Housing assembly for a plug connector and method for assembling a plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing assembly (2) for a connector (1), comprising at least a first housing part (5) to form a cable entry (7) through which a cable (3) can be inserted into an interior (8) of the housing assembly (2), and a cable sealing element (12) for the cable (3) received in the cable entry (7). The housing assembly (2) also comprises a housing retaining element (23) that at least partially encloses at least the first housing part (5) at least in the area of ​​the cable entry (7), preferably at least in the area of ​​the cable sealing element (12). According to the invention, at least the first housing part (5) and the housing retaining element (23) are integrally connected to each other in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web (33).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing assembly for a connector, comprising at least a first housing part to form a cable entry through which a cable can be inserted into an interior of the housing assembly, and a cable sealing element for the cable received in the cable entry, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly and at least one contact element connectable to a cable.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a connector.

[0004] Various electrical connectors are known from electrical engineering. Electrical connectors are known to transmit electrical power and / or data signals to corresponding mating connectors. A connector can be a plug, a PCB connector, a panel-mount connector, a socket, a coupler, or an adapter. The term "connector" used within the scope of the invention is representative of all variants.

[0005] Sometimes, increased requirements are placed on the sealing of connectors, particularly in the automotive industry and vehicles. Electrical connectors with cable sealing elements within the cable entry of the connector housing are generally known. US 10,847,924 B2 serves as an example.

[0006] It has been shown that the sealing performance of a connector equipped with a cable sealing element can be compromised under certain mechanical stresses, such as lateral tension on the cable. The lateral stress exerted by the cable in the cable entry area can cause the cable sealing element to detach from an inner wall of the connector housing, thereby allowing the ingress of contaminants or liquids.

[0007] Manufacturing a connector with sufficient sealing that meets all necessary standards and requirements can be extremely complex. This creates a conflict with another important requirement for connectors, especially those used in the automotive industry, which is that they must be economically producible in high volumes.

[0008] For technological background, reference should be made here to US 2022 / 149566 A1, which concerns a connector with two housing halves connected by a hinge, wherein a cable tie is provided in the area of ​​a common cable entry to secure the housing halves. US 5,586,916 A relates to a waterproof electrical connector in which the ingress of water into the housing through the cable entry is prevented. US 2016 / 276771 A1 relates to a connector bridge with a carrier to which several contact pins and several conductor terminals, each electrically connected to a contact pin, are attached, wherein the carrier comprises a housing which, together with the conductor terminals, is covered in a closed state by a common dimensionally stable and inherently rigid cover part.

[0009] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a housing assembly for a connector which can meet particularly high sealing requirements, preferably with economical manufacturability and easy assembly.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a connector, in particular an electrical connector, that meets particularly high sealing requirements, preferably with economical manufacturability and ease of assembly. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an advantageous method for assembling an electrical connector that meets high sealing requirements.

[0011] The problem is solved for the housing assembly by the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the connector, the problem is solved by the features of claim 14, and with regard to the method by claim 15.

[0012] The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0013] A housing assembly for a connector is provided, comprising at least a first housing part to form a cable entry (in particular a cable exit and / or a cable entry) through which a cable can be inserted into an interior of the housing assembly.

[0014] The invention is particularly suitable for use with an electrical connector. However, this is not to be understood as a limitation, as use with an optical connector or any other type of connector is also fundamentally possible.

[0015] The housing assembly preferably forms the connector housing of the connector and generally has at least one interior space which is at least substantially enclosed by the housing assembly in its assembled state, and in which connector components of the connector can be received and optionally fixed and connected to each other.

[0016] At least one housing part can have a section that is at least essentially tubular or sleeve-shaped to form the cable passage, usually with a straight course along a planned inlet or outlet direction for the cable (however, a curved or angled course of the cable passage can also be provided in principle).

[0017] The at least one housing part forming the cable entry preferably has, at least in sections, an inner sheath surface that can serve as a mounting surface for the cable sealing element mentioned below. The inner sheath surface can be substantially flat, but may also have recesses and / or raised areas, for example, circumferential grooves or ribs, to positively lock the cable and / or the cable sealing element in the assembled state of the housing assembly.

[0018] It should be noted that the cable is preferably not part of the housing assembly under consideration. However, the installed cable can optionally be considered part of the housing assembly.

[0019] According to the invention, the housing assembly has a cable sealing element for the cable that is incorporated in the cable entry.

[0020] The cable sealing element is designed to seal the cable entry, preferably against dirt, liquids, and / or moisture. Gas tightness can also be provided. In particular, the cable sealing element can provide a seal between the cable jacket and the inner jacket surface of the housing part forming the cable entry.

[0021] Preferably, the cable sealing element is formed in one piece.

[0022] In particular, a circumferentially completely closed or ring-shaped cable sealing element can be provided, which has a central opening for the cable to pass through. Preferably, the cable sealing element is fixed within the cable entry, for example by positive locking, force locking, or material locking. For example, the cable sealing element can also be injection-molded into the first housing part, another housing part, and / or into the housing locking part mentioned below.

