Anti-capillary connector

Abstract

A connector (108) has a housing (110a, 110b), a printed circuit board (202) arranged in the housing (110a, 110b) and a sealing (216). The sealing (216) closes a gap (214, 304) between the printed circuit board (202) and the housing (110a, 110b) to avoid a capillary effect.

Description

ANTI-CAPILLARY CONNECTORFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an anti-capillary connector.BACKGROUND

[0002] The capillary effect may cause a fluid ingress into electric components such as LED lights of cars supplied by power cables without protection against the capillary effect. Due to the capillary effect, liquid such as water, oil or Ad Blue is continually pressed through small gaps and cavities in the cable so that moisture spreads in the longitudinal direction within the cable. Cables with protection against the capillary effect may comprise a filling with high resistive water blocking agent and may prevent damage to electronic components.

[0003] For connecting a cable with another cable, a connector may be used. In case of a connector without protection against the capillary effect, an ingress of a fluid may arise. Connectors are well known. For example, PCT patent application WO 2019 / 025192 Al, "A direct plug connector for an ECU" published February 07, 2019, discloses a connector with an end cover filled with an insulating material and a plurality of contact terminals connected to a plurality of cables. The connector may be connected with an ECU so that the plurality of contact terminals of the connector makes contact with contact pads of the ECU attached to a printed circuit board. The insulating material seals the connection between the plurality of contact terminals and stripped ends of the plurality of the cables.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] It is an objective to provide a connector configured to provide protection against the capillary effect.

[0005] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a connector comprising a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged in the housing and a sealing. The sealing closes a gap between the printed circuit board and the housing.

[0006] The sealing may provide a barrier against any fluid to avoid that the fluid permeates or gets through the gap. The sealing may comprise a waterproof or oil-proof material. For example, the sealing may be a sealant. The sealing could also be a sealing element such as an O-ring. It may be also possible to use epoxy and / or resin for the sealing. The printed circuit board may also be proofed against any fluid. Hence, a wet side or part of the printed circuit board may get in contact with a fluid whereas a dry side or part of the printed circuit board may be protected against the fluid.

[0007] The connector may comprise a groove integrated in the housing. The printed circuit board may be inserted in the groove, and the sealing may close a gap in the groove between the printed circuit board and the housing.

[0008] The groove may define a location and / or position for integrating the printed circuit board in the housing, for example during an assembly procedure. The dimensions of the groove may be a little bit greater than that of the printed circuit board to avoid a jamming or damaging of the printed circuit board when it is integrated in the housing. Due to the size difference, there may be a gap between the groove and the printed circuit board. The sealing may fill out the gap to avoid that the fluid permeates the gap.

[0009] The housing may comprise a first housing part and a second housing part. The groove and an additional groove may be integrated in one of the first and second housing parts.

[0010] The additional groove may also comprise a sealing to improve the resistance against the capillary effect. The sealing may be similar to the sealing used for losing the gap or a different sealing. For example, the additional groove may comprise an O-ring or may be filled out with a sealing.

[0011] The gap may surround the printed circuit board along a longitudinal axis of the connector.

[0012] For example, the printed circuit board may extend along the longitudinal axis of the connector. For this case, the gap may follow the longitudinal shape of the printed circuit board. Additionally, a sealing may be integrated in the gap along the whole longitudinal length of the printed circuit board to provide an improved resistance against the capillary effect.

[0013] The gap may extend circumferentially about a longitudinal axis.

[0014] For example, the printed circuit board may extend radially from a longitudinal axis of the connector, e. g. in terms of a circular shaped printed circuit board. For this case, the gap may follow the radially extending shape of the printed circuit board. Additionally, a sealing may be integrated in the gap along the whole perimeter of the printed circuit board to provide improved resistance against the capillary effect.

[0015] The connector may comprise a bore extending through the housing. The bore may be connected with the gap.

[0016] The gap may be filled out with a sealant. The sealant may be squeezed during the assembly of the connector so that excess sealant can leak out of the bore. Additionally, the bore can be used as an indicator to check whether the gap is filled with enough sealant. If no sealant leaks out of the bore, there may be insufficient sealant to avoid that the fluid permeates the gap. Otherwise, there may be enough sealant.

