EP4435981A1 - Housing assembly for a plug connector and method for assembling a plug connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing assembly (2) for a plug connector (1), having at least a first housing part (5) to form a cable feedthrough (7) through which a cable (3) can be introduced into an interior space (8) of the housing assembly (2), and a cable sealing element (12) for the cable (3) accommodated in the cable feedthrough (7). The housing assembly (2) also has a housing securing part (23) which encloses at least the first housing part (5) at least in sections, at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7), preferably at least in the region of the cable sealing element (12). According to the invention, at least the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23) are integrally connected to one another in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web (33).

Description

The invention relates to a housing assembly for a plug connector, comprising at least a first housing part for forming a cable feedthrough through which a cable can be introduced into an interior of the housing assembly, as well as a cable sealing element for the cable accommodated in the cable feedthrough, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly and at least one contact element that can be connected to a cable.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a connector.

Various electrical connectors are known from electrical engineering. Electrical connectors are known to be used to transmit electrical power and/or data signals to corresponding mating connectors. A connector can be a plug, a circuit board connector, a built-in connector, a socket, a coupling or an adapter. The term "connector" used in the context of the invention represents all variants.

Sometimes, increased requirements are placed on the tightness of connectors, particularly in the automotive industry or vehicles. Electrical connectors with cable sealing elements within the cable feedthrough of the connector housing are generally known. For example, see the US10,847,924 B2 referred to.

It has been shown that the tightness of a connector equipped with a cable sealing element can be impaired under certain mechanical stresses, such as transverse tension on the cable. The transverse stress emanating from the cable in the area of the cable feedthrough can cause the cable sealing element to detach from an inner wall of the connector housing, thereby allowing dirt or liquids to penetrate.

Manufacturing a connector with sufficient sealing that meets all the necessary standards and requirements can be extremely complex. This represents a This represents a conflict of objectives with another important requirement for connectors, particularly for connectors for the automotive industry, which requires that they can be produced economically in large quantities.

In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a housing assembly for a connector with which particularly high sealing requirements can be met, preferably with economical manufacture and simple assembly.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing a connector, in particular an electrical connector, which meets particularly high sealing requirements, while preferably being economical to manufacture and easy to assemble.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an advantageous method for assembling an electrical connector which meets high sealing requirements.

The object is achieved for the housing assembly with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the connector, the object is achieved by the features of claim 14 and with regard to the method by claim 15.

The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

A housing assembly for a connector is provided, comprising at least a first housing part to form a cable feedthrough (in particular a cable outlet and/or a cable inlet) through which a cable can be introduced into an interior of the housing assembly.

The invention is particularly suitable for use with an electrical connector. However, this is not to be understood as restrictive, since use with an optical connector or another connector is also possible in principle.

The housing assembly preferably forms the connector housing of the connector and generally has at least one interior space which is at least substantially enclosed by the housing assembly in its assembled state and in which connector components of the connector can be received and optionally fixed and connected to one another.

The at least one housing part can have an at least substantially tubular or sleeve-shaped section in order to form the cable feedthrough, with a generally at least partially straight course along an intended supply or discharge direction for the cable (however, a curved or angled course of the cable feedthrough can also be provided in principle).

The at least one housing part that forms the cable feedthrough preferably has, at least in sections, an inner surface that can be used to attach the cable sealing element mentioned below. The inner surface can have a substantially flat profile, but can also have depressions and/or elevations, for example annular grooves or ribs, in order to fix the cable and/or the cable sealing element in a form-fitting manner when the housing assembly is in the assembled state.

At this point it should be mentioned that the cable is preferably not part of the claimed housing assembly. However, the mounted cable can optionally also be considered part of the housing assembly.

According to the invention, the housing assembly has a cable sealing element for the cable accommodated in the cable feedthrough.

The cable sealing element is preferably able to seal the cable feedthrough against dirt, liquids and/or moisture. Gas-tightness can also be provided. In particular, the cable sealing element can provide a seal between the cable sheath and the inner sheath surface of the housing part forming the cable feedthrough.

Preferably, the cable sealing element is formed in one piece.

In particular, a cable sealing element that is completely closed or ring-shaped in the circumferential direction can be provided, which has a central opening for the cable to pass through. The cable sealing element is preferably fixed within the cable feedthrough, for example in a form-fitting, force-fitting or material-fitting manner. For example, the cable sealing element can also be injected into the first housing part, another housing part and/or into the housing securing part mentioned below.

The cable sealing element can extend along the entire cable duct, but may also be arranged in only one section of the cable duct.

Optionally, several cable sealing elements can be provided, arranged one behind the other along the feed direction for the cable.

At this point, it should be mentioned that the invention can also be suitable for use with a housing assembly or a connector to which several cables are fed. The cable feedthrough can be set up accordingly for this purpose, whereby several cable feedthroughs can also be provided that open into the interior of the housing assembly (for example, arranged next to one another or in parallel, but also starting from different directions or sides of the housing assembly).

The cable duct can be designed, for example, to accommodate exactly one cable, exactly two cables, exactly three cables, exactly four cables, exactly five cables, exactly six cables or more cables. Each of the cables can be assigned to its own cable sealing element (correspondingly, several cable sealing elements can be provided which are accommodated in the cable duct), although several cables (for example two, three or all cables) can also be guided through a common cable sealing element, wherein the common cable sealing element preferably has several adjacent openings for the respective passage of the individual cables.