[0023] The cable sealing element can extend along the entire cable penetration, or optionally be located only in a section of the cable penetration. Multiple cable sealing elements can also be arranged one after the other along the cable feed direction.

[0024] It should be mentioned here that the invention is also suitable for use with a housing assembly or a connector to which several cables are fed. The cable entry can be configured accordingly, and several cable entry points can be provided that lead into the interior of the housing assembly (for example, arranged side by side or in parallel, but also originating from different directions or sides of the housing assembly).

[0025] The cable entry point can be configured, for example, to accommodate exactly one cable, exactly two cables, exactly three cables, exactly four cables, exactly five cables, exactly six cables, or more cables. Each cable can be assigned its own cable sealing element (correspondingly, several cable sealing elements can be provided within the cable entry point), although it is also possible for several cables (for example, two, three, or all cables) to pass through a common cable sealing element, the common cable sealing element preferably having several adjacent openings for the respective passage of the individual cables.

[0026] The invention is described below, essentially using a housing assembly or a connector with only a single cable as an example. This is intended solely for better understanding and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0027] According to the invention, the housing assembly has a housing locking element that encloses the housing parts (at least the first housing part and the second housing part) at least partially in the area of ​​the cable entry.

[0028] Preferably, the housing locking element can be designed in the form of a cap or end cap for the housing assembly. The housing locking element can preferably enclose the housing part(s), at least starting from the cable-side end of the cable entry. It can also be provided that the housing locking element is ring-shaped or sleeve-shaped and has no end face or stop surface.

[0029] In particular, it may be provided that the housing securing element encloses the first housing part (and / or the second housing part mentioned below) at least in the area of ​​the cable entry where the cable sealing element is located.

[0030] The housing locking element advantageously increases the rigidity of the housing assembly in the cable entry area. Mechanical stress on the cable can be at least substantially absorbed by the housing locking element, thus preventing the cable sealing element from detaching from the inner surface of the housing part forming the cable entry. Surprisingly, it has been found that the sealing performance of the housing assembly can be significantly improved by using the housing locking element.

[0031] According to the invention, at least the first housing part and the housing locking part are integrally connected to each other in a pre-assembly state via at least one connecting web.

[0032] The connecting web preferably has a very small thickness or a wall thickness that is smaller than the thinnest wall thickness of the housing parts and / or the housing locking part, for example by a factor of 1.5, by a factor of 2 or even smaller.

[0033] Manufacturing the housing locking component as a single piece with at least one of the housing parts can reduce the costs of manufacturing the housing assembly, especially if it is manufactured as a single plastic injection molded part.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting web can be designed as a predetermined breaking point in order to separate the first housing part and the housing locking part before or during final assembly.

[0035] By breaking at least one connecting bridge or the predetermined breaking point, the individual components of the housing assembly can then be treated as separate parts in the conventional way during final assembly.

[0036] In particular, at least one connecting bridge can be designed to break through an axial movement of the housing locking element towards the cable entry.

[0037] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting web is designed to be elastically deformable at least in sections, in particular in the form of a film hinge, in order to enable the mounting of the housing locking element on the first housing element.

[0038] It may be provided that a defined relative movement (e.g. a rotational or pivoting movement) between the housing locking element and at least one housing element is possible despite the connecting bridge.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing locking element is arranged in a twisted and / or pivoted position in the pre-assembly state relative to a state mounted on the first housing part.

[0040] The housing locking element can also be connected to the housing part via at least one connecting bridge in such a way that, in the unmounted or pre-assembled state, it is spaced away from the cable entry point along the locking mounting direction (for example, along the cable feed direction) compared to a state mounted on the housing part.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one connecting bridge is formed in the area of ​​the cable passage of the first housing part.

[0042] Exactly one connecting bridge may be provided. However, several connecting bridges may also be provided. If several connecting bridges are provided, they may preferably be arranged distributed along the circumference of the cable entry, for example, in equidistant angled segments. The multiple connecting bridges may also be arranged parallel or side by side, particularly in a common plane, for example, to allow for bending or pivoting movement.

[0043] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing assembly has a second housing part that can be mechanically connected to the first housing part.

[0044] Preferably, the housing parts, in their connected state, form respective circumferential sections of the cable passage, wherein the housing securing part encloses the first housing part and the second housing part at least partially in the area of ​​the cable passage in order to fix the housing parts to one another.

[0045] The undesirable detachment of the cable sealing element from an inner wall of the connector housing under transverse forces acting on the cable is, according to experience, particularly pronounced in multi-part connector housings. In this case, the cable sealing element is often arranged between two housing parts which, due to play that is generally always present in practice, exhibit a certain degree of movement relative to each other. Therefore, the invention is particularly advantageous (but not exclusively) for a housing assembly in which the cable entry is formed by several housing parts. The housing locking element is thus preferably able to enclose the first housing part and the second housing part together in order to fix the housing parts to one another.