[0017] The bore may extend through a portion of the housing that covers the printed circuit board.

[0018] The housing may have greater dimensions, for example a longitudinal dimension being greater than that of the printed circuit board, so that a portion of the housing extending beyond the longitudinal dimension of the printed circuit board does not cover the printed circuit board and another portion of the housing extending along the longitudinal dimension of the printed circuit board (not extending beyond the longitudinal dimension of the printed circuit board) covers the printed circuit board. If the bore extends through a portion of the housing that covers the printed circuit board, the bore may be an indicator to check whether the gap between the housing and the printed circuit board is filled with enough sealant.

[0019] The bore may be sealed by the sealing.

[0020] As mentioned above, the sealing may be of the type of a sealant avoiding an ingress of any fluid or of any other type such as a sealing element similar to an O-ring.

[0021] The connector may comprise a cable duct, and / or a connector interface.

[0022] The cable duct may provide a wire passage for wires connected with the printed circuit board and may protect the wires against a damage due to an excessive deflection of the cables. The connector interface maybe a male or female jack for connecting the connector with a corresponding other connector. The connector interface may be part ofthe dry side of the connector. Hence, the connector interface of the connector may not be affected by the capillary effect.

[0023] The gap may extend from the cable duct to the connector interface.

[0024] Thus, in case of a two-part housing, the connector can be completely sealed against an ingress of any fluid from one side of the connector to the other side of the connector.

[0025] The printed circuit board may extend into the cable duct.

[0026] Since the cable duct is stabilized against a deflection, a portion of the printed circuit board extending into the cable duct would also be protected against damage, for example breakage.

[0027] The sealing may seal a wire passage integrated in a portion of the housing not covering the printed circuit board.

[0028] Hence, a sealing can be integrated in a portion of the connector being distant from the printed circuit board to avoid that any fluid may get in contact with the printed circuit board.

[0029] The portion of the housing not covering the printed circuit board may be a portion of the cable duct.

[0030] For example, the wire passage may be integrated in the cable duct. If the printed circuit board extends into the cable duct, the wire passage may be integrated in a portion of the cable duct that extends beyond the printed circuit board.

[0031] The printed circuit board may be connected with the connector interface.

[0032] For example, one or more wires may connect the printed circuit board with the connector interface to transfer electric current or electrical signals. Alternatively, the printed circuit board may be directly connected with the connector interface, e. g. with a male or female jack.

[0033] The printed circuit board may comprise a first contact pad for connecting a wire end of a wire, a second contact pad for connecting the connector interface, and a trace connecting the first contact pad with the second contact pad.

[0034] Hence, electric current or electrical signals can be transferred between the first and second contact pads. Since the gap between the housing and the printed circuit board is sealed, a capillary effect between the first and second contact pads can be avoided. I. e., an ingress of fluid from one contact pad (e. g. the first contact pad) to the other contact pad (e.g. the second contact pad) can be prevented. Thus, the connector interface of the connector can be protected against the capillary effect.

[0035] The first contact pad may be connected with a wire end of a wire. The first contact pad and / or the wire end may be sealed by the sealing.

[0036] If any capillary effect in the wire may cause an ingress of fluid, an expansion of the capillary effect can be prevented at the contact pad. Hence, an ingress of fluid along the printed circuit board and deep in the connector can be avoided.

[0037] The sealing may cover at least partly the trace.

[0038] The resistance against the capillary effect may be improved if the sealing covers not only the contact pad or the wire end but also a portion of the trace, for example a portion of the trace close to the contact pad or the wire end.

[0039] The cable duct may be connected with a cable comprising at least one wire. The cable may be free of the sealing.

[0040] Due to the anti-capillary effect of the connector, wires without a capillary effect may be used which are cheaper compared to wires providing an anti-capillary effect.

[0041] The cable duct may be connected with a hose and a cable. The cable may be arranged in the hose.

[0042] The hose may be connected to a hydraulic line or hydraulic port of a machine or a device such as a motor or transmission lubricated by a fluid. The fluid may be transferred in the hose. Due to the integration of the cable in the hose, a combined electrical and hydraulic connection of high compactness can be achieved. The fluid in the hose may cause a capillary effect in the integrated cable. But the capillary effect can be interrupted by the sealing of the connector so that the connector interface of the connector may not be affected by the capillary effect.