The invention is described below essentially using a housing assembly or a connector with only a single cable. However, this is only intended to provide a better understanding and should not be understood as limiting the invention.

According to the invention, the housing assembly has a housing securing part which at least partially encloses the housing parts (at least the first housing part and the second housing part) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough.

Preferably, it can be provided that the housing securing part is designed in the manner of a closure cap or end cap for the housing assembly. The housing securing part can enclose the housing part or parts, preferably at least starting from the cable-side end of the cable feedthrough. It can also be provided that the housing securing part is designed in a ring-shaped or sleeve-shaped manner and has no end face or stop surface.

In particular, it can be provided that the housing securing part encloses the first housing part (and/or the second housing part mentioned below) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough in which the cable sealing element is arranged.

The housing securing part can advantageously increase the rigidity of the housing assembly in the area of the cable feedthrough. Mechanical stress on the cable can be at least substantially absorbed by the housing securing part, so that detachment of the cable sealing element from the inner surface of the housing part forming the cable feedthrough can be avoided. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the tightness of the housing assembly can be significantly improved by using the housing securing part.

According to the invention, at least the first housing part and the housing securing part are integrally connected to one another in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web.

The connecting web preferably has only a very small thickness or a wall thickness that is smaller than the thinnest wall thickness of the housing parts and/or the housing securing part, for example smaller by a factor of 1.5, smaller by a factor of 2 or even smaller.

Manufacturing the housing securing part as a single piece with at least one of the housing parts can reduce the cost of manufacturing the housing assembly, particularly when manufactured as a single plastic injection molded part.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting web is designed as a predetermined breaking point in order to separate the first housing part and the housing securing part before or during final assembly.

By breaking at least one connecting web or predetermined breaking point, the individual components of the housing assembly can then be treated as separate parts in the conventional manner during final assembly.

In particular, the at least one connecting web can be designed to break by an axial movement of the housing securing part in the direction of the cable feedthrough.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting web is designed to be elastically deformable at least in sections, in particular in the manner of a film hinge, in order to enable the housing securing part to be mounted on the first housing part.

It can be provided that a defined relative movement (e.g. a rotational or pivoting movement) between the housing securing part and the at least one housing part is possible despite the connecting web.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part is arranged rotated and/or pivoted in the pre-assembly state compared to a state mounted on the first housing part.

The housing securing part can also be connected to the housing part via the at least one connecting web in such a way that, in the unassembled state or pre-assembled state, it is spaced from the cable inlet along the securing assembly direction (for example along the feed direction for the cable) compared to a state mounted on the housing part.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one connecting web is formed in the region of the cable feedthrough of the first housing part.

Exactly one connecting web can be provided. However, several connecting webs can also be provided. If several connecting webs are provided, these can preferably be arranged distributed along the circumference of the cable feedthrough, for example distributed in equidistant angle segments. The several connecting webs can also be arranged parallel or next to each other, in particular in a common plane, for example to enable a bending or pivoting movement.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing assembly has a second housing part which can be mechanically connected to the first housing part.

Preferably, the housing parts in their interconnected state form respective peripheral sections of the cable feedthrough, wherein the housing securing part encloses the first housing part and the second housing part at least in sections at least in the region of the cable feedthrough in order to fix the housing parts to one another.

Experience has shown that the undesirable detachment of the cable sealing element from an inner wall of the connector housing when transverse forces act on the cable is particularly pronounced in a multi-part connector housing. In this case, the cable sealing element is often arranged between two housing parts, which have a certain degree of mobility relative to one another due to the play that is usually always present in practice. The invention is therefore particularly advantageous (but not exclusively) for a Housing assembly in which the cable feedthrough is formed by several housing parts. The housing securing part can thus preferably enclose the first housing part and the second housing part together in order to fix the housing parts to one another.

Advantageously, the housing securing part can join the housing parts to one another with as little play as possible in order to reduce the mobility between the housing parts and to increase the rigidity of the housing assembly - in particular in the area of the cable feedthrough and especially in a section of the cable feedthrough in which the cable sealing element is arranged.

In addition to the first housing part and the second housing part, further housing parts can also be provided within the scope of the invention or the proposed housing assembly, for example a third housing part, a fourth housing part or even more housing parts. Insofar as "the housing parts" are mentioned below, this information refers at least to the first housing part and the second housing part, but possibly also to further housing parts, even if this is not explicitly stated.

Multi-part connector housings or housing assemblies are regularly used for angled connectors. The first housing part and the second housing part can therefore be housing parts of an angled connector, for example. At least one of the housing parts can then be designed to be angled accordingly - but this is not absolutely necessary.

The second housing part can, for example, form a housing base body of the connector and the first housing part can form a housing cover for the housing base body. Overall, the housing parts can preferably form an inner connector housing. The housing securing part mentioned below can then be mounted on this inner connector housing (it can therefore also be referred to as an "outer connector housing" or "end cap").

Preferably, a first part of the peripheral section of the cable feedthrough is formed by the first housing part and a second part of the peripheral section of the cable feedthrough is formed by the second housing part. The housing parts which together form the cable feedthrough can optionally overlap at least in sections along the circumference of the cable feedthrough, whereby, however, each of the housing parts is preferably assigned at least substantially to its own peripheral section of the cable feedthrough. The The cable feedthrough is preferably at least substantially completely closed in the circumferential direction (for example, except for any gaps at the transition between the housing parts).

