Grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of being more easily assembled and being more easily handled.SOLUTION: A grommet housing 1 for storing a connector insert 6 comprises: a conductor storage opening 10 for making a conductive body or a light guide pass to an internal region 4 of the grommet housing 1 from an external region of the grommet housing 1; an insertion opening 8 for plug-connecting the connector insert 6 and the other-side connector to each other; and a sealing surface 12 that at least partially surrounds the insertion opening 8 so as to seal the internal region 4. The grommet housing 1 is made of a rubber elastic material. The above problem is solved by a connector 110 having such grommet housing 1, and a connector assembly 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, and further to a connector and a connector assembly having such a grommet housing. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, connectors are used in many everyday products. In particular, connectors are used to connect electrical lines from one component to another. For example, a connector can connect an electrical wire or optical line from a vehicle chassis to a vehicle door by connecting the connector to a mating connector in an insertion direction. The insertion direction of a connector is generally understood to mean the direction in which the connector and the mating connector are plugged together. Because the door or the intermediate space between the door and the chassis is exposed to various climatic conditions, connectors used in such environments have seals. The seals protect the contacts from moisture intrusion and contamination, which can cause short circuits. According to the prior art, these seals are incorporated as separate components of the connector. Furthermore, attaching a connector to an electrical or optical cable is not only time consuming but also prone to error if the assembly is done manually, since the various conductors must be properly positioned in the connector or conductor receptacles of the connector in a very small space. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention is therefore based on the object of making a connector that is easier to assemble and easier to handle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This object is achieved by a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, the grommet housing having a conductor receiving opening for passing an electrical conductor or light conductor from an exterior area of ​​the grommet housing to an interior area of ​​the grommet housing, an insertion opening for plugging the connector insert and a mating connector together, and a sealing surface at least partially surrounding the insertion opening to seal the interior area, the grommet housing being made from a rubber-elastic material.

[0005] The present invention is advantageous in that it allows a connector to be easily or automatically attached to a grommet housing according to the present invention, while at the same time allowing the sealing surface of the grommet housing to form a reliable seal for the interior area when abutting against a mating surface of the mating connector.

[0006] Advantageously, the insertion opening is completely surrounded by the sealing surface. Furthermore, the grommet housing according to the invention is advantageously made from only one material. Alternatively, the grommet housing may be made from a combination of several materials.

[0007] Advantageously, the grommet housing may be made from one of the following materials: rubber, a rubber-elastic material containing silicone, a synthetic rubber copolymer made from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), neoprene, vinyl methyl silicone (VMS) or fluoro rubber (FKM), etc.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous in that it integrates the functions of the housing and seal, which means that fewer components are required, resulting in savings in material and space.

[0009] The invention can be further improved by the following features, which are advantageous on their own and can be combined randomly with one another.

[0010] According to a further advantageous configuration, the sealing surface may comprise a sealing lip. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing surface may comprise a plurality of sealing lips extending parallel to one another. For example, the sealing surface may comprise at least two sealing lips. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing surface may completely surround the insertion opening. In other words, one sealing lip or multiple sealing lips completely surround the insertion opening.

[0011] One of the sealing lips may extend at an angle in cross section toward the mating connector. For example, the sealing lip closest to the exterior region may extend obliquely or inclined (toward the mating surface). Alternatively, all of the sealing lips may have such an inclination. For example, in a configuration having at least two sealing lips, one of the at least two sealing lips that is located farthest from the interior region may extend inclined from the inside to the outside. The inclined sealing lip may extend in a direction opposite to the plugging direction of the connector. In other words, the outermost sealing lip of the at least two sealing lips may be inclined in a direction opposite to the plugging direction. Alternatively, all of the sealing lips may extend inclined from the inside to the outside.

[0012] According to a further advantageous configuration, at least one sealing lip of the plurality of sealing lips may be narrower or wider in cross section than other sealing lips of the plurality of sealing lips. According to an exemplary configuration having at least two sealing lips, for example, one sealing lip of the at least two sealing lips may be narrower or wider in cross section than other sealing lips of the at least two sealing lips or other sealing lips.

[0013] Advantageously, the buildup of water droplets at the transition between the grommet housing and the mating surface of the mating connector is reduced because the surface tension of the moisture particles (e.g., water particles) is below a physical threshold, meaning that water droplets can escape from the grommet housing without penetrating the interior area.

