Sealed cable feedthrough for a plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector, in particular a sealing cable feedthrough for an electric or hybrid vehicle charging plug, comprising a housing (100) comprising an opening (102) for receiving at least one cable, a cover (12) partially covering the opening (102) of the housing (100), the cover (12) comprising at least one through hole (40), each through hole (40) being configured to receive one of the at least one cable in an insertion direction (D), and a sealing member (14) sealing an interface (50) between the housing (100) and the cover (12). The sealing member (14) comprises at least one tubular member (68) having a through hole (66), each tubular member (68) being configured to receive one of the at least one cable in the insertion direction (D) and each tubular member (68) being arranged within a corresponding passage in the at least one through hole (40) of the cover (12) to extend in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (D) and to seal an interface (52) between the cover (12) and the one of the at least one cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sealed cable feeder for plug connectors, particularly for electric or hybrid vehicle charging plugs used for conductive charging of electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In electric or hybrid vehicles, the vehicle is driven entirely or partially by one or more electric motors. It can be powered by electrical storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries.

[0003] There are various vehicle charging plug standards applicable to the geographic area where the vehicle is sold. For example, it is known to use a combined charging system (CCS) to quickly charge electric vehicles using direct current (DC). This type of charging socket can have both DC and single-phase or three-phase alternating current (AC) pins. DC power allows for relatively fast and therefore advantageous battery charging because of its power output: at least 150kW and a voltage exceeding 400V.

[0004] An example of a vehicle charging plug 1 known from existing technology. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the diagram, the vehicle charging plug 1 includes a plug interface 3 with multiple power contact cavities 5 for accommodating AC and DC contacts. The AC and DC contacts are crimped or soldered to their respective AC and DC cables (not shown). This interface is mounted on the housing 7 of the vehicle charging plug 1. The vehicle charging plug 1 includes a sealed cable feeder 9 for allowing the DC+ and DC- cables to pass through openings 11 in the housing 7 to the inner cavity 11A of the housing 7, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1B As shown. The sealed cable feeder 9 includes a cover 13 configured to attach to the housing 7 and partially close the opening 11 of the housing 7. The cover 13 includes two through holes 15 configured to receive a DC+ cable and a DC- cable respectively along the insertion direction D. Figure 1B As shown in the cross-sectional view, the openings 15 of the cover 13 are each surrounded by a tubular shape 19 of height H, which is used to guide each DC cable. The height H corresponds to the length of the tubular shape 19 from the base 21 of the cover 13 along the insertion direction D.

[0005] The sealed cable feeder 9 also includes a sealing member 17, which is configured to seal the interface between the housing 7 and the cover 13. The sealing member 17 is sandwiched between the cover 13 and the retaining device 23 of the housing 7.

[0006] The tubular shape 19 does not allow the DC cable to be bent closer than the distance H from the base 21 of the cover 13. The compactness of the vehicle charging plug 1 is therefore limited by the height H of the tubular shape 19 of the cover 13. However, reducing the height H of the tubular shape 19 may negatively affect the sealing performance of the sealed cable feeder 9.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a more compact solution for a sealed cable feeder for a plug connector, which in particular exhibits improved sealing performance and is easier to assemble than components known in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention addresses the aforementioned objective by providing a sealed cable feeder for a plug connector, particularly a charging plug for electric or hybrid vehicles, comprising: a housing including an opening for receiving at least one cable; a cover partially comprising the opening of the housing, the cover including at least one through-hole configured to receive one of the at least one cables in an insertion direction; and a sealing member for sealing the interface between the housing and the cover. According to the invention, the sealing member comprises at least one tubular member having through-holes, each tubular member configured to receive one of the at least one cables in the insertion direction, and each tubular member being disposed within a corresponding through-hole of the at least one through-hole of the cover to extend in a direction parallel to the insertion direction and for sealing the interface between the cover and one of the at least one cables.

[0009] By placing the tubular member of the sealing component within the through-hole of the cap, the depth of the through-hole can be reduced while still meeting sealing performance requirements. This results in a more compact sealed cable feeder. In particular, a sealed cable feeder with a thinner thickness along the insertion direction than known sealed cable feeders in the prior art has been achieved.

