line. 
         FIG. 33  is perspective view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 28 , wherein the waterproof connector and the mating connector are in a mated state. 
         FIG. 34  is a front view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view showing the waterproof connector and the mating connector of  FIG. 34 , taken along line XXXV-XXXV. 
         FIG. 36  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of an additional sealing member of the waterproof connector (the part enclosed by dashed line D) of  FIG. 35 , wherein outline of the additional sealing member under the unmated state is illustrated by dashed line. 
         FIG. 37  is perspective view showing a receiving connector and a mating connector of Patent Document 1. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a waterproof connector  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention is to be fixed to an object (case)  60  and used for electric power transmission. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a waterproof connector which transmits signals. 
     The waterproof connector  10  roughly has a box-like shape which is long in a longitudinal direction (the Y-direction) and short in a width direction (the X-direction). The waterproof connector  10  is mateable with a mating connector  70  along a mating direction (Z-direction). Moreover, the waterproof connector  10  is removable from the mating connector  70  along the Z-direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 15 , the mating connector  70  according to the present embodiment is another waterproof connector which is fixed to a mating object (mating case)  80 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mating connector  70  does not need to be a waterproof connector. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the mating connector  70  comprises a mating housing  710  made of insulator, three mating terminals  720  each made of conductor and a mating sealing member  730  made of elastomer. The mating housing  710  is attached to the mating case  80 . The mating terminals  720  are held by the mating housing  710 . The mating sealing member  730  prevents water from invading between the mating housing  710  and the mating case  80 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the mating terminals  720  has a rectangular plate-like shape which is long in the Z-direction. The mating terminals  720  are connected to three cables  88 , respectively. In detail, each of the cables  88  is crimped by using a crimping metal  86 . The crimping metal  86  is fixed to the mating terminal  720  with a screw. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 15 , the mating housing  710  has a lower part, or the negative Z-side part, which is formed with an outer wall  712  having a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer wall  712  projects downward, or in the negative Z-direction, beyond the mating case  80 . The outer wall  712  has an inner surface which is formed with a pressing surface  714 . The pressing surface  714  according to the present embodiment is formed of flat surfaces and curved surfaces and extends along the Z-direction while being looped with no break in the XY-plane. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the waterproof connector  10  according to the present embodiment comprises a first housing  20  made of insulator, a second housing  30  made of insulator, a primary sealing member  40  made of elastomer and a fixing member  50  made of insulator. The first housing  20  is fixed to the case  60  under an attached state where the waterproof connector  10  is fabricated and attached to the case  60  (see  FIG. 1 ). Under a fabricated state where the waterproof connector  10  is completely fabricated, the second housing  30  is accommodated within the first housing  20 . Under the fabricated state, the primary sealing member  40  encloses the first housing  20  and the second housing  30  in the XY-plane, and the fixing member  50  encloses the primary sealing member  40  in the XY-plane. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the case  60  has an upper surface  62  which flatly extends in parallel to the XY-plane. The case  60  is formed with a hole  64  which pierces the case  60  in the Z-direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the first housing  20  has a body portion  210  and a flange  220 . The body portion  210  has a lower part which passes through the hole  64  of the case  60  to project downward. The lower part of the body portion  210  is formed with a plurality of accommodation portions  212 . The body portion  210  has also an upper part, or the positive Z-side part, which has a rectangular cylindrical shape and projects upward, or in the positive Z-direction, over the case  60 . The flange  220  encloses the body portion  210  in the XY-plane. The flange  220  extends long in the positive Y-direction and the negative Y-direction, and is fixed to the case  60  with a screw. 
     The flange  220  has an upper surface  222 , a fixing surface  224  and a lower surface  226 . Each of the upper surface  222 , the fixing surface  224  and the lower surface  226  is a flat surface extending in parallel to the XY-plane. The fixing surface  224  is provided in the vicinity of the body portion  210  in the XY-plane. The upper surface  222  is provided outward of the fixing surface  224  in the XY-plane. The fixing surface  224  is located above the upper surface  222  in the Z-direction. Accordingly, a step is formed between the fixing surface  224  and the upper surface  222 . The lower surface  226  is recessed upward in the vicinity of the body portion  210  to be formed with a pressing portion  228 . The pressing portion  228  according to the present embodiment is a flat surface which encloses the body portion  210  with no break in the XY-plane. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the first housing  20  has four engagement portions  230 . The engagement portions  230  extend upward from the upper surface  222 . Two of the engagement portions  230  and remaining two of the engagement portions  230  interpose the upper part of the body portion  210  in the X-direction. Each of the engagement portions  230  has a rectangular plate-like shape in parallel to the YZ-plane. As can be seen from this shape, the engagement portion  230  is resiliently deformable in the XZ-plane. As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the engagement portions  230  is formed with a rectangular hole which pierces the engagement portion  230  in the X-direction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 , the waterproof connector  10  according to the present embodiment comprises three terminals  280  each made of conductor. Each of the terminals  280  has a rectangular plate-like shape which is long in the Z-direction. The terminals  280  are connected to three cables  68 , respectively. In detail, each of the cables  68  is crimped by using a crimping metal  66 . The crimping metal  66  is fixed to a lower part of the terminal  280  with a screw. The terminals  280  are held by the first housing  20 . The terminals  280  have upper parts which project into the accommodation portions  212 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the waterproof connector  10  according to the present embodiment comprises a secondary sealing member  290  made of elastomer in addition to the primary sealing member  40  (see  FIG. 5 ). The secondary sealing member  290  is other than the primary sealing member  40  and is separated from the primary sealing member  40 . The secondary sealing member  290  according to the present embodiment is, for example, a gasket made of rubber. 
