Sealable connector device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealable connector device (1) comprising a seal (20) having at least one securing element (30) and a connector housing (10) having a receiving space (13) for receiving the seal (20). The receiving space (13) comprises an opening (11) for receiving the securing element (30) when the seal (20) is mounted onto the connector housing (10) to secure the seal (20) within the receiving space (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sealable connector device designed to enhance the retention of a seal within a connector housing. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a connector housing having a receiving space with openings for securing elements to improve seal retention. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of connector assembly, seals are commonly used to ensure a tight and secure connection between different components. Known systems typically include seals that are mounted on the connector housing to prevent leakage and maintain connection integrity. These seals often rely on various retaining elements to hold them in place within the connector housing. Traditional methods involve using snap-fit ​​elements that engage with corresponding openings in the housing to securely hold the seal. However, these systems can be prone to problems such as improper engagement, assembly difficulties, and potential damage to the retaining elements during installation.

[0003] In known systems, retaining elements are often designed to fit tightly within the opening of the connector housing, which can cause the retaining element to bend or deform during insertion. This can compromise the effectiveness of the seal and result in lower connection reliability. Furthermore, the design of the connector housing and seals can make the assembly process cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring precise alignment and strong insertion to achieve a secure fit. These challenges are exacerbated when dealing with seals with complex geometries or multiple retaining elements, further complicating the installation process.

[0004] Despite substantial progress in the field of sealable connector devices, there remains a need for an improved system that offers easier assembly, reliable engagement of securing elements, and enhanced sealing performance. Therefore, the fundamental technical problem of this invention is to provide a sealable connector device that at least partially overcomes the shortcomings of known systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealable connector device that at least partially overcomes one or more drawbacks of known systems.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention provides a sealable connector device comprising: a seal having at least one retaining element; and a connector housing having a receiving space for receiving the seal, the receiving space including an opening for receiving the retaining element when the seal is mounted onto the connector housing to retain the seal within the receiving space; wherein the connector housing includes an inclined wall adjacent to the opening, the inclined wall being adapted to facilitate tilting movement of the retaining element when it is inserted into the opening.

[0007] This subject matter relates to a sealable connector device designed to secure a seal within a connector housing. The device includes a seal equipped with at least one retaining element, which may refer to a component designed to attach or secure the seal in place. The connector housing has a receiving space intended to accommodate the seal, the space including an opening for receiving the retaining element when the seal is mounted onto the connector housing. This configuration ensures that the seal is securely positioned within the receiving space.

[0008] The connector housing includes a beveled wall adjacent to the opening. This beveled wall is adapted to facilitate tilting or deflection of the retaining element when it is inserted into the opening. The term "beveled wall" can refer to a sloped surface designed to guide or influence the movement of the retaining element, thereby allowing the retaining element to tilt and thus more effectively secure itself within the housing.

[0009] The advantages of this device include: eliminating the need for additional parts typically required to hold seals, especially radial seals, in place, such as seal retainers or secondary locking mechanisms. The beveled walls help the seals adhere firmly during transport, ensuring they remain in their intended position without the need for excessive force or complex assembly procedures. This design is particularly beneficial for larger seals that could easily deform if pressed using conventional methods. Overall, this device provides an efficient and reliable solution for securing seals within the connector housing, enhancing both ease of assembly and stability during transport.

[0010] In embodiments of the sealable connector device, the fixing element includes a hook having a generally L-shaped geometry for engagement with the housing, and preferably, the hook is designed not to engage with the housing in a fastened relationship when not tilted.

[0011] This particular shape is crucial because it provides a means for the hook to effectively engage with the connector housing. The L-shaped design facilitates the interaction between the hook and the housing, allowing for a secure engagement even when the hook is tilted. This embodiment also specifies that the hook is preferably designed not to engage with the housing in a tight relationship when it is not tilted. This feature is important because it introduces a conditional engagement mechanism, wherein the hook only secures the seal within the receiving space when it undergoes tilting movement. The interaction between the hook and the inclined wall ensures that the retaining element can be effectively inserted into the opening, thereby allowing for a secure fit of the seal within the connector housing.

[0012] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the hook engages with the edge of the opening as the device begins to tilt and move along the inclined wall.

[0013] This embodiment specifies that, when tilted by the inclined wall, the fixing element, shaped as a hook, engages with the edge of the opening. This engagement provides a strong and stable connection between the seal and the connector housing. The hook engaging with the edge of the opening ensures that the seal is locked in place, thereby preventing any accidental displacement or movement.

