Method for attaching a grommet to a cable harness and device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for attaching a grommet (6), which has at least one sealing body (16, 58), to a line string (4) extending in an axial direction (A), wherein a grommet (6) is provided with a filling opening (24) and with at least one outlet opening (28, 30, 32) as well as with a distribution channel (26) which fluidically couples these and is integrated into the grommet (6), wherein the grommet (6) has a tangentially circumferentially sealed cavity (22) through which the line string (4) is guided, wherein a sealing material (56) is filled into the distribution channel (26) via the filling opening (24), wherein the sealing material (56) does not penetrate into the cavity (22), wherein a part of the sealing material (56) is discharged from the distribution channel (26) from the at least one outlet opening (28, 30, 32) emerges, and wherein the at least one sealing body (16, 58) is formed from this part of the sealing material (56).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for attaching a grommet having a sealing body to a cable harness extending in an axial direction. The invention further relates to a device comprising a cable harness and a grommet attached thereto.

[0002] Grommets are generally used to seal a cable loom in wall penetrations. This means that the grommet is inserted into a hole in a wall together with a cable loom and seals the cable loom against the wall, preventing moisture from penetrating through the hole from one side of the wall to the other. Grommets are particularly used in the automotive sector, for example, in wall penetrations from a wet room to a dry room. A key aspect here is often ensuring reliable longitudinal sealing (axial sealing).

[0003] Grommets are typically manufactured through a casting process, in which the cable harness is surrounded by a casting material using a mold to form a grommet body. A frequently used material for this purpose is polyurethane (PUR). This is very fluid during processing, so sealing the mold is necessary during casting. A longitudinal seal is particularly desirable during the casting process.

[0004] DE 10 2015 220 318 A1 discloses a grommet with a hard outer shell consisting of two shell halves, which are filled with a casting material to form a grommet body. The outer shell forms a permanent casting mold, which is part of the grommet. Additional sealing elements are provided for sealing during the casting process. These are applied to the outer circumference of the cable harness, for example, as a sealing strip, sealing tape, or sealing compound. For this purpose, they are inserted into the shell halves, for example, and overlap each other when joined together.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2023 201 120 A1, which was still unpublished at the time of filing, discloses a two-stage casting process for attaching a grommet to a wiring harness. In a first stage, a sealing element made of a first sealing material is cast onto the wiring harness, while in a subsequent second stage, the actual grommet body is cast from a second sealing material. By forming the sealing element upstream, a sealing function is already achieved, so that during the subsequent casting of the grommet body, a seal for the second sealing material is achieved, whereby its flow in the longitudinal direction through the sealing element is at least impeded.

[0006] DE 102 40 864 A1 describes a cable routing arrangement comprising a cable harness with multiple cables. The cable harness is inserted into an insert element, and a foaming material is poured into it, filling and surrounding the insert element. The insert element is a hollow body that contains a cable harness to be sealed with multiple cables and has at least one inlet opening for foaming material, which is connected to a foam guide channel that ends in the center or approximately in the center of the insert element, viewed in the cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insert element.

[0007] DE 10 2005 057 870 B3 discloses a cable entry through a wall opening. The cable entry comprises a housing having an entry side for the cable(s) upstream of the opening and an exit side for the cable(s) downstream of the opening. The cable entry further comprises at least one inner seal for sealing the cable(s) from each other and from the housing, which seal is produced by injecting a plastic material into at least one injection opening of the housing.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a particularly suitable method for attaching a grommet to a cable harness. In particular, the aim is to ensure the most reliable and automated sealing of a cable harness with the least possible installation effort within a wall penetration. The invention is further based on the object of providing a device with a cable harness and a grommet attached thereto.

[0009] With regard to the method, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1, and with regard to the device with the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The advantages and embodiments cited with regard to the method are also transferable to the device, and vice versa.

[0010] The method according to the invention is intended for attaching a grommet, which has at least one sealing body, to a wiring harness extending in an axial direction, and is suitable and designed for this purpose. The wiring harness contains one or more wires, in particular electrical wires (e.g., cables, wires), alternatively or additionally media lines (e.g., hoses), which are combined to form a harness or bundle. For example, the wiring harness is designed as a cable harness, i.e., as a bundle of at least one electrical wire.