[0046] Advantageously, the housing locking element can join the housing parts to each other with as little play as possible in order to reduce the movement between the housing parts and increase the stiffness of the housing assembly - especially in the area of ​​the cable entry and particularly in a section of the cable entry in which the cable sealing element is located.

[0047] In addition to the first and second housing parts, the invention or the proposed housing assembly may also include further housing parts, for example, a third, fourth, or even more housing parts. Whenever the term "the housing parts" is used below, this refers at least to the first and second housing parts, and possibly also to further housing parts, even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0048] Multi-part connector housings or housing assemblies are regularly used with angled connectors. The first and second housing parts can therefore, for example, be housing parts of an angled connector. At least one of the housing parts can then be angled accordingly – however, this is not mandatory.

[0049] The second housing part can, for example, form a housing base body of the connector, and the first housing part can form a housing cover for the housing base body.

[0050] The housing components can preferably form an inner connector housing. The housing locking element mentioned below can then be mounted on this inner connector housing (it can therefore also be referred to as the "outer connector housing" or "end cap").

[0051] Preferably, a first part of the circumferential section of the cable entry is formed by the first housing part, and a second part of the circumferential section of the cable entry is formed by the second housing part. The housing parts that together form the cable entry can optionally overlap at least partially along the circumference of the cable entry, with each housing part preferably being assigned at least substantially to its own circumferential section of the cable entry. The cable entry is preferably at least substantially completely closed in the circumferential direction (for example, except for any gaps at the transition between the housing parts).

[0052] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a housing mounting direction for connecting the first housing part with the second housing part and a securing mounting direction for mounting the housing securing part on the housing parts differ from each other.

[0053] In particular, the housing mounting direction and the locking mounting direction can be arranged at an angle between 45° and 90° to each other, preferably orthogonal or at least substantially orthogonal. This allows for particularly simple and gentle assembly, while the housing locking element simultaneously prevents unintentional disassembly of the housing parts.

[0054] However, it may also be necessary for the housing mounting direction and the locking mounting direction to run parallel or at least substantially parallel to each other, for example at an angle of less than 45°. In this case, mounting can be achieved, for example, by temporarily spreading open a clamp-like housing locking element. In this case as well, the housing locking element can subsequently prevent unintentional disassembly of the housing parts.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing locking element is displaceable on at least one of the housing parts (in particular along a feed direction for the cable or at least substantially along the feed direction for the cable - but optionally also along a direction deviating from this).

[0056] The housing locking element can preferably be guided on at least one housing part, particularly until the housing locking element reaches a final assembly position in which it secures the housing parts. For example, it can be provided that the housing locking element and at least one of the housing parts form a mutual linear guide.

[0057] The assembly of the housing unit can be simplified by the guiding function, and the susceptibility to errors (especially the risk of damaging a component) can be reduced.

[0058] For example, the housing locking element can be guided linearly on an outer shell surface of at least one of the housing parts by completely or partially encircling or clamping the at least one housing part that forms the cable entry.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, a rail guidance system can also be provided, wherein the housing locking element has one or more projections (e.g., ribs, pins, T-nuts, etc.) that are linearly guided in one or more corresponding recesses (e.g., grooves or folds) arranged along the mounting direction for the housing locking element (hereinafter referred to as the "locking mounting direction"). A reverse arrangement, in which the housing locking element has the recesses and the housing parts have the projections, can also be provided (as well as hybrid variants).

[0060] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing element completely encloses at least the first housing part in the area of ​​the cable entry, in particular in a ring-shaped manner.

[0061] The cable entry point can be mechanically reinforced or stiffened particularly effectively in the case of a completely enclosed housing locking element. This variant of the invention is therefore particularly suitable when very high lateral forces are expected on the cable.

[0062] In a further development of the invention, it may also be provided that the housing securing element merely clamps around at least the first housing part in the area of ​​the cable entry.

[0063] In particular, the housing locking element may be provided with at least one support surface with which it can be supported on a counter-support surface of the at least one housing part forming the cable entry (i.e., on at least one of the outer sheath surfaces of the housing parts), as well as two side legs extending from the support surface along respective, opposite sides of the at least one housing part. Preferably, at least one of the side legs (especially preferably both side legs) clamps the at least one housing part on the side facing away from the counter-support surface.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least one of the side legs (especially preferably both side legs) has a protrusion (e.g. a ridge or a pin) in one or more sections between the counter-support surface and the housing side opposite the counter-support surface, with which a fixing or clamping within a side surface of the housing parts can be effected.

[0065] Advantageously, the clamping of at least one housing part by the housing locking element can simultaneously be used as a linear guide, for example a rail guide system.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing locking element, in its assembled state, can be connected in a loss-proof manner to at least one of the housing parts (preferably to at least the first housing part and the second housing part).

