Plug connector and cap

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) which is designed to be plugged together with a mating plug connector (2) along a plug-in direction (z), said plug connector (1) having: -- a housing (3) with a housing interior (4); -- a plurality of contact elements (50) provided in the housing interior (4); -- at least one Ethernet contact element (5) which is provided in the housing interior (4) and has an Ethernet cable (6) connected thereto; -- an individual cable seal (7) which is provided on the Ethernet cable (6) and the outer face (8) of which rests against a housing sealing surface (9); and -- a cap (10), in particular a round or oval cap, having an opening (11), in particular a central opening, through which the Ethernet cable (6) is guided, said cap (10) being secured, in particular releasably secured, to the housing (3), and said cap (10) and individual cable seal (7) being captively coupled together.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Connector and cap

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a connector and a cap.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] In recent times, the demands on data transmission rates have been increasing, including in the automotive sector. In order to enable high-performance applications such as driver assistance systems, multimedia applications or autonomous driving, data can be transmitted and received within the vehicle, for example using Ethernet modules. It is common practice to attach or arrange Ethernet modules or network modules on control units as separate elements, into which a corresponding number of Ethernet contact elements can be plugged or to which a corresponding number of Ethernet contact elements can be connected. Such Ethernet modules can, for example, have an Ethernet contact element with two Ethernet contacts, whereby the Ethernet contact element is connected to an Ethernet cable with two twisted wires. On its outside, the Ethernet contact element can have a shield or a shielding plate.which also encloses part of the Ethernet cable and can potentially have quite sharp edges. Such an Ethernet contact element can have larger dimensions (in width or footprint and length) than conventional signal contacts or power contacts.

[0008] In the automotive sector, it is common practice to seal plug connections to prevent fluid media, dirt, etc. from penetrating the interior of the plug.

[0009] To seal the Ethernet modules, it is advisable to apply an additional seal to the Ethernet cable or the cable line of the Ethernet module. Single-wire seals or single-cable seals, which are wrapped around the cable like a sleeve or pushed onto the cable and form a sealing gap with the connector housing on their outside, are known from existing contact systems. Such single-wire seals or single-cable seals are usually crimped onto the contact element using a sealing crimp in addition to the cable crimp, and are thus permanently and captively connected to the contact element. This enables very simple handling and secure sealing.

[0010] Such single-cable seals are known, for example, from US 5 224 875 A, from EP 2 166 624 B1, from EP 2 867 956 B1 and from DE 10 2013 016 923 B4.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] The invention is based on the realization that the provision of additional Ethernet modules in addition to the usual connectors disadvantageously results in an increased space requirement and requires additional assembly steps when connecting the contact partners (on the one hand, for example, a connector with a large number of contact elements, for example more than ten or even more than 20 contact elements, must be connected to a mating connector, for example of a control unit, and in addition, in a separate step, one or more Ethernet contact elements must be connected to the Ethernet module, which then has to be connected to an Ethernet mating connector) - this can lead to major problems during assembly in confined spaces.Furthermore, the invention is based on the realization that individual cable seals cannot be crimped onto all Ethernet contact elements available on the market because the metal parts of the Ethernet contact element do not have an additional sealing crimp. This can be due to manufacturing reasons, for example, or it may be necessary to achieve high signal quality or data transmission rates. It has been shown that for an individual cable seal that is not crimped, there is a risk that it will leave the sealing area in the event of pressure fluctuations, temperature fluctuations, vibrations, or other mechanical influences and, for example, migrate along the cable or line. If the individual cable seal leaves the sealing area of ​​the housing, this can lead to an undesirable deterioration of the sealing effect and, for example, fluid media, dirt, etc.from the connector's external environment into the connector's interior. Furthermore, kinks in the Ethernet cable or radial displacements of the Ethernet cable in the shaft or channel in which the single-cable seal is located can lead to radial deformation of the single-cable seal and thus to reduced sealing performance.

[0013] There may therefore be a need to reduce the number of connectors for a given number of contact elements and contact element types (e.g. power contact elements for transmitting high currents, e.g. for supplying a control unit with electrical power, signal contact elements (which are not Ethernet contact elements), Ethernet contact elements (e.g. for data transmission rates of more than 1 GHz), optical contact elements, etc.), ideally to a single plug or connector that can be coupled or plugged together with one or more mating connectors. Furthermore, there may be a need to provide a connector with an Ethernet contact element that is reliably and permanently sealed against the ingress of fluid media, protection, etc.