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that a housing mounting direction for connecting the first housing part to the second housing part and a securing mounting direction for mounting the housing securing part on the housing parts differ from one another.

In particular, it can be provided that the housing assembly direction and the securing assembly direction run at an angle of between 45° and 90° to one another, preferably orthogonally or at least essentially orthogonally to one another. In this way, assembly can be carried out particularly easily and gently, whereby the housing securing part can simultaneously block unintentional disassembly of the housing parts.

However, it may also be provided that the housing assembly direction and the securing assembly direction run parallel or at least essentially parallel to one another, for example at an angle of less than 45°. In this case, assembly can be carried out, for example, by temporarily spreading open a clamp-like housing securing part. In this case, too, the housing securing part can subsequently block unintentional disassembly of the housing parts.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part is displaceable on at least one of the housing parts (in particular along a feed direction for the cable or at least substantially along the feed direction for the cable - but possibly also along a direction deviating therefrom).

The housing securing part can preferably be guided on the at least one housing part, in particular until the housing securing part reaches a final assembly position in which it fixes the housing parts. It can be provided, for example, that the housing securing part and at least one of the housing parts form a mutual linear guide.

The guide function can simplify the assembly of the housing assembly and reduce the susceptibility to errors (especially the risk of damaging a component).

For example, the housing securing part can be guided linearly on an outer surface of at least one of the housing parts by the housing securing part having the at least one Housing part which forms the cable feedthrough, completely or partially enclosing or clasping it.

Alternatively or additionally, a rail guide system can also be provided, for example, whereby the housing securing part has one or more elevations (e.g. webs, pins, sliding blocks, etc.) which are linearly guided in one or more corresponding depressions (e.g. grooves or folds) arranged along the mounting direction for the housing securing part (hereinafter referred to as the "securing mounting direction"). A reverse arrangement, in which the housing securing part has the depressions and the housing parts have the elevations, can also be provided (as well as mixed variants).

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part completely encloses at least the first housing part in the region of the cable feedthrough, in particular in a ring shape.

The cable feedthrough can be mechanically reinforced or stiffened particularly effectively in the case of a circumferentially closed housing securing part. This variant of the invention can therefore be particularly suitable if very high transverse forces on the cable are to be expected.

In a further development of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the housing securing part merely clamps around at least the first housing part in the area of the cable feedthrough.

In particular, it can be provided that the housing securing part has at least one support surface with which it can be supported on a counter-support surface of the at least one housing part forming the cable feedthrough (i.e. on at least one of the outer casing surfaces of the housing parts), as well as two side legs which extend from the support surface along respective sides of the at least one housing part facing away from one another. Preferably, at least one of the side legs (particularly preferably both side legs) encloses the at least one housing part on the side facing away from the counter-support surface.

Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least one of the side legs (particularly preferably both side legs) has an elevation (e.g. a web or a pin) in one or more sections between the counter-support surface and the housing side opposite the counter-support surface, with which a fixing or clamping within a side surface of the housing parts can take place.

Advantageously, the encircling of the at least one housing part by the housing securing part can simultaneously be used as a linear guide, for example a rail guide system.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part, in its assembled state, can be connected in a captive manner to at least one of the housing parts (preferably to at least the first housing part and the second housing part).

In particular, it can be provided that the housing securing part can be latched, pressed or screwed to the first housing part and/or the second housing part. Latching is particularly preferred here, as this can be implemented using technically simple means and can also be easily assembled and disassembled at the same time. Accordingly, the housing securing part can have one or more latching elements and the housing parts can have corresponding counter-latching elements. The latching elements or counter-latching elements can be, for example, elastic or spring latching arms, latching springs, latching projections (e.g. latching hooks), edges, latching receptacles (e.g. openings or recesses).

Preferably, at least one locking element is arranged on at least two sides of the housing securing part, in particular on opposite or opposite sides.

As already mentioned, a screw connection of the housing securing part to one of the housing parts can also be provided if necessary. This is particularly advantageous if at least the corresponding housing part is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical.

It can be provided that the first housing part and the second housing part are fastened to one another in a force-fitting, form-fitting and/or material-fitting manner in their connected state.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the first housing part and the second housing part can be locked together.

A locking mechanism is particularly preferred because it can be implemented using technically simple means and can also be easily assembled and disassembled. Accordingly, the first housing part can have one or more locking elements and the second housing part can have corresponding counter-locking elements. The locking elements or counter-locking elements can These may, for example, be elastic or spring-loaded locking arms, locking springs, locking projections (e.g. locking hooks), edges, locking receptacles (e.g. openings or recesses).

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part is made of the same material as at least one of the housing parts.

Preferably, all housing parts of the housing assembly, in particular the first housing part and the second housing part, as well as the housing securing part, are made of the same material.

The housing parts (in particular the first housing part and the second housing part) and/or the housing securing part are preferably made of a plastic, in particular of a hard plastic, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic (preferably not of an elastomer). However, the components can also be made of a metal, a ceramic or another material. Combinations of several materials (within the same component or within the housing assembly) can also be provided. The housing assembly particularly preferably forms an electrically insulating connector housing. However, the housing assembly can also form an outer conductor assembly of the connector, for example.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing parts in their connected state together form a housing assembly for an angle connector.

In particular, at least one of the housing parts can be angled.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing assembly has a housing sealing element which is designed to ensure a seal between the first housing part and at least one further housing part, in particular the second housing part.