[0011] “Axial” or an “axial direction” is understood here and below to mean, in particular, a direction extending along the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the cable harness, which defines a direction of travel of the cable harness from one cable harness end to the other. Accordingly, “radial” or a “radial direction” is understood here and below to mean, in particular, a direction oriented perpendicular (transversely) to the longitudinal axis of the cable harness along a radius of the cable harness or grommet. “Tangential” or a “tangential direction” is understood here and below to mean, in particular, a direction along the circumference of the cable harness or grommet (circumferential direction, azimuthal direction), i.e., a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the radial direction.

[0012] According to the method, a spout is provided with a filling opening and at least one outlet opening, as well as a distribution channel (guide channel) that fluidically couples or connects them. The distribution channel is integrated into the spout, i.e., firmly integrated into the structure of the spout or designed in a uniform manner with it. The spout is, for example, designed as a single piece, i.e., as a single-piece or monolithic structure.

[0013] The grommet also has a tangentially sealed cavity in which the cable harness is located. In other words, when the grommet is assembled, the cable harness is guided concentrically or eccentrically through the cavity.

[0014] The outlet opening is oriented toward the outer side of the grommet, facing away from the cavity. The outlet opening is fluidly connected to the distribution channel, allowing sealing material filled through the filling opening to flow through the distribution channel and exit through the outlet opening.

[0015] In a second process step, a liquid sealing material is poured through the filling opening, allowing it to flow through the distribution channel to the at least one outlet opening and exit therefrom. According to the process, the sealing material does not penetrate into the cavity. This means that the cavity and the (inset) wiring harness within it remain free of sealing material.

[0016] Subsequently, at least one sealing body is formed from the leaked sealing material, which, in the solidified state, encircles the outside of the grommet or the cavity in a tangentially closed manner.

[0017] The tangentially closed or sealed cavity ensures that no sealing material penetrates the cavity during filling, thus protecting the cable harness from contact with the sealing material. In other words, the cable harness sits essentially loosely in the grommet or cavity. This maintains radial and / or axial flexibility of the cable harness even after the grommet is attached, allowing it to better absorb mechanical stresses that occur during operation. Furthermore, the cable harness can be replaced during maintenance, repair, or service work without damaging or destroying the grommet.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, a first shell part and a second shell part are provided and assembled around the wiring harness to form the grommet. The grommet is thus formed in several parts, in particular in two parts. The shell parts are designed, for example, as plastic injection-molded parts. The assembled shell parts (grommet halves) form the tangentially sealed cavity in which the wiring harness is seated. It is conceivable, for example, for the shell parts to be assembled around the wiring harness. Alternatively, the shell parts can first be joined to form the grommet and then the wiring harness can be inserted into the cavity.

[0019] When assembled, the shell parts preferably also form the filling opening and / or the integrated distribution channel. The distribution channel forms a receiving volume for the filled sealing material, which is formed jointly by both shell parts. Thus, the sealing material remaining in the distribution channel also seals the shell parts against each other.

[0020] The mutually facing shell surfaces of the shell parts are also referred to below as joining surfaces. The joining surfaces are arranged adjacent to one another when assembled. The distribution channel is formed by a respective sub-channel, which is introduced as a depression or recess into the respective joining surface. Each shell part preferably also has one half of the filling opening, which is connected to the respective sub-channel. The sub-channels and the filling opening halves are each open towards the joining surface, so that the sub-channels and filling opening halves open into one another or merge into one another when assembled. When the shell parts are assembled, the sub-channels thus form, in particular, a hollow volume forming the distribution channel, which can be filled with the sealing material through the, for example, funnel-shaped filling opening.

[0021] The grommet and the cable strand passing through it are preferably inserted into a holder that at least encloses the grommet for filling. In a preferred embodiment, the grommet and the cable strand passing through it are inserted in particular into a casting mold. A free space or intermediate space, in particular an axial one, is formed between the grommet and the casting mold in the region of the outlet opening. The intermediate space, which is in particular annular, runs circumferentially on an outer side of the grommet facing away from the cavity. In other words, the intermediate space forms an annular channel that is connected to the distribution channel via the outlet opening. The intermediate space runs tangentially around the outer side of the cavity.

