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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grommet housing (1) for receiving a connector insert (6), comprising a conductor receiving opening (10) for passing an electrical or optical conductor from an outer portion of the grommet housing (1) into an inner portion (4) of the grommet housing (1), an insertion opening (8) for plugging the connector insert (6) together with a matching connector, and a sealing surface (12) surrounding the insertion opening (8) in sections for sealing at least the inner portion (4), wherein the grommet housing (1) is made of a rubber-elastic material. The present invention also relates to a connector and a connector assembly comprising such a grommet housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a connector and a connector assembly having such a grommet housing. Background Technology

[0002] Today, connectors are used in multiple everyday objects. In particular, connectors are used to connect electrical lines from one component to another. For example, connectors can connect electrical or optical lines from a vehicle chassis to a vehicle door by connecting the connector to a mating connector in the insertion direction. The insertion direction of a connector is generally understood to refer to the direction in which the connector plugs into the mating connector. Because the door or the intermediate space between the door and the chassis is exposed to different weather conditions, connectors used in such application environments have seals. The seals protect the contacts from the ingress of moisture and contamination that could cause a short circuit. According to the prior art, these seals are implemented as separate components of the connector. Furthermore, fitting a connector with an electrical or optical cable is not only time-consuming—because different conductors must be precisely positioned in the connector or the connector's conductor receptacle within a very small space—but performing this assembly manually is also prone to errors. The problem to be solved

[0003] Accordingly, the present invention is based on the purpose of creating a connector that is easier to assemble and easier to handle. means of solving the problem

[0004] This purpose is satisfied by a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, the grommet housing comprising a conductor receiving opening for passing an electrical or optical conductor from an outer portion of the grommet housing into an inner portion of the grommet housing, an insertion opening for plugging the connector insert together with a matching connector, and a sealing surface surrounding the insertion opening in sections for sealing at least the inner portion, and the grommet housing is made of a rubber-elastic material.

[0005] The present invention is advantageous because the connector can be easily or automatically fitted into the grommet housing according to the present invention. At the same time, the sealing surface of the grommet housing can form a reliable seal for the internal region when the internal region comes into contact with the mating surface of the mating connector.

[0006] Advantageously, the insertion opening is completely surrounded by a sealing surface. Additionally, the grommet housing according to the present invention is advantageously manufactured from only a single material. Alternatively, the grommet housing may also be manufactured from several combinations of materials.

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

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous because it integrates the functions of a housing and a seal. This means that fewer components are required, thereby saving material and tree space.

[0009] The present invention can be further improved by the following configurations, which are advantageous in themselves and can be randomly combined with one another.

[0010] According to an additional advantageous configuration, the sealing surface may include a sealing lip. Alternatively or cumulatively, the sealing surface may include a plurality of sealing lips connected parallel to one another. For example, the sealing surface may include at least two sealing lips. Alternatively or cumulatively, the sealing surface may completely surround the insertion opening. In other words, the sealing lip or the plurality of sealing lips each completely surround the insertion opening.

[0011] The sealing lips of the sealing lips may extend toward the mating connector at a certain angle in cross-section. For example, the sealing lip positioned closest to the outer zone may extend obliquely or inclinedly (toward the mating surface). Alternatively, all sealing lips among the plurality of sealing lips may have such an inclined portion. For example, according to a configuration having at least two sealing lips, one of the at least two sealing lips arranged furthest from the inner zone may extend inclinedly from the inner side to the outer side. The inclined sealing lip may extend in a direction opposite to the plug mating direction of the connector. In other words, the outermost sealing lip among the at least two sealing lips may be inclined in a direction opposite to the plug mating direction. Alternatively, all sealing lips may extend inclinedly from the inner side to the outer side.

[0012] According to an additional advantageous configuration, at least one sealing lip among the plurality of sealing lips may have a narrower or wider cross-section than other sealing lips among the plurality of sealing lips. For example, according to an exemplary configuration having at least two sealing lips, one sealing lip among the at least two sealing lips may have a narrower or wider cross-section than other sealing lip among the at least two sealing lips or other sealing lips.

