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

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing sealing element (11) for a housing assembly (2) of a plug connector (1), which housing sealing element forms a central opening and has a circumferentially completely closed contour. According to the invention, the housing sealing element (11) is angled and therefore a first portion (20) of the housing sealing element (11) and of the central opening (19) extends in a first plane (E1) and a second portion (21) of the housing sealing element (11) and of the central opening (19) extends in a second plane (E2).

Description

[0001] Housing sealing element, housing part and connector

[0002] This application claims priority from European patent application No. 23 164 081 .4, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The invention relates to a housing sealing element for a housing assembly of a connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The invention further relates to a housing part of a housing assembly with a housing sealing element.

[0005] The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly.

[0006] Various electrical connectors are known in 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 printed circuit board connector, a panel connector, a socket, a coupling, or an adapter. The term "connector" used in the context of the invention represents all variants.

[0007] Sometimes, increased demands are placed on the sealing of connectors, particularly in the automotive industry and vehicles. Electrical connectors with cable sealing elements within the cable feedthrough of the connector housing are generally known. For example, see US Pat. No. 10,847,924 B2.

[0008] It has been shown that the tightness of a connector equipped with a cable sealing element can be compromised under certain mechanical stresses, such as transverse cable tension. The transverse load 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, allowing contaminants or liquids to penetrate.

[0009] Experience has shown that the cable sealing element is particularly prone to detaching from the inner wall of the connector housing in multi-part connector housings. In this case, the cable sealing element is often located between two housing parts, which, due to the play that is generally always present in practice, exhibit a certain degree of mobility relative to each other.

[0010] Multi-part connector housings or housing assemblies are regularly used for angled connectors. Therefore, it can sometimes be particularly complex to provide sufficient sealing in an angled connector that meets all required standards and requirements. In view of the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a housing sealing element and a housing part for a housing assembly of a connector that can meet particularly high sealing requirements, preferably with economical manufacturing and easy assembly.

[0011] The present invention is also based on the object of providing a connector, in particular an electrical connector, which meets particularly high sealing requirements, while preferably being economical to manufacture and easy to assemble.

[0012] The problem is solved for the housing sealing element with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the housing part, the problem is solved by the features of claim 8 and with regard to the connector by claim 11.

[0013] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0014] A housing sealing element according to claim 1 is provided for a housing assembly for a connector, preferably for a housing assembly which has at least a first housing part and a second housing part which can be mechanically connected to one another.

[0015] The invention is particularly suitable for use with an electrical connector. However, this is not intended to be limiting, as use with an optical connector or other connector is also possible in principle.

[0016] 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 one another.

[0017] In addition to the first housing part and the second housing part, further housing parts may also be provided within the proposed housing assembly, for example, a third housing part, a fourth housing part, or even more housing parts. References to "the housing parts" below refer to at least the first housing part and the second housing part, but possibly also to further housing parts, even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0018] The first housing part and the second housing part can, for example, be housing parts of an angled connector (at least one of the housing parts can then be correspondingly angled - however, this is not mandatory). The second housing part can, for example, form a housing base of the connector, and the first housing part can form a housing cover for the housing base. Overall, the housing parts can preferably form an inner connector housing. The housing securing part, referred to 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").

[0019] Preferably, the housing parts (at least the first housing part and the second housing part) in their interconnected state jointly form a cable feedthrough (in particular a cable outlet and / or a cable inlet) through which a cable, in particular an electrical cable, can be inserted into an interior of the housing assembly. It is provided that the housing parts (at least the first housing part and the second housing part) form respective circumferential sections of the cable feedthrough.

[0020] Preferably, a first part of the peripheral portion of the cable feedthrough is formed by the first housing part, and a second part of the peripheral portion of the cable feedthrough is formed by the second housing part. The housing parts that jointly form the cable feedthrough can optionally overlap at least partially along the circumference of the cable feedthrough, although each of the housing parts is preferably at least substantially associated with its own peripheral portion of the cable feedthrough. The cable feedthrough is preferably at least substantially completely closed in the peripheral direction (for example, except for any gaps at the transition between the housing parts).

[0021] The housing parts can individually or jointly form an at least substantially tubular or sleeve-shaped section in order to realize the cable feedthrough, with a generally at least partially straight course along an intended supply or discharge direction for the cable (although a curved or angled course of the cable feedthrough can also be provided in principle).

[0022] The housing parts that form the cable feedthrough preferably have, at least in sections, a respective inner surface that can serve as a support for the cable sealing element mentioned below. The inner surface can have a substantially flat profile, but can optionally also have depressions and / or elevations, for example, annular circumferential grooves or ribs, to positively secure the cable and / or the cable sealing element in the assembled state of the housing assembly.

[0023] The housing assembly preferably has a cable sealing element for the cable, which is accommodated in the cable feedthrough. The cable sealing element is preferably capable of sealing the cable feedthrough 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 sheath and the inner sheath surfaces of the housing parts forming the cable feedthrough.