[0010] In practice, by arranging the tubular components of the sealing member within the through-hole of the cover, the cable can be bent closer to the outer casing. Therefore, the sealing cable feeder is not very complex.

[0011] Furthermore, when the cable bends, gaps between the cable and the sealing member can be avoided because the cable is surrounded by the tubular member of the sealing member at the through-hole of the cover. Therefore, the cable is in direct surface contact with the tubular member of the sealing member within the through-hole of the cover. This also improves the sealing performance of the assembly.

[0012] According to various advantageous embodiments, the sealed cable feeder of the plug connector can be further improved.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the tubular member of the sealing member can extend from one side of the cover to at least the opposite side of the cover.

[0014] Therefore, the entire depth of the through-hole is surrounded by the tubular component of the sealing element. This further improves the sealing performance of the sealed cable feeder.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the sealing member can snap onto the cover.

[0016] Before the cover is attached to the housing, the sealing element is held in place by a snap-fit ​​connection with the cover. Therefore, the operator must work only one component—the sealing element and the cover assembly—instead of working them separately. This simplifies the assembly process.

[0017] Since the seal is oil-lubricated, oil contamination can be reduced by operating only the cap (unlubricated) instead of directly operating the lubricated seal. Due to the snap-fit ​​connection, the sealing element is operated indirectly through the cap. This advantageously reduces oil contamination.

[0018] In addition, the cover allows protection of the side of the sealing member that contacts one of the cover's surfaces from contamination, even before the cover is attached to the housing.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the tubular member may extend vertically from the base of the sealing member and may include a free end terminated by an outwardly projecting retaining element for holding the sealing member on the cap in the insertion direction.

[0020] The retaining element allows for improved connection between the sealing member and the cover. Furthermore, the retaining element can absorb strain caused by cable movement. Therefore, it can make the sealed cable feeder more robust.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the retaining element can abut against the free edge of the wall defining at least one through-hole of the cover in the insertion direction.

[0022] Therefore, by having the retaining element of the sealing member abut against the edge of the cover through hole, uncontrolled displacement of the sealing member in the insertion direction can be avoided.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the cover may also include a retaining structure for holding the retaining element in an orientation opposite to the insertion direction, particularly by positive locking.

[0024] Therefore, the retention structure of the cap can further improve the retention of the sealing components.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the cover may include a base surrounded by an edge, particularly a flat, elongated oval base, to form a recess between the base and the edge, wherein the edge may rest on a wall defining an opening in the housing, and the base of the cover is located within the opening inside the housing.

[0026] Therefore, it allows for a reduction in the lid's footprint, as the lid is not formed from a single, solid plastic component due to the presence of the grooves. The shape of the grooves allows for a more compact lid.

[0027] Furthermore, by positioning the base of the cover within an opening inside the housing, a more compact sealed cable feeder can be obtained along the insertion direction.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the retaining structure can protrude outward from the base in a direction opposite to the insertion direction and / or from the edge of the cap toward the recess of the cap.

[0029] Therefore, the structure is well mechanically supported and anchored to the lid, and can be integrally formed with the lid, especially through plastic injection molding. This provides a robust lid.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the depth of the through-hole in the insertion direction can be less than or equal to the height of the edge of the cover in the insertion direction. Therefore, the through-hole will not protrude outwards from the edge of the cover. Consequently, the footprint of the cover can be further reduced, particularly along the insertion direction. Furthermore, it allows cables to be bent closer to the housing. This results in a more compact assembly.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cover may include a first shoulder disposed between a base of the cover and an edge of the cover, and the cover may include a second shoulder disposed between the first shoulder and the base of the cover, wherein the sealing member may include a base surrounded by an edge, particularly a flat, elongated oval base, so as to form a recess between the base and the edge of the sealing member, and the edge of the sealing member may be disposed in the recess of the sealing member, the recess being formed between the first shoulder and the second shoulder of the cover.

[0032] The first shoulder allows for a recess in the cover, in which a portion of the housing can be accommodated, thereby enabling the cover to be mounted onto the housing.