[0013] Advantageously, since the surface tension of moisture particles (e.g., water particles) drops below a physical critical threshold, droplet accumulation at the transition point between the grommet housing and the mating surface of the mating connector is reduced. This means that water droplets can be discharged from the grommet housing without penetrating the internal zone.

[0014] According to an additional advantageous configuration, the grommet housing may include a tunnel arch on an outer wall positioned opposite the insertion opening.

[0015] Advantageously, a connector insert of this configuration, accommodated within the internal section of the grommet housing, is protected, in particular, from mechanical stresses introduced from the outside. At the same time, the curvature of the tunnel arch allows the grommet housing to expand significantly more non-destructively than a housing without such curvature.

[0016] Alternatively or cumulatively, the conductor receiving opening continues into a tubular continuous section of the grommet housing. In particular, this continuous section can be configured as a bellows.

[0017] Alternatively or cumulatively, the tunnel arch is aligned with the continuation of the grommet housing at the same height (flushing with).

[0018] This configuration advantageously enables concertina-like motion of the continuous section so that the conductor receiving opening is configured to be flexible and can buffer movements on the conductor receiving opening. This increases the reliability against failure of the connector having a grommet housing according to the present invention.

[0019] According to an additional advantageous configuration, the grommet housing may include a housing opening for accommodating a control element or a locking element of a connector insert, wherein an additional sealing surface surrounds the housing opening to seal an internal area of ​​the grommet housing.

[0020] The housing opening can advantageously be used to establish a secure coupling or locking of the matching connector and the connector through a control element or a locking element.

[0021] Alternatively or cumulatively, the sealing surface of the housing opening may include one or more sealing lips. These may be configured like the sealing lips of the insertion opening. The housing opening may also be completely surrounded by the sealing surface. In other words, one or more sealing lips completely surround the housing opening, and accordingly, the intrusion of moisture into the internal zone is prevented. Preferably, the sealing lips may face each other from opposite sides of the housing opening.

[0022] The control element or locking element may be a slide or a lever. Additionally, a drive aid may be provided in an internal section of the grommet housing and may be actuated by the control element. For example, the lever may drive a gear wheel, and the gear wheel interacts with a gear wheel rail installed in the grommet housing to transmit the locking element to a locked state.

[0023] Alternatively or cumulatively, additional sealing surfaces of the housing opening may include sealing ribs that protrude in the direction of the inner zone and / or protrude outward.

[0024] According to an additional advantageous configuration, a conductor receiving opening is positioned on a first outer wall opposite the housing opening, and the housing opening is positioned on a second outer wall, and the second outer wall of the grommet housing includes an outer surface having a rectangular cross-section.

[0025] Alternatively or cumulatively, the grommet housing may include an additional housing opening on the second outer wall, wherein the housing opening and the additional housing opening are configured as slots arranged parallel to each other. For example, both housing openings may be configured as slots of the same size.

[0026] Alternatively or cumulatively, the grommet housing may include other additional housing openings, wherein the other additional housing openings are positioned between the housing opening and the additional housing openings, and the other additional housing openings include sealing surfaces surrounding the other additional housing openings.

[0027] In particular, the sealing surfaces can completely surround another additional housing opening so that a reliable seal of the internal area is ensured even when locking elements and / or control elements protrude through another additional housing opening and experience motion forces.

[0028] In addition, other additional housing openings may include, for example, substantially rectangular cross-sectional areas.

[0029] Alternatively or cumulatively, the grommet housing may include other additional housing openings arranged within a third outer wall of the grommet housing, wherein the third outer wall is positioned between the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

[0030] Cumulatively, the first outer wall, the second outer wall, and / or the third outer wall may define other outer walls on which the insertion opening is placed. In particular, the third outer wall may be perpendicular to the second outer wall.

[0031] According to an additional advantageous configuration, another additional housing opening may have a base area with a circular cross-section.