[0014] Advantages of the invention

[0015] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector designed to be plugged together with a mating connector along a plugging direction is proposed.

[0017] The connector has or comprises a housing with a housing interior, a plurality of contact elements arranged in the housing interior, and at least one Ethernet contact element arranged in the housing interior with an Ethernet cable connected to it. The Ethernet cable can, for example, be inserted or plugged into the housing along a plug-in direction. The connector further has an individual cable seal which is arranged or mounted on the Ethernet cable and which rests on its individual cable seal outer side against a housing sealing surface. The connector further has or comprises a cap with an opening through which the Ethernet cable is passed. The cap is fastened to the housing. The cap and the individual cable seal are coupled to one another captive or losslessly.

[0018] In other words: the cap and the single cable seal are connected to each other, in particular before mounting on the Ethernet cable and / or before mounting the cap on the housing, or the single cable seal and cap can be attached to each other, for example.

[0019] This advantageously ensures that both the contact elements (e.g. signal contacts, power contacts, etc.) and the at least one Ethernet contact element are integrated in a single connector or housing, thereby providing a particularly compact, space-saving connector that enables all contact partners (contact elements and Ethernet contact elements) to be plugged together quickly and easily in a single plugging process. This advantageously eliminates the need to plug together a connector with the contact elements and another connector for the at least one Ethernet contact element separately. By providing a single cable seal orA single-wire seal on the Ethernet contact element can advantageously provide a particularly secure seal for the Ethernet cable and a tight connector (in particular, the housing interior can be sealed against the ingress of dirt, grime, water, or fluid media - preferably, the contact elements arranged in the housing interior are protected against such harmful influences from an external environment of the connector). Since the Ethernet contact element can have larger dimensions and / or sharper outer contours compared to the contact elements, the single-cable seal enables easier installation of the seal and reduces the risk of damage to the seal or enables quick and easy replacement of the seal of the Ethernet contact element, which advantageously increases the tightness of the connector.The fact that the cap and the individual cable seal are captively coupled to one another has the advantageous effect that the individual cable seal, which is arranged, for example, in a sealing channel or a sealing chamber of the housing, for example with a press fit, is held or arranged as stationary as possible in the housing (e.g. along the insertion direction) and cannot inadvertently leave the housing or the area in which the housing sealing surface is formed, for example in the event of pressure fluctuations or temperature fluctuations or in the event of vibrations. Another advantageous feature is that the cap can be used to position the individual cable seal particularly easily in a desired area, in particular along the axial direction (along the extension direction of the Ethernet cable in the housing or along the insertion direction of the Ethernet cable into the housing).The fact that the cap and the single-cable seal are captively coupled together advantageously enables particularly simple installation and repair (e.g. replacement of only the single-cable seal or only the cap) - a technician only has to mount the cap on the housing (or remove it from the housing) and in the process automatically mounts / removes the single-cable seal. During assembly, the correct axial position of the single-cable seal is also automatically adjusted. This prevents the single-cable seal from being accidentally forgotten (a check to see whether the cap is mounted is sufficient) or the single-cable seal from being mounted in an incorrect axial position. Depending on the design of the capless coupling between the cap and the single-cable seal, the single-cable seal can still have a (slight) amount of play (e.g.at most 3 mm, preferably at most 1 mm) or are slightly displaced during assembly and / or operation so that they can better compensate for mechanical forces and are not (permanently) deformed. Overall, a sealed connector is advantageously provided which integrates various contact element types in a single housing, is therefore space-saving, reduces the risk of leaks, makes assembly of the individual cable seal and the cap particularly simple and time-saving, reduces the risk of forgetting the individual cable seal during assembly, and ensures the tightness of the seal on the Ethernet cable even under high mechanical loads.