     The secondary sealing member  290  is attached to the first housing  20 . In detail, an inner surface of the secondary sealing member  290  is fastened around the body portion  210  to be closely attached to the first housing  20 . An outer part of the secondary sealing member  290  is accommodated in a space formed under the pressing portion  228 . 
     The secondary sealing member  290  has an initial thickness, or the maximum size in the Z-direction prior to the attachment to the first housing  20 . The initial thickness of the secondary sealing member  290  is larger than a distance between the pressing portion  228  and the lower surface  226 . Under the attached state where the waterproof connector  10  is fixed to the case  60 , the lower surface  226  is brought into contact with or close to the upper surface  62  of the case  60  and, therefore, the outer part of the secondary sealing member  290  is pressed against the upper surface  62  by the pressing portion  228 . Accordingly, the secondary sealing member  290  is resiliently deformed to seal a gap between the pressing portion  228  and the upper surface  62 . Similarly, an inner part of the secondary sealing member  290  is partially pressed against the body portion  210  by an inner wall surface of the hole  64 . As a result, the secondary sealing member  290  seals a gap between the body portion  210  and the case  60 . In other words, under the attached state where the waterproof connector  10  is attached to the case  60 , the secondary sealing member  290  prevents water from invading between the first housing  20  and the case  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the second housing  30  has a body portion  302  and two subordinate portions  304 . The body portion  302  has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the Z-direction. The subordinate portions  304  are provided inside of the body portion  302  in the X-direction. Each of the subordinate portions  304  extends along the Y-direction. 
     The body portion  302  has an outer surface in the XY-plane. The outer surface of the body portion  302  is partially recessed inward in the XY-plane in the vicinity of an upper end of the body portion  302  to be formed with a fixing portion  310 . The fixing portion  310  according to the present embodiment is a recess which encloses the body portion  302  in the XY-plane. The fixing portion  310  has a fixing surface  312 . The fixing surface  312  is a curved surface and is looped in the XY-plane with no break. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the second housing  30  has four attachment portions  330 . Each of the attachment portions  330  according to the present embodiment is a space formed between the body portion  302  and the subordinate portion  304 . Two of the attachment portions  330  are located at the positive X-side of the second housing  30 , and remaining two of the attachment portions  330  are located at the negative X-side of the second housing  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the second housing  30  has three accommodation portions  320 . Each of the accommodation portions  320  is a space formed between the two subordinate portions  304 . The accommodation portions  320  are arranged in the Y-direction while being separated from one another by partition walls. Each of the accommodation portions  320  is formed with six accommodation grooves  322 . Each of the accommodation grooves  322  is a groove provided in the corresponding subordinate portion  304 . In detail, three of the six accommodation grooves  322  are provided in the positive X-side subordinate portion  304 , and remaining three of the six accommodation grooves  322  are provided in the negative X-side subordinate portion  304 . The three of the accommodation grooves  322  face the remaining three of the accommodation grooves  322 , respectively, in the X-direction. 
     The waterproof connector  10  according to the present embodiment comprises nine contacts  380  each made of metal. Each of the contacts  380  has an H-like shape when seen along the Y-direction. In detail, each of the contact  380  has two first contact pieces  382  and two second contact pieces  384 . 
     Each of the contacts  380  is supported by the second housing  30  while being allowed to lean in the XY-plane to some extent. The second contact pieces  384  of the contact  380  are partially accommodated in the accommodation grooves  322 , respectively. The first contact pieces  382  of the contact  380  project downward beyond the second housing  30 . 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 9 , the second housing  30  is inserted into the first housing  20  from above while holding the contacts  380 . In detail, a lower part of the second housing  30  is received in an upper part of the first housing  20 . As a result, the first contact pieces  382  of the contacts  380  are accommodated in the accommodation portions  212  of the first housing  20 , respectively. At that time, as can be seen from  FIGS. 8, 11 and 19 , the first contact pieces  382  of each of the contacts  380  sandwich the corresponding terminal  280  in the X-direction. As a result, each of the three terminals  280  is connected to the corresponding three contacts  380 . 
