Grommet for passing electrical connector

Abstract

To provide a grommet and electrical connector assembly that simplifies automation.SOLUTION: A grommet 1 includes an elastically expandable tube part and a cap-shaped housing part 6. The tube part includes a cable receptacle for passing an electrical cable 12 connected to an electrical connector 2. The housing part includes a connector receptacle for receiving the electrical connector connected to the cable receptacle. The grommet has a configuration in which the electrical connector is at least partially disposed in the connector receptacle, the electrical cable is at least partially disposed in the cable receptacle, and, first, the tube part at a mounting position 20 is elastically expanded so that its inner diameter is at least twice the inner diameter in a no-load state 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grommet for an electrical connector, comprising an elastically expandable tube portion and a cap-like housing portion, the tube portion including a cable receptacle for passing an electrical cable connected to the electrical connector, and the housing portion including a connector receptacle for receiving an electrical connector connected to the cable receptacle, the connector receptacle forming a seal surrounding an opening of the housing portion facing away from the tube portion.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a connector assembly comprising: a grommet including a tube portion and a cap-like housing portion; an electrical connector at least partially covered by the housing portion of the grommet on a side facing away from the contact field, where a seal of the housing portion sealingly abuts the connector; and a cable connected to the electrical connector and extending through the tube portion and sealingly surrounded by the tube portion.

[0003] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for producing a pre-assembled connector assembly. The grommet is particularly suitable for door connectors in the automotive field, where attention must be paid, firstly, to a good seal and, secondly, to a large number of deformations due to the many opening and closing movements of the door during operation as well as the low overall installation height. The pre-assembled connector assembly is in particular a car door connector, which forms, for example, a part of the electrical plug connection on the door side. Such an arrangement allows the mating connector to be placed inside the car body, for example on the door pillar. The tube part of the grommet protects the electrical cable when the door is opened and closed and prevents moisture and dust from entering the electrical connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such electrical assemblies are currently preassembled primarily by hand in automotive assembly, which is complex and expensive. Therefore, the present invention is based on the object of providing a grommet, an electrical connector assembly, and a method for manufacturing an electrical connector assembly, to simplify automation and allow for greater automation of the manufacture of the connector assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is met in that, for the first-mentioned grommet, the tube portion is configured so that it can be moved into an attachment position, in which the tube portion is elastically expanded and has an inner diameter that is at least twice the inner diameter when the tube portion is in a relaxed state.

[0006] With respect to the pre-assembled connector assembly, the above objectives are met in that the tube portion can be moved into an installation position where it is resiliently expanded and an electrical connector can be inserted through the tube portion into the housing portion.

[0007] The elastic expandability of the tube allows a pre-assembled electrical connector to be inserted through the grommet, thus allowing the electrical connector to be pre-assembled in a fully automated manner using automated assembly machines, increasing the degree of automation and reducing costs in the manufacture of the connector assembly.

[0008] Thus, the above objectives are also met by a method of manufacturing a connector assembly, the method including the steps of pre-assembling an electrical connector and connecting a cable to the electrical connector, inserting the electrical connector together with the cable through a tube portion of an elastically expanded grommet, and sliding the housing portion of the grommet over the electrical connector.

[0009] The above solutions can be further improved by the following features, which are independent of one another and which can be combined with one another as desired and which are each advantageous in their own right:

[0010] For example, the grommet is preferably manufactured integrally from one piece, the grommet forming a material-engaging body. The body of the grommet can have regions of different materials and / or materials with different material properties.

[0011] The tube is preferably reversibly expandable or deformable. This means that the inner diameter in the unstressed state remains at least approximately unchanged or constant after the tube is moved from the unstressed state to the mounting position for the first or several times. A change of ±10% in the inner diameter in the unstressed state is nevertheless considered constant or unchanged. This ensures that the tube can sealingly surround the electric cable after it has been expanded.

[0012] The connector receptacle preferably has a polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, base region, the longitudinal direction of which may be the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal extension of the tube portion.

[0013] The housing portion may include side walls, including a front wall and / or a rear wall. The side walls may be arranged opposite each other transversely to the longitudinal extension of the tube portion, the rear wall may form an end of the connector receptacle facing towards the tube portion, and the front wall may form an end of the housing portion facing away from the tube portion. Each of the side walls may be formed solely by a seal.

[0014] According to a further advantageous configuration, the housing part may comprise a reinforcement region, which preferably extends at least partially, preferably continuously, around the opening and is arranged between the seal and the remaining housing part, the reinforcement region increasing the dimensional stability of the housing part and enabling forces acting on the housing part to be uniformly transferred to the seal, facilitating the sealing function of the seal.

[0015] The reinforcement region may in particular form a frame, which preferably extends closed around the opening of the housing part.

[0016] The reinforcement region may be flange-like or may form a flange portion that projects outwardly away from the opening in the housing portion, and the flange portion may extend around a portion of the opening or may extend closed around the opening.