[0020] An Ethernet contact element can be understood as, for example, a contact element that enables secure, in particular low-interference or interference-free, transmission of data at frequencies of, for example, at least 100 MHz, preferably at least 200 MHz, particularly preferably at least 500 MHz and very particularly preferably at least 1 GHz and / or an Ethernet contact element can be understood as, for example, a contact element that enables secure, in particular low-interference or interference-free, data transmission with data transmission rates of at least 100 Mbit / s (e.g. set up for 100 Base T1 operation), preferably with data transmission rates of at least 200 Mbit / s and particularly preferably with data transmission rates of at least 500 Mbit / s (e.g. set up for 1000 Base T1 operation). The single-cable seal can, for example, be pushed onto the Ethernet cable, in particular together with the cap. It can, for example, enclose the Ethernet cable.

[0021] The single-cable seal can, for example, have at least one sealing structure, in particular on its outer side. The sealing structure can, for example, be designed in the manner of a sealing lip. The single-cable seal preferably has at least two sealing structures, in particular axially spaced apart from one another.

[0022] The opening in the cap can be a central opening, for example, it can be located approximately in the center or midpoint of the cap. The opening in the cap can be formed, for example, in a plate element of the cap. Such a plate element can be substantially flat, for example.

[0023] The cap or the plate element of the cap can, for example, have a substantially round or oval shape, particularly in the area of ​​the opening or in the plane in which the opening is located. This provides a particularly space-saving cap.

[0024] The cap can, for example, be detachably attached to the housing, in particular in a non-destructive manner.

[0025] The cap can, for example, be configured to secure or even position the single-cable seal along the insertion direction of the Ethernet cable into the housing or along the extension direction of the Ethernet cable in the housing. In other words, it can be configured to limit, secure, or define a maximum external position of the single-cable seal toward the outside of the connector or to position the single-cable seal in a desired area. It can also be configured to limit, secure, or define a maximum internal position of the single-cable seal toward the interior of the housing.

[0026] It is understood that the connector can have exactly one Ethernet contact element. However, it can also have more than one Ethernet contact element.

[0027] It is understood that if the connector has multiple Ethernet contact elements, a separate individual cable seal can be provided for each Ethernet contact element, for example. Furthermore, in this case, a separate cap can be provided for each Ethernet contact element, which is captively or permanently coupled to the respective individual cable seal and which is separate from the other caps. In other cases, for example, several or even all Ethernet contact elements can share a cap, or a single cap can be captively or permanently coupled to or connected to the individual cable seals of several or all Ethernet contact elements or the associated Ethernet cables.

[0028] The connector can also include an operating element, such as a lever or a slider. This can be designed to reduce the operating force required when connecting the connector to the mating connector. This may be necessary, for example, if the connector has a large number of contact elements (e.g., more than ten contact elements or even more than 20 contact elements). The operating element can be located on the housing, for example.

[0029] The connector can, for example, have a cover that is different from the cap. The cover can, for example, define or provide a cable outlet for the lines of the contact elements and the Ethernet cable. The cover can, for example, roof or cover the majority of the housing. For example, the cable outlet can be laterally or perpendicular to the plug-in direction. It can, for example, be provided that the optional operating element is arranged on the cover. The cover can, for example, be arranged or fastened to the housing, in particular detachably fastened. The cover can, for example, have an interior cover space. An upper wall of the cover can, for example, be at least 1 cm away from the housing.

[0030] The housing and cover can, for example, form a housing assembly or be referred to as a housing assembly.

[0031] A plurality of contact elements is understood to mean at least two contact elements that are not Ethernet contact elements. Preferably, at least six contact elements are provided, particularly preferably at least ten contact elements, and most particularly preferably at least 20 contact elements. For example, more than 50 contact elements can also be provided.

[0032] The term "have" is used synonymously with the term "comprise", unless otherwise stated. For example, it can be provided that the cap with the single-cable seal or with the single-cable seal or that the single-cable seal on the cap is displaceable relative to the Ethernet contact element or that the Ethernet cable or the Ethernet contact element is displaceable relative to the cap and the single-cable seal. This has the advantage that a movement of the Ethernet contact element, e.g. vibrations, is not directly transferred to the single-cable seal and does not lead to a mechanical load on the single-cable seal. Another advantage is that the single-cable seal can therefore better compensate for mechanical influences (e.g. pressure changes between the housing interior and the external environment).by a sliding displacement relative to the Ethernet cable), without being mechanically stressed and, for example, deformed by a connection to the Ethernet contact element.