[0043] Within the scope of this application it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out herein, and individual features thereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Several aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector connected to a device by a hydraulic hose with an integrated cable.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a connector.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a connector.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a connector.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates elements of a connector.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates elements of a connector.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] FIG. 1 shows an electric device 102 such as an electric motor connected with a connector 108 by means of a hose 116 and a cable 114 integrated in the hose 116. One end of the hose 116 is connected to a hydraulic port 106 of the electric device 102 and another end of the hose 116 is connected with an outer side of a cable duct 112 of the connector 108. A fixation 118 clamps the hose 116 on the cable duct 112. Analogously, one end of the cable 114 is connected with the electric device 102 and the other end of the cable 114 is inserted in the cable duct 112. Components of the electric device 102 such as bearings, gears, etc. may be lubricated by a fluid such as an oil. Other components such as electronics in the electric device 102 may be cooled by a cooling fluid. Additionally, other fluids may be used in the electric device 102 wherein any one of these fluids may flow through the port 106 into the hose 116. For example, a change of the fluid may be done via the port 106.

[0052] The cable 114 is in contact with the fluid in the hose 116. Due to the capillary effect, fluid may spread in the longitudinal direction within the cable 114 and cause an ingress into the connector 108.

[0053] The connector 108 comprises a two-part housing 110 with a first housing part 110a and a second housing part 110b. The connector 108 can be connected to an energy source or an electrical interface for transferring electrical current and / or signals via the cable 114 tothe electric device 102 for driving and controlling a rotatable shaft 104 of the electric device 102.

[0054] The connector 108 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a second embodiment of the connector as also shown in more detail in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. Alternatively, the connector 108 may correspond to a first embodiment of the connector as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in more detail.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the connector 108. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 2. The housing 110 of the connector 108 has a circular basic shape. Next to the first and second housing parts 110a, 110b, the connector 108 comprises at least one sealing 216 and a printed circuit board 202. The second housing part 110b is concentrically arranged to the first housing part 110a in respect of a longitudinal axis 218 of the connector 108. The printed circuit board 202 is arranged in the two-part housing 110 and is attached to the first housing part 110a. The printed circuit board 202 is also concentrically arranged in respect of the longitudinal axis 218.

[0056] A groove 302 is integrated in the second housing part 110b. The groove 302 may have any shape, for example a rectangular shape or alternatively a circular shape. The groove 302 is covered by the printed circuit board 202 that is attached to the second housing part 110b. But between the printed circuit board 202 and the second housing part 110b, there may be a gap 304 provided by the groove 302. This gap 304 extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 218 (see FIG. 3).

[0057] Another gap 214 may be between the outer perimeter of the printed circuit board 202 and the inner wall of the first housing part 110a. This gap 214 surrounds the printed circuit board 202 at an outer circumference about the longitudinal axis 218 (see FIG. 2).

[0058] To avoid that the fluid permeated into the connector 108 may flow through both gaps 214 and 304, the at least one sealing 216 is integrated in gap 214 as can exemplarily be seen in FIG. 2 and in gap 304. The sealing 216 comprises a material being resistant against the fluid such as a waterproof or oil-proof material. For example, the sealing 216 can be an O-ring or any type of sealant. The sealing 216 may be squeezed between the printed circuit board 202 and the housing 110 to ensure that the gaps 214, 304 are closed and that the sealing 216 provides a barrier against a fluid flow through the gaps 214, 304. The printed circuit board 202 comprises also a material being resistant against the fluid to avoid any diffusion of the fluid from one side of the printed circuit board 202 to the opposite side ofthe printed circuit board 202. 1, e., the sealing 216 and the printed circuit board 202 divide the connector 108 into a wet side 220 where an ingress of fluid is possible and a dry side 222 where an ingress of fluid is prevented.

[0059] The resistance against the capillary effect may be improved by additional sealings such as sealing 224 integrated in an additional groove 226. Here, sealing 224 is designed as an O-ring. As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the groove 302 and the additional groove 226 are integrated in the same housing part 110a.