[0024] Preferably, the cable sealing element is formed in one piece.

[0025] In particular, a cable sealing element that is completely closed or annular in the circumferential direction and has a central opening for the cable passage can be provided. The cable sealing element is preferably fixed within the cable feedthrough, for example, by positive locking, force locking, or material locking. For example, the cable sealing element can also be injection-molded into one of the housing parts and / or into the housing securing part mentioned below.

[0026] The cable sealing element can extend along the entire cable feedthrough, but can also be arranged in only one section of the cable feedthrough if necessary. Optionally, several cable sealing elements can be provided, distributed one behind the other along the cable feed direction.

[0027] It should be noted at this point that the invention can also be suitable for use with a housing assembly or a connector to which multiple cables are fed. The cable entry can be configured accordingly, whereby multiple cable entry points can also be provided that lead into the interior of the housing assembly (for example, arranged side by side or parallel, but also extending from different directions or sides of the housing assembly).

[0028] The cable bushing can, for example, be designed to accommodate exactly one cable, exactly two cables, exactly three cables, exactly four cables, exactly five cables, exactly six cables, or more cables. Each of the cables can be assigned to its own cable sealing element (accordingly, several cable sealing elements can be provided, which are accommodated in the cable bushing), although several cables (for example, two, three, or all cables) can also be routed through a common cable sealing element, wherein the common cable sealing element preferably has several adjacent openings for the respective passage of the individual cables.

[0029] The invention will be described below essentially using a housing assembly or a connector with a single cable. However, this is intended solely for better understanding and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0030] The housing assembly preferably has a housing securing part that at least partially encloses the housing parts (at least the first housing part and the second housing part) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough in order to fix the housing parts to one another. Preferably, the housing securing part can be designed in the manner of a closure cap or end cap for the housing assembly. The housing securing part preferably encloses the housing parts at least starting from the cable-side end of the cable feedthrough. It can also be provided that the housing securing part is annular or sleeve-shaped and has no end-face closure surface or stop surface.

[0031] In particular, it can be provided that the housing securing part encloses the housing parts (at least the first housing part and the second housing part) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough in which the cable sealing element is arranged.

[0032] Advantageously, the housing securing part can join the housing parts to one another with as little play as possible in order to reduce the mobility between the housing parts and to increase the rigidity of the housing assembly - in particular in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough and especially in a section of the housing parts in which the cable sealing element is arranged.

[0033] Mechanical stress on the cable can be at least substantially absorbed by the housing securing part, thus preventing the cable sealing element from detaching from the inner surface of the housing parts forming the cable feedthrough. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the sealing of the housing assembly can be significantly improved by using the housing securing part.

[0034] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part 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 therefrom).

[0035] The housing securing part can preferably be guided on the at least one housing part, in particular until the housing securing part reaches a final assembly position in which it fixes the housing parts. For example, it can be provided that the housing securing part and at least one of the housing parts form a mutual linear guide.

[0036] The guide function can simplify the assembly of the housing assembly and reduce the susceptibility to errors (especially the risk of damaging a component).

[0037] For example, the housing securing part can be guided linearly on an outer surface of at least one of the housing parts, in that the housing securing part completely or partially encompasses or clamps the housing parts that form the cable feedthrough. Alternatively or additionally, a rail guide system can also be provided, wherein the housing securing part has one or more elevations (e.g., webs, pins, sliding blocks, etc.) that are linearly guided in one or more corresponding depressions (e.g., grooves or folds) arranged along the mounting direction for the housing securing part (hereinafter referred to as the "safety mounting direction"). A reverse arrangement, in which the housing securing part has the depressions and the housing parts have the elevations, can also be provided (as well as mixed variants).

[0038] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a housing mounting direction for connecting the first housing part to the second housing part and a securing mounting direction for mounting the housing securing part on the housing parts differ from one another.

[0039] In particular, it can be provided that the housing mounting direction and the securing mounting direction extend at an angle between 45° and 90° to each other, preferably orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to each other. In this way, assembly can be carried out particularly easily and gently, while the housing securing part can simultaneously prevent unintentional disassembly of the housing parts.

[0040] However, it may also be provided that the housing mounting direction and the securing mounting direction 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 a clamp-like housing securing part. In this case, too, the housing securing part can subsequently prevent unintentional disassembly of the housing parts.

[0041] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part completely encloses the housing parts in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough, in particular in a ring shape.

[0042] The cable entry can be mechanically reinforced or stiffened particularly effectively in the case of a circumferentially closed housing securing part. This variant of the invention can therefore be particularly suitable when very high transverse forces are expected on the cable.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the housing securing part merely clamps the housing parts in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough.