[0033] For example, it can be provided that the individual cable seal is not attached to the Ethernet contact element. This advantageously allows the Ethernet contact element and the individual cable seal to be manufactured particularly easily. They can be used modularly, so that the two elements can each be produced in large quantities for different applications, which further reduces costs. An additional fastening step, e.g. a crimping process, can be advantageously eliminated. Another advantage is that the Ethernet contact element can be optimized for optimal data transmission quality (no indefinably bendable metal parts, e.g. a sealing crimp, need to be taken into account). This also makes replacing a defective individual cable seal particularly easy.Another advantage is that the length of the Ethernet contact element can be shorter, which makes it easier to equip the Ethernet contact element with at least one Ethernet contact. In particular, if, for example, two (or more) Ethernet contacts are provided in the Ethernet contact element and the two Ethernet contacts are connected by twisted-together Ethernet cables, the shorter the Ethernet contact element, the easier it is to equip the Ethernet contact element with the Ethernet contacts. In addition, the risk of a longer area occurring, particularly in the Ethernet contact element, in which the Ethernet cables are not twisted together at the Ethernet contacts is reduced, thereby improving the signal quality and / or the data rate.

[0034] In a further development, the single-cable seal is manufactured in one piece. This advantageously enables particularly simple production of the single-cable seal. Assembly is also simplified, as multiple parts of a single-cable seal do not need to be joined together. This ultimately achieves a particularly good sealing effect.

[0035] For example, the individual cable seal can be made of a single material. This makes manufacturing particularly simple and cost-effective.

[0036] For example, the single-cable seal may comprise silicone, rubber or caoutchouc, in particular predominantly, or it may be made of silicone, rubber or caoutchouc.

[0037] In a further development, the single-cable seal is formed integrally with the cap. This advantageously provides a particularly easy-to-handle element, a type of cap assembly or a cap-seal assembly. The assembly of the cap and single-cable seal can thus be carried out particularly quickly and easily. The term "single-piece" in the context of cap and single-cable seal can be understood, for example, to mean that the cap and single-cable seal cannot be separated from each other without causing damage.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the individual cable seal can be integrally bonded to the cap. This advantageously ensures a particularly good and permanent connection between the cap and the individual cable seal. This allows the position of the individual cable seal in the housing to be determined with particular precision.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the individual cable seal can be injection-molded onto the cap or formed using a 3D printing process. This allows for the simple and cost-effective production of the system consisting of the cap and individual cable seal, or the cap-seal assembly, with a particularly small number of manufacturing steps.

[0040] It is therefore still advantageous to design the cap and the individual cable seal from two different materials (e.g. a rigid material for the cap and a (very) elastic material for the individual cable seal).

[0041] When spraying in an injection molding process, for example, a 2-component

[0042] Injection molding or a multi-component injection molding process can be used. In a further development, the individual cable seal is designed as a separate element from the cap, wherein the individual cable seal is connected to the cap in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. This advantageously ensures that the manufacturing processes for the cap and individual cable seal can be carried out on machines optimized for the respective element, e.g. with different operating temperatures and / or at different locations or by different (contract) manufacturers. Another advantage is that the same individual cable seals can be produced for a large number of different caps (or vice versa), thereby achieving economies of scale. This also makes it possible to produce small series (e.g. with slightly modified cap geometry and / or individual cable seal geometry) simply and cost-effectively.

[0043] For example, the individual cable seal may be provided with a locking element that engages with a mating locking element on the cap. This allows the individual cable seal to be mounted on the cap particularly easily, quickly, and securely (and possibly even non-destructively removable). For example, the individual cable seal may have a locking hook as a locking element that engages with a mating locking element on the cap formed as an undercut, and / or the cap may have a locking hook as a mating locking element that engages with a mating locking element on the individual cable seal formed as an undercut.

[0044] In a further development, the individual cable seal has a first section at its end facing the cap, on which section no sealing structure is arranged, wherein the individual cable seal has at least one sealing structure in a second section which adjoins the first section. This advantageously ensures that the sealing effect of the individual cable seal only begins at a defined desired depth in the housing. The first section can, for example (when mounted in the housing) lie or be positioned in an area of ​​the housing in which the housing has an insertion bevel and / or a chamfer, e.g. for the individual cable seal, or another structure which is not suitable for secure or reliable sealing. The first section thus effects a defined minimum depth at which the sealing structure is arranged in the housing.