[0033] The second shoulder allows for a recess in the cap, within which the edge of the sealing member can be accommodated. Therefore, a snap-fit ​​or form-fit connection can be provided between the sealing member and the cap. This allows the cap and sealing member to be easily held together.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the cover and the sealing member can be two different parts, and each of the cover and the sealing member can be integrally formed. In particular, the cover can be integrally made of a rigid material and the sealing member can be made of an elastic material.

[0035] Therefore, compared to overmolding sealing components onto a cover, which requires more complex molds and manufacturing processes, each component can be easily manufactured individually. This also saves on manufacturing costs.

[0036] The sealing element can be made of rubber, for example. The cap can be made of a more rigid material than the sealing element, particularly a rigid plastic material.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the sealed cable feeder may further include a grid arranged in an opening in the housing for holding the sealing member in the insertion direction, particularly by means of a snap-fit ​​connection between the grid and the sealing member.

[0038] Therefore, the retention of seals can be further improved by using grilles. Grilles can also help guide cables and provide greater robustness to components.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the sealed cable feeder may further include a cable that passes through a through-hole in the cover and a tubular member of the sealing member in the insertion direction and is inserted into an opening in the housing.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sealed cable feeder can be configured to receive only a single cable, particularly an insulated DC cable.

[0041] It allows handling one cable at a time, making it easier for operators, especially since insulated DC cables can be heavy and bulky.

[0042] The object of the present invention is also achieved by an assembly of a cover and a sealing member for sealing a cable feeder according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein: the sealing member includes at least one tubular member having a through hole, each tubular member being configured to receive at least one cable in an insertion direction, and the tubular member being arranged in a corresponding through hole of at least one through hole of the cover to extend in a direction parallel to the insertion direction and for sealing the interface between the cover and at least one cable, and the sealing member snapping into the cover. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, reference is made to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that such embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention.

[0044] Figure 1A This refers to vehicle charging plugs known from existing technology.

[0045] Figure 1B This indicates that it is known in the art and Figure 1A The diagram shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of the sealed cable feeder of the vehicle charging plug.

[0046] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of an assembly for a cable socket according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2B This is a three-dimensional view of an assembly for a cable socket according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the sealing member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the components of a cable socket according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of an assembly for a cable socket according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5B This is a three-dimensional view of the sealing member according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This refers to the sealed cable feeder 10 of the plug connector (not shown) according to the first embodiment, particularly as... Figure 1A The sealed cable feeder of the charging plug for the electric or hybrid vehicle shown.

[0053] Figure 2A This shows a cross-sectional view of the sealed cable feeder 10, while Figure 2B This shows a three-dimensional view of a sealed cable feeder. See below for reference. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Description of sealed cable feeder 10.

[0054] The sealed cable feeder 10 includes a cover 12 and a sealing member 14.

[0055] The cover 12 is configured to attach to the housing 100, specifically the DC cable housing 100 of the vehicle charging plug (the vehicle charging plug is not shown). The cover 12 is made of a rigid plastic material and is integrally molded, particularly by injection molding.

[0056] The housing 100 includes an opening 102 (only in the case of the opening 102). Figure 2A (As can be seen in the image), it is used to allow a cable 104 to pass through in the insertion direction D. The insertion direction D is oriented toward the opening 102 of the housing 100. The opening 102 communicates with the opening 102A of the housing 100.

[0057] The opening 102 and cavity 102A are designed and sized to receive the cable 104 and the terminal contacts (not shown) crimped to the cable 104. The cover 12 is designed to have a shape complementary to the opening 102 of the housing 100.

[0058] More precisely, the cover 12 includes a base 16. The shape of the base 16 is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the opening 102. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example shown, the base 16 is a flat, elongated oval base 16. The base 16 of the cover 12 is surrounded by an edge 18, thereby forming a recess 20, i.e., an opening 20, between the base 16 and the edge 18. The edge 18 extends perpendicularly from the base 16 along the entire circumference of the base 16, as shown... Figure 2B As shown. The edge 18 of the cover 12 has a height L1. (As indicated...) Figure 1AAs shown, the base 16 is arranged relative to the edge 18 such that the base 16 of the cover 12 is positioned away from the free end 106 of the housing 100. The base 16 is indeed located within the opening 102, particularly within the cavity 102A, at a distance from the free end 106 of the housing 100, said distance being equal to the height L1 of the edge 18.