[0044] In particular, it can be provided that the housing securing part has at least one support surface with which it can be supported on a counter-support surface of the housing parts forming the cable feedthrough (i.e., on at least one of the outer surfaces of the housing parts), as well as two side legs that extend from the support surface along respective, mutually opposite sides of the housing parts. Preferably, at least one of the side legs (particularly preferably both side legs) clasps the housing parts on the side facing away from the counter-support surface.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least one of the side legs (particularly preferably both side legs) has an elevation (e.g. a web 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 take place.

[0046] Advantageously, the housing parts can be clamped together by the housing securing part at the same time as a linear guide, for example a rail guide system.

[0047] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part, in its assembled state, can be connected in a captive manner to at least one of the housing parts (preferably to at least the first housing part and the second housing part).

[0048] In particular, it can be provided that the housing securing part can be latched, pressed together, or screwed to the first housing part and / or the second housing part. Latching is particularly preferred because it can be implemented using technically simple means and, at the same time, can be easily assembled and disassembled. Accordingly, the housing securing part can have one or more latching elements, and the housing parts can have corresponding counter-latching elements. The latching elements or counter-latching elements can be, for example, elastic or resilient latching arms, latching springs, latching projections (e.g., latching hooks), edges, latching receptacles (e.g., openings or recesses).

[0049] Preferably, at least one locking element is arranged on at least two sides of the housing securing part, in particular on opposite or opposite sides.

[0050] As already mentioned, a screw connection of the housing securing part to one of the housing parts can also be provided if necessary. This is particularly advantageous if at least the corresponding housing part is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical.

[0051] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the housing parts and the housing securing part are integrally connected to one another in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web. The connecting web preferably has only a very small thickness or a wall thickness that is smaller than the thinnest wall thickness of the housing parts and / or the housing securing part, for example, smaller by a factor of 1.5, smaller by a factor of 2, or even smaller. Manufacturing the housing securing part as a single piece with at least one of the housing parts can reduce the costs of manufacturing the housing assembly, particularly if it is manufactured as a common plastic injection-molded part.

[0052] The connecting web can be designed to be sufficiently elastic or deformable, at least in sections, so that a relative movement between the housing securing part and the at least one housing part required for the final assembly of the housing securing part is still possible.

[0053] The connecting bridge can, for example, be designed in the manner of a so-called “film hinge”.

[0054] It can also be provided that the connecting web is designed as a predetermined breaking point in order to separate the housing part and the housing securing part before or during final assembly.

[0055] In particular, the at least one connecting web can be designed to break upon axial movement of the housing securing part toward the cable feedthrough and / or to enable a rotational or pivoting movement between the components. By breaking the at least one connecting web or the predetermined breaking point, the individual components of the housing assembly can subsequently be handled as separate parts in a conventional manner during final assembly.

[0056] Preferably, the at least one connecting web is formed in the region of the cable feedthrough of the first housing part.

[0057] Exactly one connecting web can be provided. However, several connecting webs can also be provided. If several connecting webs are provided, they can preferably be distributed along the circumference of the cable feedthrough, for example, distributed in equidistant angular segments. However, the several connecting webs can also be arranged parallel or side by side, in particular in a common plane, for example, to enable a bending or pivoting movement.

[0058] The housing securing part can be connected to the housing part via the at least one connecting web in such a way that the housing securing part, in its unassembled state or pre-assembled state, is arranged rotated and / or pivoted relative to a state mounted on the housing part.

[0059] The housing securing part can also be connected to the housing part via the at least one connecting web in such a way that, in the unassembled or pre-assembled state, the housing part is spaced apart from the cable feedthrough along the securing assembly direction (for example, along the feed direction for the cable) compared to a state mounted on the housing part. It can be provided that the first housing part and the second housing part are fastened to one another in a force-fitting, form-fitting, and / or material-fitting manner in their interconnected state.

[0060] In a particularly preferred development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the first housing part and the second housing part can be locked together.

[0061] A locking mechanism is particularly preferred because it can be implemented using technically simple means and is also easy to assemble and disassemble. Accordingly, the first housing part can have one or more locking elements, and the second housing part can have corresponding counter-locking elements. The locking elements or counter-locking elements can be, for example, elastic or resilient locking arms, locking springs, locking projections (e.g., locking hooks), edges, locking receptacles (e.g., openings or recesses).

[0062] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing securing part is made of the same material as at least one of the housing parts.

[0063] Preferably, all housing parts of the housing assembly, in particular the first housing part and the second housing part, as well as the housing securing part, are made of the same material.

[0064] The housing parts (in particular the first housing part and the second housing part) and / or the housing securing part are preferably made of a plastic, in particular 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) can also be provided. Particularly preferably, the housing assembly forms an electrically insulating connector housing. However, the housing assembly can also form, for example, an outer conductor assembly of the connector.

[0065] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing parts, in their connected state, together form a housing assembly for an angle connector.

