Cable sealing element with lasting sealing effect, sealing assembly and electric plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal for a cable, in particular a cable with slack insulation, having a cable socket which extends through the seal in an axial direction for at least partially receiving the cable, having a first inner sealing lip which is arranged in the cable socket, protrudes radially inward and comprises a first sealing lip inner diameter, having a second inner sealing lip which is arranged in the cable socket, protrudes radially inward and comprises a second sealing lip inner diameter, and an inner sealing lip spaced apart from the first inner sealing lip in the axial direction, arranged in the cable socket, protruding radially inward and including a second sealing lip inner diameter, having an inner auxiliary sealing lip arranged between the first and second inner sealing lips with respect to the axial direction, including a third sealing lip inner diameter and protruding radially inward, wherein the inner diameter of the third sealing lip is larger than that of the first and second sealing lips. The invention further relates to a sealing assembly having such a seal and to an electrical plug connector having a seal and / or a sealing assembly according to the invention. The sealing effect of the sealing element according to the invention is reduced at least to a small extent over time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal for an electrical cable, in particular an electrical cable having a slack insulation, and to a sealing assembly having such a seal. The present invention further relates to an electrical plug connector having a seal and / or a sealing assembly according to the present invention. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical cable seals are known. Typically, an electrical cable seal has a sealing lip which can be brought into sealing contact with a cable jacket. In this case, the sealing effect of the electrical cable seal depends to a large extent on the fact that the sealing lip abuts against the cable jacket and presses against the cable jacket sufficiently strongly.

[0003] The ageing process of an electrical cable, which can be accelerated by environmental influences such as high temperatures, can lead to a plastic deformation of the cable jacket over time. As a result, the cable jacket is no longer ensured to abut against the sealing lip in a sealing manner - the sealing effect of the seal is reduced. SUMMARY

[0004] The underlying problem of the present invention is therefore to provide an electrical cable seal whose sealing effect decreases at least to a lesser extent over time.

[0005] This problem is solved by a seal for an electrical cable, in particular an electrical cable having a slack insulation, having an electrical cable receptacle which extends through the seal in an axial direction and is configured to at least partially receive an electrical cable, having a first inner sealing lip which is arranged in the electrical cable receptacle, projects radially inwards and comprises a first sealing lip inner diameter, having a second inner sealing lip which is spaced apart from the first inner sealing lip in the axial direction, is arranged in the electrical cable receptacle, projects radially inwards and comprises a second sealing lip inner diameter, and having at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip which is arranged between the first and the second inner sealing lip with respect to the axial direction, comprises a third sealing lip inner diameter, is arranged in the electrical cable receptacle and projects radially inwards, wherein the third sealing lip inner diameter is greater than the first sealing lip inner diameter and the second sealing lip inner diameter.

[0006] The sealing effect of an electrical cable seal depends, inter alia, on the surface pressure between the cable jacket and the sealing lip which is in contact therewith. Over time and under the influence of environmental factors such as high temperatures, the material of the cable jacket can shrink. In particular, the diameter of the electrical cable at the contact surface between the cable jacket and the sealing lip can become smaller, resulting in a reduction of the surface pressure at these points. In addition to directly reducing the sealing effect, the material of the cable jacket can also not remain within the seal and can be pushed out of the seal or flow out of it. Over time, the amount of cable jacket material inside the seal and thus the sealing effect is reduced.

[0007] To solve this problem, the first and second inner sealing lips of the seal according to the invention have a smaller sealing lip inner diameter than the inner auxiliary sealing lips. Thus, the force exerted by the first and second inner sealing lips on the cable jacket exceeds the force exerted by the inner auxiliary sealing lips on the cable jacket in the opposite direction. As a result, the material of the cable jacket is pressed axially inward into the seal. Over time, more jacket material remains inside the seal, which means that the sealing effect of the seal according to the invention decreases at least to a lesser extent over time.

[0008] The above-mentioned invention can be further improved by the following features, each of which is independently preferred and can be combined with each other as desired.

[0009] The sealing lip inner diameter can correspond to the clear inner diameter of the seal or of the cable socket of the seal. Furthermore, the sealing lip inner diameter can be measured at the point where the sealing lip protrudes most inwardly in the radial direction or into the cable socket.

[0010] The first and second inner sealing lips can have the same sealing lip inner diameter, such that the first sealing lip inner diameter corresponds to the second sealing lip inner diameter.