[0045] The sealing structure can be designed, for example, as a sealing lip or sealing lamella. It can, for example, extend around a sealing body, in particular along a circumferential direction surrounding the axial direction. It can, for example, extend over the sealing body in the radial direction. For example, only the sealing body can be formed in the first section. The first section can, for example, extend along a length of 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm, along the axial direction or the insertion direction.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the cap, in particular in a radially inner section, has at least one positioning projection which projects in the direction of the individual cable seal, wherein the individual cable seal bears against the positioning projection. This advantageously ensures that the individual cable seal is easily mounted in the correct axial position or at a minimum depth in the housing interior - e.g. depending on the length of the positioning projection (which can also be designed in the form of an inner (cap) collar or an inner sleeve, for example). In particular, this can advantageously prevent at least one sealing structure arranged on the individual cable seal from coming to lie in an area of ​​the housing where the sealing effect is reduced or not reliably ensured, e.g. in the area of ​​an insertion bevel or the like.This also advantageously stabilizes the cap if the single-cable seal is pressed toward the cap (e.g., due to temperature fluctuations, pressure fluctuations, etc. in the housing). This is because the single-cable seal does not press directly against the plate element of the cap. This also advantageously allows the single-cable seal to be constructed particularly compactly. A first section (as described above) can be designed to be particularly short or can be omitted entirely. In other words, the at least one sealing structure can be arranged closer to the distal end facing the cap while simultaneously ensuring a seal.

[0047] The positioning projection can, for example, be provided in a radially inner section. This advantageously improves radial guidance (particularly along a longer axial section) of the Ethernet cable. The radially inner section can, for example, be spaced from a radially outer section (described further below) (for example, a radially central section can be provided between the radially inner and the radially outer sections). The radially inner section can, for example, be adjacent to the edge of the opening.

[0048] For example, it can be provided that the positioning projection protrudes less in the direction of the single-cable seal than a fastening element described below and / or than a guide element described below. In a further development, the cap is formed in one piece. This advantageously provides a cap that is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0049] For example, the cap can be manufactured as an injection-molded part or as a 3D-printed part. It can be made of plastic (glass-fiber-filled or non-glass-fiber-filled), e.g., polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or the like, particularly predominantly.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the cap is designed to be annularly closed, e.g., viewed in a circumferential direction around the opening. This advantageously provides a particularly stable cap.

[0051] For example, the cap can be designed to be a continuous, ring-shaped, closed structure. In other words, the ring of the cap is designed without interruptions. In particular, the cap has no hinge. This advantageously provides a cap that is particularly easy to manufacture and particularly stable.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the cap is designed to center the Ethernet cable. This advantageously reduces the risk of leaks in the connector because the Ethernet cable does not press asymmetrically (e.g. radially) on the individual cable seal and can therefore not deform it asymmetrically so easily. Another advantageous feature is that signal transmission can be improved or permanently ensured. This is because the position of the Ethernet cable is then clearly defined (compared to other lines or cables in the housing) and the influence of interference on the signals in the Ethernet cable or in the Ethernet contact element is reduced. This can also reduce or avoid kinks in the Ethernet cable, which could reduce the signal quality or the frequency of the data transmission.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the opening of the cap has an excess of at most 15%, preferably of at most 10% and particularly preferably of at most 5% with respect to an Ethernet cable outer diameter. This advantageously makes it more difficult for dirt, grime and fluid media (e.g. water) to penetrate under the cap along the Ethernet cable (e.g. coming from the external environment of the connector). Furthermore, the Ethernet cable is advantageously guided through the cap or its opening in a well-defined manner, in particular in a radial direction to the axial direction (insertion direction of the Ethernet cable through the opening of the cap). This can prevent or reduce kinks in the Ethernet cable and the Ethernet cable can advantageously be held in a radial desired position, which can advantageously increase the signal quality or the signal rate.