[0032] Alternatively or cumulatively, the third outer wall may include recesses or protrusions that concentrically surround another additional housing opening and project outward from the grommet housing and / or toward the internal zone.

[0033] According to an additional advantageous configuration, the grommet housing can be configured to elastically expand in a non-destructive manner up to three times the housing volume.

[0034] According to an additional advantageous configuration, the insertion opening and / or conductor receiving opening and / or housing opening are positioned on different outer walls of the grommet housing. Preferably, the conductor receiving opening and / or housing opening are located on an outer wall different from the outer wall of the insertion opening.

[0035] In addition, the fundamental objective of the present invention is satisfied by a connector comprising a grommet housing according to the present invention and a connector insert arranged in an internal portion of the grommet housing, wherein the plugging face of the connector is accessible through an insertion opening.

[0036] Cumulatively, the connector insert includes an opening. The housing opening of the grommet housing is preferably aligned with the opening of the connector insert. The opening of the connector insert is advantageously accessible from the outside.

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

[0038] With this configuration of the connector, the internal area of ​​the grommet housing is advantageously protected, particularly from moisture intrusion. At the same time, the collar provides positioning assistance when the connector insert is inserted into the grommet housing. This results in a better seal overall.

[0039] Alternatively, or cumulatively, the connector includes a control element and / or a locking element that protrude through a housing opening of the grommet housing.

[0040] In addition, the fundamental objective of the present invention is satisfied by a connector assembly having a grommet housing according to the present invention, wherein the connector assembly comprises a mating connector including a mating surface, and a rubber-elastic material of a sealing surface contacts the mating surface to form a seal.

[0041] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of example, based on advantageous configurations with reference to the drawings. The illustrated additional advantageous modifications and configurations are each independent of one another and may be combined with one another as desired, depending on the method required for application. For reasons of simplicity, the elements and functions present in many embodiments may be described in detail only once. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] Here, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary connector assembly having a grommet housing according to the present invention. FIG. 2a shows a profile drawing of an exemplary configuration of a sealing surface. FIG. 2b illustrates an additional profile drawing of an additional exemplary configuration of a sealing surface. FIG. 2c illustrates an additional profile drawing of an additional exemplary configuration of a sealing surface. FIG. 3a illustrates an exemplary configuration of a grommet housing. FIG. 3b illustrates an additional exemplary configuration of a grommet housing. FIG. 3c illustrates an additional exemplary configuration of a grommet housing. FIG. 4a illustrates an additional exemplary connector assembly in an uninserted state. FIG. 4b illustrates an additional exemplary connector assembly in an uninserted state. FIG. 4c illustrates an additional exemplary connector assembly in an uninserted state. FIG. 5a illustrates an exemplary connector assembly from FIG. 4a in an inserted state. FIG. 5b illustrates an exemplary connector assembly from FIG. 4b in an inserted state. FIG. 5c illustrates an exemplary connector assembly from FIG. 4c in an inserted state. FIG. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of the second outer wall of the grommet housing. FIG. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the grommet housing or connector, respectively. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the grommet housing illustrated in Figure 4c. FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of a connector having the configuration of the grommet housing shown in FIG. 4c. FIG. 8b shows an additional perspective view of a connector having the configuration of the grommet housing shown in FIG. 4c. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly (100) comprising a general configuration of a grommet housing (1) according to the present invention. The outer walls (2) of the grommet housing surround an inner region (4). A connector insert (6) may be accommodated in this inner region (4). The grommet housing (1) is preferably made of a rubber-elastic material. Alternatively, it may also be made of an elastic-plastic material. Additional examples of materials for the grommet housing (1) are: a silicone-containing rubber-elastic material; a synthetic rubber copolymer made of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene; nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR); ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM); neoprene; or fluororubber (FKM). In particular, the grommet housing according to a favorable configuration is made of only one of the aforementioned materials. Therefore, all other features of the grommet housing (1) are integral parts of the grommet housing (1). Additionally, according to the additional configuration, the material of the grommet housing (1) can be expanded in a non-destructive manner, i.e., elastically, and accordingly, the internal area in the expanded state has three times the volume compared to the normal state, i.e., the unexpanded or stress-free state.