[0066] In particular, at least one of the housing parts can be angled.

[0067] It can be provided that the housing assembly has the housing sealing element which is designed to ensure a seal between the housing parts (in particular between the first housing part and the second housing part).

[0068] Preferably, the housing sealing element is formed in one piece. It is provided that the housing sealing element has a circumferentially closed or annular profile and forms a central opening.

[0069] In particular - but not exclusively - in the case of a housing assembly for an angled connector, it is provided that the housing sealing element is angled so that a first portion of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a first plane and a second portion of the housing sealing element and the central opening extend in a second plane.

[0070] The first plane and the second plane are preferably arranged at an angle between 45° and 90° to each other, in particular orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to each other. In principle, however, any angle between the first plane and the second plane can be provided.

[0071] 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.

[0072] A transition region can preferably be provided between the first section and the second section of the housing sealing element, in particular a transition region with a curved course, in order to enable a material-protecting transition between the different orientations of the sections.

[0073] Preferably, the first section is longer than the second section, wherein the second section of the housing sealing element is preferably arranged in the region of the cable feedthrough.

[0074] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing sealing element is materially connected to one of the housing parts.

[0075] The housing sealing element can, for example, be glued into one of the housing parts, or in particular, injected into one of the housing parts. This ensures a captive delivery condition.

[0076] However, it can also be provided that the housing sealing element is connected to at least one of the housing parts in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. In principle, a captive connection to one of the housing parts in the unassembled state of the housing assembly is not absolutely necessary – it may therefore be sufficient if the housing sealing element is only fixed between the housing parts during final assembly for the purpose of sealing. The housing sealing element and / or the cable sealing element can have one or more, for example, two, three, four, or even more, sealing lips.

[0077] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and the housing sealing element are formed integrally by a common sealing body.

[0078] In particular, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and the housing sealing element form respective sections of the common sealing body. The production of a common sealing body can reduce manufacturing costs and also make assembly simpler and more reliable.

[0079] The invention also relates to a housing part of a housing assembly, comprising a housing sealing element according to the above and following embodiments.

[0080] The invention also relates to a connector, in particular an electrical connector, comprising a housing assembly with a housing part according to the above and following embodiments (in particular with a housing part that has the housing sealing element described above and below). Preferably, the connector also comprises at least one contact element connectable to the cable (e.g., an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element).

[0081] By using the housing securing part, which can serve as an outer housing for the housing components, at least in the area of ​​the cable entry of the connector, the mechanical properties of the housing assembly can be enhanced. In particular, the rigidity and transverse tensile strength in the area of ​​the cable entry can be increased because the housing components can be secured against each other. In this way, a particularly robust, waterproof connector, in particular a waterproof right-angle connector, can be provided.

[0082] The connector according to the invention can, in principle, comprise any desired connector components. For example, the connector can comprise various contact elements, a mechanical interface for connecting to a mating connector, dielectrics, shielding means, and other sealing elements.

[0083] 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 connector. The invention is not limited to a specific variant.

[0084] The connector according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously within a vehicle, in particular 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 802.11 ad standard). Possible applications include high-resolution cameras, for example 4K and 8K cameras, sensors, onboard computers, high-resolution screens, high-resolution dashboards, 3D navigation devices, and mobile communications 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 technology.

[0085] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a connector, comprising at least the following method steps:

[0086] Assembling a housing assembly by connecting a first housing part to a second housing part so that the housing parts form respective peripheral portions of a common cable feedthrough;

[0087] Inserting a cable through a cable sealing element accommodated in the cable entry into an interior space in the housing assembly; and

[0088] Mounting a housing securing part so that the housing parts are at least partially enclosed at least in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough in order to fix the housing parts to one another.

[0089] It should be emphasized here that the process steps mentioned do not necessarily have to be performed in the order in which they are first described or mentioned. Therefore, individual process steps or groups of process steps may be interchangeable, if this is not technically impossible. Process steps may also be combined, divided into separate intermediate steps, or supplemented with intermediate steps. The process is not necessarily exhaustively described with the process steps described and may be supplemented with further process steps, even those not mentioned.

[0090] Preferably, it can be provided that the cable sealing element and / or the housing securing part are pushed onto the cable before the cable is inserted into the cable bushing.

[0091] Features described in connection with one of the subject matters of the invention, specifically the housing sealing element according to the invention, the housing part according to the invention, the connector according to the invention, and the method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other subject matters of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the subject matters of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other subject matters of the invention.

[0092] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprising," "having," or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps—and vice versa.