[0017] The reinforced area is in particular an integral part of the grommet, but may nevertheless be made from a different material, for example by production by a multi-component method, or may be made from the same material, but processed or treated differently from the rest of the grommet. For example, the tube section and the non-reinforced area of ​​the housing section may be made from a rubber-elastic material and / or a soft elastomer. Such a soft elastomer may be, for example, a polyester, in particular a TPE. The shore hardness of the tube section and the non-reinforced area of ​​the housing section may be 40-50 Shore, and the shore hardness of the reinforced area may be about 70 Shore. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforced area of ​​the housing section may be made from a hard elastomer, such as TPE, or a fiber-reinforced plastic material, such as PBT.

[0018] In one configuration, the seal can be located inside the reinforcement area facing into the opening of the housing part, for example sealing radially inward. Alternatively or additionally, if an outward facing radial seal is desired, the seal can be located on the side of the flange part facing away from the opening. Alternatively or additionally, the seal can protrude in the plugging direction if it is desired that the seal be in the axial or plugging direction in which the connector is plugged into a mating connector.

[0019] The seal can be made of a soft elastomer. For example, the seal can be made of the same material as the non-reinforced areas of the tube and / or housing. The seal can be made of a polyester, such as a TPE, in particular with a Shore hardness of 40-50 Shore.

[0020] The seal can be formed directly from the material of the non-reinforced region of the housing part. If the seal is arranged in a part of the housing part facing towards the opening of the housing part, it is preferred that the seal is arranged between the opening and the reinforced region. In such a configuration, the reinforced region supports the seal from the outside. Alternatively or additionally, if it is desired that the sealing effect is directed radially outwards, the reinforced region may be located between the seal and the opening in order to support the seal radially on the inside. Finally, the seal can form an edge surface of the opening facing towards the plug-in direction. In this way, the seal can be supported in the plug-in direction.

[0021] The construction of the seal of a different material than the reinforced region is particularly useful when the reinforced region is formed from a non-elastomeric, hard, not very flexible and / or elastic material, such as a plastic material, for example a polyester such as PBT.

[0022] For example, if the reinforcing region is made of a harder soft or hard elastomer having a Shore hardness of about 70 Shore, the seal can also be formed by the reinforcing region or by the material of the reinforcing region itself. In this case, the reinforcing region extends up to the sealing surface, i.e. in the case of a radially inwardly acting seal, up to the edge surface of the opening of the housing part, in the case of a radially outwardly acting seal, up to the (outer) side of the housing part facing away from the opening, and in the case of an axially acting seal, up to the end of the housing part arranged in the plug-in direction and surrounding the opening.

[0023] To avoid damage to the seal when the grommet is deformed, it may be advantageous to connect the seal to the remaining housing part only at the reinforced area.

[0024] The sealing effect can be further improved if the seal includes at least one sealing lip that preferably extends continuously around the opening. If the seal is configured as a radial seal, the at least one sealing lip can protrude perpendicularly to the plug-connection direction. For example, the sealing lip can protrude inwardly towards the connector receptacle. A radial seal is also possible if the sealing lip protrudes outwardly away from the opening. If the seal is configured as an axial seal, the sealing lip protrudes in the opening direction. By combining an axial seal with a radial seal, both types of sealing lip can be provided at the same time.

[0025] The opening direction corresponds to a normal to a plane spanned by the opening of the connector receptacle. In one configuration, the opening of the housing portion opens in a direction that is disposed at an angle of about 60° to about 120° relative to the longitudinal direction of the tube portion when the grommet is in a relaxed state. In cases where the electrical connector is particularly an angled connector, the opening direction of the housing portion may be at least about 90°. In cases where the electrical connector is a straight connector, the opening direction may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tube portion. In one configuration of the grommet, the opening direction of the opening may correspond to a plug connection direction in which the electrical connector is plugged into a mating connector.

[0026] It may be advantageous to make the housing part reversibly pivotable and / or deformable in the mounting position compared to the unloaded state of the grommet, so that the opening of the housing part faces the longitudinal direction of the tube part, in order to more easily push the electrical connector through the grommet. In particular, in the mounting position, the tube part may be freely accessible along the longitudinal direction, so that the tube part, in particular the cable receptacle, is not partially overlapped in the longitudinal direction by the housing part or is not partially closed by the housing part. In the mounting position, the housing part can be folded, for example, by at least about 60°, in particular by about 90°.

[0027] In a further configuration, the insertion of the electrical connector through the tube may be facilitated in that the tube in the mounting position is elastically, in particular reversibly, compressible up to a length equal to the inner diameter of the tube in the mounting position. In particular, the longitudinal length of the tube in the mounting position may be shorter than the length of the electrical connector in the direction in which the electrical connector is inserted through the tube. However, in the unstressed state, the tube may have a length that is at least six times, preferably at least eight times, the length of the tube in the mounted state. Such a length prevents liquids or dust from reaching the interior of the housing part between the tube and the electric cable.

[0028] When the electrical connector together with the electrical cable is received in the grommet, the tube portion is elastically expanded by the electrical cable, so that the tube portion preferably abuts closely against the electrical cable.

[0029] In a further advantageous configuration, the tube can be at least partially provided with circumferentially extending ribs. The ribs can each project outwardly. Alternatively or additionally, the ribs can project inwardly and thus can be present on the outer surface of the tube and / or on the inner surface of the tube.