[0044] In interaction with the connector insert (6), the grommet housing (1) forms a connector (110) that carries electrical cables. The connector face (120) of the connector (110) faces the insertion opening (8) of the grommet housing (1). The connector (110) can be plugged into a matching connector (130) in the plug-in direction (S) of the connector (110). The matching connector (130) can be surrounded by a matching surface (140). Furthermore, the plug connection between the connector insert (6) and the matching connector (130) can be mechanically secured using an optional locking element or control element (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, such mechanical securing can be configured as a locking device. Electrical conductors to be inserted into the connector insert (6), for example, cables, can be extended from the outer section of the grommet housing (1) into the inner section (4) through the conductor receiving opening (10). For example, the conductor receiving opening (10) may be arranged on the first outer wall (26). The former may also be placed on the outer wall immediately adjacent to the insertion opening (8).

[0045] The inner region (4) of the grommet housing (1) can be accessed through an insertion opening (8). To prevent moisture intrusion into the inner region (4) from causing short circuits 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) comes into contact with the matching surface (140), the inner region is sealed. Preferably, the sealing surface (12) may include one or more sealing ribs to seal the inner region (4) or may be formed by one or more sealing ribs. Detailed views (14) of the sealing surface (12) are illustrated in the following FIGS. 2a through 2c, where various embodiments of how the sealing ribs are provided for the insertion opening (8) are illustrated.

[0046] The geometric structure of the insertion opening (8) may also define a plane. For example, the plane is defined such that all external points of the insertion opening (8) lie on this plane. The plug connection direction (S) is preferably parallel to the surface normal of the plane enclosed by the insertion opening (8).

[0047] FIGS. 2a through 2c illustrate profile drawings of various configurations of the sealing surface (12) shown in detail drawing (14). These configurations can be combined with one another in any way and are not applicable only to the sealing surface (12) of the insertion opening (8). Other openings of the grommet housing (1) may also be composed of specific sealing surfaces or sealing lips.

[0048] In FIG. 2a, the sealing surface (12) includes several sealing ribs (16). In the illustrated example, three sealing ribs (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 ribs (18).

[0049] An exemplary configuration having multiple sealing ribs (16) is again illustrated in FIG. 2b. However, it may also include more than three sealing ribs (16). On the one hand, FIG. 2b illustrates that one of the sealing ribs (18) is configured to be wider than the other sealing ribs. For example, the innermost or outermost sealing rib (18) is wider than the other sealing ribs. The innermost sealing rib refers to the sealing rib arranged closest to the inner region (4) of the grommet housing (1). Conversely, the outermost sealing rib refers to the sealing rib arranged furthest from the inner region of the grommet housing (1). On the other hand, FIG. 2b illustrates that the lateral distance (20) between two adjacent sealing ribs is not equal. Referring to the insertion opening (8), the lateral distance represents the distance between two sealing lips traversing the plug coupling direction (S). The lateral distance between adjacent sealing lips is each the same as illustrated in FIG. 2a.

[0050] FIG. 2c illustrates an exemplary configuration having two sealing ribs (16) that are obliquely in contact with the mating surface (140). Alternatively, this configuration may also consist of only one sealing rib (18) or more than two sealing ribs (16). For example, among the plurality of sealing ribs (16), only the outermost sealing rib (18) may be angled.

[0051] According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2c, the angled sealing lip extends increasingly obliquely from the inner side to the outer side in a direction opposite to the plug coupling direction (S). The plug coupling direction (S) is equal to the surface normal or normal vector (22) of the matching surface (140), respectively. The angled sealing lip forms an angle (23) with the normal vector (22). The angle (23) between the extension direction of the angled sealing lip (18) and the normal vector (22) is preferably less than 45°, for example, 30°.