[0022] A sufficient amount of sealing material is poured in so that the gap is essentially completely filled with the sealing material. The extruded sealing material then forms a sealing body which, when solidified, runs tangentially around the outside of the grommet or cavity. The particularly axial arrangement of the gap to the grommet creates a sealing body which projects axially upwards from the grommet and provides reliable longitudinal sealing (axial sealing) against a wall when the grommet is used as a wall penetration for the cable harness. The particularly annular gap creates a tangentially closed sealing body which, when installed, also ensures radial sealing of the grommet.

[0023] The mold is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), for example, or has a corresponding PTFE coating. This prevents the sealing material or sealing body from adhering to the mold, eliminating the need for additional release agents, thus enabling particularly simple and cost-effective production of the sealing body.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the grommet has a radially widened flange collar. The distribution channel is at least partially integrated into the flange collar. In other words, the distribution channel runs at least partially through the flange collar of the grommet. The distribution channel is thus partially integrated radially into the grommet. The filler opening, which is in particular radially oriented, is preferably positioned on an outer edge of the flange collar so that it is easily accessible for filling with the sealing material. In this embodiment, the outlet opening is arranged on the flange collar. The intermediate space is in particular positioned axially on the flange collar so that a sealing body protruding axially from the flange collar is formed for longitudinal sealing.

[0025] In one possible embodiment of the method, a cable protector is applied around the cable harness and onto the connecting piece of the grommet. Here and below, "cable protector" refers in particular to a protective element for the cable harness that protects it from mechanical, chemical, or thermal influences. When applied, the cable protector surrounds the cable harness tangentially along its axial direction. Applying the cable protector improves the function and service life of the cable harness.

[0026] The grommet, for example, has a particularly axially oriented connecting piece (grommet piece). The connecting piece is penetrated by the hollow space as a central through-opening. The approximately tubular connecting piece is particularly intended and configured to be inserted or plugged axially into a front opening of the cable protector. The outer side of the connecting piece facing the cable protector can have a radial shape, for example, in the form of a ribbing, to prevent the cable protector from slipping axially and to ensure a secure positive and / or non-positive connection.

[0027] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in such a way that the features linked by this conjunction can be formed both together and as alternatives to one another.

[0028] A "positive connection" or a "positive connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and below in particular to mean that the interconnected parts are held together at least in one direction by a direct interlocking of the contours of the parts themselves or by an indirect interlocking via an additional connecting part. The "blocking" of mutual movement in this direction is therefore due to the shape.

[0029] A "positive connection" or a "positive connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and below in particular to mean that the interconnected parts are prevented from sliding against each other due to a frictional force acting between them. If a "connecting force" causing this frictional force (this means the force that presses the parts against each other, for example, a screw force or the force of gravity itself) is missing, the positive connection cannot be maintained and can therefore be released.

[0030] In a practical further development, the distribution channel extends into the connecting piece. This means that the distribution channel is partially routed axially along the connecting piece, i.e., parallel to the cavity. This ensures that the cavity is sealed in the area of ​​the joining surfaces of the assembled shell parts.

[0031] An additional or further aspect of the invention provides that the connecting piece has an outlet opening connected to the distribution channel in the area of ​​the applied cable protection. The outlet opening is oriented radially and / or axially outward, i.e., open in a direction away from the cavity. According to the method, in this embodiment, a portion of the filled sealing material flows from the distribution channel toward the applied cable protection, thereby forming or shaping the sealing body. This creates a seal in the direction of the cable protection.

[0032] Preferably, the cable protection is applied to the connecting piece from the outside before the sealing material is filled in, or the connecting piece is inserted into the cable protection, so that the sealing material or the sealing body emerging through the outlet opening creates a seal from the inside against the cable protection.

[0033] In a conceivable embodiment, the grommet has two outlet openings for the distribution channel, with a first outlet opening located, for example, on the flange and a second outlet opening on the connection piece. Thus, the targeted discharge of the sealing material through the defined first and second outlet openings of the grommet creates, on the one hand, an external seal against a passage wall of the grommet (sealing body) and, on the other hand, ensures an internal seal between the grommet and the cable protector. It is conceivable, for example, that the contact between the sealing material and the cable protector not only creates a seal, but also secures the cable protector to the grommet, particularly by means of a material bond.