[0030] The ribs can be located directly adjacent to one another in one or more regions of the tube. Outside at least one region, the tube can be smooth on the inside and / or outside. The ribs increase the flexibility of the tube, so that the tube can better follow the movement of the electric cable. This is particularly advantageous when the grommet is used in a car door connector, where the tube has to follow the movement of the door. The ribs make it even easier to elastically and reversibly compress the tube in the longitudinal direction when it is in the mounting position.

[0031] The ribs may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, each of the ribs lies in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this configuration, at least one region including the ribs resembles the structure of a vacuum tube.

[0032] The side or rear and front walls of the housing portions may be connected to one another by a cover wall that protects the electrical connector received in the connector receptacle.

[0033] The cover wall can be reinforced, i.e., the cover wall can have a higher stiffness than the tube portion. A reinforced cover wall can make the housing portion more dimensionally stable and provide better protection for the electrical connector received in the housing portion. The sidewall between the cover wall and the reinforced region can be less stiff than the cover wall and the reinforced region or can itself be reinforced.

[0034] The rear wall of the housing part facing towards the tube can extend further from the cover wall in the opening or plug-connecting direction than the front wall arranged on the side of the housing part facing away from the tube. Such an arrangement can facilitate the sliding of the housing part onto the electrical connector by allowing a pivoting movement.

[0035] The housing cover may be configured to be complementary to a rear surface of the electrical connector. When the electrical connector is received in the housing portion, in one configuration, the rear surface of the electrical connector may abut against the housing wall. The complementary configuration of the housing cover and the rear surface of the electrical connector means that the housing cover and the rear surface fit together with no empty space, reducing the installation height of the connector assembly.

[0036] The electrical connector does not have to be completely received in the connector receptacle, but may protrude from the housing portion through the opening in the opening direction and / or in the plug connection direction.

[0037] In an advantageous configuration, the connector assembly can comprise a mating connector that is configured complementarily to the electrical connector, i.e. to be mutually pluggable with the electrical connector. When the connector and the mating connector are plugged together, the seal of the housing part preferably abuts in a sealing manner against the mating connector. Thus, regardless of whether the mating connector is plugged into the electrical connector or the electrical connector is plugged into the mating connector, the housing part seals a gap formed between the plugged electrical connector and the mating connector. The seal surrounds the mating connector and can be elastically expanded by the mating connector, so that due to its elastic expansion the seal presses against the mating connector, enhancing the sealing effect.

[0038] The mating connector may comprise a seal mount having a shoulder oriented perpendicular to the plugging direction. When the connector and the mating connector are fully assembled, the seal can be pressed against the shoulder, sealing also the gap between the connector and the mating connector. The shoulder preferably extends continuously around the mating connector, in particular on the outside or inside. Alternatively, the seal mount may be formed by a groove extending around the mating connector, in which the seal is located when the connector and the mating connector are plugged together and the grommet is fully attached to the connector and the mating connector.

[0039] In one configuration, the mating connector is a wall connector configured for attachment to a wall, for example a wall of a vehicle body. In particular, the connector assembly is a vehicle door connector assembly, the mating connector being mounted, for example, to a pillar of the vehicle body.

[0040] The connector assembly may include a housing cover that is attached to the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are in a plugged-in state, the housing portion being at least partially disposed between the housing cover and the electrical connector. The housing cover provides additional protection for the housing portion and the electrical connector received therein. In particular, the housing cover attached to the mating connector may generate a preload force acting on the housing portion to press the housing portion, and in particular its seal, against the mating connector.

[0041] The connector assembly may in particular comprise a locking lever attached to the mating connector. The locking lever may for example be pivoted to a closed position, in which the housing part is at least partially arranged between the locking lever and the electrical connector. In the closed position, the locking lever may generate a preload force, instead of or in addition to the housing cover, which presses the housing part, in particular its seal, against the mating connector. If a housing cover is present, it is preferably arranged in the closed position between the housing part and the locking lever.

[0042] The locking lever is part of a mechanical drive system and, when pivoted to a closed position, draws the electrical connector and the mating connector together until they are fully plugged together.

[0043] The mating connector may include a recess capable of receiving at least a portion of the seal, the seal being located in the recess when the connector is received in the housing part and plugged together with the mating connector. Such a recess may be used, for example, to facilitate sliding of the connector and the housing part over the mating connector. The recess may form a pivot axis about which the housing part may pivot. The recess is preferably located in a rear wall of the housing part.

[0044] If a mechanical drive system is provided in the mating connector, parts of which protrude beyond the mating connector, these parts are preferably located beyond the housing part, such that the parts of the mating connector from which the mechanical drive system parts protrude are not covered by the housing part.

[0045] To allow the grommet to be fixedly attached, in one configuration the grommet is provided with a latching device, e.g., at least one latching projection and / or at least one latching recess or opening. The latching device is preferably formed by a reinforced region. In a connector assembly, the latching device of the grommet is latched to a complementary latching device of a mating connector in one configuration.

[0046] The present invention will be described below by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to the above embodiments, if the technical effects related to the features of the following embodiments are not important for a particular application, the features can be omitted. Conversely, if the technical effects of the above features are advantageous for a particular application, the features can be added.