[0059] The cover 12 has a first shoulder 22 between the base 16 and the edge 18. This allows a groove 24 of width L2 to be formed along the circumference of the cover 12, i.e., a recess 24 of width L2. The groove 24 is adapted to receive the free end 106 of the housing 100 (only when...). Figure 2A (See visible in the image). The width L2 of the groove 24 is thus adapted to the dimensions of the free end 104 of the housing 100. The free end 104 of the housing 100 is received in the groove 24 of the cover 12, allowing the cover 12 to be connected to the housing 100, especially by form-fit connection.

[0060] To further improve the retention of cover 12, such as Figure 2A As shown, at least one snap-fit ​​connection S is provided between the cover 12 and the housing 100. To provide the snap-fit ​​connection S, the edge 18 of the cover 12 includes a deflecting member 26 extending in the insertion direction D and ending in a retaining member 28. The retaining member 28 includes a retaining surface 30 configured to abut or rest on the retaining surface 108 of a corresponding retaining member 110 at the free end 106 of the housing 100. Figure 2B In the example shown, snap-fit ​​connections S1, S2, S3, and S4 are located at four positions on the sealed cable feeder 10. However, the number of snap-fit ​​connections S between the cover 12 and the housing 100 is not limiting.

[0061] Furthermore, the retention of the cover 12 can be further improved by having the free end 32 of the edge 18 of the cover 12 abut against a protrusion 112 that extends vertically from the outer surface 114 of the housing 100 at least partially around the circumference of the housing 100.

[0062] The cover 12 has a second shoulder 34 between the first shoulder 22 and the base 16. This allows a groove 36 of width L3 to be formed along the circumference of the cover 12, i.e., a recess 36 of width L3, for receiving a portion 38 of the sealing member 14 (in...). Figure 2A (See in the image). The width L3 of the groove 36 (as shown in the image). Figure 1A(As shown) Therefore, the dimensions of this portion 38 of the sealing member 14 are suitable. The width L3 of the groove 36 can vary along the circumference of the cover 12. Therefore, the dimensions of the portion 38 of the sealing member 14 can vary accordingly. The portion 38 of the sealing member 14 being received in the groove 36 of the cover 12 allows the cover 12 to be connected to the sealing member 14, particularly by form-fit connection. The groove 36 of the sealing member 14 allows a portion of the sealing member 14, i.e., portion 38, to interlock with the cover 12. Therefore, the sealing member 14 can be held on the cover 12, which was not possible previously. In the prior art, the sealing member 14 is simply juxtaposed with the flat surface of the cover, the flat surface of the cover abutting against the flat surface of the sealing member.

[0063] The base 16 of the cover 12 has a through hole 40 for receiving a cable 104 in the insertion direction D. The cable 104 may be a DC power line for a vehicle charging plug. The cable 104 includes an inner conductor 116 and is surrounded by a resilient insulating sheath 118.

[0064] The through-hole 40 of the cover 12 is surrounded by a tubular shape 42, which extends perpendicularly from the base 16 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D. The tubular shape 42 is used to guide the cable 104. The central longitudinal axis C1 of the tubular shape 42 is aligned with the central axis C2 of the through-hole 40 along the insertion direction D.

[0065] The tubular shape 42 is formed by a circular wall 44 of height L4, which terminates at a circular free edge 46. Height L4 corresponds to the length between the base 16 and the free edge 46 along the insertion direction D, as shown below. Figure 2A As shown. The height L4 also corresponds to the depth L4 of the through hole 40 of the cover 12.

[0066] According to the first embodiment, the height L4 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 is less than the height L1 of the edge 18 of the cover 12 in the insertion direction D.

[0067] In one variation (not shown), the height L4 can be equal to the height L1 of the edge 18 of the cover 12 in the insertion direction D.

[0068] Therefore, the tubular shape 42 will not protrude outward from the edge 18 of the cover 12. Thus, according to the first embodiment, the maximum thickness of the cover 12 of the sealed cable feeder 10 along the insertion direction D corresponds to the height L1 of the edge 18.

[0069] The base 16 of the cover 12 may be provided with an additional through hole (not visible), different from the through hole 40, and configured to receive the retaining member 48 of the sealing member 14.