[0034] A “material bond” or a “material bond” between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and below in particular to mean that the interconnected parts are held together at their contact surfaces by material union or cross-linking (for example due to atomic or molecular bonding forces), possibly under the effect of an additive.

[0035] The grommet thus has an outlet opening, which is positioned during the process in such a way that the outlet opening opens into a cavity, i.e., a defined hollow volume. The sealing material flowing from the outlet opening into the cavity subsequently forms the sealing body. The cavity thus forms the sealing material. The cavity can, for example, be the space between the grommet and the mold and / or an annular space between the connecting piece and a cable protector applied thereto.

[0036] In a practical embodiment, the cable protector is connected to a component, with the wiring harness being routed within the component. The component is preferably an electrical component, such as a connector or a control unit. However, the component can also be a non-electronic component, such as a housing component. To attach the cable protector, a corresponding connection piece is preferably provided on the component. The wiring harness is, for example, routed loosely and / or directly within the component. Preferably, no sealing material is applied to or on the wiring harness in the area of ​​the component.

[0037] The cable protector can be designed, for example, as a protective conduit, corrugated pipe, cable duct, sheath made of a resistant material, longitudinally welded heat shrink foil, split cable protector, or flexible split braided cable sleeve. In the case of a cable sheath with a slot made of a plastic (e.g., a plastic film), the parts must be joined together after being placed around the cable harness, for example, by gluing or welding.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a heat shrink tube is used as cable protection. This enables particularly simple and cost-effective application of the cable protection. The particularly flexible heat shrink tube is applied to the cable harness and the connecting piece and then thermally treated in such a way that its inner diameter shrinks, thus securing it to the connecting piece from the outside in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The diameter and shrink factor of the cable protection or heat shrink tube are preferably selected so that the cable protection can be pulled over an already installed plug connector (connector) of the cable harness without stretching. Before treatment, the cable protection also has an axial oversize to allow for longitudinal shrinkage. Thus, a plug-assembled cable harness can be used as the cable harness for the process.As soon as the cable protection is located between the connector and the grommet during assembly, the heat-shrink tubing is preferably shrunk onto the corresponding connection piece of the connector and / or the grommet, so that reliable and safe protection of the cable harness between the connector and the grommet is realized.

[0039] In a practical embodiment, a thermoplastic polymer is used as the sealing material. A polyurethane (PUR or PU), in particular a foamed polyurethane (PUR foam), is preferred. The polyurethane used is particularly fluid during filling, allowing easy distribution in the distribution channel as well as easy outflow and filling of the gap. The sealed cavity ensures that no polyurethane can penetrate into the installation space of the cable harness. In a design with a (second) outlet opening on the connection piece, the cable harness is protected from the polyurethane by the seal via the cable protector and its seal.

[0040] In one conceivable embodiment, the two shell parts are made of a plastic or hard rubber. In particular, the first and second shell parts are manufactured as injection-molded parts, allowing for simple and cost-effective production of the grommet.

[0041] In an advantageous further development, the two shell parts are joined together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner when assembling the grommet. This enables a simple and reliable connection of the shell parts.

[0042] The shell parts are, for example, snapped or clipped together. Preferably, the shell parts are plugged together, particularly in the manner of a tongue and groove connection. The joining surfaces of the shell parts have corresponding plug-in contours or tongue and groove contours, which are inserted into one another during assembly. The plug-in contours also act as a positioning or alignment aid when assembling the shell parts, thus simplifying the assembly of the grommet.

[0043] The device according to the invention comprises a cable harness and a grommet attached thereto. The grommet is preferably attached to the cable harness using a method described above. The cable harness extends along an axial direction, and the grommet has a sealing body.

[0044] The grommet has a tangentially sealed cavity through which the cable harness is routed. The grommet also has a filling opening and an integrated distribution channel connected to it. A sealing material is filled into the distribution channel. The distribution channel has at least one outlet opening through which a portion of the sealing material exits the distribution channel as a sealing body that surrounds the outside of the grommet and / or the cavity.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, the grommet is constructed in several parts, particularly two parts, with two shell parts. The shell parts are assembled around the cable harness to form the grommet, forming a tangentially sealed cavity through which the cable harness is routed.

