Sleeve capable of being penetrated by electric connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a bushing for an electrical connector, an electrical connector assembly and a method for manufacturing such a connector assembly. The sleeve includes an elastically expandable tube section and a cap-shaped housing section. The tube section includes a cable receiving portion to pass through a cable connected to the electrical connector. The housing section includes a connector receiving portion connected to the cable receiving portion to receive an electrical connector. The sleeve forms a seal that surrounds an opening of the housing section remote from the tube section. The aim of the invention is to configure the bushing such that the manufacture of the connector assembly can be largely automated. The aim is first that the pipe section in the installed position expands elastically such that the inner diameter thereof is at least twice the inner diameter in the non-force state. At least in the installed position, the electrical connector should be insertable through the tube section into the housing section. The solution makes it possible to pre-assemble the electrical connector in a fully and fully automatic manner and to insert it into the bushing in the pre-assembled state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleeve for an electrical connector, the sleeve having an elastically expandable tube section and a cap-shaped shell section, wherein the tube section comprises a cable receiving section for passing a cable connected to the electrical connector, wherein the shell section comprises a connector receiving section, which is connected to the cable receiving section for receiving the electrical connector and forms a sealing section, which surrounds an opening of the shell section facing away from the tube section.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a connector assembly, which comprises a sleeve, an electrical connector and a cable, wherein the sleeve has a tube section and a cap-shaped housing section, the electrical connector being at least partially covered by the housing section of the sleeve on its side remote from the contact area, wherein a sealing portion of the housing section abuts against the connector in a sealing manner, and the cable is connected to the electrical connector and extends through the tube section and is surrounded by the tube section in a sealing manner.

[0003] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for producing a preassembled connector assembly. The sleeve is particularly suitable for door connectors in the automotive sector, where attention must firstly be paid to good sealing and secondly to a large number of deformations due to the many opening and closing operations of the door during operation and a low overall installation height. The preassembled connector assembly is in particular a door connector for an automobile, which forms part of an electrical plug connection, for example, on the door side. In the case of such an arrangement, the mating connector can be arranged on the inside of the automobile body, for example, at the door pillar. When the door is opened and closed, the tube section of the sleeve protects the cable and prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the electrical connector. Background Art

[0004] Such electrical components are currently mainly preassembled manually in vehicle construction, which is complex and expensive. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a sleeve, an electrical connector assembly and a method for producing an electrical connector assembly in order to simplify automation, which makes it possible to automate the production of the connector assembly to a greater extent.

[0006] This object is achieved with the initially mentioned sleeve in that the tube section is designed such that it can be transferred into an installed position, wherein the tube section elastically expands in the installed position and has an inner diameter which is at least twice the inner diameter of the tube section in the powerless state.

[0007] The above object is met for a preassembled connector assembly in that the pipe section can be transferred into a mounting position in which the pipe section is elastically expanded and in which the electrical connector can be inserted through the pipe section into the housing section.

[0008] The elastic expandability of the tube section allows the preassembled electrical connector to be inserted through the sleeve. Therefore, the electrical connector can be preassembled in a fully automatic manner using an automatic assembly machine, which increases the degree of automation in the manufacture of the connector assembly and reduces costs.

[0009] Accordingly, the above-mentioned object is also met by a method for manufacturing a connector assembly, the method comprising the steps of: preassembling an electrical connector and connecting a cable to the electrical connector; inserting the electrical connector together with the cable through a tube section of an elastically expandable sleeve; and sliding the housing section of the sleeve over the electrical connector.

[0010] The above solution can be further improved by the following features, which are independent of each other, can be combined with each other as required and are each advantageous in themselves.

[0011] For example, the sleeve is preferably manufactured in one piece; it forms a substance-fit body. The body of the sleeve may have different materials and / or material areas with different material properties.

[0012] The pipe section is preferably reversibly expandable or deformable, respectively. This means that after the first or several transfers of the pipe section from the powerless state into the installed position, the inner diameter in the powerless state remains at least almost unchanged or constant, respectively. A change of ±10% of the inner diameter in the powerless state is still considered to be constant or unchanged, respectively. This ensures that after the pipe section has been expanded, it can surround the cable in a sealed manner.

[0013] The connector receptacle preferably has a polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, base region.The longitudinal direction of the base region may be in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal extension of the pipe section.

[0014] The housing segment may comprise side walls, which may comprise a front wall and / or a rear wall. The side walls may be arranged opposite one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the tube segment, while the rear wall may form the end of the connector receptacle facing the tube segment and the front wall may form the end of the housing segment facing away from the tube segment. Each side wall may also be formed by only the sealing portion.

[0015] According to another advantageous configuration, the housing segment can include a reinforcement region which extends at least partially, preferably continuously, around the opening and is preferably arranged between the seal and the remaining housing segment. The reinforcement region increases the dimensional stability of the housing segment and allows forces acting on the housing segment to be uniformly transmitted to the seal, which contributes to the sealing function of the seal.

[0016] The reinforcement region can in particular form a frame which preferably extends closed around the opening of the housing segment.

[0017] The reinforcement area can be flange-shaped or form a flange section that protrudes outwardly away from the opening of the housing section. The flange section can extend around a part of the opening or extend closed around the opening.