[0070] The following is for reference Figure 2A , Figure 2A as well as Figure 3 The sealing member 14 will be described below. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the sealing member 14 of the first embodiment.

[0071] The sealing member 14 is configured as a first interface 50 between the sealing cap 12 and the housing 100 and a second interface 52 between the tubular shape 42 of the cap 12 and the cable 104, as shown. Figure 2A The two circles 50 and 52 are shown in the figure.

[0072] The sealing member 14 is integrally formed of an elastic material. The sealing member 14 is a separate component from the cover 12. In other words, the sealing member 14 and the cover 12 are formed separately.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the sealing member 14 includes a base 54, which is in particular a flat and elongated oval base 54. The geometry and dimensions of the base 54 of the sealing member 14 are complementary to the dimensions of the cover 12 and the housing 100, particularly the opening 102 and the cavity 102A of the housing 100.

[0074] An edge 56 of height L5 extends perpendicularly from the face 58 of the base 54 along the circumference of the sealing member 14, thereby forming a recess 60, i.e., an opening 60. The height L5 of the edge 56 is adapted to the size of the groove 36 of the cover 12, wherein it is foreseeable that the edge 56 will be received in the groove 36, such as... Figure 2A As shown. In fact, portion 38 of the aforementioned sealing member 14 corresponds to the edge 56 of the sealing member 14. The outer wall 62 of the edge 56 is provided with two sealing lips 64 for providing sealing properties at the first interface 50 between the cover 12 and the housing 100. The number of sealing lips 64 is not limited.

[0075] The base 54 of the sealing member 14 is provided with a through hole 66, which is configured to receive the cable 104 along the insertion direction D. The through hole 66 of the sealing member 14 is surrounded by a tubular member 68, which extends perpendicularly from the surface 58 of the base 54 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D. The central longitudinal axis C3 of the tubular member 68 of the sealing member 14 is aligned with the central axis C4 of the through hole 66 along the insertion direction D.

[0076] The tubular member 68 is formed by a circular wall 70 of height L6, which is defined about an axis parallel to the insertion direction D and terminates at a circular free edge 70A. The height L6 corresponds to the length along the insertion direction D between the base 54 and the free edge 70A of the sealing member 14. The height L6 also corresponds to the depth L6 of the through hole 66 of the sealing member 14.

[0077] According to the first embodiment, the height L6 of the tubular member 68 of the sealing member 14 is greater than the height L4 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 in the insertion direction D. Therefore, the tubular member 68 of the sealing member protrudes outward from the free edge 46 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12.

[0078] like Figure 2A As shown, the circular wall 70 of the tubular member 68 of the sealing member 14 is adapted to extend along the circular wall 44 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 in the insertion direction D, thereby providing a sealing property at the through hole 40 of the cover 12.

[0079] The inner wall 72 of the tubular member 60 includes a sealing lip 74 for providing a sealing property at the second interface 52 between the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 and the cable 104. The number of sealing lips 74 is not limited.

[0080] In addition, the free edge 70A of the sealing member 14 forms an outwardly protruding retaining element 76 for retaining the sealing member 14 on the cover 12 in the insertion direction D by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0081] The free edge 70A is chamfered to provide a retaining element 76 with an insertion surface 78 so that the tubular member 68 of the sealing member 14 can be inserted into the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D.

[0082] like Figure 2A As shown, the retaining element 76 also includes a retaining surface 80 configured to rest on the free edge 46 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12. Therefore, the sealing member 14 is interlocked by a snap-fit ​​connection with the cover 12 in the insertion direction D.

[0083] The abutment of the retaining element 76 on the free edge 46 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 also allows for the prevention of the curling of the circular wall 70 of the tubular member 68 of the sealing member 14.

[0084] To further improve the retention of the cover 12 by the sealing member 14, the sealing member 14 includes at least one retaining member 48 configured to snap into a through-hole in the cover 12 that is different from the through-hole 40. The number of retaining members 48 is not limited.