[0047] For simplicity, in the following, the same reference numbers are used for elements that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a grommet. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the grommet and pre-assembled connector assembly of FIG. 1 prior to assembly. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrical connector assembly during manufacture; [Figure 4] 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a further state during manufacture of the connector assembly; [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a further state during manufacture of the connector assembly; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrical connector assembly during manufacture; [Figure 7] 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a further state during manufacture of the electrical connector assembly; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the completed electrical connector assembly of FIG. 7, including Detail A. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a further grommet; [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an electrical connector assembly using the grommet of FIG. 9 during manufacture. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the completed electrical connector assembly of FIG. 10, including Detail B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Figure 1 shows a grommet 1 for an electrical connector 2. In Figure 2, the electrical connector 2 is shown with the grommet 1. The electrical connector 2 and the grommet 1 together form a connector assembly 3.

[0050] The grommet 1 comprises an elastically expandable tube section 4, which preferably merges directly into a housing section 6. The elastic expandability of the tube section is indicated by the arrows 8 in FIG.

[0051] The tube 4 includes a cable receptacle 10 for an electrical cable 12. The term electrical cable also includes bundles of individual conductors.

[0052] The housing portion 6 includes a connector receptacle 14 connected to the cable receptacle. The connector receptacle 14 functions to at least partially receive the electrical connector 2. When the electrical connector 2 is placed in the housing portion 6, the electrical connector 2 preferably protrudes from an opening 16 in the housing portion facing away from the tube portion 4. The cable receptacle 10 opens into the connector receptacle 14.

[0053] The housing part 6 also includes a seal 18 which in particular surrounds the opening 16 in a continuous or closed manner.

[0054] The grommet 1 comprising the tube portion 4 and the housing portion 6 is preferably a one-piece body, in particular made from an elastomeric material.

[0055] In the relaxed state 7, the tube 4 has the shape shown in schematic diagram 1. From this relaxed state 7, the tube can be transferred to an attachment position 20, in which the inner diameter of the tube 4 reversibly expands compared to the relaxed state 7 of the tube 4. The attachment position 20 is only shown in FIG.

[0056] The inner diameter 22 of the tube part 4 in the mounting position 20 may be at least twice, more preferably at least three times, the inner diameter 24 in the unstressed state 7. In particular, the tube part 24 may be reversibly expandable by approximately 2 to 4 times the inner diameter 24. Additionally or alternatively, the inner diameter 24 of the tube part 4 may be reversibly expandable in particular such that a volume of the electrical connector 2 including the minimum base area 26 can move in the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube part 4 through the tube part 4 and into the housing part 6. Reversible expandability is understood here to mean that the inner diameter 24 in the unstressed state 7 after initially or repeatedly assuming the mounting position 20 corresponds at least approximately to the inner diameter 24 before initially assuming the mounting position 20.

[0057] The tube section 4 may include one or more portions each including one or more circumferentially extending, radially outwardly projecting ribs 30. In particular, the ribs 30 may extend parallel to one another and / or may each lie in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube section 24.

[0058] The ribs 30 are configured to be able to elastically press the tube parts 4 together in the longitudinal direction 28. Pressing the tube parts 4 together allows the ends 32 of the tube parts 4 facing away from the housing part 6 to approach the ends disposed in the housing part 6. This reduces the distance required to move the electrical connector 2 through the tube parts 4. The ribs 30 project alternately outwardly and inwardly in parallel, similar to a vacuum tube.

[0059] The tube 4 may be provided with ribs 30 along its entire length or only partially, for example in a central region which may be defined at both ends by smooth wall regions of the tube 4 .

[0060] The inner and / or outer cross-section of the tube section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 28 is preferably circular, also in the region of the ribs 30, if these are present.

[0061] The connector receptacle 14 opens in an opening direction 34, which may be, for example, perpendicular to the plane in which the opening 16 spans. In the unloaded state 7 of the grommet 1, the opening direction extends at an angle of about 60° to 120°, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube. In some configurations, the opening direction 34 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube, depending on whether the electrical connector 2 is an angled or straight connector. The opening direction 34 preferably extends parallel to a plugging direction 35 in which the electrical connector 2 is plugged into a mating connector (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0062] A base region of the housing part 6 perpendicular to the opening direction 34 of the opening 16 is generally rectangular and may have rounded corners. The housing part 6 or its base region may be longer in the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube part 4 than transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The housing part 6 in the mounting position 20 may, for example, be elastically folded or pivoted or deformed relative to the tube part 4. When the housing part is folded, the opening direction 34 points approximately in the longitudinal direction 28. In the folded state, the housing part 6 moves out of overlap with the tube part 4, in particular in the longitudinal direction 28, so that the interior of the tube part 4 is freely accessible in the longitudinal direction 28. By folding the housing part 6, it becomes easier to insert the electrical connector 2 through the grommet 1. The pivoted position of the housing part 6 is shown in FIG. 2 by dashed lines.

[0064] The housing part 6 includes a reinforced area 36. The reinforced area 36 has a high stiffness or Shore hardness compared to its immediate surroundings. The reinforced area 36 may be less susceptible to elastic deformation than the remaining housing part 6. The reinforced area 36 may be manufactured from the same material as the remaining housing part 6, in particular the seal 18, and / or the tube part 4, or from a different material, but is preferably an integral part of the grommet 1. In one variant, the entire housing part 6, except for the seal 18, may be reinforced against the seal 18 and / or the tube part 4.