[0011] In one configuration, the inner sealing lips and / or the inner auxiliary sealing lips are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. However, it is also conceivable that the distance of the inner sealing lips and / or the inner auxiliary sealing lips in the axial direction varies along the axial direction. Thus, for example, the distance between two adjacent inner sealing lips in the axial direction can change gradually, linearly or decreasingly.

[0012] The term "inner sealing lip" can refer to the first inner sealing lip, the second inner sealing lip or the inner auxiliary sealing lip. In particular, the "inner auxiliary sealing lip" in this document can also be referred to as "inner sealing lip", and "inner sealing lip" can mean "inner auxiliary sealing lip".

[0013] The seal can be at least partially, however preferably entirely, i.e. in its entirety, made of silicone. In this case, for example, a solid silicone or a liquid silicone can be considered. Of course, it is also conceivable that at least one section of the seal is made of a solid silicone and at least one other section of the seal is made of a liquid silicone. Regardless of the material used, the seal can be at least partially injection molded, however preferably entirely injection molded.

[0014] To improve the sealing effect of the seal, a plurality of inner auxiliary sealing lips can be provided according to a preferred configuration, wherein at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip is part of the plurality of inner auxiliary sealing lips and the sealing lip inner diameter of the plurality of inner auxiliary sealing lips is each greater than the first and second sealing lip inner diameter. The plurality of inner auxiliary sealing lips can be understood to mean a number of at least two, however preferably more than two inner auxiliary sealing lips.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the sealing lip inner diameter of the plurality of inner auxiliary sealing lips can become larger, in particular continuously larger, in the direction of the axial center of the seal. This reduces the force exerted by the inner auxiliary sealing lips in the axial outward direction on the cable jacket, thereby preventing material of the cable jacket from being pressed out of the seal.

[0016] The axial center of the seal can be understood as a point of the seal which lies at half the axial width of the seal. The seal can be configured symmetrically with respect to a radial plane which passes through the axial center of the seal.

[0017] In a further configuration, the sealing lip inner diameter of the first and second inner sealing lips and of at least one of the plurality of inner auxiliary sealing lips can gradually become larger in the direction of the axial center of the seal. This progression of the sealing lip inner diameter even more effectively prevents material of the cable jacket from flowing out of the seal, resulting in a further improvement of the sealing effect.

[0018] The cable socket or the volume enclosed by the first and second inner sealing lips and the at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip can essentially be convex, concave, barrel-shaped or cylindrical. Furthermore, the radially most protruding point of the inner sealing lips, i.e. the point which protrudes farthest into the socket, can lie on or span the convex, concave, barrel-shaped or cylindrical surface.

[0019] In order to further improve the sealing effect of the seal, according to a further aspect of the application, the first and / or second inner sealing lips can be reinforced. In order to be able to flexibly adapt the stiffness to the respective application of the seal and to constructively implement the reinforcement in a simple manner, according to one embodiment, at least one inner sealing lip can be reinforced by a reinforcement element. Thereby, the reinforcement element can be configured as a particularly cost-effective plastic ring which is arranged on at least one axial end of the seal. In a simple and thus particularly cost-effective configuration, the plastic ring can be injection molded onto the seal. The axial end of the seal on which the plastic ring is arranged can be the end of the inner sealing lip which faces away from the axial center of the seal in the axial direction. This inner sealing lip can in particular correspond to the first or second inner sealing lip which is to be reinforced by the plastic ring.

[0020] In order to configure the seal overall to be even more stable, the plastic ring can comprise, according to a further embodiment, a collar section which protrudes perpendicularly from the remaining plastic ring and which protrudes into the seal in the axial direction. The collar section can at least partially penetrate and / or pass through the seal. The plastic ring can be configured integrally or from at least two different materials. For example, the collar section can be made of a different material than the remaining plastic ring.

[0021] In order to prevent notches or indentations on the cable jacket, according to a preferred configuration at least one insertion section can be provided at least at one axial end of the seal, wherein the inner diameter of the at least one insertion section is constant in axial direction. The insertion section and / or the section of the cable socket surrounded by the insertion section can be substantially or completely cylindrical. Thus, the insertion section and / or the section of the cable socket surrounded by the insertion section can for example substantially or completely have the shape of a tube, sleeve or pipe.

[0022] In order to facilitate the insertion of the cable into the seal, at least one lead-in chamfer can be provided at least at one axial end of the seal, wherein the inner diameter of the at least one lead-in chamfer increases in axial direction pointing away from the axial center of the seal. The inner diameter of the lead-in chamfer can linearly vary along the axial direction of the seal. In this case, the lead-in chamfer can be straight. In another configuration, the lead-in chamfer can be curved or rounded, wherein the inner diameter of the seal changes in axial direction pointing away from the axial center of the seal, for example in a progressive or decreasing manner. Of course, the lead-in chamfer can also be configured at least section-wise to be spherical, toroidal or oval.