[0085] The arrangement of the tubular member 68 of the sealing member 14 within the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 allows for a reduction in the depth L4 of the through-hole 40 of the cover 12 while meeting sealing performance requirements. In fact, according to the first embodiment, and compared to the prior art, the depth L4 is less than the height L1 of the edge 18 of the cover 12, which corresponds to the maximum thickness of the cover 12 of the sealed cable feeder 10 along the insertion direction D. Therefore, a more compact sealed cable feeder 10 is achieved because the overall thickness of the cover 12 along the insertion direction D can be reduced.

[0086] The arrangement of the sealing member 14 within the cover 12 according to the first embodiment also allows for bending of the cable 104 closer to the opening 102 of the housing 100 than in the prior art. Therefore, a less bulky sealed cable feeder 10 can be obtained.

[0087] Furthermore, when the cable 104 is bent, the resulting strain can be directly absorbed by the sealing member 14, which is directly inserted between the sheath 118 of the cable 104 and the tubular shape 68 of the cover 12.

[0088] In addition, the snap-fit ​​connection between the sealing member 14 and the cover 12 prevents the sealing member 14 from rotating during assembly or operation.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a sealed cable feeder 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Only distinguishing features with respect to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 Elements that have been described and shown in the figures and have the same reference numerals will not be described in detail again, but will be referred to in the above description.

[0090] The difference between the sealed cable feeder 10 according to the first embodiment and the sealed cable feeder 200 according to the second embodiment lies in the free edge of the circular wall 44 of the tubular shape 68 of the cover 12 (denoted by reference numeral 46 in the first embodiment and reference numeral 246 in the second embodiment).

[0091] In the second embodiment, the free edge 246 is inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the circular wall 44 and relative to the insertion direction D about the central longitudinal axis C1 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12. This allows for further improvements in retaining the sealing member 14 on the cover 12.

[0092] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This refers to the sealed cable feeder 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Only the distinguishing features with respect to the first and second embodiments will be described. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Elements that have been described and shown in the figures and have the same reference numerals will not be described in detail again, but will be referred to in the above description.

[0093] Compared to the first and second embodiments, the cover 12 of the third embodiment is further provided with a retaining structure 302.

[0094] The structure 302 is integrally formed with the cover 12, for example by injection molding.

[0095] The retaining structure 302 protrudes outward from the base 16 of the cover 12 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D, and protrudes from the edge 18 of the cover 12 toward the recess 20 of the cover 12.

[0096] The retaining structure 302 includes a ring 304 adapted to surround the cable 104. The ring 304 provides a retaining function for the cable 104, particularly by means of self-locking, and allows for increased robustness of the sealed cable feeder 300.

[0097] The ring 304 is mechanically connected to the base 16 and the edge 18 of the cover 302 by a plurality of reinforcing elements 306 that allow for the reinforcement of the retaining structure 302. The number of reinforcing elements 306 is unlimited.

[0098] like Figure 5A As shown, the retaining element 76 of the sealing member 14 interlocks between the free edge 46 of the tubular shape 42 of the cover 12 and the ring 304 of the cover 12. This allows for further improvements in the retention of the sealing member 14 to the cover 12 and the robustness of the sealed cable feeder 300.

[0099] The ring 304 protrudes outward from the edge 18 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D. Therefore, in the third embodiment, compared to the first and second embodiments, the cable 104 is bent slightly further away from the opening 102 of the housing 100, but closer than in known sealed cable feeders in the prior art. Thus, the sealed cable feeder 300 according to the third embodiment also offers the advantage of being a less bulky sealed cable feeder.

[0100] In the third embodiment, the sealed cable feeder 300 further includes a grille 308 (only in...). Figure 5A (See image). The grille 308 has a generally flat and elongated oval shape adapted to the size of the opening 102 of the housing 100. The grille 308 is provided with a through-hole 310 for receiving the cable 104. Figure 5A As shown, the grille is positioned to contact the opposing surface 82 of the base 54 of the sealing member 14. The through-hole 310 of the grille 308 is surrounded by a circular wall 312. The circular wall 312 extends parallel to the insertion direction D. The circular wall 312 provides a guiding function for the cable 104. The circular wall 312 is inserted between the sheath 118 of the cable 104 and the sealing member 14 to further provide a retaining function. The grille 308 also allows for improved robustness of the sealed cable feeder 300.