[0018] In particular, the reinforced area is an integral part of the sleeve, but can still be made of a different material, for example, due to manufacturing by a multi-component process, or made of the same material, but processed or treated differently from the rest of the sleeve. For example, the non-reinforced areas of the tube segments and the shell segments can be made of a rubber elastic material and / or a soft elastomer. Such a soft elastomer can be, for example, polyester, in particular TPE. The Shore hardness of the non-reinforced areas of the tube segments and the shell segments can be between 40 and 50 Shore, and the Shore hardness of the reinforced areas is about 70 Shore. The reinforced areas of the shell segments can be made of a hard elastomer such as TPE or a fiber-reinforced plastic material such as PBT alternatively or cumulatively.

[0019] In one configuration, the sealing portion can be arranged on the inner side of the reinforced area facing the opening of the housing section, for example, to seal inwardly in the radial direction. Alternatively or cumulatively, if radial sealing toward the outside is required, the sealing portion can be arranged on the side of the flange section facing away from the opening. If sealing is required in the axial direction or in the plugging direction of the connector with the mating connector, respectively, the sealing portion can alternatively or cumulatively protrude in the plugging direction.

[0020] The seal can be made of a soft elastomer. For example, it can be made of the same material as the non-reinforced areas of the pipe section and / or the housing section. In particular, the seal can be made of a polyester (e.g., TPE) with a Shore hardness of 40-50 Shore.

[0021] The seal can be formed directly from the material of the non-reinforced area of ​​the housing segment. If the seal is arranged on the area of ​​the housing segment facing the opening of the housing segment, the seal is preferably arranged between the opening and the reinforced area. In this configuration, the reinforced area supports the seal from the outside. Alternatively or cumulatively, the reinforced area can also be located between the seal and the opening so that if a sealing effect radially toward the outside is required, the seal is radially supported internally. Finally, the seal can form an edge surface of the opening facing the plug-in direction. In this way, the seal can be supported in the plug-in direction.

[0022] The construction in which the sealing portion is formed of a different material than the reinforcing region is particularly useful if the reinforcing region is formed of a non-rubber-elastic, hard, not very flexible and / or elastic material, such as a plastic material, for example a polyester such as PBT.

[0023] If, for example, the reinforcement region is formed from a harder soft elastomer or a hard elastomer with a Shore hardness of about 70 Shore A, the seal can also be formed from the material of the reinforcement region or the reinforcement region itself. In this case, the reinforcement region extends to the sealing surface, i.e., in the case of a radially inwardly acting seal, to the edge surface of the opening of the housing segment, in the case of a radially outwardly acting seal, to the (outer) side of the housing segment facing away from the opening, and in the case of an axially acting seal, to the end of the housing segment that is located in the plug-in direction and surrounds the opening.

[0024] In order to avoid damage to the seal when the sleeve is deformed, it is advantageous if the seal is connected to the remaining housing section only in the reinforced region.

[0025] The sealing effect can be further enhanced if the sealing portion comprises at least one sealing lip, which preferably extends continuously around the opening. If the sealing portion is configured as a radial sealing portion, the at least one sealing lip can protrude perpendicularly to the plug-in direction. For example, the sealing lip can protrude inwardly towards the connector receiving portion. A radial seal is also possible if the sealing lip protrudes outwardly in a direction away from the opening. If the sealing portion is configured as an axial sealing portion, the sealing lip can protrude in the opening direction. With a combined axial and radial sealing portion, two types of sealing lips can be provided at the same time.

[0026] The opening direction corresponds to the normal direction of the plane spanned by the opening of the connector receiving part. In one configuration, the opening of the housing segment is open in a direction which, when the sleeve is in the powerless state, is arranged at an angle of between about 60° and about 120° to the longitudinal direction of the tube segment. If the electrical connector is in particular an angled connector, the opening direction of the housing segment may be at least about 90°. In the case of a straight connector, the opening direction may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tube segment. In one configuration of the sleeve, the opening direction of the opening may correspond to the plugging direction of the electrical connector with the mating connector.

[0027] In order to push the electrical connector through the sleeve more easily, it is advantageous for the housing segment to be reversibly pivotable and / or deformable in the mounting position compared to the powerless state of the sleeve, so that the opening of the housing segment points in the longitudinal direction of the tube segment. In particular, in the mounting position, the tube segment is freely accessible in the longitudinal direction, so that the tube segment, in particular the cable receptacle, is not partially overlapped or partially closed by the housing segment in the longitudinal direction. In the mounting position, the housing segment can be folded downwards, for example, by at least about 60°, in particular by about 90°.

[0028] In another configuration, the insertion of the electrical connector through the pipe segment can be facilitated in that the pipe segment in the installed position can be elastically and in particular reversibly compressed to a length that is at most as long as the inner diameter of the pipe segment in the installed position. In particular, the length of the pipe segment in its longitudinal direction in the installed position can be shorter than the length of the electrical connector in the direction in which it is inserted through the pipe segment. However, in the forceless state, the length of the pipe segment can be at least six times, but preferably at least eight times, the length of the pipe segment in the installed state. Such a length prevents liquids or dirt from reaching the interior of the housing segment between the pipe and the cable.

[0029] If the electrical connector is received in the bushing together with the cable, the tube section is preferably elastically expanded by the cable so that the tube section tightly abuts the cable.

[0030] In another advantageous configuration, the pipe segment can be at least partially provided with ribs extending around in the circumferential direction. The ribs can each protrude outwards. Alternatively or additionally, the ribs can protrude inwards, so that the ribs can be present on the outer surface of the pipe segment and / or on the inner surface of the pipe segment.