[0014] In another improvement to the sealable connector assembly, the opening is larger than the hook.

[0015] This embodiment specifies that the opening in the connector housing is larger than the hook of the retaining element. This feature ensures that the retaining element does not bend when the hook is initially inserted into the opening. The larger opening facilitates a smoother and more reliable insertion process, thereby preventing deformation or damage to the retaining element. This is particularly important because the seal is often made of a relatively flexible material that may accidentally bend or deform when inserted into the opening. Therefore, a relatively large opening is desirable; however, this makes it impossible to use some existing retaining methods (discussed below). Figure 1A and Figure 1B (More details are given). This invention allows for the use of such a large opening because the retaining element will preferably be tilted into engagement after being at least partially inserted into the opening.

[0016] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the retaining element extends from the body of the seal along the insertion direction of the seal, and the hook is preferably oriented outward from the seal.

[0017] The retaining element extends from the body of the seal along the insertion direction, allowing it to move along a linear path aligned with the direction in which the seal is inserted into the connector housing during assembly. This extension facilitates engagement between the retaining element and the opening in the connector housing, ensuring the seal is properly secured within the receiving space. Once the retaining element is inserted into the opening and tilted, the outward orientation of the hook enhances the locking mechanism by providing a firm grip.

[0018] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the retaining element is not a snap-fit ​​element.

[0019] By specifying that the retaining element is not a snap-fit ​​element, this embodiment illustrates a method for securing the seal within the connector housing that does not rely on a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which typically involves a rapid and forceful engagement between components. Instead, the retaining element can utilize alternative securing methods, offering advantages such as a reduced risk of damage during installation and improved applicability to the highly flexible materials often used in sealing elements.

[0020] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the seal includes at least one external circumferential lip.

[0021] The circumferential lip is designed to improve the seal by forming a stronger barrier against external elements such as moisture or dust, which could potentially compromise the integrity of the connection. The lip acts as an additional protective layer, ensuring the seal remains firmly held within the receiving space of the connector housing. This feature also contributes to the overall stability of the seal when mounted onto the connector housing, as the lip helps maintain the seal's position and prevents any unwanted movement or displacement.

[0022] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the seal includes two outer circumferential lips separated by circumferential recesses adapted to partially receive the lips in the installed state of the seal.

[0023] This embodiment introduces an additional feature to the sealable connector assembly by specifying that the seal includes two external circumferential lips. These lips are separated by circumferential recesses designed to partially accommodate them during seal installation. Overall, the two lips and the recesses are arranged in three distinct but parallel planes. The circumferential recesses ensure that radial pressure can be applied to the seal to improve sealing effectiveness when the sealed connector housing is mated with the mating connector, as the lips (i.e., one or both) can partially displace into the recesses.

[0024] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, when viewed from the insertion direction of the seal being inserted into the receiving space, the inclined wall is arranged behind the opening such that the retaining element is inclined only after the retaining element has been at least partially inserted into the hole.

[0025] This positioning ensures that the retaining element undergoes tilting movement only after it has been at least partially inserted into the hole. Thus, the retaining element initially enters the opening unimpeded and only encounters the inclined wall upon further insertion, which subsequently facilitates the tilting movement necessary to secure the seal within the receiving space. This new feature enhances the functionality of the sealable connector assembly by ensuring more controlled insertion of the retaining element into the opening. The device minimizes the risk of premature tilting or misalignment of the retaining element during insertion, which could otherwise compromise the integrity of the seal.

[0026] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the fixing element includes a hook and is designed such that the distal end of the hook contacts the inclined wall only after the hook has passed the opening.

[0027] This feature results in a precise sequence of interactions between components, ensuring that the hook passes through the opening substantially unimpeded before engaging with the beveled wall. The design of the hook and its interaction with the beveled wall facilitate controlled tilting movement, which is crucial for securing the seal within the receiving space of the connector housing. This mechanism enhances the reliability and effectiveness of the sealable connector assembly, preventing premature contact or misalignment that could compromise the sealing function or the assembly process.

[0028] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the seal has an inner diameter of 10 to 30 mm, preferably 15 to 25 mm, and / or a height of 5 to 15 mm, preferably 5 to 12 mm, in the axial direction.