[0023] When the at least one lead-in chamfer or the at least one insertion section is incorporated into an inner sealing lip arranged at the axial end of the seal provided with the lead-in chamfer or the at least one insertion section, a compact configuration of the seal, in particular in axial direction, is achieved and thus a configuration saving structural space is achieved. The inner sealing lip into which the lead-in chamfer or the insertion section is incorporated or into which the lead-in chamfer or the insertion section is incorporated can for example be thickened annularly or in a bulge. Furthermore, the lead-in chamfer or the insertion section can also be formed by at least one section of the inner sealing lip. In this way, the side of the sealing lip associated with the axial end of the seal can form the lead-in chamfer or the insertion section or can comprise the lead-in chamfer or the insertion section.

[0024] In a particularly preferred configuration, the at least one insertion section or the at least one lead-in chamfer is seamlessly incorporated into the inner sealing lip, in particular into the apex of the inner sealing lip. The inner diameter of the at least one insertion section can correspond to the sealing lip inner diameter of the inner sealing lip into which the insertion section is incorporated. However, the inner diameter of the at least one insertion section can of course also be smaller or larger than the sealing lip inner diameter of the inner sealing lip into which the at least one insertion section is incorporated.

[0025] The inner diameter of the at least one insertion section can be selected in dependence on parameters of the cable, for example in dependence on geometrical parameters and / or parameters related to the material of the cable jacket. In particular, the tendency of the cable jacket to creep can be taken into account when determining the dimensions of the insertion section of the seal.

[0026] According to a further preferred configuration, the seal can be at least symmetric with respect to a radial plane extending through the seal at least half of the axial width of the seal. This symmetric configuration of the seal has the effect that the force exerted by the sealing lip arranged at the axial end of the sealing section also acts symmetrically inward. This results in more cable jacket material being pressed axially inward into the seal, thereby further improving the sealing effect.

[0027] Half of the axial width of the seal can be understood as the axial center of the seal.

[0028] In another configuration, the profile of the at least one inner sealing lip protruding into the cable socket can be asymmetric with respect to a radial plane extending through the apex of the at least one inner sealing lip. An inner sealing lip having such an asymmetric configuration can exert greater pressure on the cable jacket in the direction of the axial center of the seal. In this way, the cable jacket material is even more effectively prevented from being pressed out of the seal over time, which prevents or limits a reduction in the sealing effect over time. The apex of the inner sealing lip can be understood as the point at which the sealing lip has the smallest inner sealing lip diameter, or at which the inner sealing lip protrudes, projects or bulges radially inward the farthest into the cable socket.

[0029] The at least one inner sealing lip having an asymmetric profile can be inclined at an acute angle of inclination in the direction of the axial center of the seal with respect to the radial direction. In one configuration, the angle of inclination of the inner sealing lip can become sharper, preferably continuously, in the direction of the axial center of the seal. This progression of the angle of inclination can be, for example, decreasing, progressive or linear.

[0030] The sealing lip arranged at the axial center of the seal preferably has a symmetric profile rather than an asymmetric profile, and the angle of inclination of this sealing lip can have an angle of inclination of 0° with respect to the radial direction.

[0031] In order to make the use of the seal even more flexible in other applications, the seal can have at least one outer sealing lip protruding radially outward on its outer side facing away from the cable socket with respect to the radial direction.

[0032] The outer side of the seal can also be understood as the circumferential side or the outer circumference of the seal. In a preferred configuration, the seal can also have a plurality of outer sealing lips which are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction of the seal. The axial distance between adjacent outer sealing lips can be the same or different from the axial distance between adjacent inner sealing lips or inner auxiliary sealing lips. The outer sealing lips and the inner sealing lips can for example be offset relative to one another in the axial direction, such that at least one peak of the outer sealing lips is arranged at the same height relative to the axial direction as one valley of the inner sealing lips. Of course, the outer sealing lips and the inner sealing lips can be arranged at the same height relative to the axial direction. For example, at least the peaks of the outer sealing lips can be at the same height relative to the axial direction as the peaks of the inner sealing lips. Similarly, at least the valleys of the outer sealing lips can be at the same height relative to the axial direction as the valleys of the inner sealing lips. In one configuration, there can be as many outer sealing lips as inner sealing lips.

[0033] The at least one outer sealing lip can be arranged at the same axial height as the at least one lead-in chamfer and / or the at least one insertion section.