[0067] In particular, the housing locking element can be provided that it can be snapped, pressed, or screwed to the first housing part and / or the second housing part. Snapping is particularly preferred, as it can be implemented with technically simple means and is also easy to assemble and disassemble. Accordingly, the housing locking element can have one or more locking elements, and the housing parts can have corresponding counter-locking elements. The locking elements and counter-locking elements can be, for example, elastic or spring-loaded locking arms, locking springs, locking projections (e.g., locking hooks), edges, or locking receptacles (e.g., cutouts or recesses).

[0068] Preferably, at least one locking element is arranged on at least two sides of the housing locking part, in particular on opposite or away-from-each-other sides.

[0069] As already mentioned, the housing locking element can also be screwed to one of the housing parts if necessary. This is particularly advantageous if at least the corresponding housing part is designed to be at least substantially rotationally symmetrical.

[0070] It may be provided that the first housing part and the second housing part are attached to each other in their connected state by means of force-fit, form-fit and / or material-fit.

[0071] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the first housing part and the second housing part can be locked together.

[0072] A latching mechanism is particularly preferred because it can be implemented with simple technical means and is also easy to assemble and disassemble. Accordingly, the first housing part can have one or more latching elements, and the second housing part can have corresponding counter-latching elements. The latching elements and counter-latching elements can be, for example, elastic or spring-loaded latching arms, latching springs, latching projections (e.g., latching hooks), edges, or latching receptacles (e.g., cutouts or recesses).

[0073] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing locking element is made of the same material as at least one of the housing parts.

[0074] Preferably, all housing parts of the housing assembly, in particular the first housing part and the second housing part, as well as the housing locking part, are made of the same material.

[0075] The housing components (in particular the first and second housing components) and / or the housing locking element are preferably made of a plastic, especially a hard plastic such as a thermoplastic or thermoset (preferably not an elastomer). However, the components can also be made of a metal, a ceramic, or another material. Combinations of several materials (within the same component or within the housing assembly) are also possible. The housing assembly preferably forms an electrically insulating connector housing. However, the housing assembly can also, for example, form an outer conductor assembly of the connector.

[0076] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing parts, in their connected state, jointly form a housing assembly for an angle connector.

[0077] In particular, at least one of the housing parts may be angled.

[0078] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing assembly has a housing sealing element which is designed to ensure a seal between the first housing part and at least one further housing part, in particular the second housing part.

[0079] Preferably, the housing sealing element is formed in one piece.

[0080] It may be provided that the housing sealing element has a completely closed or ring-shaped profile and forms a central opening.

[0081] In particular - but not exclusively - in the case of a housing assembly for an angled connector, it may be provided that the housing sealing element is angled, so that a first section of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a first plane and a second section of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a second plane.

[0082] The first and second planes are preferably arranged at an angle between 45° and 90° to each other, in particular orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to each other. However, any angle between the first and second planes is generally permissible.

[0083] The first section of the housing sealing element preferably corresponds to a U-shaped or partially annular section of the housing sealing element. The second section of the housing sealing element preferably corresponds to another U-shaped or annular section of the housing sealing element.

[0084] A transition area can preferably be provided between the first section and the second section of the housing sealing element, in particular a transition area with a curved profile, in order to enable a material-friendly transition between the different orientations of the sections.

[0085] Preferably the first section is longer than the second section, with the second section of the housing sealing element preferably being arranged in the area of ​​the cable entry.

[0086] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the housing sealing element is materially bonded to one of the housing parts.

[0087] The housing sealing element can, for example, be glued into one of the housing parts, or in particular, injection-molded into one of the housing parts. This ensures a secure, captive seal upon delivery.

[0088] However, it is also possible for the housing sealing element to be connected to at least one of the housing parts by a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. In principle, a captive connection to one of the housing parts is not absolutely necessary when the housing assembly is unassembled – it may therefore be sufficient if the housing sealing element is only fixed in place during final assembly for the purpose of sealing between the housing parts.

[0089] The housing sealing element and / or the cable sealing element can have one or more sealing lips, for example two, three, four or even more.

[0090] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the cable sealing element and the housing sealing element are formed integrally by a common sealing body.

[0091] In particular, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and the housing sealing element form respective sections of the common sealing body. Manufacturing a common sealing body can reduce production costs and also make assembly simpler and more reliable.

[0092] The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly according to the preceding and following embodiments and at least one contact element connectable to the cable (e.g. an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element).

[0093] By using the housing retaining element, which can serve as an outer housing for at least the first housing part, at least in the area of ​​the connector's cable entry, the mechanical properties of the housing assembly can be enhanced. In particular, the stiffness and transverse tensile strength in the cable entry area can be increased because the wall thickness of the first housing part is increased and the first housing part can be fixed to the second housing part (if present). In this proposed manner, a particularly robust, waterproof connector, especially a waterproof right-angle connector, can be provided.

[0094] The connector according to the invention can, in principle, comprise any connector components. For example, the connector can comprise various contact elements, a mechanical plug interface for connection with a mating connector, dielectrics, shielding elements, and other sealing elements.

[0095] As already mentioned, the connector can be an electrical connector (e.g., a shielded electrical connector, a coaxial connector, or a differential connector), an optical connector, or another type of connector. The invention is not to be understood as limited to any one specific variant.