[0052] Different exemplary configurations of the grommet housing (1) are illustrated in FIGS. 3a through 3c. In FIGS. 3a through 3c, the insertion opening (8) is illustrated as a rectangular base surface having rounded corners, respectively. However, all variations can be defined by edges surrounding a flat surface. For example, the base area of ​​the insertion opening (8) may be surrounded by any polygon. Alternatively, the base area of ​​the insertion opening (8) may be formed to be circular or elliptical.

[0053] Additionally, the grommet housing (1) may include a tubular continuous section (24). The conductor receiving opening (10) is preferably positioned on the tubular continuous section (24). Additionally, the tubular continuous section (24) may be configured like a bellows. Thus, the continuous section (24) may be compressed or extended in a concertina-like manner.

[0054] Additionally, the tubular continuous section (24) can be arranged on the 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 aligned with a continuous section (24) that is preferably formed to be tubular or bellows-shaped.

[0056] In particular, when the tunnel arch is aligned with a tubular continuous section, flexible cable routing is possible in the inner section (4) of the grommet housing (1).

[0057] Additionally, the grommet housing (1) may include a housing opening (30). The housing opening (30) is preferably positioned on a second outer wall (32) adjacent thereto or defining an insertion opening (8). The end surface of the second outer wall may be formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. Additionally, the housing opening (30) may be arranged opposite to the conductor receiving opening (10).

[0058] Additionally, the housing opening (30) may likewise include its own sealing surface (34), which includes at least one sealing lip (18) for sealing, for example, an internal section (4). The sealing surface (34) surrounds the housing opening (30). Additionally, the sealing surface (34) or at least one sealing lip (18) of the housing opening (30) may each be formed by recesses and / or protrusions.

[0059] The grommet housing (1) may include additional housing openings (36) preferably arranged on the same outer wall (32). In particular, these may have the same shape and structure as the housing opening (30). As further described below, the housing opening (30) or the housing openings (30 and 36) are each configured to accommodate a locking element configured, for example, as a slide, wherein the sealing lips of the individual housing openings (30 and / or 36) seal an inner region (4). The sealing lips (18) of the sealing surface (34) may be arranged in a stepped manner. Additionally, the sealing lips (18) extend away from the inner region (4) of the grommet housing (1), preferably in the plug coupling direction (S). As already described in relation to FIGS. 2a through 2c, the sealing ribs (16) are at different distances from each other and may be formed at an angle away from the inner zone (4), and / or at least the innermost or outermost sealing rib (18) may have a different width profile from the other sealing ribs.

[0060] According to the additional configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b, the grommet housing (1) includes another additional housing opening (38). This additional housing opening (38) may be positioned between the housing opening (30) and the additional housing opening (36). The other additional housing opening (38) may be configured to have a sealing surface (34) like the housing opening (30). In particular, the sealing surface of the other additional housing opening (38) may include sealing ribs (18) that seal an internal zone (4) while accommodating a control element (not illustrated in FIG. 3b).

[0061] An additional alternative configuration of the grommet housing (1) is illustrated in FIG. 3C. The illustrated grommet housing (1) includes a housing opening (30) and an additional housing opening (36). However, it may also be configured to have only one housing opening on the first outer wall (26). Another additional housing opening (38) is positioned between the housing opening (30) and the conductor receiving opening (10). The other additional housing opening (38) is preferably arranged on the side wall of the tunnel arch (28). In particular, the other additional housing opening (38) is positioned centrally with respect to the elongated extension direction of the tunnel arch (28) on the supporting side wall of the tunnel arch (28). The term supporting the side wall is understood to mean a wall that supports or supports the curve of the tunnel arch (28). A second additional housing opening (not illustrated in FIG. 3C) may be positioned on the opposing supporting side wall of the tunnel arch (28). In particular, these two housing openings formed in the tunnel arch (28) can be aligned so that the rotation axis (R) is defined.