[0060] The cable duct 112 may be an elongated and rigid part of the first housing part 110a that provides a stable wire passage 212 for the cable 114 to prevent excessive bending of the cable 114 and its wires. The cable 114 comprises several wires such as wire 206a (in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the wires 206a and 206b are shown shortened for a reduced complexity).

[0061] The printed circuit board 202 comprises several contact pads 204a on one side of the printed circuit board 202 and several contact pads on the opposite side of the printed circuit board 202. Each contact pad 204a of the one side is connected with a contact pad of the opposite side of the printed circuit board 202, for example by means of a via. A wire end 208 of the wire 206a of the cable 114 is soldered to one of the contact pads 204a. Wire 206b is soldered to one of the contact pads of the opposite side. I. e. the contact pads 204a and the wires of the cable 114 soldered to it, such as wire 206a, are on the wet side 220 whereas the contact pads of the opposite side of the printed circuit board 202 and the wires soldered to it, such as wire 206b, are on the dry side 222. Hence, the capillary effect may not affect the contact pads of the opposite side (dry side 222) of the printed circuit board 202 and the wires soldered to it.

[0062] The wires soldered to the opposite side of the printed circuit board 202 form part of a connector interface 210. The connector interface 210 can be designed as a male or a female jack for plugging a complementary connector interface of another connector. For example, the connector interface 210 may be connected to an electric energy source or a control unit to provide and transfer electrical power or control signals from the connector interface 210 via the wires connected with the contact pads of the opposite side of the printed circuit board 202 over the printed circuit board 202 to the wires of the cable 114 connected with the contact pads 204a of the printed circuit board 202 and finally to the electric device 102. Since the connector interface 210 is on the dry side 222, the capillary effect arising from the cable 114 has no impact on the connector interface 210.

[0063] FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 show a second embodiment of the connector 108. The second embodiment of the connector 108 is similar to the first embodiment and comprises the same elements of the first embodiment of the connector 108 with some differences in respect of shape and integration of some components of the connector 108. But the functionality and the general concept of both embodiments is the same.

[0064] Accordingly, the housing 110 of the connector 108 according to the second embodiment has a circular basic shape. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the first housing part 110a and the second housing part 110b are two similar half housing parts of the closed housing 110. Further, the connector 108 comprises a sealing 216 and a printed circuit board 202.

[0065] A groove 302 is integrated in each of the both housing parts 110a and 110b into which the printed circuit board 202 can be inserted. The groove 302 has a shape similar to that of the printed circuit board 202 but of a little bit greater dimensions so that the printed circuit board 202 can be inserted in the groove 302 without jamming or damaging. Hence, a gap 214 emerges between the printed circuit board 202 and the groove 302 after insertion of the printed circuit board 202 due to the different dimensions of the printed circuit board 202 and the groove 302. Since the shapes of the groove 302 and the printed circuit board 202 are similar, the groove 302 defines a location and / or position for insertion of the printed circuit board 202 in the housing parts 110a, 110b. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the printed circuit board 202 comprises a fitting element 400 extending from a long side of the printed circuit board 202. The fitting element 400 abuts against a complementary recess of the groove 302 to define the position of the printed circuit board 202 in a longitudinal direction and to prevent a change of this position along the longitudinal axis 218. Similarly, the groove 302 defines the position of the printed circuit board 202 also in a lateral and a vertical direction.

[0066] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the sealing 216 may close the gap 214 in the groove 302 between the printed circuit board 202 and the housing 110 (110a, 110b) to avoid that the fluid permeated into the connector 108 may flow through the gap 214. Analogously to the first embodiment, the sealing 216 comprises a material being resistant against the fluid such as a waterproof or oil-proof material. For example, the sealing 216 can be any type of sealant. The sealing 216 may be squeezed between the printed circuit board 202 and the housing 110 to ensure that the gap 214 is closed and that the sealing 216 provides a barrier against a fluid flow through the gap 214. Analogously to the first embodiment, the printedcircuit board 202 comprises also a material being resistant against the fluid to avoid any diffusion of the fluid through the printed circuit board 202. 1, e., the sealing 216 and the printed circuit board 202 divide the connector 108 into a wet side 220 where an ingress of fluid is possible and a dry side 222 where an ingress of fluid is prevented. The resistance against the capillary effect may be improved by additional sealings.