     The contact  380  can lean in the XY-plane even when connected to the terminal  280 . Accordingly, the second housing  30  is movable relative to the first housing  20  in the XY-plane. In other words, the waterproof connector  10  is a floating connector. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the primary sealing member  40  has a rectangular cylindrical shape. In detail, the primary sealing member  40  has a first fixed portion  410 , a second fixed portion  420 , a middle portion  430  and four attached portions  440 . 
     The first fixed portion  410  is provided at a lower end, or the negative Z-side end, of the primary sealing member  40 . The first fixed portion  410  protrudes outward in the XY-plane from the middle portion  430 . The second fixed portion  420  is provided at an upper end, or the positive Z-side end, of the primary sealing member  40  and protrudes inward in the XY-plane from the middle portion  430 . In the XY-plane, the first fixed portion  410  encloses a first region (A 1 ) with no break, and the second fixed portion  420  encloses a second region (A 2 ) with no break, wherein a size of the first region (A 1 ) is larger than another size of the second region (A 2 ). In other words, the middle portion  430  is gradually narrowed from the first fixed portion  410  toward the second fixed portion  420 . 
     The middle portion  430  couples the first fixed portion  410  and the second fixed portion  420  to each other. Accordingly, the primary sealing member  40  extends from the second fixed portion  420  toward the first fixed portion  410  while protruding outward in the XY-plane. In other words, the first fixed portion  410  is connected to the second fixed portion  420  via the middle portion  430  with no break in a cross-section in parallel to the Z-direction, for example, in the XZ-plane or in the YZ-plane. Moreover, the middle portion  430  has no break, or is looped with no break, in a plane perpendicular to the Z-direction, or in the XY-plane. 
     As can be seen from the aforementioned structure, the second fixed portion  420  is movable relative to the first fixed portion  410  in the XY-plane. In particular, because the primary sealing member  40  of the present embodiment is wholly made of elastomer, the middle portion  430  is elastically easily deformed. Moreover, in the present embodiment, when the primary sealing member  40  is not elastically deformed, an initial thickness (TM) of the middle portion  430  is smaller than both of an initial thickness (TE 1 ) of the first fixed portion  410  and an initial thickness (TE 2 ) of the second fixed portion  420 , wherein the initial thickness (TE 1 ) is the maximum size in the Z-direction, and the initial thickness (TE 2 ) is the maximum size in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction. In other words, the middle portion  430  is thinner than both of the first fixed portion  410  and the second fixed portion  420 . Accordingly, the middle portion  430  is elastically deformed more easily, and the second fixed portion  420  is therefore easily moved relative to the first fixed portion  410 . 
     The attached portions  440  according to the present embodiment project upward from the second fixed portion  420 . Each of the attached portions  440  has a hook, or a hook-like shape, in the XZ-plane. The hook of the attached portion  440  extends inward in the X-direction and subsequently extends downward. Two of the attached portions  440  are located at the positive X-side of the primary sealing member  40 , and remaining two of the attached portions  440  are located at the negative X-side of the primary sealing member  40 . 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 1, 5, 9 and 12 , the primary sealing member  40  is attached to the second housing  30  from above and covers an upper part of the second housing  30  with no gap in the XY-plane. In detail, the hooks of the attached portion  440  are inserted into the attachment portions  330 , respectively, so that the primary sealing member  40  is positioned to the second housing  30  in the XY-plane. Provided that these positioning portions (i.e. the attached portions  440  and the attachment portions  330 ) can position the primary sealing member  40 , any number of the positioning portions may be provided, and the positioning portions may be arranged in any way. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , when the primary sealing member  40  is attached to the second housing  30 , an inner part of the second fixed portion  420  is received in the fixing portion  310  of the second housing  30 . In the XY-plane, an inner size of the second fixed portion  420  is slightly smaller than an outer size of the fixing surface  312  of the second housing  30 . Accordingly, the second fixed portion  420  is in tight contact with the fixing surface  312 . In other words, the second fixed portion  420  is fixed to the second housing  30 . Under this state, the first fixed portion  410  is located on the fixing surface  224  of the first housing  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 19 , the fixing member  50  has a body portion  510 , four guide portions  520  and four engaged portions  530 . The body portion  510  has a rectangular cylindrical shape. Referring to  FIG. 16 , the body portion  510  has a lower surface  516 . The lower surface  516  according to the present embodiment is an annular flat surface which extends in the XY-plane with no break. The lower surface  516  is provided with an inner part located inward thereof in the XY-plane, wherein this inner part is recessed upward so as to form a pressing portion  518 . The pressing portion  518  according to the present embodiment is another annular flat surface which extends in the XY-plane with no break. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 19 , each of the guide portions  520  is formed of two protruding portions and a coupling portion, wherein the protruding portions protrude outward in the X-direction from the body portion  510  while extending in the Z-direction, and the coupling portion couples upper ends of the protruding portions to each other in the Y-direction. Two of the guide portions  520  are provided at the positive X-side of the body portion  510 , and remaining two of the guide portions  520  are provided at the negative X-side of the body portion  510 . Each of the engaged portions  530  is provided at the middle of the corresponding guide portion  520  in the Y-direction. The engaged portions  530  protrude outward in the X-direction from the body portion  510 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 12 and 14 , the fixing member  50  is attached to the first housing  20  from above to cover the primary sealing member  40  with no gap in the XY-plane. Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 14 , when the fixing member  50  is moved downward toward the first housing  20 , the engagement portions  230  of the first housing  20  are guided by the guide portions  520  of the fixing member  50 , respectively, and surmount the engaged portions  530  while resiliently deformed outward in the X-direction. Then, referring to  FIG. 3 , the engaged portions  530  are engaged with the respective holes of the engagement portions  230 , and the fixing member  50  is therefore attached to the first housing  20 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , when the fixing member  50  is attached to the first housing  20 , the waterproof connector  10  is in the fabricated state where the fabrication of the waterproof connector  10  is completed, and the primary sealing member  40  seals the first housing  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 3, 6 and 14 , provided that the fixing member  50  can be thus attached to the first housing  20 , any number of these attachment portions (i.e. the engagement portions  230 , the guide portions  520  and the engaged portions  530 ) may be provided, and the attachment portions may be arranged in any way. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , under the fabricated state, the lower surface  516  of the fixing member  50  is located on the upper surface  222  of the first housing  20 . Moreover, the pressing portion  518  is located on the first fixed portion  410  of the primary sealing member  40 . Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 16 , the initial thickness (TE 1 ) of the first fixed portion  410  is larger than a distance between the pressing portion  518  and the fixing surface  224  under the fabricated state. Accordingly, the first fixed portion  410  is pressed against the fixing surface  224  by the pressing portion  518 . As a result, the first fixed portion  410  is fixed to the first housing  20 . In other words, the fixing member  50  fixes the first fixed portion  410  to the first housing  20 . 
     Under the fabricated state, the first fixed portion  410  is elastically deformed to seal a gap between the pressing portion  518  and the fixing surface  224 . At that time, the primary sealing member  40  prevents water from invading between the first housing  20  and the second housing  30 . According to the present embodiment, because the lower surface  516  of the fixing member  50  is located on the upper surface  222  that is located below the fixing surface  224 , the first fixed portion  410  is elastically easily deformed to more securely prevent water from invading between the first housing  20  and the second housing  30 . However, the upper surface  222  may be flush with the fixing surface  224 , for example, when the initial thickness (TE 1 ) of the first fixed portion  410  is sufficiently large. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the second fixed portion  420 , which is fixed to the second housing  30 , is movable in the XY-plane relative to the first fixed portion  410 , which is fixed to the first housing  20 . Accordingly, the second housing  30  is movable relative to the first housing  20  in the XY-plane even when the primary sealing member  40  is fixed to the first housing  20  and the second housing  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15, 17 and 18 , when the waterproof connector  10  starts to be mated with the mating connector  70 , the pressing surface  714  of the mating housing  710  is moved downward along the body portion  302  of the second housing  30 . Under a mated state where the waterproof connector  10  is mated with the mating connector  70 , a lower end of the pressing surface  714  is located below the second fixed portion  420 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 18 , the initial thickness (TE 2 ) of the second fixed portion  420  is larger than a distance between the pressing surface  714  and the fixing surface  312  under the mated state. Accordingly, under the mated state, the pressing surface  714  presses the second fixed portion  420  in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction against the fixing surface  312 . As a result, the second fixed portion  420  is elastically deformed to prevent water from invading between the second housing  30  and the mating housing  710 . 
     As can be seen from the above explanation, the waterproof connector  10  according to the present embodiment comprises an additional waterproofing object which prevents water from invading between the second housing  30  and the mating connector  70  under the mated state. In particular, the second fixed portion  420  of the present embodiment functions as the additional waterproofing object. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. 