[0062] Any of the housing openings (30, 36, and 38) described in FIGS. 3a through 3c may partially protrude toward an external area beyond the outer wall of the grommet housing (1) that supports the grommet housing (1). Thus, any of the housing openings (30, 36, and 36) may form a collar on the outer wall that supports the grommet housing. Alternatively, or cumulatively, the collar may be formed in an internal area (4).

[0063] Different configurations of connector assemblies (100) in an uninserted state are illustrated in FIGS. 4a through 4c. Individual connector assemblies (100) from FIGS. 4a through 4c in an inserted and locked state are illustrated in FIGS. 5a through 5c.

[0064] The grommet housing (1) from FIG. 3a is illustrated in FIG. 4a as having a locking element (112). The locking element (112) may be configured as a slide having a substantially U-shaped profile. The locking element includes two parallel rails connected to each other via a web. The rails of the locking element (112) each pass through the housing opening (30 or 36) of the grommet housing (1). By interacting with the mating connector (130), the locking element (112) can achieve a lock between the mating connector and the grommet housing (1) in the state 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 FIG. 4a through 4c) inserted into the grommet housing (1). For example, the locking element (112) may be inserted into the grommet housing (1) by hand.

[0065] The grommet housing (1) can form a connector (110) together with an inserted connector insert (6).

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 5a through 5c, the material of the sealing surface (12) comes into contact with the mating surface (140) of the mating connector (130) to form a seal. The rubber-elastic properties of the material of the grommet housing (1) help to form a reliable seal.

[0067] FIG. 4b illustrates an additional connector assembly (100) comprising a grommet housing (1) according to the configuration shown in FIG. 3b. Unlike the locking element (112) of FIG. 4a, the locking element (112) of FIG. 4b includes two rails, and the two rails are connected to each other using a control element (114), such as a lever, which is rotatably mounted. When the control element (114) is actuated, the locking element (112) is pushed into the grommet housing (1) so that a lock is created between the grommet housing or the inserted connector insert (6) and the mating connector (130), respectively.

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

[0069] The grommet housing (1) illustrated in FIG. 4b also forms a connector (110) having an inserted connector insert and elements (112 and 114). Advantageously, a force for coupling or locking can be applied due to a rotatably mounted control element. This is useful when a particularly large number of conductors need to be connected between the connector insert and the mating connector, because in such cases, high frictional forces are generated between the individual conductors, pins, and corresponding receiving sockets.

[0070] FIG. 4c illustrates an additional connector assembly (100), wherein the connector assembly (100) comprises a grommet housing (1) according to the configuration of the grommet housing (1) illustrated in FIG. 3c. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4a, the locking element (112) may be configured as a slide. Additionally, in this configuration, the locking element (112) may protrude through the housing opening (30) and cumulatively through an additional housing opening (36). Additionally, the connector insert (6) may include a gear mechanically coupled to the locking element (112). Alternatively, the gear may be inserted into the grommet housing (1) as an additional component. The gear may include a gear wheel rail and a gear wheel. In particular, the gear wheel rail may be connected to the locking element (112) such that the movement of the gear wheel rail causes the locking element (112) to be pushed into the grommet housing (1). The control element (114) can drive the gear wheel. For example, the control element includes a rotating shaft that supports the gear wheel and a lever. When the control element (114) drives the gear wheel, the locking element (112) is pushed into the grommet housing (1). This creates a lock to secure the connector insert (6) to the mating connector (130). At the same time, the seal on the sealing surface (12) of the grommet housing (1) can be reinforced there. In other words, the gear wheel forms a gear together with the gear wheel rail, and the gear transmits the lever force of the control element (114), which is actuated to lock the grommet housing (1), to the mating connector (130).

[0071] The control element (114) can preferably be configured as a U-shaped lever. Advantageously, in this configuration, the control element (114) is particularly fracture-proof and provides rotational motion to the gear wheel. Alternatively, or cumulatively, the gear wheel can also be driven by an external tool such as a screwdriver or a ratchet. According to this configuration, instead of the control element (114), a rotation axis carrying the gear wheel is arranged to be accessible from another additional housing opening, so that the gear wheel can be driven externally.