[0046] In one conceivable embodiment, the wiring harness is routed within a component. The component is preferably an electrical component, such as a connector or a control unit. However, the component can also be a non-electronic component, such as a housing component. The wiring harness is routed loosely and / or directly within the component, for example. Preferably, no sealing material is applied to or on the wiring harness in the area of ​​the component.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the wiring harness includes a connector. In particular, the wiring harness is designed as a plug-in cable harness, with the connector enabling electrical (plug-in) contact between the electrical lines (cables) and a mating connector. This allows for easy contact between the wiring harness, for example, and a vehicle electrical system.

[0048] In a conceivable further development, the distribution channel is at least partially integrated into a flange collar of the grommet, with the (first) outlet opening located on the flange collar. This means that the (first) sealing body is positioned on the flange collar. The sealing body protrudes above the radially widened flange collar, particularly in the axial direction. When the device is used as a wall feedthrough, the sealing body thus enables reliable axial and radial sealing.

[0049] To protect the cable harness, an advantageous embodiment provides for a cable protector to be attached around the cable harness and to an axial connection piece of the grommet. The cable protector preferably extends from the connector to the grommet, so that the cable harness is reliably protected from external influences when installed.

[0050] In a practical embodiment, the distribution channel extends at least partially into the axial connecting piece. In an advantageous further development, the connecting piece has a (second) outlet opening connected to the distribution channel in the area of ​​the applied cable protection, through which a seal between the cable protection and the grommet or connecting piece is realized. The (second) outlet opening opens, for example, into a tangentially circumferential annular groove into which the sealing material has exited, thus forming the (second) sealing body, a radial seal for the cable protection.

[0051] In one possible design, the cable protector is attached to a (connection) socket of the component, in particular to a socket of the connector. The cable protector is thus joined at the opposite ends to a connection socket of the grommet and the component, ensuring reliable and secure protection for the cable harness between the grommet and the component.

[0052] In a suitable design, the shell parts of the grommet are joined together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For example, the shell parts are connected to each other by a tongue and groove joint when assembled, creating a stable grommet with a sealed cavity, preventing any sealing material from penetrating the cavity when the sealing material is poured in.

[0053] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 in perspective view of a device which has a grommet with a sealing body and a cable harness, Fig. 2 in perspective view the grommet with the sealing body, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b in perspective views each shows a shell part of the spout, and Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the device and a casting mold.

[0054] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 2 for a wall feedthrough in a motor vehicle, for example, in the area of ​​a dashboard. The device 2 comprises a wiring harness 4 and a grommet 6. The wiring harness 4 has a pre-assembled connector 8 arranged at one end of the wiring harness 4 for contacting a vehicle electrical system.

[0056] The following provides information regarding the spatial directions for the device 2, particularly regarding the course of the cable harness 4. An axial direction A is oriented along a longitudinal direction of the cable harness 4, a radial direction R along a transverse direction of the cable harness 4, and a tangential direction T along a circumferential direction of the cable harness 4.

[0057] The cable harness 4 extends along the axial direction A and comprises a plurality of individual cables 10, which, in the illustrated embodiment, are arranged concentrically in several layers and form a cable bundle. The cable harness 4 is, in particular, an electrical cable, and the individual cables 10 are electrical lines. The individual cables 10 are provided with reference numerals in the figures merely as examples.

[0058] The grommet 6 is mounted around the cable harness 4 and is arranged axially spaced from the connector 8. A cable protector 12 is applied to the cable harness 4 between the connector 8 and the grommet 6.

[0059] The Fig. The grommet 6 shown individually in Figure 2 is designed for the sealed passage of the cable harness 4 through a through-opening in a wall. The grommet 6 has a radial flange collar (ring collar) 14, which is pressed against an edge of the through-opening when installed. For axial sealing against the through-opening, a (first) sealing body 16 is attached to the grommet 6, which protrudes axially above the flange collar 14.

[0060] The grommet 6 further comprises a connecting piece (grommet piece) 18, to which the cable protector 12 can be attached. Preferably, the connector 8 comprises a connecting piece (not shown in detail), to which the cable protector 12 is attached opposite the grommet 6.