[0096] The connector according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously within a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle. Possible areas of application include autonomous driving, driver assistance systems, navigation systems, infotainment systems, rear-seat entertainment systems, internet connections, and Wireless Gigabit (IEEE 802.11ad standard). Potential applications include high-resolution cameras, for example, 4K and 8K cameras, sensors, onboard computers, high-resolution displays, high-resolution instrument panels, 3D navigation devices, and mobile communication devices. Use as a high-voltage connector is also possible. However, the connector according to the invention is suitable for any application within the entire field of electrical engineering and is not limited to use in automotive engineering.

[0097] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a connector, comprising at least the following method steps: Providing a housing assembly comprising a first housing part and a housing locking element, which are integrally connected to each other in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web; inserting a cable through a cable sealing element which is received in a cable gland formed by at least the first housing part; and finally assembling the housing locking element onto at least the first housing part, such that the latter is at least partially enclosed by the housing locking element, at least in the area of ​​the cable gland. wherein at least one connecting bridge is broken during or before final assembly in order to separate the first housing part and the housing securing part.

[0098] It should be emphasized that the aforementioned process steps do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order in which they are first described or mentioned. Therefore, individual process steps or groups of process steps may be interchangeable, provided this is technically feasible. Process steps can also be combined, divided into separate intermediate steps, or supplemented with intermediate steps. Furthermore, the process is not necessarily exhaustively described by the process steps outlined here and can be supplemented with additional, even unmentioned, process steps.

[0099] Preferably, the cable sealing element and / or the housing locking part can be slid onto the cable before the cable is inserted into the cable gland.

[0100] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0101] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0102] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0103] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a connector with a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view during a first assembly step; Figure 2 shows the connector of the Figure 1in a side view, during the first assembly step; Figure 3 shows the connector of the Figure 1 in a side view, during a second assembly step; Figure 4 the connector of the Figure 1 in a perspective view, in a fully assembled state of the housing assembly; Figure 5 the connector of the Figure 1 in a side view, in the fully assembled state of the housing assembly; Figure 6 a one-piece sealing body with a housing sealing element and a cable sealing element according to an exemplary embodiment in a perspective view; Figure 7 the sealing body of the Figure 6Figure 8 shows a side view; Figure 8 shows a front view of the cable entry of a fully assembled housing unit according to a first embodiment, wherein the housing locking element fully encloses the cable entry; Figure 9 shows a front view of the cable entry of a fully assembled housing unit according to a second embodiment, wherein the housing locking element clamps the cable entry; Figure 10 shows a front view of the cable entry of a fully assembled housing unit according to a third embodiment, wherein the housing locking element engages with the cable entry via a rail guide system; Figure 11 shows a connector with a housing unit according to a further embodiment of the invention in a side view, during a first assembly step; Figure 12 shows the connector of the Figure 11 in a side view, during a second assembly step; Figure 13 the connector of the Figure 11in a side view, during a third assembly step; Figure 14 the connector of the Figure 11 Figure 15 shows a connector with a housing assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in a perspective view during assembly; Figure 16 shows a close-up of the Figure 15 ; and Figure 17 the connector of the Figure 15 in a perspective view, in the assembled state.

[0104] In the Figures 1 to 5A connector 1 (for example, an electrical connector) with a housing assembly 2 and a cable 3 (for example, an electrical cable) terminating in the housing assembly 2 is shown by way of example in several assembly steps of the housing assembly 2. The exemplary embodiments each show an angled connector, which, however, is not to be understood as limiting the invention. The invention is also suitable in principle for use with non-angled connectors.

[0105] The exemplary in the Figures 1 to 5 The connector 1 shown can have various known connector components. A contact element 4 is indicated in the figures as an example (e.g., an outer conductor contact element or an inner conductor contact element).

[0106] The housing assembly 2 comprises at least one first housing part 5. This may, in principle, already be sufficient within the scope of the invention, as will be shown below with reference to the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 15 to 17 This should be clarified. In the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 1 to 14 However, housing assembly 2 also includes a second housing part 6. The first housing part 5 and the second housing part 6 can be mechanically connected to each other, as shown in the Figure 1 and 2 hinted at. In the Figures 3 to 5 The housing parts 5, 6 are already connected to each other, whereby in their connected state they jointly form a cable entry 7 through which the cable 3 enters an interior 8 (cf. Figure 1 ) of the housing assembly 2 or of the connector 1. The housing parts 5, 6 form respective circumferential sections U 1 , U 2 for this purpose (see Figure 1 and 8 ) of cable entry 7.

[0107] The two housing parts 5, 6 can be locked together. For this purpose, the first housing part 5 has at least one spring-loaded locking arm 9 with a locking receptacle 10, which can be engaged by a corresponding locking hook 11 of the second housing part 6 (see, for example, the assembled state in Figure 3 In principle, the connection between the first housing part 5 and the second housing part 6 can also be fixed in other ways, for example by screwing, by force joining or even by a material-bonded connection.