[0029] The inner diameter of the seal is important because it determines the seal's ability to accommodate components or cables of various sizes that may pass through or be enclosed by the connector assembly. The axial height of the seal is equally important, as it affects the seal's ability to provide adequate coverage and protection within the receiving space of the connector housing. Higher seals can provide enhanced sealing by covering a larger surface area, while lower seals may be preferred for applications requiring compactness or with limited space. The specified height range ensures that the seal can effectively perform its function without compromising the design or operation of the connector assembly.

[0030] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the receiving space for the seal in the housing does not have any undercut to facilitate injection molding.

[0031] This design choice is particularly advantageous for the injection molding process because it simplifies the mold structure and reduces the complexity of the manufacturing process. The absence of an undercut means the mold can be easily separated from the molded part without the need for additional mechanisms or complex mold designs to release the part. This facilitates a more direct and efficient production process, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and improving the consistency and quality of the produced parts.

[0032] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the seal has a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, and a retaining element is arranged at a corner portion of the seal, extending along the insertion direction.

[0033] This geometry is important because it provides a stable and consistent profile for the seal, which is crucial for ensuring a reliable connection and preventing leakage or displacement. The rectangular cross-section provides an increased surface area in contact with the connector housing, thereby improving sealing performance and resistance to external forces. Additionally, this embodiment specifies that the retaining elements are strategically positioned at the corner portions of the seal. This arrangement of the retaining elements at the corners is an important design choice that facilitates a firm attachment of the seal to the connector housing. By extending along the insertion direction, these retaining elements are designed to engage with openings in the connector housing, as described above. The corner positioning allows for a balanced distribution of forces during insertion, which reduces the risk of seal deformation or damage.

[0034] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the seal is a radial seal.

[0035] This introduces a specific type of seal that operates by applying pressure in the radial direction, thereby enhancing the sealing efficiency and reliability of the connector assembly. The communication mechanism of the radial seal between components involves the interaction between the seal and the connector housing, where radial pressure ensures a tight fit and prevents leakage.

[0036] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the seal is designed to apply pressure in the radial direction when the connector housing mates with the mating connector housing.

[0037] The radial pressure applied by the seal enhances the sealing effect, thereby providing a stronger and more reliable connection between the connector housing and the mating connector housing. This radial pressure mechanism ensures that the seal is tightly compressed against the surfaces of both the connector housing and the mating connector housing, thus preventing the ingress of contaminants, moisture, or other unwanted materials that could compromise the integrity of the connection.

[0038] In another embodiment of the sealable connector device, the opening is formed as a through hole in the wall of the connector housing, and the retaining element engages with the edge of the outlet of the through hole when tilted.

[0039] A through-hole in the connector housing wall serves as a precise engagement point for the retaining element. The tilting movement of the retaining element, achieved by the sloping wall adjacent to the opening, ensures proper engagement with the edge of the through-hole's outlet. This feature improves the accuracy of the sealing mechanism, ensuring the seal is securely fixed in place and reducing the possibility of displacement or leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1A An example of a prior art sealable connector device is shown.

[0041] Figure 1B Showing the assembly state Figure 1A Examples.

[0042] Figure 2 Examples of seals with fixing elements are shown from two different perspectives.

[0043] Figure 3 An embodiment of the connector housing and its details are illustrated in the schematic diagram.

[0044] Figure 4 Shown from below Figure 3 The connector housing.

[0045] Figure 5 An embodiment of the sealable connector device is shown in a sectional side view.

[0046] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 In one embodiment, the fixing element is partially inserted into the opening.

[0047] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the seal is located in its final position inside the housing. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1A A prior art sealable connector device is shown. The connector housing 40 is depicted as having a plurality of cylindrical openings for receiving electrical contacts. The housing 40 includes a receiving space 43 intended to accommodate a seal 50.

[0049] The seal 50 is an axial seal and is shown as a generally flat rectangular frame with four retaining elements 51 extending downward from its corners. These retaining elements 51 are designed to engage with the connector housing 40 to secure the seal 50 in place. The retaining elements 51 have arrow-shaped ends intended to mate into four corresponding holes 41 in the receiving space 43 of the connector housing 40. These holes 41 (only one is visible due to perspective) are designed to have a diameter smaller than the arrow-shaped ends of the retaining elements 51.

[0050] Figure 1BThe diagram illustrates how the seal 50 is mounted onto the housing 40. The figure shows an installation tool 52 that pushes the seal 50 downwards and presses the retaining element 51 into the corresponding hole 41. Because the arrowhead-shaped end of the retaining element 51 is slightly larger than the hole, a relatively large force must be applied to press the element 51 into the hole 41. This results in a strong connection; however, it carries the risk of damaging the vulnerable seal during the installation process, and it is only suitable for arrangements where the installation tool 52 can engage the seal 50 very close to the retaining element 51. Therefore, it is less suitable for radial seals, which tend to have much larger dimensions in the axial direction (i.e., in the mounting / insertion direction).