[0061] In the assembled state, the connecting piece 18 is inserted or plugged axially into a front opening of the cable protector 12. The connecting piece 18 is formed axially upright on the flange collar 14 and has a circumferential annular groove 20 for holding the cable protector 12 at a free end facing the cable protector 12.

[0062] In the transition area from the connecting piece 18 to the flange collar 14, a shoulder 21 is arranged as a radial and axial offset or shoulder of the grommet 6. The approximately annular sealing body 16 is positioned on the axially extending peripheral wall of the shoulder 21.

[0063] The connecting piece 18, the shoulder 21, and the flange collar 14 are penetrated by an axial through-opening in the form of a cylindrical cavity 22. The cavity 22 is tangentially closed and sealed all the way around, and is open only at the front openings. In the assembled state, the cable harness 4 is guided through the cavity 22. The cavity 22 or the connecting piece 18 is enclosed radially on the outside by the tangentially closed, approximately annular, sealing body 16.

[0064] The nozzle 6 has a radially open filling opening 24 in the area of ​​the flange collar 14, which opens into an integrated (first) distribution channel 26 ( Fig. 4). The distribution channel 26 is integrated into the flange collar 14 and the shoulder 21, and optionally also into the connecting piece 18. In other words, the distribution channel 26 extends at least partially into the flange collar 14 and the shoulder 21, and preferably into the connecting piece 18.

[0065] The distribution channel 26 extends from the filling opening 24 essentially radially in the flange collar 14 and is then guided axially along the shoulder 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution channel 26 is further guided axially along the connecting piece 18 via the radial offset of the shoulder 21. The distribution channel 26 extends to the annular groove 20.

[0066] The distribution channel 26 is open to the sealing body 16 through an axial outlet opening 28 in the flange collar 14 and through a radial outlet opening 30 in the region of the shoulder 21. In the embodiment shown, the distribution channel 26 is additionally open to the annular groove 20 via a radial and / or axial outlet opening 32.

[0067] In this embodiment, the spout 6 is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts, and has two assembled or composable shell parts (spout halves) 34. The Fig. 3a and Fig. The shell parts 34 shown individually in Figure 3b are designed, for example, as hard rubber molded parts or preferably as plastic injection molded parts.

[0068] The shell parts 34 can be assembled at a respective joining surface (joining interface) 36 to form the grommet 6. As shown in the perspective view of the Fig. 3a and Fig. As can be seen comparatively clearly in Figure 3b, bead- or groove-like depressions or recesses are introduced into the joining surface 36.

[0069] The recesses form a related to the representations of the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b upper half of the shell parts 34 each have a partial channel 38, which in the assembled state of the shell parts 34 form the filling opening 24 and the integrated distribution channel 26 of the spout 6. In a related to the representations of the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b lower half of the shell parts 34, a further partial channel 40 is formed by the recesses, which in the assembled state of the shell parts form a second integrated distribution channel 42 ( Fig. 4) of the nozzle 6.

[0070] The sub-channels 40 each extend axially along half of the connecting piece 18 and over the axial and radial offset of half of the shoulder 21. The sub-channels 40, or the distribution channel 42 formed thereby, are open to the outside through two inlet openings 44, 46. The radial and / or axial inlet opening 44 opens into the annular groove 20 and is arranged substantially diametrically opposite the outlet opening 32. The radial inlet opening 46 is positioned in the region of the shoulder 21 and is arranged substantially diametrically opposite the outlet opening 30.

[0071] The shell parts 34 are joined together in the assembled state of the grommet 6 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell parts 34 can be joined together by a plug-in connection designed as a tongue and groove connection. For this purpose, the Fig. 3a, the shell part 34 has groove-like joining receptacles 48, into which web-like or spring-like joining extensions 50 of the Fig. 3b. The joining receptacles 48 are, for example, at least partially integrated into the partial channels 38, 40. The joining receptacles 48 and joining extensions 50 are integrally formed on the respective shell part 34 in the region of the partial channels 38, 40 and are provided with reference numerals in the figures merely as examples.