[0014] According to a further advantageous configuration, the grommet housing may comprise a tunnel arch in the outer wall arranged opposite the insertion opening.

[0015] Advantageously, a connector insert of this configuration received in the interior region of the grommet housing is particularly protected from externally applied mechanical stresses, while the curvature of the tunnel arch allows the grommet housing to expand non-destructively to a significantly greater extent than a housing without this curvature.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the conductor receiving opening is continuous with the tubular body of the grommet housing, which may in particular be configured in a concertina shape.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the tunnel arch is aligned flush with the continuum of the grommet housing.

[0018] This configuration advantageously allows for a continuous concertina-like movement such that the conductor receiving opening is compliant and can be constrained from movement, thereby increasing the breakage reliability of connectors having grommet housings according to the present invention.

[0019] According to a further advantageous configuration, the grommet housing may comprise a housing opening for receiving a locking element or a control element of the connector insert, and a further sealing surface surrounds the housing opening for sealing the interior area of ​​the grommet housing.

[0020] The housing opening can be advantageously used to establish a stable coupling or locking between the connector and the mating connector via a control or locking element.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing surface of the housing opening may include one or more sealing lips. These may be configured similarly to the sealing lips of the insertion opening. The housing opening may also be completely surrounded by the sealing surface. In other words, the one or more sealing lips extend around the entire periphery of the housing opening, thereby preventing moisture from entering the interior region. Preferably, the sealing lips may face each other from oppositely disposed sides of the housing opening.

[0022] The control element or locking element may be a slide or a lever. Additionally, a drive auxiliary may be provided in the interior area of ​​the grommet housing and operated by the control element. For example, the lever may drive a gear that moves the locking element into the locked state by interacting with a gear rail mounted on the grommet housing.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the further sealing surface of the housing opening may comprise a sealing lip that projects towards the interior region and / or projects outwardly.

[0024] According to a further advantageous configuration, the conductor receiving opening is arranged in a first outer wall opposite the housing opening, the housing opening is arranged in a second outer wall, and the second outer wall of the grommet housing has an outer surface with a rectangular cross section.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the grommet housing may include a further housing opening in the second outer wall, the housing opening and the further housing opening being configured as slots arranged parallel to one another, for example, both housing openings may be configured as slots of equal size.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the grommet housing may include another further housing opening, the other further housing opening being disposed between the housing opening and the further housing opening, the other further housing opening including a sealing surface surrounding the other further housing opening.

[0027] In particular, the sealing surface may completely surround the further housing opening so as to ensure a reliable seal of the interior area even if the locking element and / or the control element protrudes through the further housing opening and is subjected to a movement force.

[0028] Furthermore, other further housing openings may, for example, have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the grommet housing may include another further housing opening disposed in a third outer wall of the grommet housing, the third outer wall being disposed between the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

[0030] Additionally, the first outer wall, the second outer wall, and / or the third outer wall may define another outer wall in which the insertion opening is disposed. In particular, the third outer wall may abut perpendicularly to the second outer wall.

[0031] According to a further advantageous configuration, the further housing opening may have a bottom region that is circular in cross section.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the third outer wall may concentrically surround the other further housing opening and include a recess or protrusion that protrudes in a direction toward the interior region and / or outward from the grommet housing.

[0033] According to a further advantageous configuration, the grommet housing may be configured to be non-destructively elastically expandable up to three times the housing volume.

[0034] According to a further advantageous configuration, the insertion opening and / or the conductor receiving opening and / or the housing opening are arranged in different outer walls of the grommet housing, preferably in different outer walls than the insertion opening.

[0035] Furthermore, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by a connector comprising a grommet housing according to the present invention and comprising a connector insert arranged in the interior area of ​​the grommet housing, the plugging surface of the connector being accessible through the insertion opening.

[0036] Additionally, the connector insert comprises an opening, the housing opening of the grommet housing preferably being aligned with the opening of the connector insert, and the opening of the connector insert is advantageously accessible from the outside.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the housing opening of the grommet housing includes a collar that projects into the opening of the connector insert.

[0038] Advantageously, this configuration of the connector provides particular protection to the interior area of ​​the grommet housing from moisture intrusion. At the same time, the collar provides a positioning aid when inserting the connector insert into the grommet housing, resulting in an overall better seal.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the connector includes a locking element and / or a control element that protrudes through a housing opening in the grommet housing.