[0093] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "having," or "with" are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more lists of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0094] It should be noted that terms such as "first" or "second" etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishing between respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

[0095] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions enclosed by the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0096] A separate invention will be described below within the framework of the overall inventive concept. The applicant explicitly reserves the right to claim the following items 1 to 15 separately (i.e., independently of the applicable patent claim 1) and / or in combination with the features described above and below in the present description:

[0097] 1. A housing assembly (2) for a plug-in connector (1), comprising at least a first housing part (5) and a second housing part (6) which can be mechanically connected to one another, wherein the housing parts (5, 6), in their connected state, jointly form a cable feedthrough (7) through which a cable (3) can be inserted into an interior space (8) of the housing assembly (2), wherein the housing parts (5, 6) form respective circumferential sections (Ui, U2) of the cable feedthrough (7); a cable sealing element (12) for the cable (3) received in the cable feedthrough (7); and a housing securing part (23) which at least partially encloses the housing parts (5, 6) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7), preferably at least in the region of the cable sealing element (12), in order to fix the housing parts (5, 6) to one another.Housing assembly (2) according to item 1, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) is displaceable on at least one of the housing parts (5, 6) along a feed direction (Z) for the cable (3) into a final assembly position, in which the housing securing part (23) fixes the housing parts (5, 6) to one another, wherein the housing securing part (23) and at least one of the housing parts (5, 6) preferably form a mutual linear guide. Housing assembly (2) according to item 1 or 2, 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 mounting the housing securing part (23) on the housing parts (5, 6) differ from one another, preferably running orthogonally to one another.Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) completely encloses the housing parts (5, 6) in the region of the cable feedthrough (7). Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) clamps the housing parts (5, 6) in the region of the cable feedthrough (7). Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing securing part (23), in its assembled state, can be captively connected to at least one of the housing parts (5, 6), preferably can be latched, pressed, or screwed to at least one of the housing parts (5, 6).Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the housing parts (5, 6) and the housing securing part (23) are integrally connected to one another in a pre-assembled state via at least one connecting web (33), wherein the connecting web (33) a) is designed as a predetermined breaking point in order to separate the housing part (5, 6) and the housing securing part (23) before or during final assembly; and / or b) is designed to be elastically deformable at least in sections, in particular in the manner of a film hinge, in order to enable the final assembly of the housing securing part (23) on the at least one housing part (5, 6).

[0098] 8. Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 7, characterized in that the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6) can be locked together.

[0099] 9. Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) is made of the same material as at least one of the housing parts (5, 6), preferably of a plastic.

[0100] 10. Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing parts (5, 6) in their connected state together form a housing assembly (2) for an angled connector, wherein preferably at least one of the housing parts (5, 6) is formed in an angular manner.

[0101] 11. Housing assembly (2) according to one of the items 1 to 10, characterized by a housing sealing element (15) which is designed to ensure a seal between the housing parts (5, 6), wherein the housing sealing element (15) has a circumferentially closed course and forms a central opening (19), and wherein the housing sealing element (15) is designed at an angle, so that a first section (20) of the housing sealing element (15) and the central opening (19) extend in a first plane (Ei) and a second section (21) of the housing sealing element (15) and the central opening (19) extend in a second plane (E2).

[0102] 12. Housing assembly (2) according to item 11, characterized in that the housing sealing element (15) is materially connected to one of the housing parts (5, 6), in particular is injected into one of the housing parts (5, 6).

[0103] 13. Housing assembly (2) according to item 11 or 12, characterized in that the cable sealing element (12) and the housing sealing element (15) are formed integrally by a common sealing body (16). 14. Connector (1), in particular an electrical connector (1), comprising a housing assembly (2) according to one of items 1 to 13 and at least one contact element (4) connectable to the cable (3).

[0104] 15. Method for assembling a connector (1), comprising at least the following method steps:

[0105] Assembling a housing assembly (2) by connecting a first housing part (5) to a second housing part (6) so that the housing parts (5, 6) form respective circumferential sections (Ui, U2) of a common cable feedthrough (7);

[0106] Inserting a cable (3) through a cable sealing element (12) accommodated in the cable bushing (7) into an interior space (8) in the housing assembly (2); and

[0107] Mounting a housing securing part (23) so that the housing parts (5, 6) are at least partially enclosed at least in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough (7) in order to fix the housing parts (5, 6) to one another.

[0108] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0109] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one 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 useful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0110] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0111] They show schematically:

[0112] Figure 1 shows a connector with a housing assembly, comprising a housing sealing element according to the invention, according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, during a first assembly step;

[0113] Figure 2 shows the connector of Figure 1 in a side view, during the first assembly step;

[0114] Figure 3 shows the connector of Figure 1 in a side view, during a second assembly step;

[0115] Figure 4 shows the connector of Figure 1 in a perspective view, with the housing assembly fully assembled; Figure 5 shows the connector of Figure 1 in a side view, with the housing assembly fully assembled;

[0116] Figure ß shows a one-piece sealing body with a housing sealing element according to the invention and a cable sealing element according to an embodiment in a perspective view;

[0117] Figure 7 shows the sealing body of Figure 6 in a side view;