[0065] For example, the reinforced region 36 is formed from a TPE having a Shore hardness of about 70 Shore, while the remainder of the grommet 1 is formed from a TPE having a Shore hardness of about 40 Shore to about 50 Shore. The reinforced region 36 is preferably manufactured together with the rest of the grommet 1 in one manufacturing step, for example in a two-part or multi-part process. In the configuration of Figure 1, the reinforced region 36 simultaneously forms the seal 18. This is possible because the reinforced region, despite its hardness, is sufficiently flexible and elastic to exert a sealing effect.

[0066] The reinforcement region 36 provides dimensional stability to the seal 18 and the remainder of the housing part 6. The reinforcement region 36 may be formed, for example, by a flange portion 38 closing or partially surrounding the opening 16. The seal 18 and / or the flange portion 38 may protrude slightly away from the opening 16, for example in the vertical direction 34. Regardless of this, the seal 18 is configured as a radial seal and therefore protrudes towards the opening 16. The seal 18 and / or the reinforcement region 36 may form an edge of the connector receptacle 14 facing in the plug-connection direction 35 and surrounding the opening 16.

[0067] In particular, when the opening direction 34 extends at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 28, the tube part 4 can protrude slightly beyond the housing part 6 on the side facing away from the opening 16, so that the required installation height is as small as possible.

[0068] The housing part may include at least two side walls 40 arranged opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal direction 28. The two side walls 40 are preferably connected to each other by a cover wall 42. The cover wall 42 is configured to cover the electrical connector 2 with its rear side arranged opposite the contact field 44. The cover wall 42 is arranged opposite the opening 16, and the tube part 4 opens into the area between the opening 16 and the cover wall 42, i.e. into the connector receptacle 14. As shown, in the unloaded state 7 of the grommet 1, the cover wall 42 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube part 4 and can be slightly offset laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction 28.

[0069] The inner contour of the housing portion 6 is preferably at least partially formed to be complementary to the rear surface 46 of the electrical connector 2, such that the housing portion 6 and the rear surface 46 of the electrical connector 2 are flush with each other, so that there is no unnecessary free volume between the rear surface 46 of the electrical connector 2 and the cover wall 42.

[0070] 2, the electrical connector 2 may in particular be an angle connector, in which the direction 48 in which the cable 12 extends from the electrical connector 2 or the longitudinal direction 28 extends perpendicular to the plug-connection direction 35. The plug-connection direction 35 is, for example, the direction in which the contact field 44 is open.

[0071] Seal 18 is preferably configured to be spaced slightly from and / or only loosely abutting electrical connector 2. As will be explained further below, in one configuration, seal 18 should sealingly abut, particularly radially sealingly, against a complementary mating connector to electrical connector 2 when electrical connector 2 and a mating connector are plugged together.

[0072] In the following, with reference to Figures 3 to 7, a brief description is given of the steps by which the pre-assembled connector assembly 3 can be manufactured. As shown in Figure 2, the electrical connector 2 is already pre-assembled. This pre-assembly is preferably carried out in a fully automated manner by an automatic assembly machine. Once the fully automated pre-assembly of the electrical connector 2 is finished, the electrical connector 2 is a finished installation including all housing parts, contacts and electrical cable 12.

[0073] The pre-assembled electrical connector is then pushed through the grommet 1 from the tube portion 4 towards the housing portion 6 .

[0074] To this end, as shown in FIG. 3, grommet 1 is elastically expanded to such an extent that electrical connector 2 including electrical cable 12 can be inserted through tube portion 4 and into housing portion 6 or over housing portion 6 into the grommet.

[0075] To make insertion easier, the tube section 4 at the mounting position 20 can be compressed in the longitudinal direction 28. In one configuration, for example, the tube section 4 can be compressed in the direction in which the electrical connector 2 is inserted through the tube section 4 to a length 52 that is shorter than the length 54 of the connector in the direction 48 transverse to the cable outlet direction 48 or the plug connection direction 35. However, in other configurations, the length 52 of the compressed tube section 4 can be longer than the length 54 of the connector 2, or the tube section can only be expanded without being compressed at all. In the compressed position of the tube section 2, for example, the ribs 30 directly overlap one another. The longitudinal compression can occur, for example, partially by elastic expansion.

[0076] As mentioned above, the housing portion 6 in the mounting position 20 is folded. The housing portion 6 may be expanded. By folding the housing portion 6, the electrical connector 2 can be freely inserted through the tube portion 4 without hitting the housing portion 6.

[0077] When the connector 2 is inserted through the grommet 1, which may result, for example, in the state shown in Fig. 3, the connector 2 is pushed through the grommet 1 beyond the end 56 of the housing part 6 facing away from the tube part 4, and is therefore fully exposed. In this example, the grommet 1 covers only the electrical cable 12. Alternatively, the electrical connector 2 may already be at least partially located in the housing part 6 at the end of the insertion process shown in Fig. 3.