[0034] The outer sealing lips can be configured in the same way as the inner sealing lips. For example, a first outer sealing lip having a first sealing lip outer diameter, a second outer sealing lip having a second sealing lip outer diameter and at least one outer auxiliary sealing lip having a third sealing lip outer diameter can be provided, wherein the first and second sealing lip outer diameters are greater than the third sealing lip outer diameter.

[0035] The relaxed insulation of the electrical cable can for example be understood as a thermally relaxed insulation or an insulation which relaxes under the influence of other environmental factors.

[0036] The invention also comprises a sealing assembly comprising a seal according to the invention and an electrical cable which is at least partially accommodated in a cable socket, wherein the jacket of the electrical cable has a new state and an aged state, wherein the jacket of the electrical cable is plastically deformed relative to the new state, and wherein the material of the jacket of the electrical cable in the aged state is at least partially displaced, pushed, pressed and / or extruded in the direction of the axial center of the seal, such that the auxiliary sealing lip abuts the jacket of the electrical cable in a sealing manner. Such a sealing assembly has a sealing effect which is stable over time, and is therefore particularly reliable and safe.

[0037] The material of the jacket of the electrical cable can be at least partially displaced, pushed, pressed and / or extruded in the direction of the axial center of the seal in the aged state and can alternatively or cumulatively flow or relax in the direction of the axial center of the seal.

[0038] In the new state and the aged state of the jacket of the electrical cable, all of the inner sealing lips, i.e. the first and second inner sealing lips and the at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip, can abut the jacket of the electrical cable in a sealing manner.

[0039] In the aged state, the jacket of the cable can be partially plastically deformed, in particular at the point at which the first and / or second inner sealing lip abuts the jacket of the cable in a sealing manner. The plastically deformed section can be, for example, at least partially bulged, annular or ring-shaped. The plastically deformed section of the jacket of the cable can be arranged on the side of the first or second inner sealing lip facing the axial center of the seal. By the first and second inner sealing lip exerting pressure on the jacket of the cable, the jacket of the cable can be concave at the point at which the first and second inner sealing lip abut the jacket. Thus, the cable can have a smaller diameter here than at points at which the cable is not in contact with the first and second inner sealing lip. At the point at which the first inner sealing lip and the second inner sealing lip are in contact with the jacket and thus can be concave, the plastically deformed section cannot overcome outward in the axial direction. As a result, more material of the cable jacket remains between the first and second inner sealing lip in the axial direction.

[0040] The first and second inner sealing lip can exert a force on the jacket of the cable, which presses the jacket, in particular the material of the jacket, in the direction of the axial center of the seal. The inner auxiliary sealing lip can exert a force on the jacket of the cable, which is directed in the opposite direction to the force exerted on the jacket of the cable by the first and second inner sealing lip. The force exerted on the jacket of the cable by the first and second inner sealing lip can be, in particular, greater than the force exerted on the jacket of the cable by the inner auxiliary sealing lip in the opposite direction. In this way, the force acting on the jacket of the cable in the direction of the axial center of the seal can prevail, so that the material of the jacket of the cable remains within the seal. By "within the seal" can be meant the portion of the cable socket arranged between the first and second sealing lip in the axial direction, or the portion of the cable socket extending between the axial ends of the seal, i.e. over the entire axial width of the seal. The above explanations can apply to the cable in the new state and in the aged state. The term "opposite direction" is not necessarily used or understood in the mathematically precise sense. For example, the vectors of the forces referred to as opposite directions in the present text do not necessarily have to extend along a straight line. Furthermore, forces in opposite directions can be understood such that only the individual directional components of the forces are directed opposite to each other.

[0041] The first and second inner sealing lip can act as a restrictor, which keeps the material of the jacket of the cable in the region of the cable socket arranged between the first and second inner sealing lip in the axial direction. The term "restrictor" can be understood such that the first and second inner sealing lip prevent or at least hinder the material of the cable jacket from passing beyond or through the axial point at which the first and second inner sealing lip are arranged. Preferably, there is little relative movement between the point of the cable jacket in contact with the first or second inner sealing lip and the first or second inner sealing lip.

[0042] The absolute amount of the material of the jacket of the cable inside the seal can be the same or at least substantially the same in the new state and in the aged state of the cable. The amount of material can be understood such that both the mass and the volume of the material are meant.

[0043] The present application also relates to an electrical plug connector having at least one seal and / or at least one sealing assembly according to the present application. Such a plug connector is particularly well and consistently sealed and is therefore reliable, durable and safe.