Preferably, the housing sealing element is formed in one piece.

It can be provided that the housing sealing element has a circumferentially closed or annular course and forms a central opening.

In particular - but not exclusively - in the case of a housing assembly for an angle connector, it can be provided that the housing sealing element is angled is formed so that a first portion of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a first plane and a second portion of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a second plane.

The first plane and the second plane are preferably arranged at an angle between 45° and 90° to one another, in particular orthogonal or at least substantially orthogonal to one another. In principle, however, any angle can be provided between the first plane and the second plane.

The first section of the housing sealing element preferably corresponds to a U-shaped or partially annular section of the housing sealing element. The second section of the housing sealing element preferably corresponds to a further U-shaped section or annular section of the housing sealing element.

Between the first section and the second section of the housing sealing element, a transition region can preferably be provided, in particular a transition region with a curved course, in order to enable a material-friendly transition between the different orientations of the sections.

Preferably, the first section is longer than the second section, wherein the second section of the housing sealing element is preferably arranged in the region of the cable feedthrough.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing sealing element is materially connected to one of the housing parts.

The housing sealing element can, for example, be glued into one of the housing parts, in particular injected into one of the housing parts. In this way, a loss-proof delivery condition can be ensured.

However, it can also be provided that the housing sealing element is connected to at least one of the housing parts in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. In principle, a captive connection to one of the housing parts in the unassembled state of the housing assembly is not absolutely necessary - it can therefore be sufficient if the housing sealing element is only fixed between the housing parts during final assembly for the purpose of sealing.

The housing sealing element and/or the cable sealing element can have one or more, for example two, three, four or even more sealing lips.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and the housing sealing element are formed integrally by a common sealing body.

In particular, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and the housing sealing element form respective sections of the common sealing body. The production of a common sealing body can reduce manufacturing costs and also make assembly simpler and more reliable.

The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly according to the above and following embodiments and at least one contact element that can be connected to the cable (e.g. an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element).

By using the housing securing part, which can serve as an outer housing for at least the first housing part at least in the area of the cable feedthrough of the connector, the mechanical properties of the housing assembly can be enhanced. In particular, the rigidity and transverse tensile strength in the area of the cable feedthrough can be increased because the wall thickness of the first housing part is increased and the first housing part can be fixed to the second housing part (if present). In the proposed manner, a particularly robust, waterproof connector, in particular a waterproof angle connector, can be provided.

The connector according to the invention can basically have any connector components. For example, the connector can have various contact elements, a mechanical plug interface for connection to a mating connector, dielectrics, shielding means and other sealing elements.

As already mentioned, the connector can be an electrical connector (e.g. a shielded electrical connector or a coaxial connector or a differential connector), an optical connector or another connector. The invention is not to be understood as being limited to a specific variant.

The connector according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously within a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. Possible areas of application are autonomous driving, driver assistance systems, navigation systems, "infotainment" systems, rear entertainment systems, Internet connections and wireless gigabit (IEEE 802.11ad standard). Possible applications relate to high-resolution cameras, for example 4K and 8K cameras, sensors, onboard computers, high-resolution screens, high-resolution dashboards, 3D navigation devices and mobile radio devices. Use as a high-voltage connector is also possible. The connector according to the invention is, however, suitable for any application within the entire field of electrical engineering and is not to be understood as being limited to use in vehicle technology.

• Bereitstellen einer Gehäusebaugruppe, die ein erstes Gehäuseteil und ein Gehäusesicherungsteil aufweist, die in einem Vormontagezustand über wenigstens einen Verbindungssteg einstückig miteinander verbunden sind;
• Einführen eines Kabels durch ein Kabeldichtungselement, das in einer durch zumindest das erste Gehäuseteil gebildeten Kabeldurchführung aufgenommen ist; und
• Endmontieren des Gehäusesicherungsteils auf zumindest dem ersten Gehäuseteil, so dass dieses zumindest im Bereich der Kabeldurchführung von dem Gehäusesicherungsteil wenigstens abschnittsweise umschlossen ist,

wobei der wenigstens eine Verbindungssteg während oder vor der Endmontage gebrochen wird, um das erste Gehäuseteil und das Gehäusesicherungsteil zu vereinzeln.The invention also relates to a method for assembling a connector, comprising at least the following method steps:

• Providing a housing assembly having a first housing part and a housing securing part which, in a pre-assembled state, are integrally connected to one another via at least one connecting web;
• Inserting a cable through a cable sealing element which is received in a cable passage formed by at least the first housing part; and
• Final assembly of the housing securing part on at least the first housing part so that the latter is at least partially enclosed by the housing securing part at least in the area of the cable feedthrough,

wherein the at least one connecting web is broken during or before final assembly in order to separate the first housing part and the housing securing part.

At this point, it should be emphasized that the process steps mentioned do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order in which they are first described or mentioned. Individual process steps or groups of process steps can therefore be interchangeable, if this is not technically impossible. Process steps can also be combined with one another, divided into separate intermediate steps or supplemented with intermediate steps. The process is not necessarily described conclusively with the process steps described and can be supplemented with further process steps, even those not mentioned.

Preferably, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and/or the housing securing part are already pushed onto the cable before the cable is inserted into the cable duct.

Features that have been described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, namely the housing assembly according to the invention, the connector according to the invention and the method according to the invention, can also be implemented advantageously for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages that have been mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other objects of the invention.