[0078] Regardless of the exact relative positions of the electrical connector 2 and grommet 1 after the connector 2 is inserted through the grommet 1, the connector 2 is ready to be plugged together with a mating connector 60 in a plugging direction 35. The mating connector 60 is an optional component of the connector assembly 3.

[0079] The mating connector 60 may be provided with a mechanical drive system 62, such as a pusher 64 and / or a lever 66. The drive system 62 may be configured to engage a mating element 68 of the electrical connector 2 and, upon actuation, to draw the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60 towards each other until the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60 are fully plugged together.

[0080] 5, the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60 are shown in a fully plugged-in state 70. However, the grommet 1 is not yet in its final position where the electrical connector 2 is received in the housing part 6. Once fully plugged-in, the electrical connector 2 can be plugged into the mating connector 60, or the mating connector 60 can be plugged into the electrical connector 2.

[0081] Once the fully plugged-in state 70 is reached, the grommet 1 is pushed along the electrical cable 12 towards the electrical connector 2 and then the housing part 6 is slid onto the connector 2 as shown by the arrow 72 in FIG.

[0082] The mating connector 60 may include a seal mount 74 that is configured complementary to the seal 18 or its contour, and may be configured, for example, as a circumferential depression or recess that includes a shoulder 75 .

[0083] The seal mount 74 is configured such that the seal 18 of the housing part 6 rests on the seal mount 74 when the grommet 1 is fully pulled onto the electrical connector. The seal 18 can abut against the outside of the mating connector 60, in particular against the seal mount 74, with a sealing force directed radially inwards. In addition, the seal 18 can be pressed against the shoulder 75 with a sealing force in the plug-connection direction 35.

[0084] In particular, if the mating connector 60 is configured for wall mounting, the mating connector 60 may include a wall seal 76. The wall seal 76 is disposed between a housing 78 of the mating connector 60 that receives the electrical connector 2 and a wall 80, such as a portion of a vehicle body to which the mating connector 60 is mounted.

[0085] Figure 6 shows the fully installed grommet 1. The housing part 6 sealingly closes the side 81 (Figure 5) of the mating connector 60 that is open towards the electrical connector 2, so that dust or moisture cannot get between the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 60. The rear face 46 (Figure 5) of the electrical connector 2 is received in the connector receptacle 14. The mechanical drive system 62 is arranged outside the housing part 6, which makes sealing rather simple. Here, the open side 81 is arranged opposite the cover wall 42. The seal 18 abuts against the mating connector 60, in particular against the seal mount 74 that surrounds the mating connector 60.

[0086] The following steps are optional: As shown in Fig. 7, a housing cover 84 can be placed on the housing portion 6 of the grommet 1 and attached, in particular latched, to the mating connector 60, for example, by complementary latching devices 86 present on the housing cover 84 and the mating connector 60.

[0087] Regardless of the type of attachment to the mating connector 60, to enhance or ensure the sealing effect of the seal 18, the housing cover 84 is configured to apply a force pressing the housing portion 6 against the electrical connector 2 and / or the mating connector 60. Alternatively or additionally, the housing cover 84 protects the grommet 1 from damage and further secures the grommet 1 to the mating connector 60.

[0088] Instead of or in addition to the housing cover 84, the lever 66 can also function at least partially as a housing, and for this purpose the lever 66 can be folded over the housing part 6 of the grommet 1, as shown by the arrow 90 in Figure 7. In the absence of the housing cover 84, the lever 66 can perform the same function as the housing cover 84.

[0089] If the housing cover 84 is present, the lever 66 can be folded over the housing cover 84, thus further securing and protecting the housing cover.

[0090] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-section of a connector assembly 3 comprising two connectors 2, 60 plugged together, the electrical cable 12 being omitted.

[0091] 8, Detail A, it can be seen that seal 18 includes at least one sealing lip 92 that preferably extends around opening 16 and projects, i.e., inwardly, toward opening 16 or into the connector receptacle. Sealing lip 92 is sealingly supported in mating connector 60 such that seal 18 forms a radial seal.

[0092] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the seal 18 can sealingly abut against a shoulder 75 of the seal mount 74 in the plug-connection direction 35. For example, a peripheral surface 96 facing in the plug-connection direction 35 and extending around the opening 16 can abut against the shoulder 75.

[0093] Instead of or in addition to the shoulder 75, a further housing part 94 of the counter connector 60 can abut against the housing part 6 of the grommet 1, in particular in the opening 16. A collar 98 of the counter connector 60 projects into the housing part 6 of the grommet 1 and can be pressed against the housing part 6 or the cover wall 42, for example by the lever 66 or the housing cover 84. The sealing lip 94 is preferably arranged between the edge surface 96 and the collar 98. In this way, a kind of labyrinth seal is formed, which enhances the sealing effect of the sealing lip 92.

[0094] It can further be seen in FIG. 8 that upon completion of the plug connection arrangement 3 (connector assembly 3), a latch device 108 allows the housing part 6 and the mating connector 60 to be connected to one another.

[0095] The reinforcement region 36 may include a latching device 108 configured to latch to a complementary latching device 108 of the mating connector 60. The reinforcement region latching device 108 is disposed on a side wall 40 of the housing portion 6, such as, for example, a rear wall 112 and / or a front wall 110.