[0108] In the cable entry 7 formed by the two housing parts 5, 6, a cable sealing element 12 (see figure) is installed. Figures 6 to 10 ) for the cable 3 to create a seal between the cable sheath 13 and the inner sheath surface 14 of the housing parts 5, 6 forming the cable entry 7 (see Figure 1 to provide.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiments, the cable sealing element 12 is formed in one piece together with a housing sealing element 15 by a common sealing body 16, which is located in the Figures 6 and 7 The following is shown in a single illustration, intended to be understood as merely an example. In principle, a multi-part design and therefore also a separate cable sealing element 12 are possible.

[0110] The cable sealing element 12 is primarily tubular or sleeve-shaped, with the outer sheath surface 17 of the cable sealing element 12 preferably extending fully along the inner sheath surface 14 of the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of ​​the cable entry 7 when the housing assembly 2 is fully assembled. The cable sealing element 12 is completely closed or ring-shaped in the circumferential direction and has a central opening 18 (see figure). Figure 6 ) for routing cable 3.

[0111] The aforementioned housing sealing element 15 is designed to ensure a seal between the housing parts 5, 6 and also forms a completely closed profile with a further central opening 19 (cf. Figure 6 The housing sealing element 15 – like the housing parts 5, 6 – is angled, such that a first section 20 of the housing sealing element 15 (a "U-shaped" section) or a first section 20 of the central opening 19 extends in a first plane E 1 and a second section 21 (again a "U-shaped" section) of the housing sealing element 15 or a second section 21 of the central opening 19 extends in a second plane E 2, as shown in Figure 7 The planes E1 and E2 are preferably arranged orthogonally to each other, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 2 and 7This is clearly recognizable. A transition section 22 can be provided between the two sections 20, 21 to enable a smooth and gentle, for example rounded, transition between the two sections 20, 21.

[0112] The sealing body 16 or the housing sealing element 15 and / or the cable sealing element 12 can be fixed in at least one of the housing parts 5, 6, in particular by being metallurgically bonded to one of the housing parts 5, 6. For example, the sealing body 16 or the housing sealing element 15 can be injection-molded into the first housing part 5 during the manufacturing process. This reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the assembly process.

[0113] The proposed housing assembly 2 also includes a housing locking element 23 which at least partially encloses the housing parts 5, 6 at least in the area of ​​the cable entry 7 and in particular in the area of ​​the cable sealing element 12 in order to fix the housing parts 5, 6 to each other.

[0114] The housing locking element 23 can be installed in a final assembly position on at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 (see figure). Figures 4 and 5 ) be displaceable. This displacement preferably occurs along a feed direction Z for the cable (see figure). Figure 1 and 3 ), but may also deviate from the feed direction Z of the cable 3. In the final assembly position, the housing locking element 23 fixes the housing parts 5, 6 together and thus increases the mechanical stability of the housing assembly 2 against transverse loads in the area of ​​the cable entry 7, so that the seal is maintained even under adverse operating conditions.

[0115] The housing mounting direction G (see above). Figure 2 ) for connecting the first housing part 5 with the second housing part 6 and the securing mounting direction S (see Figure 3 The mounting directions for the housing locking element 23 on the housing parts 5, 6 preferably differ. Particularly preferably, the housing mounting direction G and the locking mounting direction S are orthogonal to each other. However, this is not absolutely necessary – the locking mounting direction S can also run in the same direction as the housing mounting direction G – especially if the housing locking element 23 is not completely closed in the circumferential direction.

[0116] For the movement of the housing locking element 23 on the at least one housing part 5, 6, a guide, in particular a linear guide, can be provided, especially in the area of ​​the housing parts 5, 6 where the cable entry 7 is formed. In particular, the guide functions for mounting the housing locking element 23 and the fixing function of the housing locking element 23 can complement each other.

[0117] In the Figures 8 to 10 Three exemplary variants of housing securing parts 23 are shown by means of a front view of the cable entry 7 in a mounted state.

[0118] Particularly robust stabilization of the cable entry 7 can be achieved, for example, if the housing locking element 23 completely encloses the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of ​​the cable entry 7, as shown in Figure 8As indicated. Through the corresponding interaction of the inner surface of the housing locking element 23 and the outer surface of the housing parts 5, 6 (especially in the area of ​​the cable entry 7), a linear guide can thus also be provided.

[0119] The same applies to the housing locking component 23 according to Figure 9 , which merely clamps the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of ​​the cable entry 7. For this purpose, a support surface 24 of the housing locking element 23 rests on a counter-support surface 25 of the housing parts 5, 6 forming the cable entry 7. Starting from the support surface 24 of the housing locking element 23, two opposing side legs 26 extend, the end sections of which clamp the second housing part 6. This again simultaneously forms a linear guide.

[0120] Another type of clamping device with integrated linear guide is in Figure 10indicated. Double-sided rail guide systems 27 are formed. Accordingly, the side legs 26 have elongated webs 28 extending in the securing mounting direction S, which are guided in corresponding grooves 29 of the housing parts 5, 6.