     For example, the additional waterproofing object may be provided to the mating connector  70 . Moreover, the additional waterproofing object may be attached to the second housing  30  separately from the primary sealing member  40 . For example, an O-ring made of rubber may be used as the additional waterproofing object. More specifically, the O-ring may be attached to the second housing  30  to be located above the second fixed portion  420 . In this case, the second fixed portion  420  may be located at a position lower than that of the present embodiment, and a length of the pressing surface  714  in the Z-direction may be shorter. However, from a view point of reducing the number of the components, the additional waterproofing object is preferred to be formed similar to the present embodiment. 
     The additional waterproofing object may be attached to the second housing  30  not to be pressed in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction but to be pressed along the Z-direction. However, considering possible positional shift between the mating connector  70  and the additional waterproofing object in the Z-direction, the additional waterproofing object is preferred to be formed similar to the present embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , under the mated state, the mating terminals  720  of the mating connector  70  are partially inserted into the accommodation portions  320  of the second housing  30 . Accordingly, the second contact pieces  384  of each of the contacts  380  sandwich the corresponding mating terminal  720  in the X-direction. As a result, each of the terminals  280  is electrically connected with the corresponding mating terminal  720 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , each of the contacts  380  held by the second housing  30  can lean to some extent in the XY-plane not only during the mating process but also under the mated state. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, an inner surface of the body portion  510  of the fixing member  50  is larger than an outer surface of the outer wall  712  of the mating connector  70  in the XY-plane. Accordingly, under the mated state, the body portion  510  is apart from the outer wall  712 . In the present embodiment, since the primary sealing member  40  is formed to be narrowed from the first fixed portion  410  toward the second fixed portion  420 , the outer wall  712  can be apart from the body portion  510  with relatively large distance. Accordingly, the second housing  30  can be moved in the XY-plane without being regulated by the body portion  510 . 
     For example, even if a position of the mating connector  70  is shifted in the negative Y-direction upon starting of the mating process of the waterproof connector  10  with the mating connector  70 , the second housing  30  is moved in the negative Y-direction in the mating process. Accordingly, the waterproof connector  10  can be properly mated with the mating connector  70 . As can be seen from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the second housing  30  can be made movable relative to the first housing  20  while water is prevented from invading between the first housing  20  and the second housing  30 . 
     The present invention can be variously modified in addition to the modifications which are already described. 
     For example, referring to  FIGS. 21 to 23 , a waterproof connector  10 A according to a first modification has structure same as that of the waterproof connector  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) except that the waterproof connector WA comprises a primary sealing member  40 A instead of the primary sealing member  40  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     The primary sealing member  40 A has the first fixed portion  410 , the second fixed portion  420  and the attached portions  440  formed same as those of the primary sealing member  40  (see  FIG. 12 ) while having a middle portion  430 A slightly different from the middle portion  430  of the primary sealing member  40 . More specifically, the middle portion  430 A is formed with a bellows-like portion  432 A having bellows structure. The bellows-like portion  432 A is formed in the vicinity of the first fixed portion  410 . 
     The bellows-like portion  432 A allows more flexible movement of the second fixed portion  420  in the XY-plane. In particular, the second fixed portion  420  can be moved in the XY-plane even only by the bellows-like portion  432 A. The bellows-like portion  432 A brings more selections on material of the primary sealing member  40 A. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24 to 27 , a waterproof connector  10 B according to a second modification has structure same as that of the waterproof connector  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) except that the waterproof connector  10 B comprises a primary sealing member  40 B instead of the primary sealing member  40  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     The primary sealing member  40 B has the first fixed portion  410 , the second fixed portion  420  and the attached portions  440  formed same as those of the primary sealing member  40  (see  FIG. 12 ) while having a middle portion  430 B slightly different from the middle portion  430  of the primary sealing member  40 . More specifically, the middle portion  430 B is formed with a bellows-like portion  432 B having bellows structure. The bellows-like portion  432 B is formed at the middle between the first fixed portion  410  and the second fixed portion  420 . 
     Although the bellows-like portion  432 B is different from the bellows-like portion  432 A (see  FIG. 22 ), the bellows-like portion  432 B causes an effect similar to that of the bellows-like portion  432 A. For example, the second fixed portion  420  can be more flexibly moved in the XY-plane. 
     The present invention can be further modified and applied variously. For example, the primary sealing member  40  does not need to be integrally made of rubber, provided that the second housing  30  can be moved relative to the first housing  20 . In detail, each of the first fixed portion  410  and the second fixed portion  420  may be made of rubber while the middle portion  430  may be made of resin and entirely have bellows structure. 