[0031] The ribs may be immediately adjacent to one another in one or more regions of the tube segment. Outside the at least one region, the tube segment may be smooth on its inside and / or outside. The ribs increase the flexibility of the tube segment so that it can better follow the movements of the cable. This is particularly advantageous if the sleeve is used in a door connector of a motor vehicle and the tube segment must follow the door movements. Due to the ribs, it is additionally easier to elastically and reversibly compress the tube segment in its longitudinal direction when the tube segment is in the installed position.

[0032] The ribs may extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. Each rib is preferably located in a plane extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. In this configuration, the at least one region having ribs is similar to the structure of a vacuum tube.

[0033] The side walls or rear wall and the front wall of the housing section may be connected to each other by a cover wall. The cover wall protects the electrical connector received in the connector receiving portion.

[0034] For example, the covering wall may be reinforced, i.e. have a higher stiffness than the tube segment. The reinforced covering wall makes the housing segment more dimensionally stable and can better protect the electrical connector received in the housing segment. The side wall between the covering wall and the reinforced area may be less rigid than the covering wall and the reinforced area, or may itself be reinforced.

[0035] The rear wall of the housing segment facing the tube segment can extend further from the covering wall in the opening direction or the plugging direction than the front wall arranged at the side of the housing segment facing away from the tube segment. This configuration can simplify the sliding of the housing segment on the electrical connector by allowing pivoting movement.

[0036] The housing cover can be configured to be complementary to the rear side of the electrical connector. If the electrical connector is received in the housing section, the rear side of the electrical connector can abut against the housing wall in one configuration. The complementary configuration of the housing cover and the rear side of the electrical connector means that the housing cover and the rear side nest together without any empty space, which reduces the installation height of the connector assembly.

[0037] The electrical connector does not have to be completely received in the connector receptacle, but can protrude from the housing section through the opening in the opening direction and / or in the plug-in direction.

[0038] In an advantageous configuration, the connector assembly may include a mating connector which is configured to be complementary to the electrical connector, i.e., to be pluggable with the electrical connector. In a state in which the connector and the mating connector are plugged together, the sealing portion of the housing segment preferably abuts against the mating connector in a sealing manner. Thus, the housing segment seals a gap generated between the electrical connector and the mating connector plugged therewith, regardless of whether the mating connector is plugged into the electrical connector or the electrical connector is plugged into the mating connector. The sealing portion surrounds the mating connector, wherein the sealing portion can be elastically expanded by the mating connector, so that its elastic expansion causes the sealing portion to press against the mating connector, which increases the sealing effect.

[0039] The mating connector may comprise a sealing seat having a shoulder pointing perpendicularly to the plugging direction. When the connector and the mating connector are fully assembled, the sealing portion may be pressed against the shoulder, which also results in the gap between the connector and the mating connector being sealed. The shoulder preferably extends continuously around the mating connector, in particular on its outer side or inner side. Alternatively, the sealing seat may also be formed by a groove extending around the mating connector, and the sealing portion rests in the groove when the connector and the mating connector are plugged together and the sleeve is fully mounted on both.

[0040] In one configuration, the mating connector is a wall connector configured to be mounted on a wall, such as a wall of a vehicle body. In particular, the connector assembly is a connector assembly for a door of a vehicle, wherein the mating connector is attached to a column, such as a vehicle body.

[0041] The connector assembly may include a housing cover, which is attached to the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are in a plugged together state, wherein the housing segment is at least partially arranged between the housing cover and the electrical connector. The housing cover provides additional protection for the housing segment and the electrical connector received therein. In particular, the housing cover mounted to the mating connector may generate a preload force that acts on the housing segment and presses the housing segment (particularly its sealing portion) against the mating connector.

[0042] The connector assembly may include a locking lever, which is particularly attached to the mating connector. The locking lever may be pivoted, for example, to a closed position, wherein the housing segment in the closed position is at least partially arranged between the locking lever and the electrical connector. In the closed position, the locking lever may generate a preload force, which presses the housing segment, in particular its sealing portion, against the mating connector, as an alternative or in addition to the housing cover. If the housing cover is present, it is preferably located in the closed position between the housing segment and the locking lever.

[0043] The locking lever can be part of a mechanical actuation system and, when pivoted to the closed position, pulls the electrical connector and the mating connector toward each other until they are fully mated together.

[0044] The mating connector may include a recessed portion in which at least a portion of the sealing portion may be received and in which the sealing portion is located when the connector is received in the housing segment and plugged together with the mating connector. For example, such a recessed portion may be used to facilitate sliding of the housing segment over the connector and the mating connector. The recessed portion may form a pivot axis about which the housing segment may pivot. The recessed portion is preferably provided on a rear wall of the housing segment.

[0045] If the mechanical drive system is arranged at the mating connector, its components protrude from the mating connector, then these components are preferably located outside the housing section. Therefore, the part of the mating connector from which the components of the mechanical drive system protrude is not covered by the housing section.

[0046] In order to be able to securely attach the sleeve, in one configuration the sleeve is provided with latching means, for example at least one latching protrusion and / or at least one latching recess or opening. The latching means is preferably formed by a reinforced area. In the connector assembly, according to one configuration, the latching means of the sleeve is latched to the complementary latching means of the mating connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The present invention will be described below using embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to the above embodiments, if the technical effects associated with the features of the following embodiments are not important for a specific application, the features may be omitted. On the contrary, if the technical effects of the above features are advantageous for a specific application, these features may also be added to the embodiments.

[0048] For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used below for elements that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure.