It should also be noted that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the", which refer to a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising", "having" or "with" are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more lists of features can be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example considered for each claim. The invention can, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

It should be noted that terms such as "first" or "second" etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishability of respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

It should also be emphasized that the values and parameters described here include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the implementation of the invention in practice. The specification of ranges by initial and final values also includes all those values and fractions that are included in the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values and a respective mean value.

The invention also relates to a housing sealing element for a housing assembly of a connector, which is independent of claim 1, whereby the applicant reserves the right to claim this independent housing sealing element separately, as defined below. Said independent housing sealing element has a completely closed course all the way around and forms a central opening. The independent The housing sealing element is characterized in that it is formed at an angle, so that a first section of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a first plane and a second section of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a second plane. The features mentioned above and below, in particular those relating to the housing sealing element of the housing assembly according to claim 1, and very particularly the features of claim 13, relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the independent housing sealing element. In particular, the applicant also reserves the right to separately claim a housing part of a housing assembly which has the above-mentioned, independent housing sealing element (in particular if the housing sealing element is injected into the housing part), wherein the features of the first housing part and/or the second housing part described above and below are to be understood as advantageous embodiments and variants of the independent housing part. Finally, the applicant also reserves the right to separately claim a connector comprising a housing assembly with an above-mentioned housing part with the independent housing sealing element.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of one embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be easily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and sub-combinations with features of other embodiments.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

Figur 1

einen Steckverbinder mit einer Gehäusebaugruppe gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung, während eines ersten Montageschrittes;

Figur 2

den Steckverbinder der Figur 1 in einer Seitenansicht, während des ersten Montageschrittes;

Figur 3

den Steckverbinder der Figur 1 in einer Seitenansicht, während eines zweiten Montageschrittes;

Figur 4

den Steckverbinder der Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung, in einem vollständig montierten Zustand der Gehäusebaugruppe;

Figur 5

den Steckverbinder der Figur 1 in einer Seitenansicht, in dem vollständig montierten Zustand der Gehäusebaugruppe;

Figur 6

einen einstückigen Dichtungskörper mit einem Gehäusedichtungselement und einem Kabeldichtungselement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 7

den Dichtungskörper der Figur 6 in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 8

eine Vorderansicht auf die Kabeldurchführung einer vollständig montierten Gehäusebaugruppe gemäß einer ersten Variante, wonach das Gehäusesicherungsteil die Kabeldurchführung vollumfänglich umschließt;

Figur 9

eine Vorderansicht auf die Kabeldurchführung einer vollständig montierten Gehäusebaugruppe gemäß einer zweiten Variante, wonach das Gehäusesicherungsteil die Kabeldurchführung umklammert;

Figur 10

eine Vorderansicht auf die Kabeldurchführung einer vollständig montierten Gehäusebaugruppe gemäß einer dritten Variante, wonach das Gehäusesicherungsteil mit der Kabeldurchführung über ein Schienenführungssystem in Eingriff steht;

Figur 11

einen Steckverbinder mit einer Gehäusebaugruppe gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer Seitenansicht, während eines ersten Montageschrittes;

Figur 12

den Steckverbinder der Figur 11 in einer Seitenansicht, während eines zweiten Montageschrittes;

Figur 13

den Steckverbinder der Figur 11 in einer Seitenansicht, während eines dritten Montageschrittes;

Figur 14

den Steckverbinder der Figur 11 in einer Seitenansicht, in einem vollständig montierten Zustand der Gehäusebaugruppe;

Figur 15

einen Steckverbinder mit einer Gehäusebaugruppe gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung, während der Montage;

Figur 16

eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung der Figur 15; und

Figur 17

den Steckverbinder der Figur 15 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung, im montierten Zustand.

They show schematically:

Figure 1

a connector with a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, during a first assembly step;

Figure 2

the connector of the Figure 1 in a side view, during the first assembly step;

Figure 3

the connector of the Figure 1 in a side view, during a second assembly step;

Figure 4

the connector of the Figure 1 in a perspective view, in a fully assembled state of the housing assembly;

Figure 5

the connector of the Figure 1 in a side view, in the fully assembled state of the housing assembly;

Figure 6

a one-piece sealing body with a housing sealing element and a cable sealing element according to an embodiment in a perspective view;

Figure 7

the sealing body of the Figure 6 in a side view;

Figure 8

a front view of the cable feedthrough of a fully assembled housing assembly according to a first variant, according to which the housing securing part completely encloses the cable feedthrough;

Figure 9

a front view of the cable feedthrough of a fully assembled housing assembly according to a second variant, according to which the housing securing part clamps around the cable feedthrough;

Figure 10

a front view of the cable feedthrough of a fully assembled housing assembly according to a third variant, according to which the housing securing part is engaged with the cable feedthrough via a rail guide system;

Figure 11

a connector with a housing assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in a side view, during a first assembly step;

Figure 12

the connector of the Figure 11 in a side view, during a second assembly step;

Figure 13

the connector of the Figure 11 in a side view, during a third assembly step;

Figure 14

the connector of the Figure 11 in a side view, in a fully assembled state of the housing assembly;

Figure 15

a connector with a housing assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, during assembly;

Figure 16

a detail enlargement of the Figure 15 ; and

Figure 17

the connector of the Figure 15 in a perspective view, in the assembled state.