     The first fixed portion  410  of the primary sealing member  40  may be fixed to the first housing  20  not by being pressed downward but by being pressed in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction. Moreover, the primary sealing member  40  may be fixed to the first housing  20  without using the fixing member  50 . In this case, for example, the first fixed portion  410  may be inserted in a hole which is provided in the first housing  20 . Moreover, the secondary sealing member  290  may be, or not, provided depending on necessity for waterproof between the first housing  20  and the case  60 . Moreover, although the secondary sealing member  290  and the primary sealing member  40  in the present embodiment are separated from each other, the secondary sealing member  290  and the primary sealing member  40  may be formed integrally. For example, the secondary sealing member  290  may be formed to continuously extend from the first fixed portion  410 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the second housing  30  is not only directly supported by the primary sealing member  40  but also indirectly supported by the first housing  20  because of the contacts  380  connected to the terminals  280 . However, the first housing  20  may further and directly support the second housing  30  by using other structure thereof. Moreover, the number and the arrangement of the terminals  280  and the contacts  380  can be changed as necessary. Moreover, for each of the bellows-like portions  432 A and  432 B, the shape, the number of waves, the size, the arrangement or the like may be changed as necessary. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28 to 36 , a waterproof connector  10 C according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a floating connector similar to the waterproof connector  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) and has structure similar to the waterproof connector  10 . More specifically, the waterproof connector  10 C is fixed to the case  60  when used. Moreover, the waterproof connector  100  is mateable with a mating connector  70 C along the Z-direction, wherein the mating connector  70 C has structure similar to that of the mating connector  70  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Hereafter, explanation is made about the waterproof connector  10 C and the mating connector  70 C, in particular, about difference in structure and function from the already-explained connectors of the waterproof connector  10  and the mating connector  70 . In the following explanation, portions same as or similar to the already-explained portions, or the portions of the already-explained connectors, have reference signs same as those of the already-explained portions or reference signs of the already-explained portions followed by “C”, and all or a part of the already described explanation is omitted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 to 30 , the mating connector  70 C according to the present embodiment comprises a mating housing  710 C made of insulator, three mating terminals  720 C each made of conductor, a mating sealing member  730 C made of elastomer and three mating auxiliary sealing members  740  each made of elastomer. The mating housing  710 C is attached to the mating case  80 . The mating housing  710 C has a lower part formed with the outer wall  712 . The inner surface of the outer wall  712  is formed with the pressing surface  714 . Each of the mating terminals  720 C is a pin contact held by the mating housing  710 C. The mating terminals  720 C are connected to the three cables  88  via the crimping metals  86 , respectively. The mating sealing member  730 C prevents water from invading between the mating housing  710 C and the mating case  80 . The mating auxiliary sealing members  740  are attached to the mating terminals  720 C, respectively, to prevent water from invading between the mating terminals  720 C and the mating housing  710 C. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28, 29 and 31 , the waterproof connector  100  according to the present embodiment comprises a first housing  20 C made of insulator, a second housing  30 C made of insulator, a primary sealing member  40 C made of elastomer, a cover member  50 C made of insulator and a fixing member  55  made of insulator. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 31 , the case  60  has the upper surface  62 . Moreover, the case  60  is formed with the hole  64  which pierces the case  60  in the Z-direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28, 31 and 32 , the first housing  20 C has a body portion  210 C and a flange  220 C. The body portion  210 C projects upward from the flange  220 C. The body portion  210 C roughly has a rectangular cylindrical shape. The body portion  210 C has an upper end which protrudes inward in the XY-plane to be formed with a support surface  214  in parallel to the XY-plane. The body portion  210 C is provided with the four engagement portions  230 . The flange  220 C has an upper surface  222 C and a lower surface  226 C. The lower surface  226 C is recessed upward in the vicinity of the body portion  210 C to be formed with a pressing portion  228 C. The first housing  20 C is fixed to the upper surface  62  of the case  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the primary sealing member  40 C has a first fixed portion  410 C, a second fixed portion  420 C and a middle portion  430 C. 
     The first fixed portion  410 C is provided at an outer part of the primary sealing member  40 C in the XY-plane. The first fixed portion  410 C protrudes outward in the XY-plane from the middle portion  430 C. The second fixed portion  420 C is provided at an inner part of the primary sealing member  40 C in the XY-plane. The second fixed portion  420 C roughly has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending short in the Z-direction. The second fixed portion  420 C has an end protruding inward in the XY-plane. 