[0049] in:

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a sleeve is shown;

[0051] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a sleeve and a preassembled connector assembly prior to assembly thereof;

[0052] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view showing a state during manufacture of an electrical connector assembly;

[0053] Figure 4 a schematic perspective view showing another state in the manufacture of the connector assembly;

[0054] Figure 5 a schematic perspective view showing another state in the manufacture of the connector assembly;

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view showing a state in which an electrical connector assembly is manufactured;

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view showing another state in the manufacture of an electrical connector assembly;

[0057] Figure 8 Shown is a detail A Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a completed electrical connector assembly;

[0058] Fig. 9 A schematic perspective view of another sleeve is shown;

[0059] Fig.10 Shows the use of Fig. 9 A schematic perspective view of a state where the sleeve of the electrical connector assembly is manufactured; and

[0060] Fig.11 Shown with detail B Fig.10 Schematic cross-sectional view of a completed electrical connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1 A sleeve 1 for an electrical connector 2 is shown. Figure 2 2 and 3. The electrical connector 2 and the sleeve 1 are shown in FIG. The electrical connector 2 and the sleeve 1 together form a connector assembly 3.

[0062] The sleeve 1 comprises an elastically expandable tube section 4, which preferably transitions directly into a housing section 6. The elastic expandability of the tube section is determined by Figure 2 Indicated by arrow 8 in FIG.

[0063] The tube section 4 comprises a cable reception 10 for a cable 12. The term cable also includes a bundle of individual conductors.

[0064] The housing section 6 comprises a connector receiving section 14 connected to the cable receiving section. The connector receiving section 14 is used to at least partially receive the electrical connector 2. If the electrical connector 2 is arranged in the housing section 6, it preferably protrudes from an opening 16 of the housing section facing away from the tube section 4. The cable receiving section 10 opens into the connector receiving section 14.

[0065] The housing segment 6 further comprises a seal 18 which surrounds the opening 16 in particular in a continuous or closed manner.

[0066] The sleeve 1 with the tube section 4 and the housing section 6 is preferably a one-piece body, in particular made of a rubber-elastic material.

[0067] In the unloaded state 7, the tube section 4 has substantially Figure 1 From this powerless state 7, the pipe section can be transferred into an installation position 20, in which the inner diameter of the pipe section 4 is reversibly expanded compared to the powerless state 7 of the pipe section 4. The installation position 20 is only Figure 1 Shown in.

[0068] The inner diameter 22 of the tube section 4 in the installation position 20 can be at least twice, more preferably at least three times, the inner diameter 24 in the powerless state 7. In particular, the tube section 24 can be reversibly expanded by about 2 to 4 times the inner diameter 24. Cumulatively or alternatively, the inner diameter 24 of the tube section 4 can be expanded, in particular reversibly expanded, so that the volume of the electrical connector 2 with the smallest base area 26 can be moved through the tube section 4 into the housing section 6 in the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube section. Reversible expandability is understood here to mean that the inner diameter 24 in the powerless state 7 after the first or repeated assumed installation position 20 corresponds at least approximately to the inner diameter 24 before the first assumed installation position 20.

[0069] The pipe segment 4 may include one or more segments, each having one or more radially outwardly protruding ribs 30 extending around the circumferential direction. In particular, the ribs 30 may extend parallel to each other and / or each rib may lie in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 28 of the pipe segment 24.

[0070] The ribs 30 are configured such that the tube section 4 can be elastically pushed together in its longitudinal direction 28. By pushing them together, the end 32 of the tube section 4 facing away from the housing section 6 can be moved closer to the end provided at the housing section 6. This shortens the distance that the electrical connector 2 needs to move through the tube section 4. The ribs 30 protrude alternately outwardly and inwardly in parallel, similar to a vacuum tube.

[0071] The pipe section 4 may be provided with ribs 30 along its entire length or, alternatively, only partially, for example in a central region which may be defined at both ends by smooth wall regions of the pipe section 4 .

[0072] The inner cross section and / or the outer cross section of the tube section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction 28 is preferably circular, even in the region of the ribs 30 , if any ribs 30 are present.

[0073] The connector receiving portion 14 is open in an opening direction 34. The opening direction 34 is, for example, the normal direction of the plane spanned by the opening 16. In the powerless state 7 of the sleeve 1, the opening direction extends at an angle between about 60° and 120°, preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube section. In some configurations, the opening direction 34 can also extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube section, depending on whether the electrical connector 2 is an angled connector or a straight connector. The opening direction 34 preferably extends parallel to the plugging direction 35, in which the electrical connector 2 is connected to the mating connector ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) are plugged together.

[0074] The base region of the housing section 6 perpendicular to the opening direction 34 of the opening 16 is substantially rectangular and may have rounded corners. The housing section 6 or its base region may be longer in the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube section 4 than in a direction transverse thereto.

[0075] The housing section 6 in the installed position 20 can, for example, be folded apart or pivoted or deformed elastically relative to the tube section 8. When the housing section is folded apart, the opening direction 34 points approximately in the longitudinal direction 28. In the folded apart state, the housing section 6 is in particular moved from overlapping with the tube section 4 in the longitudinal direction 28, so that the interior of the tube section 4 is freely accessible in the longitudinal direction 28. The folded apart housing section 20 makes it easier to insert the electrical connector 2 through the sleeve 1. The pivot position of the housing section 6 is determined by Figure 2 The dotted line in .