[0054] In a further development, the cap is provided with at least one fastening element for captively securing it to the housing. This advantageously enables simple and secure arrangement or fastening of the cap to the housing. A press fit on the Ethernet cable by means of an undersized opening relative to the Ethernet cable is not (mandatorily) required, for example. Fastening using a cable tie or the like, or a materially bonded connection of the cap to the Ethernet cable or to the housing is also advantageously not (mandatorily) required. This also advantageously facilitates disassembly, in particular non-destructive disassembly of the cap during maintenance.

[0055] The fastening element can be designed, for example, as a snap-in hook or snap-in tab. This advantageously enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the cap. Furthermore, the cap can be mounted on the housing particularly easily and, if necessary, removed—especially without causing damage.

[0056] The fastening element can, for example, be fastened to a counter-fastening element, wherein the counter-fastening element can, for example, be arranged on the outside of the housing (for example, the counter-fastening element can be designed as a recess or undercut for a locking hook as a fastening element, or the counter-fastening element can, for example, be designed as a locking hook for a locking tab as a fastening element, although other embodiments are also possible). This advantageously enables particularly simple inspection of the assembly. Furthermore, in the event of repairs, the cap can advantageously be removed from the housing particularly easily, in particular without causing damage.

[0057] For example, it can be provided that the fastening element is arranged in a radially outer section of the cap. This can advantageously maximize the usable area in the cap for the Ethernet cable, especially the opening.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the cap has at least one

[0059] This advantageously enables simple and correct installation of the cap on the housing, even in poor visibility conditions or when the cap is mounted overhead.

[0060] For example, it may be provided that the guide element is not designed for fastening (the cap to the housing). In other words, the guide element and the fastening element are separate elements. This advantageously creates a functional separation between the guide during assembly and the fastening of the cap. Depending on the respective function, the guide element can have a different geometry or material thickness than a fastening element.

[0061] For example, the guide element can be configured as an anti-twist device. This advantageously prevents the cap from twisting after installation. Furthermore, it can advantageously prevent stress on the Ethernet cable and / or a fastening element of the cap (e.g., if the Ethernet cable rotates) due to rotational forces acting on the cap.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the guide element can serve as a stop for a minimum distance of the cap relative to the housing, in other words: it can ensure an axial end position of the cap relative to the housing.

[0063] For example, it can be provided that the guide element defines an axial position of the cap relative to the housing. For example, the guide structure can form a stop or interact with a stop of the housing. If the cap is mounted on the housing, a movement of the cap in the direction of the housing, e.g., in the insertion direction, can be stopped by the guide element abutting a counterstructure of the housing. (Excessive) axial loading of the cap or the plate element and / or the fastening element can thus advantageously be avoided.

[0064] For example, it can be provided that the guide element interacts with a counter-guide element. The counter-guide element can be arranged, for example, only on the inside of the housing. This can advantageously result in improved stability of the guide element or the counter-guide element. Furthermore, this can advantageously improve the radial guidance or positioning of the Ethernet cable in the housing along the axial direction. Furthermore, this can advantageously prevent the guide element from interacting with the counter-fastening element (if this is arranged on the outside of the housing) and thus causing misorientation.

[0065] For example, the guide element can be designed as a rib and the counter-guide element as a recess or groove, or vice versa.

[0066] For example, the guide element can be arranged in a radially outer section of the cap. This advantageously maximizes the usable area in the cap for the Ethernet cable. The guide element can be arranged somewhat further toward the interior of the cap in the radial direction than the fastening element, for example.

[0067] For example, it can be provided that the guide element is spaced from the fastening element in a circumferential direction (e.g., around the opening or the axial direction), e.g., in a range of 20° to 70°. This advantageously improves the absorption of forces into the housing wall and / or prevents weakening of the housing wall at a single point. Furthermore, this can advantageously ensure, for example, the correct mounting position of the cap on the housing (poka-yoke).

[0068] In a further development, it is provided that the housing has or comprises a base body with a base body interior, as well as a contact carrier arranged in the base body interior for receiving the contact elements - for example, contact chambers for the contact elements can be provided in the contact carrier. It can be provided, for example, that the contact elements can be (primarily) locked in the contact chambers or are (primarily) locked. The housing further has a mat seal for the contact elements and a holding plate for holding or retaining the mat seal on the contact carrier and / or for pressing the mat seal between the holding plate and the contact carrier.