[0072] The following is based on the Fig. 4 a method for attaching the grommet 6 to the cable harness 4 is explained in more detail.

[0073] According to the method, the shell parts 34 are provided and, in a first method step, assembled at a desired axial position around the cable harness 4 to form the grommet 6. The assembled shell parts 34 form the tangentially sealed cavity 22 in which the cable harness 4 is seated.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable protector 12 is then applied to the connecting piece 18. In this embodiment, the cable protector 12 is designed as a heat-shrink tube. The cable protector 12 is applied to the cable harness 4 and the connecting piece 18 and is then thermally treated in such a way that its inner diameter shrinks, thus securing it to the connecting piece 18 from the outside in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0075] As in the Fig. 4, the cable protector 12 shrinks at least partially into the annular groove 20 of the connecting piece 18, so that a positive and / or non-positive mounting of the cable protector 12 on the connecting piece 18 is realized in the axial direction A. The cable protector 12 is applied to the connecting piece 18 in such a way that the outlet opening 32 and the inlet opening 44 are overlapped or covered by the cable protector 12.

[0076] In a subsequent process step, the grommet 6 and the cable harness 4 guided through it are inserted into a mold 52 that at least encloses the grommet 6. The mold 52 is in the Fig. 4 is shown only schematically and simplified by dashed contours. In an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable, for example, that the grommet 6 is already inserted into the mold 52 when the cable protector 12 is applied.

[0077] Between the nozzle 6 and the mold 52, an axial clearance or intermediate space 54 is formed, which extends annularly around the outer circumference of the shoulder 21. The intermediate space 54, arranged radially outside the connecting piece 18, thus encloses the latter tangentially. When the nozzle 6 is seated in the mold 52, the outlet openings 28 and 30 as well as the inlet opening 46 open into the intermediate space 54, forming an annular channel that fluidically connects the distribution channels 26 and 42.

[0078] In a subsequent process step, a liquid sealing material 56 is poured through the filling opening 24. The sealing material 56 is a thermoplastic polymer, in particular a polyurethane (PUR or PU). The sealing material 56 has, for example, a watery consistency or viscosity, so that it is easily distributed in the channel system of the nozzle 6 during filling. Depending on the type of sealing material 56, it can also foam, so that the resulting sealing body 16 is formed, for example, from PUR foam.

[0079] The liquid sealing material 56 flows through the distribution channel 26 and exits, on the one hand, through the outlet openings 28 and 30 into the intermediate space 54, and on the other hand, through the outlet opening 32 into the annular groove 20. Due to the applied cable protector 12, the annular groove 20 is sealed to the outside, so that the sealing material 56 is distributed in the cavity formed between the annular groove 20 and the cable protector 12. The sealing material 56 flows through the intermediate space 54 and / or the annular groove 20 to the inlet openings 44 and 46. Thus, during filling, the sealing material 56 flows from the distribution channel 26 into the distribution channel 42. The hollow volume of the grommet 6 formed by the distribution channels 26, 44 and the intermediate space 54 formed by the casting mold 52 is thus filled with the sealing material 56.In other words, the sealing material 56 does not enter the cavity 22, so that the cavity 22, and thus the cable harness 4 located therein, remains free of sealing material 56.

[0080] The sealing material 56 is then solidified (cured, foamed). The sealing bead formed in the intermediate space forms the sealing body 16, with the sealing material 56 forming a sealing body 58 in the annular groove 20 as a radial seal for the cable protector 12.

[0081] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

[0082] For example, the cable protector 12 can alternatively be designed as a protective hose, corrugated pipe, cable duct, sheath made of resistant material, longitudinally welded heat shrink foil, split cable protector, or flexible split braided cable sleeve.

[0083] Furthermore, the device 2 can also have another component, such as a housing or a control unit (control device), instead of a connector 8.