[0076] The housing segment 6 comprises a reinforced area 36. The reinforced area 36 has an increased stiffness or Shore hardness compared to its surrounding parts. The reinforced area 36 may be less susceptible to elastic deformation than the remaining housing segment 6. It may be made of the same or different material as the remaining housing segment 6, in particular the seal 18 and / or the tube segment 4, but is preferably an integral part of the sleeve 1. In a variant, in addition to the seal 18, the entire housing segment 6 may also be reinforced relative to the seal 18 and / or the tube segment 4.

[0077] For example, the reinforced region 36 is made of a TPE having a Shore hardness of about 70 Shore, and the rest of the sleeve 1 is made of a TPE having a Shore hardness of about 40 Shore to about 50 Shore. The reinforced region 36 is preferably manufactured together with the rest of the sleeve 1 in one manufacturing step (e.g., in a two-component or multi-component process). Figure 1 In the configuration of , the reinforced area 36 simultaneously forms the seal 18. This is possible because, despite its hardness, the reinforced area is sufficiently flexible and elastic to produce a sealing effect.

[0078] The reinforcement area 36 provides dimensional stability for the seal 18 and the rest of the housing segment 6. The reinforcement area 36 can be formed, for example, by a flange segment 38, which surrounds the opening 16 in a closed manner or partially. The seal 18 and / or the flange segment 38 can protrude slightly in a direction away from the opening 16, for example, in the normal direction 34. In any case, the seal 18 is configured as a radial seal, so it protrudes toward the opening 16. The seal 18 and / or the reinforcement area 36 can form an edge of the connector receptacle 14, which edge points in the plugging direction 35 and surrounds the opening 16.

[0079] In particular, if the opening direction 34 extends at least approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 28 , the tube section 4 can protrude slightly beyond the housing section 6 on the side facing away from the opening 16 , so that the smallest possible installation height is required.

[0080] The housing segment may comprise at least two side walls 40 arranged opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction 28. The two side walls 40 are preferably connected to each other by a covering wall 42. The covering wall 42 is configured to cover the electrical connector 2 on a rear side arranged opposite to the contact area 44. It is arranged opposite to the opening 16, wherein the tube segment 4 opens into the area between the opening 16 and the covering wall 42, i.e. the connector receiving portion 14. As shown in the figures, in the powerless state 7 of the sleeve 1, the covering wall 42 can extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube segment 4 and be slightly offset transversely thereto.

[0081] The inner contour of the housing section 6 is preferably at least partially formed complementary to the rear side 46 of the electrical connector 2 so that the housing section 6 and the rear side 46 of the electrical connector 2 nest in each other, so that there is no unnecessary empty volume between the rear side 46 of the electrical connector 2 and the cover wall 42.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the electrical connector 2 can be an angle connector in particular, wherein the direction 48 or the longitudinal direction 28 of the cable 12 extending from the electrical connector 2 respectively extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 35. The plugging direction 35 is a direction open toward the contact area 44, for example.

[0083] The sealing portion 18 is preferably configured so that it is slightly spaced apart from the electrical connector 2 and / or only loosely abuts against the electrical connector 2. As will be further explained below, when the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector are plugged together, the sealing portion 18 in one configuration should abut against the mating connector complementary to the electrical connector 2 in a sealing manner, in particular a radial sealing manner.

[0084] The following will refer to Figures 3 to 7 The steps by which a preassembled connector assembly 3 may be produced are briefly discussed. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical connector 2 has been preassembled. The preassembly is preferably performed in a fully automatic manner by an automatic assembly machine. At the end of the fully automatic preassembly of the electrical connector 2, the electrical connector 2 is completed as an installed component with all housing components, contacts and cables 12.

[0085] The preassembled electrical connector is now pushed through the bushing 1 from the tube section 4 towards the housing section 6 .

[0086] For this purpose, Figure 3 As shown, the sleeve 1 is elastically expanded to such an extent that the electrical connector 2 with the cable 12 can be inserted through the tube section 4 into the housing section 6 or beyond the housing section 6 or through the sleeve.

[0087] In order to make the insertion easier, the tube section 4 in the installation position 20 can be compressed in the longitudinal direction 28. In one configuration, the tube section 4 can be compressed, for example, to a length 52, which is shorter in the direction of insertion of the electrical connector 2 through the tube section 28 than a length 54 of the connector in the direction 48 of the cable outlet or transversely to the plugging direction 35, respectively. However, in other configurations, the length 52 of the compressed tube section 4 can also be longer than the length 54 of the connector 2, or the tube section cannot be compressed at all, but only expanded. In the compressed position of the tube section 2, for example, the ribs 30 lie directly on top of each other. The compression in the longitudinal direction can, for example, occur partly due to elastic expansion.

[0088] As described above, the housing section 6 in the installed position 20 is folded. It can also be expanded. By folding the housing section 6, the electrical connector 2 can be freely inserted through the pipe section 4 without colliding with the housing section 6.

[0089] If the connector 2 is inserted through the sleeve 1, this results in e.g. Figure 3 The state shown, in which the connector 2 is pushed through the sleeve 1 beyond the end 56 of the housing section 6 facing away from the pipe section 2, and is therefore completely exposed. In this example, the sleeve 1 only covers the cable 12. Alternatively, in Figure 3 At the end of the illustrated insertion process, the electrical connector 2 may also already be at least partially arranged in the housing section 6 .

[0090] Regardless of the exact relative position of the electrical connector 2 and the ferrule 1 after the connector 2 has been inserted through the ferrule 1 , the connector 2 is now ready to be plugged together with the mating connector 60 in the plugging direction 35 . The mating connector 60 is an optional component of the connector assembly 3 .