[0044] In the following, the present application is explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. In doing so, if the technical effect associated with a respective feature present in the following embodiments is not important in view of the above-mentioned embodiments, this feature can be omitted. Conversely, if the technical effect associated with an above-mentioned feature (but not present in the following embodiments) is important for a particular application, this feature can be added to the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] In the following, identical reference signs are used for elements that correspond to one another in terms of structure and / or function.

[0046] In the drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a seal according to a possible embodiment;

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a seal according to another possible embodiment;

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a seal according to Figure 2 the embodiment shown in

[0050] Figure 4 is a detailed view of Figure 3 the seal shown in

[0051] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a seal according to another possible embodiment;

[0052] Figure 6 is a detailed view of an asymmetric inner auxiliary sealing lip according to another possible embodiment;

[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of a sealing assembly with a cable in a new state;

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a sealing assembly with a cable in an aged state;

[0055] Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of an electrical plug connector according to the present application according to a possible embodiment; and

[0056] Figure 10is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal according to another possible embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In the following, reference is made to Figures 1 to 6 The structure of the seal according to the present application is explained by way of example.

[0058] Figure 1 The illustrated seal comprises a cable socket 2, a first inner sealing lip 4, a second inner sealing lip 6 and an inner auxiliary sealing lip 8. The cable socket 2 is configured to receive a cable 10, which only in Figure 1 is indicated by a dashed line and extends through the seal 1 in an axial direction 12. The first and second inner sealing lips 4, 6 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction 12 and project inward into the cable socket 2 in a radial direction 14 perpendicular to the axial direction 12. The inner auxiliary sealing lip 8 is located between the first and second inner sealing lips 4, 6 with respect to the axial direction 12 and also projects inward into the cable socket 2 in the radial direction 14. The first and second inner sealing lips 4, 6 comprise a first or second sealing lip inner diameter 16, 18 and the inner auxiliary sealing lip 8 comprises a third sealing lip inner diameter 20. The third sealing lip inner diameter 20 of the inner auxiliary sealing lip 8 is greater than the first and second sealing lip inner diameters 16, 18 of the first and second inner sealing lips 4, 6. The sealing lip inner diameters 16, 18, 20 of all inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 (first inner sealing lip 4, second inner sealing lip 6 and at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip 8) can be measured at a vertex 22 of the respective inner sealing lip 4, 6, 8. The vertex 22 can be understood as the point of the inner sealing lip 4, 6, 8 that is arranged most inward in the radial direction 14.

[0059] It can be seen from Figure 2 the illustrated perspective cut view of the seal 1 that the seal 1 can also have more than one inner auxiliary sealing lip 8, i.e. a plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8. In Figure 3 the illustrated embodiment, the seal 1 has a total of three of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8, which are arranged between the first and second inner sealing lips 4, 6 in the axial direction 12. In the embodiment illustrated here, each of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 comprises a third sealing lip inner diameter 20, which is greater than the first sealing lip inner diameter 16 of the first inner sealing lip 4 and the second sealing lip inner diameter 18 of the second inner sealing lip 6, respectively.

[0060] It can also be seen from Figure 3 the illustrated perspective cut view of the seal 1 that the third sealing lip inner diameters 20 of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 can increase in the direction of an axial center 26 of the seal 1. Thus, a central one of the three inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 can have a third sealing lip inner diameter 20 that is greater than the third sealing lip inner diameters 20 of the other two inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8.

[0061] It is particularly preferred that the sealing lip inner diameter 16, 18, 20 of the first inner sealing lip 4, the second inner sealing lip 6 and at least one of the inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 gradually becomes larger in the direction of an axial center 26 of the seal 1, as is shown in Figure 3 The axial center 26 is to be understood as a point on the seal 1 which is located at half the axial width 28 of the seal 1. However, according to other configurations, the course of the sealing lip inner diameter 16, 18, 20 can also be linear or progressive, as long as the third sealing lip inner diameter 20 of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 increases in the direction of the axial center 26 of the seal 1.