[0101] In a variant not shown, the grille 308 may include through-holes for receiving retaining members 48 of the sealing member 14 to further improve retention of the sealing member 14 using the grille 308. The number of retaining members 48 (and the corresponding through-holes in the grille 308) is not limiting.

[0102] A grille 308 may be provided in the sealed cable feeder 10, 200 according to the first and second embodiments.

[0103] The invention also relates to the assembly of the cover 12 and the sealing member 14 as described above, wherein the sealing member 14 snaps into the cover 12. Thus, the sealing member 14 can be snapped into the cover 12 and held even before the cover 12 is attached to the housing 100. Therefore, the operator must operate only one component, the assembly of the sealing member 14 and the cover 12, instead of operating them separately. This simplifies the assembly process. Furthermore, since the sealing member 14 is typically lubricated with oil, oil contamination can be reduced by operating only the cover 12 (unlubricated) instead of directly operating the lubricated sealing member 14. Due to the snap-fit ​​connection, the sealing member is indirectly operated via the cover 12. This advantageously reduces oil contamination. Moreover, even before attaching the cover 12 to the housing 100, the cover 12 allows protection of the surface 48 of the sealing member 14 that contacts one side of the cover 12 from contamination (e.g., ...). Figure 2A (As shown).

[0104] Although embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific examples, the invention is not limited and various changes can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Various embodiments and examples include features that can be freely combined with each other to obtain further embodiments or examples according to the invention.

[0105] List of reference numerals

[0106] 1: Vehicle charging plugs according to existing technology

[0107] 3: Plug-in interface

[0108] 5: Power contact chamber

[0109] 7: Outer shell

[0110] 9: Sealed cable feeder according to existing technology

[0111] 11: Opening

[0112] 11A: cavity

[0113] 13: Cover

[0114] 15: Through hole

[0115] 17: Sealing components

[0116] 19: Tubular shape

[0117] 21: Base

[0118] 23: Holding device

[0119] 10: Sealed cable feeder according to the first embodiment

[0120] 12: Cover

[0121] 14: Sealing components

[0122] 16: Base

[0123] 18: Edge

[0124] 20: Concave part, open mouth

[0125] 22: First shoulder

[0126] 24: Groove

[0127] 26: Deflection component

[0128] 28: Retaining components

[0129] 30: Maintain surface

[0130] 32: Free end of edge 18

[0131] 34: Second shoulder

[0132] 36: Groove

[0133] 38: Part of sealing component 14

[0134] 40: Through hole in cover 12

[0135] 42: The tubular shape of the lid 12

[0136] 44: Circular wall

[0137] 46: The Edge of Freedom

[0138] 48: Retaining components

[0139] 50: Interface

[0140] 52: Interface

[0141] 54: Base of sealing member 14

[0142] 56: Edge

[0143] 58: Noodles

[0144] 60: concave part

[0145] 62:Exterior wall

[0146] 64: Sealing lip

[0147] 66: Through hole

[0148] 68: Tubular member of sealing member 14

[0149] 70: Circular wall

[0150] 70A: Free Edge

[0151] 72: Inner wall

[0152] 74: Lip

[0153] 76: Holding element

[0154] 78: Insertion surface

[0155] 80: Maintain surface

[0156] 82: Opposite face of face 58

[0157] 100: Outer shell

[0158] 102: Opening

[0159] 102A: Opening of the outer shell

[0160] 104: Cable

[0161] 106: Free End

[0162] 108: Maintain the surface

[0163] 110: Retaining component

[0164] 112: Protrusion

[0165] 114:External side

[0166] 116: Connector

[0167] 118: Sheath

[0168] 200: Sealed cable feeder according to the second embodiment

[0169] 236: The Edge of Freedom

[0170] 300: Sealed cable feeder according to the third embodiment

[0171] 302: Maintain Structure

[0172] 304: Ring

[0173] 306: Reinforcing element

[0174] 308: Grille

[0175] 310: Through hole

[0176] 312: Noodles

[0177] 312A: Opposite face

[0178] 314: wall

[0179] 314A:Wall

[0180] C1, C2, C3, C4: Central axis

[0181] D: Insertion direction

[0182] DC+, DC-: Cable

[0183] H: Height

[0184] L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6: Length (height, width, or depth)