[0040] Furthermore, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by a connector assembly having a grommet housing according to the present invention, the connector assembly comprising a mating connector having a mating surface, the rubber elastic material of the sealing surface abutting against the mating surface to form a seal.

[0041] The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example on the basis of advantageous configurations in connection with the drawings. The advantageous further developments and configurations shown therein are each independent of one another and may be combined with one another randomly, depending on the extent to which the application requires them. For the sake of simplicity, elements and functions present in several embodiments may only be described in detail once. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary connector assembly having a grommet housing according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1A-1C are profile views of exemplary configurations of sealing surfaces. [Figure 2B] 10A-10C are further profile views of further exemplary configurations of sealing surfaces. [Figure 2C] 10A-10C are further profile views of further exemplary configurations of sealing surfaces. [Figure 3A] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary configurations of grommet housings. [Figure 3B] 10A-10C illustrate further exemplary configurations of grommet housings. [Figure 3C] 10A-10C illustrate further exemplary configurations of grommet housings. [Figure 4A] 10A-10C illustrate a further exemplary connector assembly in an uninserted state. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C illustrate a further exemplary connector assembly in an uninserted state. [Figure 4C] 10A-10C illustrate a further exemplary connector assembly in an uninserted state. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4B illustrates the exemplary connector assembly of FIG. 4A in an inserted state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4C illustrates the exemplary connector assembly of FIG. 4B in an inserted state. [Figure 5C] FIG. 4D illustrates the exemplary connector assembly of FIG. 4C in an inserted state. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second outer wall of the grommet housing. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the grommet housing, i.e., a cross-sectional view of the connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the grommet housing shown in FIG. 4C. [Figure 8A] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a connector having the grommet housing configuration shown in FIG. 4C. [Figure 8B] 4D is a further perspective view of a connector having the grommet housing configuration shown in FIG. 4C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a connector assembly 100 including a grommet housing 1 of a general configuration according to the present invention. An outer wall 2 of the grommet housing encloses an interior region 4. A connector insert 6 may be received in the interior region 4. The grommet housing 1 is preferably made of a rubber-elastic material. Alternatively, it may be made of an elastic-plastic material. Further examples of materials for the grommet housing 1 include a rubber-elastic material containing silicone, a synthetic rubber copolymer made from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), neoprene, or fluorocarbon rubber (FKM). In particular, advantageous configurations of the grommet housing are made of only one of the above materials. Therefore, all other features of the grommet housing 1 are an integral part thereof. Furthermore, according to a further configuration, the material of the grommet housing 1 can expand non-destructively, i.e., elastically, so that the interior area in the expanded state has three times the volume compared to the normal, i.e., non-expanded or unstressed state.

[0044] Interacting with the connector insert 6, the grommet housing 1 forms a connector 110 that holds an electrical cable. A connector face 120 of the connector 110 faces the insertion opening 8 of the grommet housing 1. The connector 110 may be plugged into a mating connector 130 in a plugging direction S of the connector 110. The mating connector 130 may be surrounded by a mating surface 140. Furthermore, the plug connection of the connector insert 6 with the mating connector 130 may be mechanically secured using an optional locking or control element (not shown in FIG. 1 ). For example, this mechanical securing may be configured as a lock. An electrical conductor, e.g., a cable, inserted into the connector insert 6 may extend from the exterior region to the interior region 4 of the grommet housing 1 through the conductor-receiving opening 10. For example, the conductor receiving opening 10 may be located in the first outer wall 26. The conductor receiving opening 10 may be located in the outer wall directly adjacent to the insertion opening 8.

[0045] The interior region 4 of the grommet housing 1 is accessible through the insertion opening 8. To prevent the ingress of moisture into the interior region 4, which could potentially cause a short circuit in the electrical conductors, the insertion opening may be surrounded by a sealing surface 12. When the sealing surface 12 of the grommet housing 1 abuts against the mating surface 140, the interior region is sealed. Preferably, the sealing surface 12 may be provided with or formed by one or more sealing lips for sealing the interior region 4. A detailed view 14 of the sealing surface 12 is shown in Figures 2A-2C below, which show various embodiments of how the insertion opening 8 may be provided with sealing lips.

[0046] The geometry of the insertion opening 8 may define a plane, for example, a plane is defined such that all points outside the insertion opening 8 lie on this plane. The insertion direction S is preferably parallel to the surface normal of the plane enclosed by the insertion opening 8.