[0062] Figure 3 The exemplary seal 1 shown in the middle is symmetrical with respect to a radial plane 30 which extends through the seal 1 at half the axial width 28 of the seal 1. In Figure 3 the embodiment shown, this radial plane 30 extends through the apex 22 of the inner auxiliary sealing lip 8 which has the largest sealing lip inner diameter 20 of all inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8. However, in other configurations, the radial plane 30 can also extend centrally between two inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 which both have the same third sealing lip inner diameter 20. Of course, it is also conceivable that the seal 1 is configured symmetrically with respect to another plane or not at all.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 3 and particularly well in the detailed view according to Figure 4 , the seal 1 can comprise, in possible configurations, an introduction chamfer 32 at at least one axial end 34 of the seal 1. In Figure 3 the configuration shown, the seal 1 is provided with an introduction chamfer 32 at both axial ends 34 of the seal 1. The introduction chamfer 32 has an inner diameter 36 measured in the radial direction 14 which increases in the axial outward direction, thus pointing away from the axial center 26 of the seal 1. The course of the inner diameter of the introduction chamfer 32 need not be progressive as in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , but may, for example, be decreasing or linear. Furthermore, the introduction chamfer 32 need not extend around the entire circumference of the seal 1, so that the seal 1 can also be provided with an introduction chamfer 32 only in sections of its circumference.

[0064] The introduction chamfer 32 can be incorporated into the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8, as is shown in the configurations in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the inner sealing lips being arranged at the axial ends 34 of the seal 1 provided with an introduction chamfer 32. In Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, one chamfer 32 is incorporated into the first inner sealing lip 4, and another chamfer 32 is incorporated into the second inner sealing lip 6. However, of course, at least one chamfer 32 may also be incorporated into or formed from the inner auxiliary sealing lip 8.

[0065] like Figure 10 As shown, according to another configuration, the seal 1 may include an insertion section 33 at at least one axial end 34 of the seal 1, which is cylindrical or tubular in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 10 The insertion section 33 shown has an inner diameter 37 measured along the radial direction 14, and an inner diameter 36 with at least one introduced chamfer 32 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 In contrast, the inner diameter 37 remains the same or constant along the axial direction 12. Seal 1 does not need to be as... Figure 10 As shown in the embodiment, insertion sections 33 are provided at both axial ends 34. It is also conceivable that one axial end 34 has an introduction chamfer 32, and the other axial end 34 has an insertion section 33. Similarly, the introduction chamfer 32 may be absent, or the insertion section 33 may not exist at all. Similar to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The chamfer 32 shown may also incorporate at least one insertion section 33 into the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 arranged at the axial end 34 of the seal 1 where the insertion section 33 is located. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, one insertion segment 33 is incorporated into the first inner sealing lip 4, and another insertion segment 33 is incorporated into the second inner sealing lip 6. The inner diameter 37 of the insertion portion 33 does not necessarily correspond to the inner diameters 16 or 18 of the sealing lips of the first or second inner sealing lips 4, 6, as... Figure 10 As shown. Therefore, the inner diameter 37 of at least one insertion section 33 may also be smaller or larger than the inner diameter 16, 18 of the sealing lips of the inner sealing lips 4, 6 into which the insertion section 33 is incorporated.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the first inner sealing lip 4 and / or the second inner sealing lip 6 can be reinforced. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first inner sealing lip 4 and the second inner sealing lip 6 are reinforced, for example, by a reinforcing element 38. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first inner sealing lip 4 and the second inner sealing lip 6 are each reinforced by a reinforcing element 38 in the form of a plastic ring 40. The plastic ring 40 may be arranged or attached (e.g., injection molded) to the axial end 34 of the seal 1. Of course, at least one reinforcing element 38 or plastic ring 40 may also be removably and therefore replaceably attached or attachable to the axial end 34 of the seal 1.

[0067] from Figure 5It can further be seen that the plastic ring 40 can have a collar section 42 which protrudes vertically from the rest of the plastic ring 40 and in the axial direction 12 into the seal 1, in particular into the inner sealing lip 4, 6 which is or has been reinforced by the collar section 42. The collar section 42 does not necessarily extend over the entire circumference of the plastic ring 40, so that the inner sealing lip 4, 6 on which the plastic ring 40 is arranged can only be penetrated by the collar section 42 in a partial circumference thereof.

[0068] As shown in the embodiments shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the seal 1 can also have at least one but preferably a plurality of outer sealing lips 46 on its outer side 44 which protrude in the radial direction 14 outwards. The outer side 44 of the seal 1 can be the side of the seal 1 which faces away from the cable socket 2 in the radial direction 14.

[0069] In the embodiments shown in Figure 3 and 5 , the outer sealing lips 46 are larger than the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Figure 5 , not every peak 48 of the outer sealing lips 46 is at the same height as a valley 50 of the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 with respect to the axial direction 12. However, in a preferred configuration, the number and / or shape of the outer sealing lips 46 can correspond to the number and / or shape of the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8. In a particularly stable configuration of the seal 1, every peak 48 of the outer sealing lips 46 is also at the same height as a valley 50 of the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 with respect to the axial direction 12.