[0118] Figure 8 is a front view of the cable feedthrough of a fully assembled housing assembly, comprising a housing sealing element according to the invention, according to a first variant, according to which the housing securing part completely encloses the cable feedthrough;

[0119] Figure 9 is a front view of the cable feedthrough of a fully assembled housing assembly comprising a housing sealing element according to the invention, according to a second variant, according to which the housing securing part clamps around the cable feedthrough;

[0120] Figure 10 is a front view of the cable feedthrough of a fully assembled housing assembly comprising a housing sealing element according to the invention, according to a third variant, according to which the housing securing part is engaged with the cable feedthrough via a rail guide system;

[0121] Figure 11 shows a connector with a housing assembly, comprising a housing sealing element according to the invention, according to a further embodiment of the invention in a side view, during a first assembly step;

[0122] Figure 12 shows the connector of Figure 11 in a side view, during a second assembly step;

[0123] Figure 13 shows the connector of Figure 11 in a side view, during a third assembly step; and

[0124] Figure 14 shows the connector of Figure 11 in a side view, in a fully assembled state of the housing assembly.

[0125] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a connector 1 (e.g., an electrical connector) with a housing assembly 2 and a cable 3 (e.g., an electrical cable) leading into the housing assembly 2, illustrating several assembly steps of the housing assembly 2. The exemplary embodiments each show an angled connector, which, however, is not intended to be limiting for the invention. The invention is also fundamentally suitable for use with non-angled connectors.

[0126] The connector 1 illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 to 5 can comprise 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).

[0127] The housing assembly 2 has at least a first housing part 5 and a second housing part 6, which can be mechanically connected to one another, as indicated in Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 3 to 5, the housing parts 5, 6 are already connected to one another, wherein in their connected state they jointly form a cable feedthrough 7 through which the cable 3 can be inserted into an interior space 8 (cf. Figure 1) of the housing assembly 2 or the connector 1. For this purpose, the housing parts 5, 6 form respective circumferential sections Ui, U2 (cf. Figures 1 and 8) of the cable feedthrough 7.

[0128] The two housing parts 5, 6 can be locked together. For this purpose, the first housing part 5 has at least one locking arm 9, which is at least partially spring-elastic, with a locking receptacle 10, which can be engaged behind by a corresponding locking hook 11 of the second housing part 6 (see, for example, the assembled state in Figure 3). In principle, however, 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, a force fit, or even a material connection.

[0129] In the cable bushing 7 formed by the two housing parts 5, 6, a cable sealing element 12 (cf. Figures 6 to 10) for the cable 3 is accommodated in order to provide a seal between the cable sheath 13 and the inner sheath surface 14 of the housing parts 5, 6 forming the cable bushing 7 (cf. Figure 1).

[0130] In the exemplary embodiments, the cable sealing element 12 is formed integrally with a housing sealing element 15 by a common sealing body 16, which is shown in Figures 6 and 7 in a variant intended only as an example. In principle, a multi-part design and therefore also a separate cable sealing element 12 are also possible.

[0131] The cable sealing element 12 is primarily tubular or sleeve-shaped, with the outer surface 17 of the cable sealing element 12 preferably extending over the entire surface along the inner surface 14 of the housing parts 5, 6 in the region of the cable feedthrough 7 when the housing assembly 2 is fully assembled. The cable sealing element 12 is completely closed or annular in the circumferential direction and has a central opening 18 (see Figure 6) for the passage of the cable 3.

[0132] The aforementioned housing sealing element 15 is designed to ensure a seal between the housing parts 5, 6 and also forms a circumferentially closed profile with a further central opening 19 (see Figure 6). The housing sealing element 15, like the housing parts 5, 6, is angled, so 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 E1, 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 E2, as indicated in Figure 7. The planes E1, E2 are preferably arranged orthogonally to one another, as can be clearly seen, for example, in Figures 2 and 7.A transition section 22 can be provided between the two sections 20, 21 in order to enable a smooth and gentle, for example rounded, transition between the two sections 20, 21.

[0133] 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, integrally connected to one of the housing parts 5, 6. For example, the sealing body 16 or the housing sealing element 15 can be injected into the first housing part 5 during production. In this way, manufacturing costs can be reduced and the assembly process simplified.

[0134] The proposed housing assembly 2 also has a housing securing part 23 which at least partially encloses the housing parts 5, 6 at least in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough 7 and in particular in the area of ​​the cable sealing element 12 in order to fix the housing parts 5, 6 to one another.

[0135] The housing securing part 23 can be displaceable on at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 into a final assembly position (see Figures 4 and 5). This displacement preferably occurs along a feed direction Z for the cable (see Figures 1 and 3), but can also deviate from the feed direction Z of the cable 3 if necessary. In the final assembly position, the housing securing part 23 fixes the housing parts 5, 6 to one another and thus increases the mechanical stability of the housing assembly 2 against transverse loads in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough 7, so that the seal is maintained even under adverse application conditions.