[0096] The latching device 108 can in particular be arranged on a rear wall 112 of the housing part 6. The rear wall 112 is for example the side wall 40 facing towards the tube part 4.

[0097] In one configuration, the front wall 110 and / or the rear wall 112 may be formed only by the seal 18 and / or the reinforcement region 36. The connector receptacle 14 is then surrounded on four sides by the walls 40, 110, 112. The distance between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 112 in the longitudinal direction 28 may be greater than the distance between two side walls spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction 28, and thus the connector receptacle 14 is elongated in the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube portion 4.

[0098] The walls 40, 110, 112 are connected by a cover wall 42. The seal 18 is preferably arranged at the end of the walls 40, 110, 112 facing away from the cover wall 42. In particular, the seal 18 can itself form an edge surface 96 of the opening 16, facing away from the cover wall 42 in the plug-connecting direction 35.

[0099] The rear wall 112 can extend further away from the cover wall 42 than the front wall 110, so that the connector receptacle 14 is deeper on the tube portion 4 side than in the area facing away from the tube portion 4. This configuration facilitates the pivoting motion 106, as the short front wall 110 can be slid onto the mating connector 60 more easily in a pivoting motion. This is particularly useful when the drive system 62 is located on the side of the front face 110 of the mating connector 60, and therefore the housing part 6 must terminate above the drive system 62, e.g., above a pusher 64 that protrudes through the mating connector 60 at this point.

[0100] Irrespective of the presence of the latching device 108, the side wall 40 of the housing part 6 can be plugged into a particularly groove-like recess 100 of the counter connector. The recess 100 is arranged on a side surface 102 of the counter connector 60 facing towards the tube part 4. The recess 100 is preferably straight and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 28 of the tube part and parallel to the plane spanned by the opening 16 or perpendicular to the plug-in direction 35. The recess 100 may in particular be a groove or a pocket extending over the entire width of the side surface 102.

[0101] The recess 100 and / or latching device 108 serve as a starting point for attaching the housing portion 6 to the mating connector 60, and then the housing portion 6 is slid over the connector 2 and mating connector 60, around the recess 100 and / or latching device 108.

[0102] In particular, the seal 18 may be inserted into the recess 100 before the housing portion 6 is slid onto the connector 2 and the mating connector 60 .

[0103] 9 to 11 show further embodiments of the grommet 1 and connector assembly 3, the differences from the grommet 1 and connector assembly 3 of Figures 1 to 8 being explained below. For the rest, please refer to the description of the grommet 1 of Figures 1 to 8.

[0104] In the case of grommet 1, for example, rib 30 extends over the entire length of tube portion 4.

[0105] The reinforced area 36 of the grommet 1 of Fig. 9 is manufactured from a plastic material, for example a polyester such as PBT. The remaining parts of the grommet 1 can again preferably be manufactured from a rubber-elastic material, for example a TPE and / or fibre-reinforced plastic material with a Shore hardness of about 40 to about 50 Shore. Here too, the grommet 1 can be manufactured in one piece in one manufacturing step by a multi-part, in particular two-part, method.

[0106] In the case of a very hard reinforced area 36, ​​such as a reinforced area 36 made from PBT, the seal 18 can be made from the material of the non-reinforced area, i.e. from the material of the remaining housing part, or from another material with a lower Shore hardness than the material from which the reinforced area is made. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, this material is, for example, the TPE of the housing part 6. Since a radial seal facing the opening 16 or connector receptacle 14 is desired for the grommet 1 of FIG. 9, the seal 18 is arranged transversely to the plug-connection direction 35 between the reinforced area 36 and the opening 16 or connector receptacle 14. Here too, the seal 18 can form an edge surface of the opening 16 or connector receptacle 14 facing the plug-connection direction 35, so that the seal effect is also axial.

[0107] As in the previous embodiment, the reinforcement area 36 preferably forms a frame surrounding the opening 16 and ensuring dimensional stability of the seal 18. If a plastic material, such as PBT, is used, the reinforcement area 36 has sufficient strength so that the housing cover 84 can be omitted. In such a configuration, the grommet 1 can be held to the mating connector 60 by the reinforcement area alone.

[0108] For this purpose, the latching device 108 can be formed by the reinforcement area 36, ​​as in the previous embodiment. For fixed attachment of the grommet 1 to the mating connector, the latching device 108 can be formed by the reinforcement area 36 in the front wall 110 and in the rear wall 112. The latching device 108 is preferably arranged at or near each corner of the housing part 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement area 36 of the front wall 110 forms a protruding flange portion 36 that is latchable to the latching device 108 of the mating connector 60. On the side of the mating connector 60 facing away from the tube part 4, on which the front wall 110 is also arranged, the mating connector includes a latching device configured as a latch tab that engages with the flange portion 36.

[0109] Two pin-like latch protrusions are provided on the rear wall 112 as a latch device, which is inserted into corresponding latch openings of the mating connector and then slides the housing part 6 onto the connector 2 and the mating connector 60 with a pivoting motion 106. This is shown in FIG.