[0185] S, S1, S2, S3, S4: Snap-fit ​​connection

Claims

1. A sealed cable feeder for a plug connector, comprising: The housing (100) includes an opening (102) for receiving at least one cable; The cover (12) partially covers the opening (102) of the outer shell (100). The cover (12) includes at least one through hole. The at least one through-hole is configured to receive one of the at least one cables along the insertion direction (D), and The interface between the sealing member (14), the sealing housing (100), and the cover (12), The sealing member (14) is characterized by comprising at least one tubular member (68) having a through hole. Each tubular member (68) is configured to receive at least one of the cables along the insertion direction (D). Each tubular member (68) is disposed within a corresponding through-hole of at least one through-hole of the cover (12), extending in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (D) and serving to seal the interface between the cover (12) and at least one of the cables. The sealing member (14) snaps into the cover (12), wherein the tubular member (68) extends vertically from the base of the sealing member (14) and includes a free end (70A) terminated by an outwardly projecting retaining element (76) for retaining the sealing member (14) to the cover (12) in the insertion direction (D).

2. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 1, wherein, The sealed cable feeder is a sealed cable feeder for the charging plug of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

3. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 1, wherein, The tubular member (68) of the sealing member (14) extends from one side of the cover (12) to at least the opposite side of the cover (12).

4. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The retaining element (76) abuts against the free edge (46) of the wall defining at least one through hole (40) of the cover (12) in the insertion direction (D).

5. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cover (12) also includes a retaining structure (302) for holding the retaining element (76) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (D).

6. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 5, wherein, The retaining structure is used to hold the retaining element (76) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (D) by self-locking.

7. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cover (12) includes a base surrounded by an edge to form a recess between the base and the edge, wherein the edge rests on the wall defining the opening (102) of the outer casing (100), and The base of the cover (12) is located within the opening (102) inside the outer shell (100).

8. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 7, wherein, The base of the cover (12) is a flat, elongated oval base.

9. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 5, wherein, The retaining structure (302) protrudes outward from the base in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (D) and / or from the edge (18) of the cover (12) toward the recess (20) of the cover (12).

10. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 7, wherein, The depth (L4) of the through hole (40) of the cover (12) in the insertion direction (D) is less than or equal to the height (L1) of the edge (18) of the cover (12) in the insertion direction (D).

11. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 7, wherein, The cover (12) includes a first shoulder (22) disposed between the base of the cover (12) and the edge of the cover (12). The cover (12) includes a second shoulder (34) disposed between the first shoulder (22) and the base of the cover (12). The sealing member (14) includes a base surrounded by an edge, forming a recess between the base and the edge of the sealing member (14). The edge of the sealing member (14) is disposed in a recess in the cover (12), which is formed between the first shoulder (22) and the second shoulder (34) of the cover (12).

12. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 11, wherein, The base of the sealing member (14) is a flat, elongated oval base.

13. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cover (12) and the sealing member (14) are two different components, and each of the cover (12) and the sealing member (14) is integrally formed.

14. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 13, wherein, The cover (12) is made of a rigid material in one piece, while the sealing member (14) is made of an elastic material.

15. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a grid (308) disposed in an opening (102) of the housing (100) for holding the sealing member (14) in the insertion direction (D).

16. The sealed cable feeder according to claim 15, wherein, The grille (308) is used to hold the sealing member (14) in the insertion direction (D) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection between the grille (308) and the sealing member (14).

17. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a cable (104) inserted into the opening (102) of the housing (100) in the insertion direction (D) through the through hole (40) of the cover (12) and the tubular member (68) of the sealing member (14).

18. The sealed cable feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to receive only a single cable (104).

19. The sealed cable feeder of claim 18, configured to receive only a single insulated DC cable.

20. An assembly of a cover and a sealing member for use in a sealed cable feeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing member (14) includes at least one tubular member (68) having a through hole. Each tubular member (68) is configured to receive at least one of the cables along the insertion direction (D), and A tubular member (68) is disposed within a corresponding through-hole of at least one through-hole of the cover (12), extending in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (D), for sealing the interface between the cover (12) and at least one of the cables, and The sealing component (14) snaps into the cover (12).

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