[0051] Figure 2 An embodiment of the inventive seal 20 is shown. Figure 2 Figure (a) shows the seal 20 in a three-dimensional perspective. Figure 2 Figure (b) shows the seal in a front view.

[0052] The seal 20 generally has a rectangular cross-section, as indicated by its elongated shape with sharply defined corner portions. Four retaining elements 30 extend from these corner portions, and the retaining elements 30 are integrally designed with the seal. The retaining elements 30 are shown extending along the insertion direction, which is determined by... Figure 5 The arrow in the text indicates this.

[0053] Seal 20 is also shown in detail as having external, parallel, circumferential lips 21 and 22. Lips 21 and 22 are separated by parallel, circumferential recesses 23, which are adapted to partially receive the lips when the seal is installed and the connector housing is mated with the mating connector. This design aspect allows lips 21 and 22 to compress and expand into the recesses, thereby enhancing the sealing effect when the seal is in its operating position.

[0054] Figure 2 Figure (b) provides a side view of the seal 20, thus providing a clearer view of the retaining element 30 and its structural configuration. The retaining element 30 is shown as including hooks 31 designed to engage with the connector housing. The hooks 31 exhibit a generally L-shaped geometry. The distal end of each hook 31 is oriented outward from the seal, and the hook includes an engagement surface 33. This outward orientation is advantageous because it facilitates engagement of the hook with the edge of an opening in the connector housing, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] As those skilled in the art will recognize, seal 20 is designed to function as a radial seal. This is inferred from the arrangement of the circumferential lips 21 and 22 and their relatively high height in the axial direction. The seal is adapted to be pressed radially when the connector housing mates with the mating connector housing. Radial pressure enhances the sealing effect, thereby ensuring that the connector assembly remains leak-proof in the operating state.

[0056] Figure 3 A connector housing 10 is shown, designed to accommodate a seal 20. The housing 10 includes a cylindrical structure or cable receiving opening 15. Near the cylindrical structure 15, the housing 10 has a receiving space intended for inserting and securing the seal 20, but the seal itself is not depicted in this figure.

[0057] The housing 10 has four openings 11 (only two are visible due to the viewing angle), which are positioned to allow the insertion of four fixing elements 30. The figure also highlights the ramps 12 located near the openings 11. Each ramp 12 is specifically designed to facilitate tilting movement of the fixing element when it is inserted into the opening 11.

[0058] The detailed view in this figure emphasizes the interaction between the inclined wall 12 and the opening 11. The inclined wall 12 is positioned behind the opening 11 relative to the insertion direction of the seal, thereby ensuring that the retaining element only undergoes tilting movement after being at least partially inserted into the opening 11.

[0059] The housing 10 also includes a retaining clamp 16 for securing the housing to the corresponding mating connector housing during mating.

[0060] Figure 4 The connector housing 10 is shown in a bottom view. The housing 10 includes four openings 11 positioned to receive a retaining element 30 of the seal 20. Each opening 11 includes an adjacent beveled wall 12 that facilitates tilting movement of the retaining element upon insertion into the opening 11. The housing 10 has a receiving space 13 intended to receive the seal 20. This receiving space 13 is configured without any undercut, thereby facilitating the injection molding process.

[0061] Figures 5 to 7 The process of inserting or installing the seal 20 into the receiving space 13 of the housing 10 is shown.

[0062] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view shows a sealable connector assembly 10 including a connector housing 10 and a seal 20. The seal 20 is received in a receiving space 13 of the housing 10, but is not yet attached to the housing 10. Two arrows indicate the insertion direction of the seal 20. The receiving space 13 has four openings 11 intended for inserting a retaining element 30. Figure 5Only two of them are visible in the sectional view.

[0063] Adjacent to the opening 11, the connector housing 10 incorporates a beveled wall 12. The beveled wall 12 is designed to facilitate tilting movement of the retaining element 30 when it is inserted through the corresponding opening 11. The beveled wall 12 is positioned behind the opening 11 relative to the insertion direction of the seal 20 into the receiving space 13. The opening 11 is formed as a through hole in the wall of the connector housing 10.