[0047] 2A-2C show outline views of various configurations of sealing surface 12 shown in detail view 14. These configurations may be combined with one another in any way and are not only applicable to sealing surface 12 of insertion opening 8. Other openings in grommet housing 1 may also be configured with the described sealing surfaces or sealing lips.

[0048] 2A, the sealing surface 12 includes several sealing lips 16. In the example shown, three sealing lips 18 are formed from the outer wall 2 of the grommet housing 1. Alternatively, the sealing surface 12 may include only one, two, or more than three sealing lips 18.

[0049] An exemplary configuration with several sealing lips 16 is again shown in FIG. 2B . However, this may include more than three sealing lips 16. On the one hand, FIG. 2B shows that one of the sealing lips 18 is wider than the other sealing lips 18. For example, the innermost or outermost sealing lip 18 is wider than the other sealing lip. The innermost sealing lip refers to the sealing lip positioned closest to the interior region 4 of the grommet housing 1. Conversely, the outermost sealing lip refers to the sealing lip positioned farthest from the interior region of the grommet housing 1. On the other hand, FIG. 2B shows that the lateral distance 20 between two adjacent sealing lips is not equal. With respect to the insertion opening 8, the lateral distance represents the distance between the two sealing lips across the insertion direction S. FIG. 2A shows that the lateral distances between adjacent sealing lips are equal.

[0050] 2C shows an example configuration having two sealing lips 16 that abut at an angle against the mating surface 140. Alternatively, the configuration may be configured with only one sealing lip 18 or more than two sealing lips 16. For example, only the outermost sealing lip 18 of the multiple sealing lips 16 may be angled.

[0051] 2C, the angled sealing lip extends at a gradual incline from the inside to the outside in a direction opposite to the insertion direction S, which coincides with a surface normal or normal vector 22 of the mating surface 140. The angled sealing lip forms an angle 23 with the normal vector 22. The angle 23 between the normal vector 22 and the extension direction of the angled sealing lip 18 is preferably less than 45°, e.g., 30°.

[0052] Various exemplary configurations of the grommet housing 1 are shown in Figures 3A-3C. In Figures 3A-3C, the insertion opening 8 is shown as a rectangular base with rounded corners, respectively. However, this may define any type of flat surface with surrounding edges. For example, the bottom region of the insertion opening 8 may be bounded by any polygonal shape. Alternatively, the bottom region of the insertion opening 8 may be formed in a circular or elliptical shape.

[0053] Furthermore, the grommet housing 1 may include a continuous tubular body 24. The conductor receiving opening 10 is preferably disposed in the continuous tubular body 24. Furthermore, the continuous tubular body 24 may be configured in an accordion-like manner. Thus, the continuous tubular body 24 may be compressed or expanded in a concertina-like manner.

[0054] Additionally, the tubular continuum 24 may be disposed on a first outer wall 26 of the grommet housing.

[0055] The grommet housing 1 may include a tunnel arch 28 on the outer wall opposite the insertion opening 8. The tunnel arch 28 is preferably aligned with the continuous body 24 formed in a tubular or bellows shape.

[0056] In particular, routing of flexible cables in the interior region 4 of the grommet housing 1 is possible when the tunnel arch is aligned with a tubular continuum.

[0057] Furthermore, the grommet housing 1 may include a housing opening 30. The housing opening 30 is preferably disposed in a second outer wall 32 that defines or is adjacent to the insertion opening 8. An end surface of the second outer wall may be formed, for example, rectangular. Furthermore, the housing opening 30 may be disposed on the opposite side of the conductor receiving opening 10.

[0058] Furthermore, the housing opening 30 may likewise have its own sealing surface 34, e.g., with at least one sealing lip 18 for sealing the interior region 4. The sealing surface 34 surrounds the housing opening 30. Furthermore, the sealing surface 34 or the at least one sealing lip 18 of the housing opening 30 may be formed by a recess and / or a protrusion.