In the Figures 1 to 5 a connector 1 (for example an electrical connector) with a housing assembly 2 and a cable 3 (for example an electrical cable) leading into the housing assembly 2 is shown as an example in several assembly steps of the housing assembly 2. The exemplary embodiments each show an angled connector, which is not to be understood as limiting the invention. The invention is basically also suitable for use with non-angled connectors.

The exemplary in the Figures 1 to 5 The connector 1 shown can have various known connector components. A contact element 4 is indicated in the figures as an example (e.g. an outer conductor contact element or an inner conductor contact element).

The housing assembly 2 has at least a first housing part 5. This can basically be sufficient within the scope of the invention, which will be explained below using the embodiment of the Figures 15 to 17 should be clarified. In the examples of the Figures 1 to 14 However, the housing assembly 2 also has a second housing part 6. The first housing part 5 and the second housing part 6 can be mechanically connected to one another, as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 indicated. In the Figures 3 to 5 the housing parts 5, 6 are already connected to each other, whereby in their connected state they jointly form a cable duct 7 through which the cable 3 leads into an interior space 8 (cf. Figure 1 ) of the housing assembly 2 or the connector 1. The housing parts 5, 6 form respective circumferential sections U ₁ , U ₂ for this purpose (cf. Figures 1 and 8 ) of the cable gland 7.

The two housing parts 5, 6 can be locked together. For this purpose, the first housing part 5 has at least one locking arm 9 which is at least partially spring-elastic and has a locking receptacle 10 which is supported by a corresponding locking hook 11 of the second housing part 6. can be attacked (see for example the assembled state in Figure 3 ). In principle, the connection between the first housing part 5 and the second housing part 6 can also be fixed in another way, for example by a screw connection, a force connection or even by a material connection.

In the cable duct 7 formed by the two housing parts 5, 6, a cable sealing element 12 (cf. Figures 6 to 10 ) for the cable 3 in order to create a seal between the cable sheath 13 and the inner sheath surface 14 of the housing parts 5, 6 forming the cable feedthrough 7 (cf. Figure 1 ).

In the exemplary embodiments, the cable sealing element 12 is formed integrally with a housing sealing element 15 by a common sealing body 16, which is in the Figures 6 and 7 is shown in a single illustration in a variant that is to be understood as an example only. In principle, a multi-part design and therefore also a separate cable sealing element 12 is possible.

The cable sealing element 12 is primarily designed in the shape of a tube or sleeve, with the outer surface 17 of the cable sealing element 12 preferably running over the entire surface along the inner surface 14 of the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of the cable feedthrough 7 when the housing assembly 2 is completely assembled. The cable sealing element 12 is completely closed or ring-shaped in the circumferential direction and has a central opening 18 (cf. Figure 6 ) to pass through the cable 3.

The already mentioned housing sealing element 15 is designed to ensure a seal between the housing parts 5, 6 and also forms a circumferentially closed course with a further central opening 19 (cf. Figure 6 ). The housing sealing element 15 is - like the housing parts 5, 6 - formed at an angle, so that a first section 20 of the housing sealing element 15 (a "U-shaped" section) or a first section 20 of the central opening 19 extend in a first plane E ₁ and a second section 21 (again "U-shaped" section) of the housing sealing element 15 or a second section 21 of the central opening 19 extend in a second plane E ₂ , as in Figure 7 The planes E ₁ , E ₂ are preferably arranged orthogonally to each other, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 2 and 7 is clearly visible. A transition section 22 can be provided between the two sections 20, 21 in order to enable a smooth and gentle, for example rounded, transition between the two sections 20, 21.

The sealing body 16 or the housing sealing element 15 and/or the cable sealing element 12 can be fixed in at least one of the housing parts 5, 6, in particular, it can be connected in a material-locking manner to one of the housing parts 5, 6. For example, the sealing body 16 or the housing sealing element 15 can be injected into the first housing part 5 during production. In this way, the manufacturing costs can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified.

The proposed housing assembly 2 also has a housing securing part 23 which at least partially encloses the housing parts 5, 6 at least in the area of the cable feedthrough 7 and in particular in the area of the cable sealing element 12 in order to fix the housing parts 5, 6 to one another.

The housing securing part 23 can be secured to at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 up to a final assembly position (cf. Figures 4 and 5 ) can be moved. This movement preferably takes place along a feed direction Z for the cable (cf. Figures 1 and 3 ), but may also deviate from the feed direction Z of the cable 3. In the final assembly position, the housing securing part 23 fixes the housing parts 5, 6 to one another and thus increases the mechanical stability of the housing assembly 2 against transverse loads in the area of the cable feedthrough 7, so that the tightness is maintained even under adverse application conditions.

The housing mounting direction G (cf. Figure 2 ) for connecting the first housing part 5 with the second housing part 6 and the fuse mounting direction S (cf. Figure 3 ) for mounting the housing securing part 23 on the housing parts 5, 6 preferably differs from one another. The housing mounting direction G and the securing mounting direction S particularly preferably run orthogonally to one another. However, this is not absolutely necessary - the securing mounting direction S can also run in the same direction as the housing mounting direction G - especially if the housing securing part 23 is not completely closed in the circumferential direction.

For the displacement of the housing securing part 23 on the at least one housing part 5, 6, a guide, in particular a linear guide, can be provided, in particular in the area of the housing parts 5, 6 in which the cable feedthrough 7 is formed. In particular, the guide functions for the assembly of the housing securing part 23 and the fixing function of the housing securing part 23 can complement each other.