[0084] Furthermore, the nozzle 6 is inventive in itself and therefore represents an independent invention. List of reference symbols 2 Device 4 cable harness 6 nozzle 8 connectors 10 single lines 12 Cable protection 14 flange collar 16 sealing bodies 18 connecting pieces 20 ring groove 21 Shoulder 22 Cavity 24 Filling opening 26 Distribution channel 28 Exit opening 30 Exit opening 32 Exit opening 34 Shell part 36 joining surface 38 sub-channels 40 sub-channels 42 Distribution channel 44 Entrance opening 46 Entrance opening 48 joining fixture 50 Joining process 52 mold 54 space 56 Sealing material 58 sealing bodies A axial direction R Radial direction T Tangential direction

Claims

[1] Method for attaching a grommet (6), which has at least one sealing body (16, 58), to a cable harness (4) extending in an axial direction (A), - wherein a spout (6) is provided with a filling opening (24) and with at least one outlet opening (28, 30, 32) as well as with a distribution channel (26) which fluidically couples these and is integrated into the spout (6), - wherein the grommet (6) has a cavity (22) through which the cable harness (4) is passed, - wherein a sealing material (56) is filled into the distribution channel (26) via the filling opening (24), - wherein the cavity (22) is sealed tangentially around the cable harness (4) so ​​that the sealing material (56) does not penetrate into the cavity (22), - wherein a part of the sealing material (56) emerges from the distribution channel (26) from the at least one outlet opening (28, 30, 32), and wherein the at least one sealing body (16, 58) is formed from this part of the sealing material (56). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein a first shell part (34) and a second shell part (34) are assembled around the cable harness (4) to form the grommet (6), thereby forming the tangentially circumferentially sealed cavity (22). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the grommet (6) and the cable harness (4) guided through it are inserted into a mold (52) enclosing the grommet (6), and - wherein the outlet opening (28, 30) exits into an intermediate space (54) formed between the spout (6) and the casting mold (52), and wherein the sealing body (16) is formed from this part of the sealing material (56), which seal body runs around the outside of the spout (6). [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spout (6) has a flange collar (14), wherein the distribution channel (26) is at least partially integrated into the flange collar (14), and wherein the outlet opening (28) is arranged on the flange collar (14). [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cable protector (12) is attached around the cable harness (4) and onto a connecting piece (18) of the grommet (6). [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the distribution channel (26) extends into the connecting piece (18). [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the outlet opening (32) on the connecting piece (18) is arranged in the region of the applied cable protection (12), through which a part of the sealing material (56) emerges from the distribution channel (26) in the direction of the applied cable protection (12) and forms the sealing body (58). [8] Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cable protection (12) is connected to a plug connector (8), and wherein the cable harness (4) is guided in the plug connector (8). [9] Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a shrink tube is used as cable protection (12). [10] Method according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the two shell parts (34) are joined together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [11] Device (2) comprising a cable harness (4) and a grommet (6) attached thereto, attached according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 10, - wherein the spout (6) has a filling opening (24) and at least one outlet opening (28, 30, 32) as well as a distribution channel (26) fluidically coupling these and integrated in the spout (6), - wherein the grommet (6) has a cavity (22), - wherein the cable harness (4) is guided through the cavity (22), - wherein a sealing material (56) is filled into the distribution channel (26), which forms at least one sealing body (16), - wherein the cavity (22) is sealed tangentially around the cable harness (4) so ​​that the cavity (22) is free of sealing material (56), - wherein a part of the sealing material (56) emerges from the at least one outlet opening (38, 30, 32) as the at least one sealing body (16, 58). [12] Device (2) according to claim 11, - wherein the spout (6) is formed from a first shell part (34), a second shell part (34), - wherein the first shell part (34) and the second shell part (34) are assembled around the cable harness (4) and thereby form the tangentially circumferentially sealed cavity (22). [13] Device (2) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cable harness (4) is guided in a plug connector (8). [14] Device (2) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the distribution channel (26) is at least partially integrated into a flange collar (14) of the spout (6), and wherein the outlet opening (28) is arranged on the flange collar (14). [15] Device (2) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a cable protector (12) is mounted around the cable harness (4) and on a connecting piece (18) of the grommet (6). [16] Device (2) according to claim 15, wherein the cable protector (12) is mounted on a socket of the connector (8). [17] Device (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the distribution channel (26) extends into the connecting piece (18). [18] Device (2) according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the connecting piece (18) has the outlet opening (32) in the region of the applied cable protection (12), by means of the sealing body (58) sealing the cable protection (12) to the connecting piece (18). [19] Device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the shell parts (34) of the spout (6) are joined to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

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