[0059] The grommet housing 1 may comprise a further housing opening 36, preferably arranged in the same outer wall 32. In particular, this may have the same shape and structure as the housing opening 30. As will be explained further below, the housing opening 30 or the housing openings 30 and 36 is configured to receive a locking element, e.g., configured as a slide, and a sealing lip of the respective housing opening 30 and / or 36 seals the interior region 4. The sealing lip 18 of the sealing surface 34 may be arranged in a stepped manner. Furthermore, the sealing lip 18 preferably extends away from the interior region 4 of the grommet housing 1 in the insertion direction S. As previously described with respect to Figures 2A-2C, the sealing lips 16 may be spaced apart at different distances from one another, may extend at an angle away from the interior region 4, and / or at least the innermost or outermost sealing lip 18 may have a different width in profile than the other sealing lips.

[0060] According to a further configuration shown in Figure 3B, the grommet housing 1 comprises another further housing opening 38. This further housing opening 38 may be disposed between the housing opening 30 and the further housing opening 36. The other further housing opening 38 may be configured to have a sealing surface 34 similar to the housing opening 30. In particular, the sealing surface of the other further housing opening 38 may comprise a sealing lip 18 that seals the interior region 4 while receiving a control element (not shown in Figure 3B).

[0061] A further alternative configuration of the grommet housing 1 is shown in Figure 3C. The illustrated grommet housing 1 comprises a housing opening 30 and a further housing opening 36. However, it may also be configured to have only one housing opening in the first outer wall 26. Another further housing opening 38 is arranged between the housing opening 30 and the conductor receiving opening 10. The other further housing opening 38 is preferably arranged in a side wall of the tunnel arch 28. In particular, the other further housing opening 38 is arranged in the supporting side wall of the tunnel arch 28, centrally in the extension direction of the tunnel arch 28. The term supporting side wall is understood to mean a wall that holds or supports the curved portion of the tunnel arch 28. A second, further housing opening (not shown in FIG. 3C) may be arranged in the oppositely arranged supporting side wall of the tunnel arch 28. In particular, these two housing openings formed in the tunnel arch 28 may be aligned such that an axis of rotation R is defined.

[0062] 3A-3C may protrude partially beyond the outer wall of the grommet housing 1 that supports it toward the exterior region. Thus, any random one of the housing openings 30, 36, and 36 may form a collar in the outer wall that supports it. Alternatively or additionally, the collar may be formed in the interior region 4.

[0063] Various configurations of the connector assembly 100 in an uninserted state are shown in Figures 4A-4C, and the corresponding connector assembly 100 of Figures 4A-4C in an inserted and locked state is shown in Figures 5A-5C.

[0064] The grommet housing 1 of FIG. 3a is shown in FIG. 4A as having a locking element 112. The locking element 112 may be substantially configured as a slide having a U-shaped profile. The locking element includes two parallel rails connected to each other via a web. The rails of the locking element 112 pass through the housing opening 30 or 36 of the grommet housing 1. By interacting with a mating connector 130, the locking element 112 can achieve a lock between the mating connector and the grommet housing 1 when inserted into the grommet housing 1. In particular, this lock may exist between the mating connector 130 and a connector insert 6 (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4C) inserted into the grommet housing 1. For example, the locking element 112 may be manually inserted into the grommet housing 1 .

[0065] Together with the inserted connector insert 6 , the grommet housing 1 may form a connector 110 .

[0066] 5A-5C, the material of sealing surface 12 abuts against mating surface 140 of mating connector 130 to form a seal, where the rubber elasticity of the material of grommet housing 1 is useful for forming a reliable seal.

[0067] Figure 4B shows a further connector assembly 100 including a grommet housing 1 according to the configuration shown in Figure 3B. Unlike the locking element 112 in Figure 4A, the locking element 112 in Figure 4B not only includes two rails, but also has a rotatably mounted control element 114, e.g., a lever, which connects the two rails to each other. When the control element 114 is operated, the locking element 112 is pressed into the grommet housing 1, thereby forming a lock between the grommet housing or an inserted connector insert 6 and the mating connector 130.

[0068] The control element 114 may be inserted into another additional housing opening 38 or may protrude through the opening 38 .

[0069] The grommet housing 1 shown in Figure 4B also forms the connector 110 together with the inserted connector insert and elements 112 and 114. The rotatably mounted control element advantageously allows for the application of a coupling or locking force. This is useful when a particularly large number of conductors need to be connected between the connector insert and the mating connector, since in such cases high frictional forces arise between the individual conductors, pins, and corresponding receiving sockets.