In the Figures 8 to 10 Three exemplary variants of housing securing parts 23 are shown using a front view of the cable feedthrough 7 in an assembled state.

A particularly robust stabilization of the cable feedthrough 7 can be achieved, for example, if the housing securing part 23 completely encloses the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of the cable feedthrough 7, as in Figure 8 indicated. Through the corresponding interaction of the inner surface of the housing securing part 23 and the outer surface of the housing parts 5, 6 (particularly in the area of the cable feedthrough 7), a linear guide can thus also be provided.

The same applies to the housing securing part 23 according to Figure 9 , which merely clamps the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of the cable feedthrough 7. For this purpose, a support surface 24 of the housing securing part 23 rests on a counter support surface 25 of the housing parts 5, 6 forming the cable feedthrough 7. Starting from the support surface 24 of the housing securing part 23, two opposite side legs 26 extend, which clamp the second housing part 6 with their end sections. Again, this can simultaneously form a linear guide.

Another type of clamping with integrated linear guide is in Figure 10 indicated. In this case, rail guide systems 27 are formed on both sides. Accordingly, the side legs 26 have elongated webs 28 running in the securing assembly direction S, which are guided in corresponding grooves 29 of the housing parts 5, 6.

In its assembled state, the housing securing part 23 can be connected to at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 in a captive manner. In the exemplary embodiments, the housing securing part 23 can be locked to the first housing part 5 and to the second housing part 6. For this purpose, the housing securing part 23 has a locking arm 30 that is elastic at least in sections and has a locking receptacle 31 (cf. Figure 1 ), which can be engaged by a locking hook 32 of the respective housing part 5, 6 (cf. Figures 1 and 2 ). In principle, however, a fixation between the housing securing part 23 and at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 can be achieved in any manner, for example by pressing or screwing (not shown).

As part of a method for assembling the electrical connector 1, it can be provided, for example, that the cable 3 is initially guided through the housing securing part 23 and the cable sealing element 12 (= pre-assembly of the housing securing part 23 and the cable sealing element 12 on the cable 3). The housing securing part 23 can then be assembled so that at least the first housing part 5 is at least partially enclosed, at least in the area of the cable feedthrough 7. If two (or more) housing parts 5, 6 are provided, these can optionally be connected to one another or assembled to one another before the housing securing part 23 is assembled. so that the housing parts 5, 6 form respective circumferential sections U ₁ , U ₂ of the common cable feedthrough 7, through which the cable 3 is guided into the interior 8 of the connector 1.

In order to further improve the manufacture of the housing assembly 2 and the assembly of the housing assembly 2, it can optionally be provided that at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 (in the exemplary embodiments, the first housing part 5) and the housing securing part 23 are connected in one piece to one another in a pre-assembly state or in a non-assembled state via at least one connecting web 33. The principle will first be explained using the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 11 to 14 be explained in more detail.

The Figures 11 to 14 show a fundamentally similar embodiment of the invention, as already shown in the Figures 1 to 10 explained, which is why functionally identical elements are not described again in detail. The cable 3 and the cable sealing element 12 or the sealing body 16 are shown in the Figures 11 to 14 hidden. The housing assembly 2 again has a first housing part 5 and a second housing part 6, which in the assembled state together form a cable feedthrough 7 in which a cable sealing element 12 for the cable 3 is accommodated.

For the one-piece connection between the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 23, a connecting web 33 is provided, which is designed in the manner of a film hinge. The connecting web 33 has a very thin wall thickness at least in sections and is therefore sufficiently elastic to enable a pivoting movement between the housing securing part 32 and the first housing part 5. This pivoting movement can already reach the end position of the housing securing part 32 on the first housing part 5. However, it can also be provided that the connecting web 33 breaks off in a defined manner during the pivoting movement and/or during a subsequent axial movement. The connecting web 33 can therefore also be designed as a predetermined breaking point.

This connecting web 33 allows the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 23 to be manufactured together during assembly, in particular by a common plastic injection molding process, wherein the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 23 can be individually assembled before or during final assembly by breaking the predetermined breaking point or by a movement guided over the connecting web 33. The housing securing part 23 and the housing parts 5, 6 are therefore preferably made of the same material, in particular of a plastic.

After assembling the two housing parts 5, 6 (cf. Figures 11 and 12 ) can thus be provided, for example, that the housing securing part 23, which in the embodiment of the Figures 11 and 14 in the pre-assembled state held by the connecting web 33, it is rotated or pivoted relative to the final assembly position and is held axially offset (along the feed direction Z for the cable 3), is initially pivoted (cf. Figures 12 and 13 ) and then moved along the securing assembly direction S to the final assembly position (cf. Figures 13 and 14 ). The connecting web 33 can optionally be designed to break at any time during the assembly process, in particular during the axial displacement along the securing assembly direction S (in Figure 13 indicated).

In the embodiment of the Figures 11 to 13 Exactly one connecting web 33 is provided for connecting the housing securing part 23 to the first housing part 5. In principle, however, several connecting webs 33 can also be provided, for example several connecting webs 33 which are distributed around the circumference of the cable feedthrough 7 and, for example, equidistantly, as in the Figures 1 to 5 and especially in the Figures 8 to 10 indicated. When using several connecting webs 33 distributed along the circumference of the cable duct 7, it can preferably be provided that the housing securing part 23 is only axially offset along the feed direction Z or securing assembly direction S compared to the final assembly state, but not twisted or pivoted.