[0091] The mating connector 60 may be provided with a mechanical drive system 62, such as a pusher 64 and / or a lever 66. The drive system 62 may be configured to engage in a mating element 68 of the electrical connector 2 and, when actuated, pull the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60 toward each other until they are fully plugged in.

[0092] exist Figure 5 , the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60 are shown in a fully plugged state 70. However, the ferrule 1 is not yet in its final position, in which the electrical connector 2 is received in the housing segment 5. When fully plugged, the electrical connector 2 can be plugged into the mating connector 60, or the mating connector 60 can be plugged into the electrical connector 2.

[0093] Once the fully plugged state 70 is reached, the sleeve 1 is pushed along the cable 12 towards the electrical connector 2, and thereafter the housing section 2 is slid over the connector 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown by arrow 72 in FIG.

[0094] The mating connector 60 may include a sealing seat 74 that is configured to be complementary to the sealing portion 18 or a profile thereof, respectively, and may be configured, for example, as a circumferential recess or a recess having a shoulder 75 .

[0095] The sealing seat 74 is configured such that when the sleeve 1 is completely pulled through the electrical connector, the sealing portion 18 of the housing section 6 rests therein. The sealing portion 18 can abut against the exterior of the mating connector 60, in particular against the sealing seat 74, with a sealing force directed inwardly in the radial direction. In addition, the sealing portion 18 can also be pressed against the shoulder 75 with a sealing force in the plugging direction 35.

[0096] The mating connector 60 may include a wall seal 76, particularly if the mating connector 60 is configured for wall mounting. The wall seal 76 is disposed between a housing 78 of the mating connector 60 that receives the electrical connector 2 and a wall 80 (eg, a portion of a vehicle body) where the mating connector 60 is mounted.

[0097] Figure 6 The fully mounted sleeve 1 is shown. The housing section 6 seals the side 81 ( 81 ) of the mating connector 60 that is open toward the electrical connector 2 in a sealed manner. Figure 5 ) so that no dust or moisture can penetrate between the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60. The rear side 46 ( Figure 5) is received in the connector receiving portion 14. The mechanical drive system 62 is arranged outside the housing section 6, which greatly simplifies the sealing. The open side 81 is arranged opposite to the covering wall 42. The sealing portion 18 abuts against the mating connector 60, in particular against the sealing seat 74 surrounding the mating connector 60.

[0098] The following steps are optional. Figure 7 As shown, a housing cover 84 can be placed on the housing section 6 of the bushing 1 and attached, in particular latched, to the mating connector 60 , for example by mutually complementary latching means 86 present at the housing cover 84 and at the mating connector 60 .

[0099] Regardless of the type of attachment to the mating connector 60, the housing cover 84 is configured to apply a force that presses the housing segment 6 against the electrical connector 2 and / or the mating connector 60 in order to enhance or ensure the sealing effect of the sealing portion 18. Alternatively or additionally, the housing cover 84 protects the sleeve 1 from damage and additionally secures it to the mating connector 60.

[0100] As an alternative to or in addition to the housing cover 84, the lever 66 can also be used at least partially as a housing and for this purpose be folded onto the housing section 6 of the sleeve 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown by arrow 90 in FIG. If housing cover 84 is not present, lever 66 can perform the same function as housing cover 84 .

[0101] If a housing cover 84 is present, the lever 66 can be folded onto the housing cover 84 , so that the housing cover is additionally fixed and protected.

[0102] Figure 8 A schematic cross section of a connector assembly 3 is shown, in which two connectors 2, 60 are plugged together, wherein the cable 12 is omitted.

[0103] from Figure 8 As can be seen in detail A of the sealing portion 18, the sealing portion 18 comprises at least one sealing lip 92, which preferably extends around the opening 18 and protrudes or protrudes into the connector receiving portion in the direction of the opening 18, i.e. protrudes inwardly. The sealing lip 92 is supported on the mating connector 60 in a sealing manner, so that the sealing portion 18 forms a radial seal.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, the seal 18 can abut against the shoulder 75 of the seal seat 74 in the plugging direction 35 in a sealing manner. For example, a circumferential edge surface 96 pointing in the plugging direction 35 and extending around the opening 18 can abut against the shoulder 75.

[0105] As an alternative or in addition to the shoulder 75, a further housing section 94 of the mating connector 60 can abut against the housing section 6 of the sleeve 1, in particular in the opening 16. A collar 98 of the mating connector 60 can protrude into the housing section 6 of the sleeve 1 and be pressed against the housing section 6 or the covering wall 42, respectively, for example by means of the lever 66 or the housing cover 84. The sealing lip 94 is preferably arranged between the edge surface 96 and the collar 98. In this way, a kind of labyrinth seal is produced, which enhances the sealing effect of the sealing lip 92.

[0106] exist Figure 8 It can still be seen in FIG. 1 that when the plug device 3 is completed, the housing section 6 and the mating connector 60 can be connected to each other by the latching device 108 .

[0107] The reinforced area 36 may include a latching device 108 configured to latch with a complementary latching device 108 of the mating connector 60. The latching device 108 of the reinforced area is for example arranged at the side wall 40 of the housing segment 6, such as the rear wall 112 and / or the front wall 110.

[0108] The latching device 108 can in particular be arranged on a rear wall 112 of the housing section 6. The rear wall 112 is, for example, the side wall 40 facing the pipe section 2.

[0109] In one configuration, the front wall 110 and / or the rear wall 112 may be formed only by the seal 18 and / or the reinforcement region 36. The connector receptacle 14 is then surrounded on four sides by the walls 40, 110, 112. The distance between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 112 in the longitudinal direction 28 may be longer than the distance between two side walls spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction 28, so that the connector receptacle 14 is elongated in the longitudinal direction 28 of the pipe section 4.