[0070] FIG. 4C shows a further connector assembly 100 including a grommet housing 1 according to the configuration of the grommet housing 1 shown in FIG. 3C. Similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, the locking element 112 may be configured as a slide. In this configuration, the locking element 112 may also protrude through the housing opening 30 and the further housing opening 36. Furthermore, the connector insert 6 may include a gearing that mechanically couples with the locking element 112. Alternatively, the gearing may be inserted as an additional component in the grommet housing 1. The gearing may include a gear rail and gears. In particular, the gear rail may be connected to the locking element 112 such that the action of the gear rail presses the locking element 112 into the grommet housing 1. The control element 114 may drive a gear. For example, the control element may include a rotating shaft that holds the gear and a lever. When the control element 114 drives the gear, the locking element 112 is pressed into the grommet housing 1. This creates a lock that secures the connector insert 6 to the mating connector 130. At the same time, this reinforces the seal at the sealing surface 12 of the grommet housing 1. In other words, the gear, together with the gear rail, forms a gear mechanism that transmits the lever force of the operated control element 114 to the mating connector 130 to lock the grommet housing 1.

[0071] The control element 114 may preferably be configured as a U-shaped lever. In this configuration, the control element 114 is particularly break-resistant and advantageously provides a rotational movement to the gear. Alternatively or additionally, the gear may be driven by an external tool, such as a screwdriver or ratchet. According to this configuration, instead of the control element 114, a rotating shaft holding the gear is arranged accessible in another further housing opening so that the gear can be driven from the outside.

[0072] The grommet housing 1 shown in FIG. 4C also forms a connector 110 that is connected to a mating connector 130 in combination with the inserted connector insert 6, locking element 112, and control element 114.

[0073] FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view through the housing opening 30 of an exemplary configuration of the grommet housing 1. This cross-sectional view shows the contour of the sealing surface 12 with several sealing lips 16 that slope away from the insertion direction S. In the configuration shown, the sealing surface 34 of the housing opening includes several sealing lips 16 that form a W-shape in contour. In this case, there are two sealing lips with slightly rounded ends. Alternatively, the sealing surface 34 may include only one sealing lip 18. The sealing surface 34 of the housing opening may be configured substantially similarly to any of the configurations described in FIGS. 2A-2C. For example, the outer one of the sealing lips 16 may slope away from the interior region 4 of the grommet housing 1. Conversely, the outer or inner sealing lip 18 may be angled toward the interior region 4. The distance between the sealing lips 16 or the width of the sealing lip 18 may vary.

[0074] FIG. 6B shows a further cross-sectional view of the grommet housing 1 with the connector insert 6 inserted, perpendicular to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6A. In the illustrated embodiment, the grommet housing 1 includes two housing openings 30 and 36. However, the following features also apply to grommet housings 1 according to the present invention that include only one housing opening 30. A sealing surface 34 or at least one sealing lip 18 surrounds the housing opening 30. This ensures that the interior region 4 is sealed. The connector insert may further include an opening aligned with the housing opening 30. A locking element, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, may then protrude through the grommet housing 1 into the connector insert 6. In the illustrated configuration, the further housing opening 36 is aligned with a further opening 44 in the connector insert.

[0075] Additionally, housing opening 30 forms a collar 40 for opening 42 in connector insert 6. Collar 40 is not only advantageous for sealing interior region 4 of grommet housing 1, but at the same time provides a positioning aid for properly positioning or aligning connector insert 6 in grommet housing 1.

[0076] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a grommet housing according to the configuration shown in FIG. 4C. Another further housing opening 38 includes a sealing surface for sealing the interior region 4. The sealing surface 34 preferably includes at least one sealing lip 18. The sealing surface 34 may completely surround the housing opening 38 and may be similarly configured according to one of the configurations described in FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0077] In addition, the grommet housing 1 may comprise a protrusion 46 concentrically surrounding the further housing opening 38. Alternatively, the protrusion may be configured as a recess. The concentric protrusion may preferably be configured as a floating sealing lip. Advantageously, the control element 114 inserted into the grommet housing 1 is resiliently and movably held by this protrusion 46. Thereby, the further housing opening 38 seals the interior region 4 while the control element 114 moves or rotates.