[0064] exist Figure 6 In this process, the seal 20 is further inserted into the housing 10, and the retaining element 30 is at this time partially inserted into the corresponding opening 11. The retaining element 30 is not yet tilted and is not engaged with the housing 10 in a fastening relationship. Only upon further insertion does the inclined wall 12 cause the retaining element 30 to tilt, thereby engaging the retaining element 30 with the edge of the opening 11. Thus, the retaining element 30 is not a snap-fit ​​element, but requires tilting force transmitted by the inclined wall.

[0065] from Figure 6 As can be seen, the opening 11 in the connector housing 10 is larger than the head of the retaining element 30, allowing the retaining element to enter the opening 11 substantially unimpeded. This prevents any undesirable bending of the retaining element 30 upon initial insertion into the opening 11.

[0066] Figure 7 The seal is shown fully inserted and in its final position. As indicated by the arrow, the inclined wall 12 has tilted the retaining element 30, such that the tilted retaining element 30 is now engaged with the housing in a secure relationship. More specifically, the retaining elements 30 engage with the edge 17 of the outlet of the opening 11 with their respective hooks 31. This engagement ensures that the seal 20 is firmly held in place within the connector housing 10, thereby providing an effective seal for the connector assembly.

[0067] List of reference numerals:

[0068] 1. Sealable connector device

[0069] 10 Connector Housing

[0070] 11 Opening

[0071] 12 Sloping wall

[0072] 13 Acceptance Space

[0073] 15 Cable receiving opening

[0074] 16 Fixtures

[0075] 17. The edge of the opening

[0076] 20 Seals

[0077] 21. First week towards the sealing lip

[0078] 22. The second week, seal the lip.

[0079] 23 Circumferential concave portion

[0080] 30 Fixed components

[0081] 31 Hooks

[0082] 33. The mating surface of the hook.

[0083] 50 Axial seal

[0084] 51 Fixed pin

[0085] 52 Installation Tools

[0086] 40 Housing

[0087] 43 Receiving part for axial seals

Claims

1. A sealable connector device (1), comprising: A seal (20) having at least one fixing element (30); as well as A connector housing (10) having a receiving space (13) for receiving the seal (20), the receiving space (13) including an opening (11) for receiving the fixing element (30) when the seal (20) is mounted onto the connector housing (10) to secure the seal (20) within the receiving space (13); wherein, The connector housing (10) includes an inclined wall (12) adjacent to the opening (11), the inclined wall (12) being adapted to facilitate tilting movement of the fixing element (30) when it is inserted into the opening (11).

2. The sealable connector device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing element (30) includes a hook (31) having a generally L-shaped geometry for engaging with the housing (10), and wherein, preferably, the hook (31) is designed not to engage with the housing (10) in a fastened relationship when not tilted.

3. The sealable connector device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, As the inclined movement begins through the inclined wall (12), the hook (31) engages with the edge (17) of the opening (11).

4. The sealable connector device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The opening is larger than the hook (31) so that the fixing element (30) does not bend when the hook (31) is initially inserted into the opening (11).

5. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The fixing element (30) extends from the body of the seal (20) along the insertion direction of the seal (20), and the hook (31) is preferably oriented outward from the seal.

6. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fixing element (30) is not a snap-fit ​​element.

7. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The seal (20) includes at least one external circumferential lip (21; 22).

8. The sealable connector device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The seal (20) includes two outer circumferential lips (21; 22) separated by circumferential recesses (23) adapted to partially accommodate the lips (21; 22) in the installed state of the seal (20).

9. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When viewed from the insertion direction of the seal (20) into the receiving space (13), the inclined wall (12) is arranged behind the opening (11) such that the fixing element (30) is tilted only after the fixing element (30) is at least partially inserted into the hole.

10. The sealable connector device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The fixing element (30) includes a hook (31) and is designed such that its distal end contacts the inclined wall (12) only after the hook (31) has passed the opening (11).

11. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The seal (20) has an inner diameter of 10 to 30 mm, preferably 15 to 25 mm, and / or a height of 5 to 15 mm, preferably 5 to 12 mm, in the axial direction.

12. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving space (13) in the housing (10) for the seal (20) has no undercut to facilitate injection molding.

13. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The seal (20) has a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the fixing element (30) is arranged at the corner portion of the seal and extends along the insertion direction.

14. The sealable connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The seal (20) is a radial seal.

15. The sealable connector device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The seal (20) is designed to apply pressure in the radial direction when the connector housing (10) mates with the mating connector housing to enhance the sealing effect.

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