     The middle portion  430 C couples the first fixed portion  410 C and the second fixed portion  420 C to each other. The middle portion  430 C extends upward from the first fixed portion  410 C while being gradually narrowed, or shrinking inward, in the XY-plane, and subsequently extends downward to the second fixed portion  420 C while being gradually narrowed in the XY-plane. Similar to the primary sealing member  40  according to the first embodiment (see  FIG. 12 ), the first fixed portion  410 C is connected to the second fixed portion  420 C with no break via the middle portion  430 C in a cross-section in parallel to the Z-direction. The middle portion  430 C has no break in a plane perpendicular to the Z-direction. Moreover, the second fixed portion  420 C is movable relative to the first fixed portion  410 C in the XY-plane. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the primary sealing member  40 C is attached to the upper surface  62  of the case  60  from above when the first housing  20 C is attached to the case  60 . In detail, the first fixed portion  410 C is sandwiched between the upper surface  62  of the case  60  and the pressing portion  228 C of the first housing  20 C in the Z-direction. An initial thickness of the first fixed portion  410 C, or the thickness of the first fixed portion  410 C under a state where the first fixed portion  410 C is not elastically deformed, is larger than a distance between the upper surface  62  and the pressing portion  228 C under a state where the first housing  20 C is fixed to the case  60 . Accordingly, when the first housing  20 C is fixed to the case  60 , the first fixed portion  410 C is pressed against the upper surface  62  by the pressing portion  228 C. As a result, the first fixed portion  410 C is fixed to the first housing  20 C. 
     When the first housing  20 C is fixed to the case  60 , the first fixed portion  410 C is elastically deformed so that the primary sealing member  40 C prevents water from invading between the first housing  20 C and the case  60 . In other words, the first fixed portion  410 C according to the present embodiment functions as the secondary sealing member  290  in the first embodiment (see  FIG. 7 ). Accordingly, the waterproof connector  10 C according to the present embodiment does not need to comprise the secondary sealing member  290  separated from the primary sealing member  40 C. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 31 , the second housing  30 C has a body portion  302 C and a cap  306 . The cap  306  is formed separately from the body portion  302 C and is attached to the body portion  302 C from above. The cap  306  is formed with three holes which pierce the cap  306  in the Z-direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , the body portion  302 C has an outer surface in the XY-plane. The outer surface of the body portion  302 C is partially recessed inward in the XY-plane at an upper part thereof to be formed with a fixing surface  312 C. The body portion  302 C protrudes outward in the XY-plane at the middle thereof in the Z-direction to be formed with a supported portion  340 . Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the outer surface of the body portion  302 C is slightly recessed inward in the XY-plane at a lower part thereof to be formed with a fixing surface (circumference surface)  352 . The circumference surface  352  has no break, or forms a closed loop, in the XY-plane. Moreover, the body portion  302 C has a lower end formed with a fixing surface (lower surface)  354  in parallel to the XY-plane. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , the waterproof connector  100  comprises an additional sealing member  360  made of elastomer. The additional sealing member  360  is formed separately from the primary sealing member  40 C. For example, the additional sealing member  360  according to the present embodiment is an annular silicone rubber. The additional sealing member  360  is attached to the fixing surface  312 C of the body portion  302 C. In detail, an inner surface of the additional sealing member  360  is fastened around and in tight contact with the fixing surface  312 C. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , the waterproof connector  10 C comprises three terminals  380 C each made of conductor and three auxiliary sealing members  390  each made of elastomer. Each of the terminals  380 C is a socket contact held by the second housing  30 C. For example, each of the auxiliary sealing members  390  according to the present embodiment is an annular silicone rubber. The auxiliary sealing members  390  are attached around outer surfaces of the terminals  380 C, respectively, to prevent water from invading between the terminals  380 C and the second housing  30 C. Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 31 , the terminals  380 C are connected to the three cables  68  via the crimping metals  66 , respectively. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 31 , the second housing  30 C, which holds the terminals  380 C, is supported by the first housing  20 C. In detail, the supported portion  340  of the second housing  30 C is supported by the support surface  214  of the first housing  20 C. A lower part of the second housing  30 C projects downward through the hole  64  of the case  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , when the second housing  30 C is supported by the first housing  20 C, the most part of the second fixed portion  420 C of the primary sealing member  40 C is located outside of the circumference surface  352  of the second housing  30 C in the XY-plane. However, at that time, an end of the second fixed portion  420 C is located under the lower surface  354  of the second housing  30 C. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29 and 31 , the fixing member  55  has a bowl-like shape which is long in the Y-direction. Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the fixing member  55  has a fixing surface (inner surface)  552  and a fixing surface (protruding surface)  554  which are formed inside thereof. Moreover, the fixing member  55  is formed with three holes which correspond to the terminals  380 C, respectively. The fixing member  55  is attached from below so as to sandwich the primary sealing member  40 C together with the second housing  30 C. More specifically, the fixing member  55  is indirectly fixed to the second housing  30 C by using parts of the crimping metals  66  bolted to the terminals  380 C. However, the fixing member  55  may be attached and fixed to the second housing  30 C by using an engagement component (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , when the fixing member  55  is fixed, the most part of the second fixed portion  420 C is sandwiched between the inner surface  552  of the fixing member  55  and the circumference surface  352  of the second housing  30 C in the XY-plane. An initial thickness of the second fixed portion  420 C, or the thickness under a state where the second fixed portion  420 C is not elastically deformed, is larger than a distance between the inner surface  552  and the circumference surface  352  under a state where the fixing member  55  is fixed. Accordingly, when the fixing member  55  is fixed, the second fixed portion  420 C is pressed against the circumference surface  352  by the inner surface  552  while being elastically deformed. Moreover, the end of the second fixed portion  420 C is pressed against the lower surface  354  of the second housing  30 C by the protruding surface  554  of the fixing member  55  while being elastically deformed. As a result, the second fixed portion  420 C is fixed to the second housing  30 C. When the fixing member  55  is fixed, the primary sealing member  40 C prevents water from invading between the first housing  20 C and the second housing  30 C. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28, 29 and 31 , the cover member  50 C has a body portion  510 C and the four engaged portions  530 . The body portion  510 C has a middle portion in the Z-direction which protrudes inward in the XY-plane to be formed with a regulating surface  512  in parallel to the XY-plane. Moreover, the body portion  510 C has the lower surface  516  in parallel to the XY-plane. 
     The cover member  50 C is attached to the first housing  20 C from above and covers the second housing  30 C with no gap in the XY-plane. In detail, the engaged portions  530  are engaged with the holes of the engagement portions  230 , respectively, so that the cover member  50 C is attached to the first housing  20 C. When the cover member  50 C is attached to the first housing  20 C, the waterproof connector  10 C is in a fabricated state where the waterproof connector  10 C is completely fabricated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , under an attached state where the waterproof connector  10 C is fabricated and attached to the case  60 , the first housing  20 C and the case  60  are fixed to each other, and the second housing  30 C and the fixing member  55  are fixed to each other. At that time, the first housing  20 C and the second housing  30 C are coupled to each other by the primary sealing member  400  which is elastically deformable as described above. Moreover, in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction, the second housing  30 C is located with a distant from the first housing  20 C and the cover member  50 C, and the fixing member  55  is also located with a distant from the inner wall surface of the hole  64  of the case  60 . Accordingly, the second housing  30 C is movable relative to the first housing  20 C in the XY-plane. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the supported portion  340  under the attached state is located between the support surface  214  and the regulating surface  512  in the Z-direction. Accordingly, a movement of the second housing  30 C in the Z-direction is regulated by the regulating surface  512 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 35 , when the waterproof connector  10 C starts to be mated with the mating connector  70 C, the pressing surface  714  of the mating housing  7100  is moved downward along the body portion  302 C of the second housing  30 C. Under a mated state where the waterproof connector  10 C is mated with the mating connector  70 C, the lower end of the pressing surface  714  is located below the additional sealing member  360 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 36 , an initial thickness of the additional sealing member  360 , or the thickness under a state where the additional sealing member  360  is not elastically deformed, is larger than a distance between the pressing surface  714  and the fixing surface  312 C under the mated state. Accordingly, under the mated state, the pressing surface  714  presses the additional sealing member  360  against the fixing surface  312 C in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction. As a result, the additional sealing member  360  is elastically deformed to prevent water from invading between the second housing  30 C and the mating housing  710 C. 
     As can be seen from the above explanation, the waterproof connector  10 C according to the present embodiment also comprises the additional waterproofing object that prevents water from invading between the second housing  30 C and the mating connector  70 C under the mated state. More specifically, the additional sealing member  360  of the present embodiment, which is formed separately from the primary sealing member  40 C, functions as the additional waterproofing object. In other words, the additional waterproofing object according to the present embodiment is other than the primary sealing member  40 C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto but can be variously modified. 
     Referring to  FIG. 35 , under the mated state, the mating terminals  720 C of the mating connector  70 C partially inserted into the second housing  30 C to be brought into contact with upper parts of the terminals  380 C, respectively. In other words, each of the terminals  380 C is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal  720 C. 
     As can be seen from the above explanation, also in the present embodiment, the second housing  30 C can be made movable relative to the first housing  20 C while water is prevented from invading between the first housing  20 C and the second housing  300 . The present embodiment can be further modified variously similar to the first embodiment and its modifications. For example, the primary sealing member  40 C may be provided with a bellows-like portion. 
     The present application is based on a Japanese patent application of JP2014-129090 filed before the Japan Patent Office on Jun. 24, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     While there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.