[0070] Figure 6 A detailed view of the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 of another possible configuration of a seal 1 according to the application is shown. As with the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 of the above-described configurations, Figure 6 the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 shown in Figure 6 are arranged in the cable socket 2 and protrude inwards in the radial direction 14. The inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 can comprise a profile 52 which protrudes into the cable socket 2 and which is asymmetrical with respect to a radial plane 30 which extends through the apex 22 of the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8. In the embodiments shown in Figure 6 , the inner sealing lips 4, 6, 8 have a first side face 54 and a second side face 56 which are inclined at the same angle 58 with respect to the radial direction 14, but have different widths with respect to the axial direction 12. Of course, in other configurations, the side faces 54, 56 can also have different angles 58 with respect to the radial direction 14 and / or the same width in the axial direction 12.

[0071] In the following, reference is made to Figure 7 and Figure 8The structure and function of the sealing assembly (60) according to the application is explained by way of example.

[0072] Figure 7 A sealing assembly 60 is shown with a seal 1 according to the application, which accommodates a cable 10 at least partially in its cable socket 2. In the shown embodiment, the jacket 62 of the cable 10 is in a new state 64, in which the jacket 62 of the cable 10 has not yet been plastically deformed. From Figure 7 It can be seen that the first inner sealing lip 4 and the second inner sealing lip 6 as well as all of the inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 of the plurality 24 of inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 abut the jacket 62 of the cable 10 in a sealing manner, the cable 10 being in the new state 64 and still being particularly smooth in the shown embodiment.

[0073] Over time, the jacket 62 of the cable 10 adopts an aged state 66 (see Figure 8 ) as a result of an aging process of the cable 10, such as the influence of a temperature-increasing environment, the pressure exerted by the inner sealing lips 4, 6 or the inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 on the cable 10, or other influences. In this aged state 66, the jacket 62 of the cable 10 is plastically deformed compared to the new state 64. For example, as shown in Figure 8 , the plastic deformation 68 of the jacket 62 of the cable 10 can be a bulging of the material in the jacket 62 of the cable 10, which can form between two adjacent inner sealing lips 4, 6 or inner auxiliary sealing lips 8.

[0074] The first inner sealing lip 4 and the second inner sealing lip 6 press the material of the jacket 62 of the cable 10 in the direction of the axial center 26 of the seal 1, thereby preventing the material of the jacket 62 from slipping out of or swelling out of the seal 1. As a result, the material of the jacket 62 of the cable 10 remains between the first inner sealing lip 4 and the second inner sealing lip 6 in the axial direction 12, preventing the diameter 72 of the cable in this region from decreasing. Thus, the jacket 62 of the cable 10 still abuts the inner auxiliary sealing lips 8 in a sealing manner when the jacket 62 of the cable is in the aged state 66.

[0075] Finally, reference is made to Figure 9 The electrical plug connector 74 is described by way of example only. The electrical plug connector 74 comprises a sealing assembly 60 with a cable 10, which is partially accommodated in the cable socket 2 of the seal 1. In Figure 9 the shown embodiment of the electrical plug connector 74, the structure of the seal 1 shown corresponds to that of the sealing assembly 60 according to the application only by way of example. Figure 3The configuration of the seal 1 is shown. The exemplary electrical plug connector 74 has a housing 76 into which the electrical cable 10 enters at a rear side 78 of the housing 76. The outer sealing lip 46 of the seal 1 is in contact with an inner side 80 of the housing 76 and the inner sealing lips 4, 6 or the inner auxiliary sealing lip 8 of the seal 1 are in sealing contact with the sheath 62 of the electrical cable 10, thereby reliably protecting the electrical plug connector 74 from liquid penetration.