[0072] In combination with the inserted connector insert (6), locking element (112) and control element (114), the grommet housing (1) illustrated in FIG. 4c also forms a connector (110) connected to a matching connector (130).

[0073] FIG. 6a illustrates a cross-sectional view through the housing opening (30) of an exemplary configuration of the grommet housing (1). The cross-sectional view depicts the profile of a sealing surface (12) comprising several sealing lips (16) inclined away from the plug coupling direction (S). In the exemplary configuration, the sealing surface (34) of the housing opening comprises several sealing lips (16) forming a W-shape in the profile. In this case, there are two sealing lips with slightly rounded tips. Alternatively, the sealing surface (34) may comprise only one sealing lip (18). The sealing surface (34) of the housing opening may be configured in substantially the same manner according to any of the configurations described in FIG. 2a through 2c. For example, among the plurality of sealing lips (16), the outer sealing lip may be inclined away from the inner region (4) of the grommet housing (1). Conversely, the outer or inner sealing lip (18) may be inclined toward the inner section (4). The distances between the sealing lip (16) or the width of the sealing lip (18) may also be changed.

[0074] FIG. 6b illustrates an additional cross-sectional view of a grommet housing (1) having an inserted connector insert (6), perpendicular to the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 6a. In the illustrated embodiment, the grommet housing (1) includes two housing openings (30 and 36). However, the features described below also apply to a grommet housing (1) according to the present invention that includes only one housing opening (30). A sealing surface (34) or at least one sealing lip (18) each surrounds the housing opening (30). This ensures that the internal area (4) is sealed. Additionally, the connector insert may include an opening (9) aligned with the housing opening (30). Then, a locking element as illustrated in FIG. 4a through 4c may protrude through the grommet housing (1) into the connector insert (6). In the illustrated configuration, an additional housing opening (36) is aligned with an additional opening (44) of the connector insert.

[0075] Additionally, the housing opening (30) forms a collar (40) for the opening (42) of the connector insert (6). The collar (40) is not only advantageous for sealing the inner area (4) of the grommet housing (1), but also simultaneously provides a positioning aid for accurately arranging or aligning the connector insert (6) in the grommet housing (1).

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a grommet housing according to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4c. Another additional housing opening (38) includes a sealing surface for sealing an internal area (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 likewise be configured according to one of the configurations described in FIG. 2a through 2c.

[0077] Additionally, the grommet housing (1) may include a protrusion (46) that concentrically surrounds another additional housing opening (38). Alternatively, the protrusion may also be configured as a recess. The concentric protrusion may preferably be configured as a floating sealing lip. A control element (114) inserted into the grommet housing (1) is advantageously held elastically and movably by this protrusion (46) so that the other additional housing opening (38) seals the inner region (4) while the control element (114) moves or rotates, respectively.

[0078] FIGS. 8A and FIGS. 8B illustrate perspective views of a connector (110) from views rotated 180° relative to each other. In the illustrated configuration, the connector (110) includes a grommet housing (1) according to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4C. However, any other configuration of the grommet housing (1) in which a connector insert (6) is inserted and the plug-coupled surface (120) of the connector (110) faces the direction of the plug-coupled direction (S) may also be illustrated. Explanation of the symbols

[0079] 1 : Grommet housing 2 : Outer wall of the grommet housing 4: Interior area 6 : Connector insert 8: Insertion opening 10: Conductor receiving opening 12: Sealing surface 14: Detail view of the sealing surface 16: Sealing lips 18: Sealing lip 20: Lateral distance between adjacent sealing lips 22: Normal vector of the matched surface 23 : Angle 24 : Continuous section 26: 1st outer wall 28: Tunnel Arch 30 : Housing opening 32 : Second outer wall 34: Additional sealing surface 36: Additional housing opening 38: Other additional housing openings 40 : Color 42: Opening of connector insert 44: Additional opening of connector insert 46 : Protrusion 100 : Connector assembly 110 : Connector 112 : Locking element 114: Control element 120: Plug connection surface 130 : Matching connector 140: Matching surface R: Rotation axis S: Plug connection direction