[0110] The walls 40, 110, 112 are connected by a covering wall 42. The seal 18 is preferably arranged at the end of the wall 40, 110, 112 facing away from the covering wall 42. In particular, the seal 18 itself can form an edge surface 96 of the opening 16, which is facing away from the covering wall 42 and pointing in the plug-in direction 35.

[0111] The rear wall 112 may extend further from the cover wall 42 than the front wall 110, so that the connector receptacle 14 is deeper towards the pipe segment 4 than in the area facing away from the pipe segment 4. This configuration facilitates the pivoting movement 106, since the short front wall 110 can slide more easily over the mating connector 60 in the pivoting movement. This is particularly useful if the drive system 62 is arranged on the side of the front side 110 of the mating connector 60, so that the housing segment 6 has to end above the drive system 62, for example, when the pusher 64 protrudes through the mating connector 60.

[0112] Regardless of whether the latching device 108 is present, the side wall 40 of the housing section 6 can be plugged into a recess 100 of the mating connector, which is in particular a groove. The recess 100 is arranged on the side 102 of the mating connector 60 facing the pipe section 4. The recess 100 is preferably straight and extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 28 of the pipe section and parallel to the plane spanned by the opening 18 or perpendicularly to the plug-in direction 35. The recess 100 can in particular be a groove or a recess extending over the entire width of the side 102.

[0113] The recess 100 and / or the latch 108 serve as a starting point at which the housing segment 6 is attached to the mating connector 60 in order to then slide the housing segment 6 around the recess 100 and / or the latch 108 over the connector 2 and the mating connector 60 .

[0114] In particular, the sealing portion 18 may be inserted into the recess 100 before the housing segment 6 is slid over the connector 2 and the mating connector 60 .

[0115] Figures 9 to 11 Another embodiment of the sleeve 1 and the connector assembly 3 is shown, wherein the following will be discussed with Figures 1 to 8 For the remainder, refer to Figures 1 to 8 Description of casing 1.

[0116] For example, in the case of the sleeve 1 , the ribs 30 extend over the entire length of the pipe section 2 .

[0117] Fig. 9 The reinforced area 36 in the sleeve 1 is made of a plastic material, for example a polyester, such as PBT. The rest of the sleeve 1 can also preferably be made of a rubber-elastic material, for example TPE and / or a fiber-reinforced plastic material with a Shore hardness of about 40 to about 50 Shore. Likewise, the sleeve 1 can also be manufactured in one piece in a multi-component (especially a two-component) process in one manufacturing step.

[0118] In the case of a very hard reinforcement region 36, for example a reinforcement region 36 made of PBT, the seal 18 can be formed from the material of the non-reinforced region, i.e. from the material of the remaining housing section, or from another material with a lower Shore hardness than the reinforcement region. Figure 1 In the embodiment of , this is, for example, TPE of the housing section 6. Fig. 9The sleeve 1 of the embodiment requires radial sealing toward the opening 16 or the connector receiving part 14, respectively, and therefore the sealing part 18 is arranged between the reinforcement area 36 and the opening 16 or the connector receiving part 14, respectively, in a direction transverse to the plugging direction 35. Here, the sealing part 18 can also form an edge surface of the opening 16 or the connector receiving part 14, respectively, pointing in the plugging direction 35, so as to also produce a sealing effect axially.

[0119] As in the previous embodiment, the reinforcement area 36 preferably forms a frame surrounding the opening 16 and ensuring the dimensional stability of the seal 18. When a plastic material (e.g. PBT) is used, the reinforcement area 36 has sufficient strength so that the housing cover 84 can be omitted. In this configuration, the sleeve 1 can be held at the mating connector 60 only by the reinforcement area.

[0120] For this purpose, the latching means 108 can be formed by the reinforced area 36, ​​as in the previous embodiment. In order to firmly attach the sleeve 1 to the mating connector, the latching means 108 can be formed by the reinforced areas 36 on the front wall 110 and on the rear wall 112. The latching means 108 are preferably arranged at or near each corner of the housing segment 6. In the embodiment shown, the reinforced area 36 on the front wall 110 forms a protruding flange section 36, which can latch into the latching means 108 of the mating connector 60. On the side of the mating connector 60 facing away from the pipe segment 4, where the front wall 110 is also arranged, the mating connector includes a latching means, which is configured as a latching tab that engages with the flange section 36.

[0121] On the rear wall 112, two pin-shaped latching projections are provided as latching means, which are inserted into corresponding latching openings of the mating connector in order to then slide the housing section 6 over the connector 2 and the mating connector 60 with a pivoting movement 106. Fig.10 Shown in.

[0122] exist Fig.11 , it can be seen how the material of the housing cover 42 continues in the sealing portion 18 and forms a sealing lip 92 which projects inwardly towards the opening 16 and preferably extends in a closed and continuous manner around the opening 16. The sealing portion 18 is located between the reinforcement area 36 and the opening 16. The latching means 108 of the mating connector are at the front side 110.