[0121] The housing locking element 23, in its assembled state, can be securely connected to at least one of the housing parts 5, 6. In the exemplary embodiments, the housing locking element 23 can be snapped into place with the first housing part 5 as well as with the second housing part 6. For this purpose, the housing locking element 23 has a locking arm 30 that is at least partially elastic and has a locking receptacle 31 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 ), which can be engaged by a locking hook 32 of the respective housing part 5, 6 (cf. Figure 1 and 2In principle, a fixing between the housing locking element 23 and at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 can be carried out in any way, for example by crimping or screwing (not shown).

[0122] As part of a method for assembling the electrical connector 1, it can, for example, be provided that the cable 3 is first guided through the housing locking element 23 and the cable sealing element 12 (= pre-assembly of the housing locking element 23 and the cable sealing element 12 onto the cable 3). Subsequently, the housing locking element 23 can be mounted so that at least the first housing part 5 is enclosed, at least partially, in the area of ​​the cable entry 7. If two (or more) housing parts 5, 6 are provided, these can optionally be connected or mounted together before the housing locking element 23 is mounted, so that the housing parts 5, 6 form respective circumferential sections U1, U2 of the common cable entry 7 through which the cable 3 is guided into the interior 8 of the connector 1.

[0123] To further improve the manufacture and assembly of the housing assembly 2, it can optionally be provided that at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 (in the exemplary embodiments, the first housing part 5 in each case) and the housing locking element 23 are integrally connected to one another via at least one connecting web 33 in a pre-assembled or unassembled state. The principle will first be explained using the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 11 to 14 will be explained in more detail.

[0124] The Figures 11 to 14 show a fundamentally similar embodiment of the invention, as already shown by reference to the Figures 1 to 10 It explains why functionally identical elements are not described again in detail. The cable 3 and the cable sealing element 12 or the sealing body 16 are in the Figures 11 to 14hidden. Again, the housing assembly 2 has a first housing part 5 and a second housing part 6, which together form a cable entry 7 in the assembled state, in which a cable sealing element 12 for the cable 3 is accommodated.

[0125] A connecting web 33, designed like a film hinge, is provided for the one-piece connection between the first housing part 5 and the housing locking element 23. The connecting web 33 has a very thin wall thickness, at least in sections, and is therefore sufficiently elastic to allow pivoting movement between the housing locking element 32 and the first housing part 5. This pivoting movement alone may be sufficient to bring the housing locking element 32 into its final position on the first housing part 5. Alternatively, the connecting web 33 may be designed to break off in a defined manner during the pivoting movement and / or during a subsequent axial movement. The connecting web 33 can therefore also be designed as a predetermined breaking point.

[0126] This connecting web 33 allows the first housing part 5 and the housing locking element 23 to be manufactured together during assembly, in particular by a common plastic injection molding process, wherein the first housing part 5 and the housing locking element 23 can be separated before or during final assembly by breaking the predetermined breaking point or assembled together by a movement guided by the connecting web 33. Preferably, the housing locking element 23 and the housing parts 5, 6 are therefore made of the same material, in particular a plastic.

[0127] After the assembly of the two housing parts 5, 6 (see Figures 11 and 12 ) it can therefore be provided, for example, that the housing locking element 23, which in the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 11 and 14in the pre-assembled state and held via the connecting bridge 33 relative to the final assembly position, it is rotated or pivoted and axially offset (along the feed direction Z for the cable 3), and is initially pivoted (see Figure 12 and 13 ) and is then moved along the securing mounting direction S to the final assembly position (see Figures 13 and 14 The connecting web 33 can optionally be designed to break at any time during the assembly process, in particular during axial displacement along the securing assembly direction S (in Figure 13 (hinted at).

[0128] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 11 to 13Exactly one connecting web 33 is provided for connecting the housing locking element 23 to the first housing element 5. However, several connecting webs 33 can also be provided, for example, several connecting webs 33 that are arranged around the circumference of the cable entry 7 and, for example, distributed equidistantly, as shown in the Figures 1 to 5 and especially in the Figures 8 to 10 indicated. When using several connecting webs 33 distributed along the circumference of the cable entry 7, it can preferably be provided that the housing locking element 23 is only axially offset along the feed direction Z or locking mounting direction S compared to the final assembly state, but is not twisted or pivoted.

[0129] As already mentioned, it is not absolutely necessary for the connecting web 33 to break off during assembly within the scope of the invention. In principle, the connecting web 33 can also be sufficiently elastic or deformable to allow movement of the housing locking element 23 into the final assembly position without breaking off. However, this is less preferred.

[0130] As already mentioned, while it is advantageous within the scope of the invention, it is not absolutely necessary for the housing assembly 2 to have several housing parts 5, 6. In principle, the first housing part 5 can be sufficient, the outer wall of which can then be mechanically reinforced by means of the housing locking element 23. A corresponding embodiment in which the connector 1 or the housing assembly 2 has only a single housing part 5 is shown in the Figures 15 to 17The cable 3 and the cable sealing element 12 or the sealing body 16 are shown as examples. Figures 15 to 17 Hidden for the sake of simplicity.