[0078] 8A and 8B show perspective views of connector 110 in views rotated 180° relative to each other. In the configuration shown, connector 110 includes grommet housing 1 according to the configuration shown in Fig. 4C. However, any other configuration of grommet housing 1 in which connector insert 6 is inserted and in which plugging face 120 of connector 110 faces plugging direction S may also be shown. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 grommet housing 2 Outer wall of grommet housing 4 Internal area 6 Connector Inserts 8 Insertion opening 10 Conductor receiving opening 12 Sealing surface 14 Sealing surface detail 16 Sealing Lip 18 Sealing Lip 20 Lateral distance between adjacent sealing lips 22 Normal vector of the opposing surface 23 angle 24 Continuum 26 First Outer Wall 28 Tunnel Arch 30 Housing opening 32 Second outer wall 34 Further sealing surfaces 36 Further housing openings 38 Other further housing openings 40 colors 42 Connector insert opening 44 Further opening of connector insert 46 Protrusion 100 Connector Assembly 110 Connector 112 Locking Elements 114 Control Elements 120 Insertion surface 130 Mating Connector 140 Counterpart surface R rotation axis S Insertion direction

Claims

1. A grommet housing (1) for receiving a connector insert (6), comprising: a conductor receiving opening (10) for passing an electrical conductor or light conductor from an exterior region of the grommet housing (1) to an interior region (4) of the grommet housing (1); an insertion opening (8) for plugging the connector insert (6) and a mating connector together; a sealing surface (12) at least partially surrounding the insertion opening (8) to seal the interior region (4); Equipped with The grommet housing (1) is made of a rubber elastic material, the grommet housing (1) comprises a plurality of housing openings (30, 36) for receiving the slidable locking elements (112) of the connector insert (6), the housing openings (30, 36) being formed in a wall (32) of the grommet housing (1) that defines the insertion opening (8); A further sealing surface (34) surrounds the housing openings (30, 36) to seal the interior region (4) of the grommet housing (1), and The outer wall of the grommet housing (1) arranged on the opposite side of the insertion opening (8) is provided with a tunnel arch (28); The conductor receiving opening (10) is continuous in a tubular continuous body (24) of the grommet housing (1) which is configured in a bellows shape, The tunnel arch (28) is aligned with the tubular body (24). Grommet housing (1).

2. The sealing surface (12) comprises a sealing lip (18).

2. A grommet housing (1) according to claim 1.

3. The sealing surface (12) comprises at least two sealing lips (16) extending parallel to each other; 2. A grommet housing (1) according to claim 1.

4. At least one sealing lip (18) of the at least two sealing lips (16) ) is narrower or wider in cross section; 4. The grommet housing (1) according to claim 3.

5. The sealing surface (12) comprises at least two sealing lips (16), and the sealing lip of the at least two sealing lips that is located farthest from the interior region extends at an angle from the inside to the outside.

2. A grommet housing (1) according to claim 1.

6. The sliding locking element (112) has a U-shaped profile and comprises two rails connected to each other via a web; The sliding locking element (112) is configured such that the two rails pass through the housing openings (30, 36) formed in the wall (32) of the grommet housing (1), and the web is exposed on the outer surface of the grommet housing (1).

2. A grommet housing (1) according to claim 1.

7. the further sealing surface (34) comprises a sealing lip (16) projecting towards and / or outwards from the interior region (4); 2. A grommet housing (1) according to claim 1.

8. The grommet housing (1) is made from any one of a rubber elastic material containing silicone, a synthetic rubber copolymer made from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), neoprene, or fluororubber (FKM). A grommet housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A grommet housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a connector insert (6) disposed in the interior region (4) of the grommet housing (1); A connector (110) comprising: The mating surface (120) of the connector (110) is accessible through the insertion opening (8). Connector (110).

10. A grommet housing (1) according to claim 1; a connector insert (6) disposed in the interior region (4) of the grommet housing (1); A connector comprising: The mating surface (120) of the connector (110) is accessible through the insertion opening (8); The housing openings (30, 36) of the grommet housing (1) are aligned with the openings of the connector insert (6). connector.

11. The housing openings (30, 36) of the grommet housing (1) are provided with collars (40) that protrude into the openings (42) of the connector insert (6). The connector of claim 10.

12. The sliding locking element (112) of the connector insert (6) protrudes through the housing opening (30, 36) of the grommet housing (1). The connector of claim 10.

13. A grommet housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a mating connector (130) having a mating surface (140); A connector assembly (100) comprising: The rubber-elastic material of the sealing surface (12) abuts against the mating surface (140) to form a seal. A connector assembly (100).

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