Claims

Claim 1 A grommet housing (1) for receiving a connector insert (6), comprising a conductor receiving opening (10) for passing an electrical or optical conductor from an outer portion of the grommet housing (1) into an inner portion (4) of the grommet housing (1), an insertion opening (8) for plugging the connector insert (6) together with a matching connector, and a sealing surface (12) surrounding the insertion opening (8) in sections for sealing at least the inner portion (4), wherein the grommet housing (1) is made of a rubber-elastic material, and the grommet housing (1) comprises a plurality of housing openings (30, 36) for receiving a sliding locking element (112) of the connector insert (6), wherein the housing openings (30, 36) are formed in a wall (32) of the grommet housing (1) defining the insertion opening (8), and an additional sealing surface (34) is the A grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, wherein the housing openings (30, 36) of the grommet housing (1) surround the housing openings (30, 36) to seal the inner portion (4) of the grommet housing (1), and the housing openings (30, 36) of the grommet housing (1) include a collar (40) that protrudes into the opening (42) of the connector insert (6). Claim 2 In claim 1, the sealing surface (12) is a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, comprising a sealing lip (18). Claim 3 In claim 1, the sealing surface (12) comprises at least two sealing lips (16) connected parallel to each other, forming a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert. Claim 4 In claim 3, at least one of the at least two sealing lips (16), the sealing lip (18), is a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, having a narrower or wider cross-section. Claim 5 A grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, wherein the sealing surface (12) comprises at least two sealing ribs (16), wherein the sealing rib of the at least two sealing ribs arranged furthest from the inner region extends obliquely from the inner side to the outer side. Claim 6 In claim 1, the outer wall of the grommet housing (1) positioned opposite the insertion opening (8) includes a tunnel arch (28), for receiving a connector insert. Claim 7 In claim 1, the conductor receiving opening (10) is a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, which continues into a tubular continuous portion (24) of the grommet housing (1) configured like a bellows. Claim 8 In claim 7, the outer wall of the grommet housing (1) positioned opposite the insertion opening (8) includes a tunnel arch (28), and the tunnel arch (28) is aligned with the tubular continuous section (24), forming a grommet housing for receiving a connector insert. Claim 9 A grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, wherein the slide-type locking element (112) has a U-shaped profile and includes two rails connected to each other via a web, and the slide-type locking element (112) is configured such that the two rails pass through the plurality of 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). Claim 10 A grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, wherein the additional sealing surface (34) comprises sealing lips (16) that protrude in the direction of the inner section (4) and / or protrude outward. Claim 11 A grommet housing for receiving a connector insert, made of any one of a silicone-containing rubber-elastic material, a synthetic rubber copolymer made of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), neoprene, or fluororubber (FKM). Claim 12 A connector (110) comprising a grommet housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a connector insert (6) arranged in the inner area (4) of the grommet housing (1), and a plugging face (120) of the connector (110) accessible through the insertion opening (8). Claim 13 A connector comprising, as a connector, a grommet housing (1) according to claim 12, and a connector insert (6) arranged in the inner area (4) of the grommet housing (1), wherein the plug coupling surface (120) of the connector (110) is accessible through the insertion opening (8), and the housing opening (30) of the grommet housing (1) is aligned with the opening of the connector insert (6). Claim 14 In claim 13, the sliding locking element (112) or control element (114) of the connector insert (6) protrudes through the housing opening (30) of the grommet housing (1), the connector. Claim 15 A connector assembly (100) comprising a grommet housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a matching connector (130) including a matching surface (140), wherein the rubber-elastic material of the sealing surface (12) contacts the matching surface (140) to form a seal. Claim 16 delete

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