[0131] The Figures 15 to 17 Each figure shows a section of a coaxial connector 1, whereby the specific geometric design and connector type are not relevant within the scope of the invention. The exemplary round connector 1 has the first housing part 5, along whose outer sheath the housing locking element 23 is linearly displaceable along the feed direction Z for the cable 3 (not shown).

[0132] As can be seen in particular from the enlarged section of the Figure 16 As can be seen, the first housing part 5 and the housing locking part 23 are located in the Figures 15 and 16In the pre-assembly state shown, the components are integrally connected via several connecting webs 33 distributed along the circumference (although a single connecting web 33 may be sufficient, as mentioned above). These connecting webs 33 are designed as predetermined breaking points and break off in a defined manner due to the axial displacement of the housing locking element 23 towards the final assembly position. In the Figure 16 In the final assembly position shown, the first housing part 5 and the housing locking part 23 are locked together (see locking arm 30 or locking receptacle 31 of the housing locking part 23 and locking hook 32 of the first housing part 5).

Claims

1. Housing assembly (2) for a plug connector (1), having - at least one first housing part (5) in order to form a cable bushing (7) through which a cable (3) can be introduced into an interior (8) of the housing assembly (2); - a cable sealing element (12), accommodated in the cable bushing (7), for the cable (3); and - a housing securing part (23) which at least in portions encloses at least the first housing part (5) at least in the region of the cable bushing (7), preferably at least in the region of the cable sealing element (12), characterized in that at least the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23) are, in a preassembly state, connected in one piece to one another via at least one connecting web (33).

2. Housing assembly (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting web (33) is formed as a predetermined breaking point in order to separate the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23) prior to or during final assembly.

3. Housing assembly (2) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting web (33) is formed to be elastically deformable at least in portions, in particular in the manner of a film hinge, in order to enable the assembly of the housing securing part (23) on the first housing part (5).

4. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one connecting web (33) is formed in the region of the cable bushing (7) of the first housing part (5).

5. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that several of the connecting webs (33) are arranged distributed along the circumference of the cable bushing (7).

6. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that precisely one connecting web (33) is provided.

7. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) is, in the preassembly state, arranged rotated and / or pivoted with respect to a state assembled on the first housing part (5).

8. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) is, in the preassembly state, spaced apart from the cable bushing (7) in comparison with a state assembled on the first housing part (5) along a feed direction (Z) for the cable (3).

9. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized by a second housing part (6) which can be connected mechanically to the first housing part (5), wherein the housing parts (5, 6), in their state connected to one another, form respective circumferential portions (U1, U2) of the cable bushing (7), wherein the housing securing part (23) at least in portions encloses the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6) at least in the region of the cable bushing (7) in order to fix the housing parts (5, 6) on one another.

10. Housing assembly (2) according Claim 9, characterized in that a housing assembly direction (G) for connecting the first housing part (5) to the second housing part (6) and a securing assembly direction (S) for assembling the housing securing part (23) on the housing parts (5, 6) differ from one another, preferably run orthogonally to one another.

11. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) on the first housing part (5) is displaceable along a feed direction (Z) for the cable (3) into a final assembly position in which the housing securing part (23) at least in portions encloses the first housing part (5) at least in the region of the cable bushing (7), wherein the housing securing part (23) and the first housing part (5) preferably form a mutual linear guide.

12. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) clutches or fully circumferentially encloses at least the first housing part (5), preferably at least the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6), in the region of the cable bushing (7).

13. Housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized by a housing sealing element (15) which is formed to ensure a seal between the first housing part (5) and at least one further housing part, in particular the second housing part (6), wherein the housing sealing element (15) has a circumferentially closed profile and forms a central opening (19), and wherein the housing sealing element (15) is formed at an angle so that a first portion (20) of the housing sealing element (15) and the central opening (19) extends in a first plane (E1) and a second portion (21) of the housing sealing element (15) and the central opening (19) extends in a second plane (E2).

14. Plug connector (1), in particular electrical plug connector, having a housing assembly (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 and at least one contact element (4) which can be connected to the cable (3).

15. Method for assembling a plug connector (1), comprising at least the following method steps: - Providing a housing assembly (2) which has at least one first housing part (5) and a housing securing part (23) which, in a preassembly state, are connected in one piece to one another via at least one connecting web (33); - Introducing a cable (3) through a cable sealing element (12) which is accommodated in a cable bushing (7) formed by at least the first housing part (5); and - Final assembly of the housing securing part (23) on at least the first housing part (5) so that it is enclosed at least in portions at least in the region of the cable bushing (7) by the housing securing part (23), wherein the at least one connecting web (33) is broken during or prior to final assembly in order to separate the first housing part (5) and the housing securing part (23).

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