[0110] 11, it can be seen that the material of the housing cover 42 continues from the seal 18 to form a sealing lip 92 that projects inwardly toward and preferably extends continuously around the opening 16. The seal 18 is located between the reinforcement area 36 and the opening 16. A mating connector latching device 108 is located at the front face 110. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 Grommet 2 Electrical Connector 3 Connector Assembly 4 Pipe section 6 Housing section 7. No force applied 8 Arrows / Elastic Extensibility 10 Cable Receptacle 12 Electrical Cables 14 Connector Receptacle 16 Opening 18 Seal 20 Mounting position 22 Inside diameter at mounting position 24 Inside diameter when no force is applied 26 Minimum base area of ​​connector 28 Longitudinal direction of pipe 30 Ribs 32 End of the tube facing away from the housing 34 Opening direction 35 Plug connection direction 36 Reinforced area of ​​housing 38 Flange 40 Housing wall 42 Housing cover wall 44 Electrical connector contact field 46 Rear of electrical connector 48 Cable outlet direction of electrical connector 52 Length of pipe at installation position 54 Length of connector in plug connection direction 56 End of housing part facing away from tube part 60 Mating Connector 62 Drive System 64 Pusher 66 Lever 68 Mating Elements 70 Connector fully plugged into mating connector 72 Sliding of grommets on connector and mating connector 74 Seal stand 76 Mating Connector Wall Seal 78 Housing of a mating connector that accepts an electrical connector 80 Wall 81 Opening side Side of mating connector open towards 82 connector 84 Housing cover 86 Latch Device 90 Arrow 92 Seal lip 94 Housing part of the mating connector 96 Edge surface 98 Mating connector color 100 recesses / channels / grooves 102 Side of mating connector 104 Swivel Axis 106 Arrow 108 Latch Device 110 Front wall of housing 112 Rear wall of housing

Claims

1. A grommet (1) for an electrical connector (2), comprising: The grommet (1) is - an elastically expandable tube (4), - a cap-shaped housing part (6) Equipped with The tube portion includes a cable receptacle (10) for passing an electrical cable (12) connected to the electrical connector; the housing portion (6) includes a connector receptacle (14) for receiving the electrical connector connected to the cable receptacle, the connector receptacle (14) forming a seal (18) surrounding an opening (16) of the housing portion spaced from the tube portion; The tube portion is configured to be movable to a mounting position (20); The tube portion in the mounting position is elastically expanded compared to a state where no force is applied (7), the tube in the mounted state has an inner diameter (22) that is at least twice the inner diameter (24) of the tube in the unloaded state; Grommet (1).

2. The housing portion (6) includes a reinforced region (36) extending at least partially around the opening (16). A grommet (1) as claimed in claim 1.

3. The seal (18) is formed by the reinforced region (36). A grommet (1) according to claim 2.

4. The seal (18) is disposed between the reinforced region (36) and the opening (16). A grommet (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The seal (18) forms an edge surface (96) of the opening (16). A grommet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the housing part (6) in the mounting position (20) pivots and / or deforms with respect to the unloaded state (7) such that the housing part does not overlap the tube part (4) in the longitudinal direction (28) of the tube part (4); A grommet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The tube portion (4) at the mounting position (20) is elastically compressed to a length (52) that is shorter than the inner diameter (22) of the tube portion at the mounting position. A grommet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. The tube portion (4) is at least partially provided with a circumferentially extending rib (30). A grommet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The housing part (6) comprises at least two side walls (40, 110, 112) connected to each other by a cover wall (42) arranged opposite the opening (18). A grommet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. a side wall (112) extends further from said cover wall (42) than at least one other said side wall; A grommet (1) according to claim 9.

11. A connector assembly (3), in particular for a vehicle, comprising: The connector assembly (3) comprises: - a grommet (1) including a tube portion (4) and a cap-shaped housing portion (6), an electrical connector (2) at least partially covered by said housing part (6) on the side facing away from the contact field (44), said housing part including a seal surrounding said electrical connector; - an electrical cable (12) connected to said electrical connector and extending through and sealingly surrounded by said tubing; Equipped with The tube portion (4) is configured to be movable to an attachment position (20), and in the attachment position (20), the tube portion is elastically expanded so that the electrical connector can be inserted into the housing portion through the tube portion. Connector assembly (3).

12. The grommet (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A connector assembly (3) according to claim 11.

13. A mating connector (60) configured to be pluggable with the electrical connector (2), When the connector and the mating connector are plugged together, the seal (18) of the housing part (6) sealingly abuts against the mating connector. A connector assembly (3) according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A method for manufacturing a connector assembly (3) comprising an electrical connector (2), an electrical cable (12) and a grommet (1), comprising the steps of: - providing a pre-assembled electrical connector (2) with an electrical cable (12) to be connected to said electrical connector; - inserting said electrical connector together with a portion of said electrical cable through the tube portion (4) of the elastically expanded grommet; - sliding the housing part (6) of the grommet onto the electrical connector; The method includes:

15. - plugging the electrical connector (2) inserted through the grommet (1) with a complementary mating connector (60) to the electrical connector (2); - sliding the housing part (6) onto the mating connector (60) so that the seal (18) of the housing part on the mating connector (60) comes into sealing abutment against the mating connector (60); Including, The method of claim 14.

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