As already mentioned, it is not absolutely necessary within the scope of the invention for the connecting web 33 to break off during assembly. In principle, the connecting web 33 can also be designed to be sufficiently elastic or deformable to enable the housing securing part 23 to move into the final assembly position without breaking off. However, this is less preferred.

As already mentioned, it is advantageous within the scope of the invention, but not absolutely necessary, that the housing assembly 2 has several housing parts 5, 6. In principle, the first housing part 5 can be sufficient, the outer wall of which can then be mechanically reinforced by means of the housing securing part 23. A corresponding embodiment in which the connector 1 or the housing assembly 2 has only a single housing part 5 is shown in the Figures 15 to 17 shown as an example. The cable 3 and the cable sealing element 12 or the sealing body 16 are also shown in the Figures 15 to 17 hidden to simplify the display.

The Figures 15 to 17 each show a section of a coaxial connector 1, whereby the specific geometric design and the connector type are not important within the scope of the invention. The exemplary round connector 1 has the first housing part 5, along whose outer jacket the housing securing part 23 can be moved linearly along the feed direction Z for the cable 3 (not shown).

As can be seen particularly from the enlarged detail of the Figure 16 As can be seen, the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 23 are in the Figures 15 and 16 shown pre-assembly state via several connecting webs 33 distributed along the circumference (although a single connecting web 33 can be sufficient, as mentioned above). These connecting webs 33 are designed as predetermined breaking points and break off in a defined manner by the axial displacement of the housing securing part 23 in the direction of the final assembly position. In the Figure 16 In the final assembly position shown, the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 23 are locked together (cf. locking arm 30 or locking receptacle 31 of the housing securing part 23 and locking hook 32 of the first housing part 5).

Claims (15)

Housing assembly (2) for a connector (1), comprising - at least a first housing part (5) to form a cable feedthrough (7) through which a cable (3) can be introduced into an interior space (8) of the housing assembly (2); - a cable sealing element (12) for the cable (3) accommodated in the cable bushing (7); and - a housing securing part (23) which at least partially encloses at least the first housing part (5) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7), preferably at least in the region of the cable sealing element (12), characterized in that
at least the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23) are integrally connected to one another in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web (33). Housing assembly (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the connecting web (33) is designed as a predetermined breaking point in order to separate the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23) before or during final assembly. Housing assembly (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized by the fact that
the connecting web (33) is designed to be elastically deformable at least in sections, in particular in the manner of a film hinge, in order to enable the mounting of the housing securing part (23) on the first housing part (5). Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the at least one connecting web (33) is formed in the region of the cable feedthrough (7) of the first housing part (5). Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
several of the connecting webs (33) are arranged distributed along the circumference of the cable feedthrough (7). Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
exactly one connecting web (33) is provided. Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that
the housing securing part (23) is arranged rotated and/or pivoted in the pre-assembled state compared to a state mounted on the first housing part (5). Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that
the housing securing part (23) in the pre-assembled state is spaced from the cable feedthrough (7) along a feed direction (Z) for the cable (3) compared to a state mounted on the first housing part (5). Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized by
a second housing part (6) which can be mechanically connected to the first housing part (5), wherein the housing parts (5, 6) in their interconnected state form respective circumferential sections (U ₁ , U ₂ ) of the cable feedthrough (7), wherein the housing securing part (23) encloses the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6) at least in sections at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7) in order to fix the housing parts (5, 6) to one another. Housing assembly (2) according to claim 9,
characterized in that
a housing mounting direction (G) for connecting the first housing part (5) to the second housing part (6) and a securing mounting direction (S) for mounting the housing securing part (23) on the housing parts (5, 6) differ from one another, preferably running orthogonally to one another. Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that
the housing securing part (23) is displaceable on the first housing part (5) along a feed direction (Z) for the cable (3) into a final assembly position in which the Housing securing part (23) encloses the first housing part (5) at least in sections at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7), wherein the housing securing part (23) and the first housing part (5) preferably form a mutual linear guide. Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that
the housing securing part (23) clamps or completely encloses at least the first housing part (5), preferably at least the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6), in the region of the cable feedthrough (7). Housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12,
characterized by
a housing sealing element (15) which is designed to ensure a seal between the first housing part (5) and at least one further housing part, in particular the second housing part (6), wherein the housing sealing element (15) has a circumferentially closed course and forms a central opening (19), and wherein the housing sealing element (15) is formed at an angle so that a first section (20) of the housing sealing element (15) and the central opening (19) extend in a first plane (E ₁ ) and a second section (21) of the housing sealing element (15) and the central opening (19) extend in a second plane (E ₂ ). Connector (1), in particular electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and at least one contact element (4) connectable to the cable (3). Method for assembling a connector (1), comprising at least the following method steps: - Providing a housing assembly (2) which has at least a first housing part (5) and a housing securing part (23) which, in a pre-assembled state, are integrally connected to one another via at least one connecting web (33); - inserting a cable (3) through a cable sealing element (12) which is accommodated in a cable duct (7) formed by at least the first housing part (5); and - final assembly of the housing securing part (23) on at least the first housing part (5) so that the latter is at least partially enclosed by the housing securing part (23) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7), wherein the at least one connecting web (33) is broken during or before final assembly in order to separate the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23).

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