[0136] The housing mounting direction G (see Figure 2) for connecting the first housing part 5 to the second housing part 6 and the securing mounting direction S (see Figure 3) for mounting the housing securing part 23 on the housing parts 5, 6 preferably differ from one another. Particularly preferably, the housing mounting direction G and the securing mounting direction S run orthogonally to one another. However, this is not absolutely necessary—the securing mounting direction S can also run in the same direction as the housing mounting direction G, if necessary—especially if the housing securing part 23 is not completely closed in the circumferential direction.

[0137] For the displacement of the housing securing part 23 on the at least one housing part 5, 6, a guide, in particular a linear guide, can be provided, particularly in the area of ​​the housing parts 5, 6 in which the cable feedthrough 7 is formed. In particular, the guide functions for the assembly of the housing securing part 23 and the fixing function of the housing securing part 23 can complement each other.

[0138] Figures 8 to 10 show three exemplary variants of housing securing parts 23 based on a front view of the cable bushing 7 in an assembled state.

[0139] A particularly robust stabilization of the cable feedthrough 7 can be achieved, for example, if the housing securing part 23 completely encloses the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough 7, as indicated in Figure 8. Through the corresponding interaction of the inner surface of the housing securing part 23 and the outer surface of the housing parts 5, 6 (particularly in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough 7), a linear guide can thus also be provided.

[0140] The situation is similar with the housing securing part 23 according to Figure 9, which merely clamps the housing parts 5, 6 in the area of ​​the cable feedthrough 7. For this purpose, a support surface 24 of the housing securing part 23 rests on a counter-support surface 25 of the housing parts 5, 6 forming the cable feedthrough 7. Extending from the support surface 24 of the housing securing part 23 are two opposite side legs 26, which clamp the second housing part 6 with their end sections. Again, this can simultaneously form a linear guide.

[0141] Another type of clamping with integrated linear guide is indicated in Figure 10. In this case, rail guide systems 27 are formed on both sides. Accordingly, the side legs 26 have elongated webs 28 extending in the securing assembly direction S, which are guided in corresponding grooves 29 of the housing parts 5, 6.

[0142] In its assembled state, the housing securing part 23 can be captively connected to at least one of the housing parts 5, 6. In the exemplary embodiments, the housing securing part 23 can be latched to the first housing part 5 and to the second housing part 6. For this purpose, the housing securing part 23 has a latching arm 30 that is at least partially elastic and has a latching receptacle 31 (see Figure 1), which can be engaged behind by a latching hook 32 of the respective housing part 5, 6 (see Figures 1 and 2). In principle, however, a fixation between the housing securing part 23 and at least one of the housing parts 5, 6 can be achieved in any desired manner, for example by pressing or screwing (not shown).Within the scope of a method for assembling the electrical connector 1, it can, for example, first be provided that the cable 3 is guided through the housing securing part 23 and the cable sealing element 12 (= pre-assembly of the housing securing part 23 and the cable sealing element 12 on the cable 3), after which the housing assembly 2 is assembled by connecting the first housing part 5 to the second housing part 6, so that the housing parts 5, 6 form respective circumferential sections Ui, U2 of the common cable feedthrough 7, through which the cable 3 is guided into the interior 8 of the connector 1. The housing securing part 23 can then be mounted, so that the housing parts 5, 6 are at least partially enclosed, at least in the region of the cable feedthrough 7, in order to fix the housing parts 5, 6 to one another.

[0143] 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) and the housing securing part 23 are integrally connected to one another in a pre-assembled state or in a non-assembled state via at least one connecting web 33. The principle will first be explained in more detail using the exemplary embodiment of Figures 11 to 14.

[0144] Figures 11 to 14 show a fundamentally similar embodiment of the invention, as already explained with reference to Figures 1 to 10, which is why functionally identical elements are not described in detail again. The cable 3 and the cable sealing element 12 or the sealing body 16 are hidden in Figures 11 to 14. The housing assembly 2 again comprises a first housing part 5 and a second housing part 6, which, when assembled, together form a cable feedthrough 7 in which a cable sealing element 12 for the cable 3 is accommodated.

[0145] For the one-piece connection between the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 23, a connecting web 33 is provided, which is designed in the manner of a film hinge. For this purpose, the connecting web 33 has, at least in sections, a very thin wall thickness and is therefore sufficiently elastic to enable a pivoting movement between the housing securing part 32 and the first housing part 5. This pivoting movement alone can, if necessary, achieve the end position of the housing securing part 32 on the first housing part 5. If necessary, however, it can also be provided that the connecting web 33 breaks 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.