[0076] List of reference signs

[0077] 1 seal

[0078] 2 electrical cable socket

[0079] 4 first inner sealing lip

[0080] 6 second inner sealing lip

[0081] 8 inner auxiliary sealing lip

[0082] 10 electrical cable

[0083] 12 axial direction

[0084] 14 radial direction

[0085] 16 first sealing lip inner diameter

[0086] 18 second sealing lip inner diameter

[0087] 20 third sealing lip inner diameter

[0088] 22 apex

[0089] 24 plurality

[0090] 26 axial center of the seal

[0091] 28 axial width of the seal

[0092] 30 radial plane

[0093] 32 lead-in chamfer

[0094] 33 insertion section

[0095] 34 axial end of the seal

[0096] 36 inner diameter of the lead-in chamfer

[0097] 37 inner diameter of the insertion section

[0098] 38 reinforcing element

[0099] 40 plastic ring

[0100] 42 collar section

[0101] 44 outer side of the seal

[0102] 46 outer sealing lip

[0103] 48 peak of outer sealing lip

[0104] 50 valley of inner sealing lip

[0105] 52 profile

[0106] 54 first side

[0107] 56 second side

[0108] 58 angle

[0109] 60 sealing assembly

[0110] 62 sheath

[0111] 64 new state

[0112] 66 aged state

[0113] 68 plastic deformation

[0114] 72 cable diameter

[0115] 74 electrical plug connector

[0116] 76 housing

[0117] 78 rear side of housing

[0118] 80 inner side of housing

Claims

1. A seal (1) for cables (10), particularly cables (10) with slack insulation, It has a cable socket (2) that extends through the seal (1) in the axial direction (12) and is configured to at least partially receive the cable (10). It has a first inner sealing lip (4), which is arranged in the cable socket (2), protruding radially inward and including the inner diameter (16) of the first sealing lip. Having a second inner sealing lip (6), which is spaced apart from the first inner sealing lip (4) in the axial direction (12), arranged in the cable socket (2), projecting radially inward and including the inner diameter (18) of the second sealing lip, and Having at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip (8) arranged between the first and second inner sealing lips (4, 6) relative to the axial direction (12), including the inner diameter (20) of a third sealing lip, arranged in the cable socket (2) and projecting radially inward, in, The inner diameter (20) of the third sealing lip is greater than the inner diameter (16) of the first sealing lip and the inner diameter (18) of the second sealing lip.

2. The seal (1) according to claim 1, in, Multiple (24) inner auxiliary sealing lips (8) are provided, wherein at least one inner auxiliary sealing lip (8) is part of the multiple (24) inner auxiliary sealing lips (8), and the inner diameter (20) of the sealing lip of each of the multiple (24) inner auxiliary sealing lips (8) is greater than the inner diameter (16) of the first sealing lip and the inner diameter (18) of the second sealing lip.

3. The seal (1) according to claim 2, in, The inner diameter (20) of the sealing lip of the plurality of (24) inner auxiliary sealing lips (8) increases in the direction of the axial center (26) of the seal (1).

4. The seal (1) according to claim 2 or 3, in, The inner diameters (16, 18) of the first and second inner sealing lips (4, 6) and the inner diameter of at least one of the plurality of (24) inner auxiliary sealing lips (8) gradually increase in the direction of the axial center (26) of the seal (1).

5. The seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The first and / or second inner sealing lips (4, 6) are reinforced.

6. The seal (1) according to claim 5, in, At least one inner sealing lip (4, 6) is reinforced by a reinforcing element (38).

7. The seal (1) according to claim 6, in, The reinforcing element (38) is configured as a plastic ring (40) disposed at at least one axial end (34) of the seal (1).

8. The seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, At least one insertion section (33) is disposed at at least one axial end (34) of the seal (1), wherein the inner diameter (37) of at least one insertion section (33) is constant in the axial direction (12).

9. The seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, At least one chamfer (32) is provided at at least one axial end (34) of the seal (1), wherein the inner diameter (36) of the at least one chamfer (32) increases in a direction pointing axially away from the axial center (26) of the seal (1).

10. The seal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, in, The at least one lead-in chamfer (32) or the at least one insert section (33) is incorporated into an inner sealing lip (4, 6, 8) disposed at the axial end (34) of the seal (1) having the lead-in chamfer (32) or at least one insert section (33).

11. The seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, The seal (1) is at least symmetrical with respect to the radial plane (30), which extends through the seal (1) at half the axial width (28) of the seal (1).

12. The seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The profile (52) of at least one inner sealing lip (4, 6, 8) protruding into the cable socket (2) is asymmetrical with respect to the radial plane (30) extending through the apex (22) of at least one inner sealing lip (4, 6, 8).

13. The seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in, The seal (1) includes at least one radially outwardly projecting outer sealing lip (46) on its outer side (44) opposite to the cable socket (2) in the radial direction (14).

14. A sealing assembly (60), The device comprises a seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a cable (10) at least partially housed in a cable socket (2), wherein, The sheath (62) of the cable (10) has a new state (64) and an aged state (66), wherein the sheath (62) of the cable (10) is plastically deformed relative to the new state (64), and wherein the material of the sheath (62) of the cable (10) in the aged state (66) is at least partially compressed in the direction of the axial center (26) of the seal (1), such that the inner auxiliary sealing lip (8) abuts against the sheath (62) of the cable (10) in a sealing manner.

15. An electrical plug connector (74) having at least one seal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or at least one sealing assembly (60) according to claim 14.

Images