[0067] As can be seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the housing 110 comprises a bore 404 extending through the housing (110a, 110b) in a lateral direction (in respect of the longitudinal axis 218). The bore 404 is connected with the gap 214 and extends through a portion of the housing 110 that covers the printed circuit board 202. 1, e., the bore 404 is connected with the gap 214 at a location where the groove 302 surrounds the printed circuit board 202. When the gap 214 is filled out with the sealing 216 to avoid that fluid permeates the gap 214, a part of the sealing 216 may be squeezed from the gap 214 into the bore 404 (e. g. during an assembly process) so that the bore 404 is also sealed by the sealing 216 as shown in FIG. 6. Excess sealing 216 may leak out of the bore 404 and thus indicate that the gap 214 is sufficiently filled out with sealing 216 for a sufficient resistance against the capillary effect. I. e., the sealing 216 in the bore 404 indicates whether there is enough sealing 216 between the printed circuit board 202 and the housing 110 to close the gap 214 between the printed circuit board 202 and the housing 110.

[0068] Analogously to the first embodiment, the cable duct 112 may be an elongated and rigid part of the housing 110 that provides a stable wire passage 212 for the cable 114 to prevent excessive bending of the cable 114 and its wires. The cable 114 comprises several wires, such as wire 206a, that are connected with the printed circuit board 202. Due to the elongated shape of the printed circuit board 202, the the printed circuit board 202 extends into the cable duct 112 for a full enclosure by the housing 110. The stable design of the cable duct 112 protects also the printed circuit board 202 against damage, for example breakage.

[0069] At the dry side 222 of the connector 108, additional wires, such as wire 206b, are connected with the printed circuit board 202 and form part of a connector interface 210. The connector interface 210 can be designed as a male or a female jack for plugging a complementary connector interface of another connector analogously to the first embodiment of the connector 108 for transferring electric current or control signals for the electric device 102. It is recalled that the wires 206a, 206b are shown shortened in FIG. 2 toFIG. 6 for a reduced complexity. Alternatively, the connector interface 210 can be directly connected with the printed circuit board 202 without any cable between the printed circuit board 202 and the connector interface 210.

[0070] Although the gap 304 extends from the cable duct 112 to the connector interface 210, the capillary effect arising from the cable 114 has no negative impact on the connector interface 210 since the connector interface 210 is on the dry side 222. The gap 304 can be filled with sealing 216 from the cable duct 112 to the connector interface 210 (see FIG. 6). Hence, the printed circuit board 202 can be fully surrounded with sealing 216. Additionally, the sealing 216 may seal at least a portion of the wire passage 212 that is integrated in a portion of the housing 110a, 110b beyond (i. e. not covering) the printed circuit board 202. This portion may be part of the cable duct 112. Hence, an ingress of fluid in the connector 108 can be blocked before the fluid fluid gets in contact with the printed circuit board 202.

[0071] The printed circuit board 202 comprises a first group of contact pads 204a each soldered to a corresponding wire end 208 of a wire 206a of the cable 114 and a second group of contact pads 204b each soldered to a corresponding wire end of a wire 206b forming part of the connector interface 210. Alternatively, the connector interface 210 may be directly connected to contact pads 204b of the second group to provide a wireless connection. Some (two or more) contact pads 204a of the first group and some (two or more) contact pads 204b of the second group are in alignment with the longitudinal axis 218. Each contact pad 204a of the first group is connected with a corresponding contact pad 204b of the second group by means of a trace 402. So, electric current or electrical signals induced at the connector interfaces 210 can be transferred from a contact pad 204b of the second group via the connecting trace 402 to a corresponding contact pad 204a of the first group or vice versa.