[0123] Reference numerals

[0124] 1 Casing

[0125] 2Electrical connector

[0126] 3 Connector components

[0127] 4 pipe sections

[0128] 6 Shell Section

[0129] 7. Weakness

[0130] 8 arrows / elastic expandability

[0131] 10 Cable receiving unit

[0132] 12 Cables

[0133] 14Connector receiving part

[0134] 16 Opening

[0135] 18 Sealing part

[0136] 20 Installation Location

[0137] 22 Inner diameter in installation position

[0138] 24 Inner diameter in the powerless state

[0139] 26 Minimum connector base area

[0140] 28 Longitudinal direction of the pipe section

[0141] 30 ribs

[0142] 32 End of the pipe section facing away from the housing section

[0143] 34 Open direction

[0144] 35 plug-in direction

[0145] 36 Reinforced area of ​​the shell section

[0146] 38 flange section

[0147] 40 Wall of the housing section

[0148] 42 Covering wall of housing section

[0149] 44Contact area of ​​electrical connector

[0150] 46 Rear side of electrical connector

[0151] 48 Direction of cable outlet of electrical connector

[0152] 52 Length of pipe section in installation position

[0153] 54Connector length in insertion direction

[0154] 56 End of the housing section facing away from the pipe section

[0155] 60 Mating Connector

[0156] 62 drive system

[0157] 64 Pushers

[0158] 66 Leverage

[0159] 68 matching components

[0160] 70 The fully mated state of the connector and the mating connector

[0161] 72 Slide the sleeve over the connector and the mating connector

[0162] 74 sealing seat

[0163] 76 wall seal portion of mating connector

[0164] 78 The housing of the receiving electrical connector of the mating connector

[0165] 80 wall

[0166] 81 Open Side

[0167] 82 The side of the mating connector that is open toward the connector

[0168] 84 Shell cover

[0169] 86 Latch device

[0170] 90 Arrows

[0171] 92 sealing lip

[0172] 94 housing section of mating connector

[0173] 96 Edge Surface

[0174] 98Mating connector collar

[0175] 100 Depression / channel / groove

[0176] 102 Side of mating connector

[0177] 104 Pivot axis

[0178] 106 Arrow

[0179] 108 Latch device

[0180] 110 Front wall of housing section

[0181] 112 rear wall of housing section

Claims

1. A sleeve (1) for an electrical connector (2), the sleeve (1) comprising an elastically expandable tube section (4) and a cap-shaped housing section (6), wherein: The tube section comprises a cable receiving portion (10) for passing a cable (12) connected to the electrical connector, wherein the housing section (6) comprises a connector receiving portion (14) connected to the cable receiving portion for receiving the electrical connector and forming a sealing portion (18) surrounding an opening (16) of the housing section spaced apart from the tube section, wherein the tube section is configured such that the tube section can be transferred to an installed position (20), wherein the tube section in the installed position expands elastically compared to a powerless state (7), and wherein an inner diameter (22) of the tube section in the installed state is at least twice an inner diameter (24) of the tube section when the tube section is in the powerless state.

2. The bushing (1) according to claim 1, wherein The housing section (6) comprises a reinforcement region (36) which extends at least partially around the opening (16).

3. The sleeve (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The seal (18) is formed by the reinforced area (36).

4. The bushing (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The sealing portion (18) is disposed between the reinforced area (36) and the opening (16).

5. The bushing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The sealing portion (18) forms an edge surface (96) of the opening (16).

6. The bushing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The housing section (6) in the installed position (20) is pivoted and / or deformed relative to the powerless state (7) so that the tube section (4) does not overlap with the housing section in the longitudinal direction (28) of the tube section (4).

7. The bushing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The pipe section (4) in the installed position (20) is elastically compressed to a length (52) that is shorter than the inner diameter (22) of the pipe section in the installed position.

8. The bushing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The pipe section (4) is at least partially provided with ribs (30) extending in the circumferential direction.

9. The bushing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The housing section (6) comprises at least two side walls (40, 110, 112), which are connected to each other via a covering wall (42) arranged opposite the opening (18).

10. The bushing (1) according to claim 9, wherein One side wall (112) extends further from the cover wall (42) than the at least one other side wall.

11. A connector assembly (3), in particular a connector assembly (3) for a vehicle, the connector assembly (3) comprising a sleeve (1), an electrical connector (2) and a cable (12), the sleeve (1) comprising a tube section (4) and a cap-shaped housing section (6), the electrical connector (2) being at least partially covered by the housing section (6) on a side of the electrical connector (2) facing away from a contact region (44), wherein: The housing section comprises a sealing portion surrounding the electrical connector, the cable (12) being connected to the electrical connector and extending through the tube section and being surrounded in a sealing manner by the tube section, wherein the tube section (4) is configured such that the tube section (4) can be transferred into an installation position (20) in which the tube section elastically expands and the electrical connector can be inserted into the housing section through the tube section.

12. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 11, wherein: The sleeve (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The connector assembly (3) has a mating connector (60), which is configured to be plugged together with the electrical connector (2), wherein when the connector and the mating connector are in a plugged together state, the sealing portion (18) of the housing section (6) abuts against the mating connector in a sealing manner.

14. A method of manufacturing a connector assembly (3) having an electrical connector (2), a cable (12) and a sleeve (1), comprising the following steps: - providing a pre-assembled electrical connector (2) to which a cable (12) is connected; - inserting the electrical connector together with a portion of the cable through the tube section (4) of the elastically expandable sleeve; and - Sliding the housing section (6) of the sleeve over the electrical connector.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: - plugging the electrical connector (2) inserted through the sleeve (1) into a mating connector (60), wherein the mating connector (60) is complementary to the electrical connector (2); - sliding the housing section (6) over the mating connector (60), wherein a sealing portion (18) of the housing section on the mating connector (60) is sealed against the mating connector (60).

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