[0146] This connecting web 33 allows the first housing part 5 and the housing securing part 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 securing part 23 can be individually separated before or during final assembly by breaking the predetermined breaking point or assembled together by a movement guided via the connecting web 33. Therefore, the housing securing part 23 and the housing parts 5, 6 are preferably made of the same material, in particular a plastic.

[0147] After assembly of the two housing parts 5, 6 (see Figures 11 and 12), it can therefore be provided, for example, that the housing securing part 23, which in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 11 and 14 is held in the pre-assembled state and held via the connecting web 33, is rotated or pivoted relative to the final assembly position and is held axially offset (along the feed direction Z for the cable 3), is first pivoted (see Figures 12 and 13) and then displaced along the securing assembly direction S into 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 the axial displacement along the securing assembly direction S (indicated in Figure 13).

[0148] In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 11 to 13, exactly one connecting web 33 is provided for connecting the housing securing part 23 to the first housing part 5. In principle, however, a plurality of connecting webs 33 can also be provided, for example a plurality of connecting webs 33 that are distributed circumferentially and, for example, equidistantly along the circumference of the cable feedthrough 7, as indicated in Figures 1 to 5 and in particular in Figures 8 to 10. When using a plurality of connecting webs 33 distributed along the circumference of the cable feedthrough 7, it can preferably be provided that the housing securing part 23 is merely axially offset along the feed direction Z or securing assembly direction S compared to the final assembly state, but not twisted or pivoted.

[0149] As already mentioned, it is not absolutely necessary for the connecting web 33 to break off during assembly. In principle, the connecting web 33 can also be designed to be sufficiently elastic or deformable to allow the housing securing part 23 to move into the final assembly position without breaking off. However, this is less preferred.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Housing sealing element (11) for a housing assembly (2) of a plug connector (1), which forms a central opening (19) and has a circumferentially completely closed course, characterized in that the housing sealing element (11) is formed at an angle, so that a first section (20) of the housing sealing element (11) and the central opening (19) extend in a first plane (Ei) and a second section (21) of the housing sealing element (11) and the central opening (19) extend in a second plane (E2).

2. Housing sealing element (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing sealing element (11) is formed in one piece.

3. Housing sealing element (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first plane (Ei) and the second plane (E2) are arranged at an angle between 45° and 90° to one another, in particular orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to one another.

4. Housing sealing element (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a transition region (22) is provided between the first section (20) and the second section (21) of the housing sealing element (11), in particular a transition region (22) with a curved course, in order to enable a material-protecting transition between the different orientations of the sections (20, 21).

5. Housing sealing element (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first section (20) of the housing sealing element (11) is U-shaped and / or the second section (21) of the housing sealing element (11) is U-shaped.

6. Housing sealing element (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first section (20) is longer than the second section (21).

7. Housing sealing element (11) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second section (21) is arranged in the region of a cable duct (7) through which a cable (3) can be introduced into an interior space (8) of the housing assembly (2).

8. Housing part (5, 6) of a housing assembly (2), comprising a housing sealing element (11) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Housing part (5, 6) according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing sealing element (15) is captively connected to the housing part (5, 6) in the unassembled state of the housing assembly (2).

10. Housing part (5, 6) according to claim 9, characterized in that the housing sealing element (15) is integrally connected to the housing part (5, 6), in particular is injected into the housing part (5, 6).

11. Connector (1), in particular electrical connector (1), comprising a housing assembly (2) with at least one first housing part (5) according to one of claims 8 to 10.

12. Connector (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing assembly (2) further comprises: a second housing part (6), wherein the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6) are mechanically connectable to one another, wherein the housing parts (5, 6) in their connected state together form a cable feedthrough (7) through which a cable (3) can be inserted into an interior (8) of the housing assembly (2), wherein the housing parts (5, 6) form respective circumferential sections (Ui, U2) of the cable feedthrough (7); a cable sealing element (12) for the cable (3) received in the cable feedthrough (7); and a housing securing part (23) which at least partially encloses the housing parts (5, 6) at least in the region of the cable feedthrough (7), preferably at least in the region of the cable sealing element (12), in order to fix the housing parts (5, 6) to one another.

13. Connector (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the housing sealing element (15) is designed to ensure a seal between the housing parts (5, 6).

14. Connector (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cable sealing element (12) is formed in one piece.

15. Connector (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the cable sealing element (12) and the housing sealing element (15) are formed integrally by a common sealing body (16).

16. Connector (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the housing sealing element (11) and / or the cable sealing element (12) have one or more, for example two, three, four or even more sealing lips.

17. Connector (1) according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the housing parts (5, 6) in their connected state together form a housing assembly (2) for an angled connector, wherein preferably at least one of the housing parts (5, 6) is formed in an angular manner.

18. Connector (1) according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the housing securing part (23) completely encloses or clamps the housing parts (5, 6) in the region of the cable feedthrough (7).

19. Connector (1) according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the first housing part (5) and the second housing part (6) can be locked together.

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