[0072] Due to the sealing 216 between the contact pads 204a of the first group and the contact pads 204b of the second group, all contact pads 204b of the second group are on the dry side 222. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the bore 404 in the housing 110 is located between the contact pads 204a of the first group and the contact pads 204b of the second group. The bore 404 is filled with sealing 216 so that there is no unsealed gap between the contact pads 204a, 204b of the first and second groups where fluid may flow from a contact pad 204a of the first group to a contact pad 204b of the second group. At this location, the sealing 216 covers also, at least partly, the trace 402 and the rest of the printed circuit board202. Thus, a capillary effect extending from a contact pad 204a of the first group to a connected contact pad 204b of the second group can be prevented since the sealing 216 and the printed circuit board 202 block any fluid. Consequently, the connector interface of the connector can be protected against the capillary effect.

[0073] The contact pads 204a of the first group and optionally the wire ends of the wires soldered to these contact pads 204a can be sealed by the sealing as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, also contact pads 204a of the first group are covered by the dry side 222. Hence, a capillary effect arising from a wire 206a soldered to a contact pad 204a of the first group can be prevented from a further expansion beyond the contact pad 204a of the first group.

[0074] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.LISTING OF DRAWING ELEMENTS102 electric device 204a contact pad104 shaft 204b contact pad106 port 206a wire108 connector 206b wire110 housing 208 wire end110a housing part 210 connector interface110b housing part 212 wire passage112 cable duct 214 gap114 cable 216 sealing116 hose 218 longitudinal axis118 fixation 220 wet side202 printed circuit board 222 dry sidesealing groove groove gap fitting element trace bore

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A connector (108) comprising a housing (110a, 110b); a printed circuit board (202) arranged in the housing (110a, 110b); a sealing (216); wherein the sealing (216) closes a gap (214, 304) between the printed circuit board (202) and the housing (110a, 110b).

2. The connector (108) of claim 1, comprising a groove (302) integrated in the housing (110a, 110b); wherein the printed circuit board (202) is inserted in the groove (302); and the sealing (216) closes a gap (214, 304) in the groove (302) between the printed circuit board (202) and the housing (110a, 110b).

3. The connector (108) of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a first housing part (110a) and a second housing part (110b); wherein the groove (302) and an additional groove (226) are integrated in one of the first and second housing parts (110a, 110b).

4. The connector (108) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gap (214) surrounds the printed circuit board (202) along a longitudinal axis (218) of the connector (108).

5. The connector (108) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gap (304) extends circumferentially about a longitudinal axis (218).

6. The connector (108) of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a bore (404) extending through the housing (110a, 110b) and connected with the gap (214, 304).

7. The connector (108) of claim 6, whereinthe bore (404) extends through a portion of the housing (110a, 110b) that covers the printed circuit board (202).

8. The connector (108) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the bore (404) is sealed by the sealing (216).

9. The connector (108) of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a cable duct (112); and / or a connector interface (210).

10. The connector (108) of claim 9, wherein the gap (214) extends from the cable duct (112) to the connector interface (210).

11. The connector (108) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the printed circuit board (202) extends into the cable duct (112).

12. The connector (108) of claim 11, wherein the sealing (216) seals a wire passage (212) integrated in a portion of the housing (110a, 110b) not covering the printed circuit board (202).

13. The connector (108) of claim 12, wherein the portion of the housing (110a, 110b) not covering the printed circuit board (202) is a portion of the cable duct (112).

14. The connector (108) of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the printed circuit board (202) is connected with the connector interface (210).

15. The connector (108) of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the printed circuit board (202) comprises a first contact pad (204a) for connecting a wire end of a wire; a second contact pad (204b) for connecting the connector interface (210); and a trace (402) connecting the first contact pad (204a) with the second contact pad (204b).

16. The connector (108) of claim 15, wherein the first contact pad (204a) is connected with a wire end (208) of a wire (206a); wherein the first contact pad (204a) and / or the wire end (208) is sealed by the sealing (216).

17. The connector (108) of any one claim 15 or 16, wherein the sealing (216) covers at least partly the trace (402).

18. The connector (108) of any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the cable duct (112) is connected with a cable (114) comprising at least one wire (206a); wherein the cable (114) is free of the sealing (216).

19. The connector (108) of any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the cable duct (112) is connected with a hose (116) and a cable (114); wherein the cable (114) is arranged in the hose (116).

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