[0069] The base body has a base body stud or base body dome. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining plate has a retaining plate stud or a retaining plate dome. Alternatively or additionally, the contact carrier has a contact carrier stud or contact carrier dome. The term stud structure refers to one or more studs selected from the group consisting of base body studs, retaining plate studs, and contact carrier studs.

[0070] The Ethernet cable is guided through the nozzle structure, in particular through the base body nozzle and / or the holding plate nozzle and / or the contact carrier nozzle, wherein the cap is attached to the nozzle structure, in particular to the base body nozzle and / or to the holding plate nozzle and / or to the contact carrier nozzle

[0071] The housing sealing surface can be arranged or formed, for example, in the base body socket and / or in the holding plate socket and / or in the contact carrier socket.

[0072] The provision of a base body, contact carrier, mat seal and retaining plate advantageously enables particularly simple and / or modular production of the connector or housing. The connector can thus be easily adapted to various requirements with a different number and / or a different arrangement or type of contact elements. Another advantage is that the individual elements can be manufactured easily and with little waste, for example in an injection molding process, since the individual parts can be optimized with regard to their wall thicknesses and flow fronts in the injection molding process and complicated undercuts in a one-piece design can be avoided. The mat seal enables quick and easy assembly of the contact elements with good sealing of the individual contact elements. The provision of the mat seal for the contact elements and the individual cable seal for the Ethernet contact, which, for example,can have larger dimensions and / or a sharper-edged outer geometry, reduces the risk of the Ethernet contact element damaging the mat seal when fitted, thus leading to a potential leak in the seal. Damage to the individual cable seal can be rectified or repaired much more easily (e.g. by replacing the individual cable seal) than damage to the mat seal. The provision of the nozzle structure, e.g. on the base body and / or on the contact carrier and / or on the holding plate, advantageously enables the provision of a uniform housing sealing surface for the individual cable seal. Furthermore, an outer side of the nozzle structure can advantageously provide a further sealing surface against which the mat seal rests, thus tightly sealing the housing interior below the mat seal (in the direction of the contact carrier).The only area not sealed by the mat seal is the feedthrough through the socket structure for the Ethernet cable. This feedthrough, in turn, is then advantageously sealed by the single-cable seal. This results in a combined seal of the housing interior by the mat seal for the plurality of contact elements and by the single-cable seal for the single Ethernet cable. The socket structure also advantageously enables the cap to be securely attached to the housing, e.g., to the socket structure (and, in particular, the single-cable seal is securely positioned in the housing). The socket structure (i.e., the base body socket and / or the contact carrier socket and / or the retaining plate socket) can, e.g., protrude beyond at least parts of the retaining plate opposite to the insertion direction (upwards) (it should be noted that the socket structure can, e.g., also protrude towards the housing interior (downwards), e.g.can be immersed in the sealing mat and / or the contact carrier). This enables particularly simple assembly of the cap and in particular of the individual cable seal. Furthermore, material for the base body and / or the contact carrier and / or the sealing mat and / or the holding plate can be saved in this way. This is because if the Ethernet contact element (particularly together with the Ethernet cable) is significantly longer than the multitude of contact elements, then without the nozzle structure the housing would have to have a uniform height, which is based on the longest element, in the example: the Ethernet contact element and the individual cable seal required for sealing. The provision of the nozzle structure enables the formation of a type of individual chamber or an individually sealed access to a contact chamber for the Ethernet contact element with corresponding dimensions, whereby this individual chamber orAccess to the contact chamber is individually sealed and simultaneously integrated into the housing. This allows for a particularly material-, weight-, and space-saving housing for the connector. The nozzle structure can be located directly adjacent to the contact elements or the contact chambers provided for them in the contact carrier.

[0073] The contact carrier can, for example, be fastened to the base body in a base body interior or connected to it, in particular fastened or connected in a non-destructively detachable manner. The contact carrier and the base body can, for example, be made of plastic, e.g. in an injection molding process. They can, for example, comprise the same material. However, they can alternatively be designed from different materials. For example, the base body and / or the base body can be manufactured as an injection molded part or as a 3D printed part. They can, for example, comprise plastic (glass fiber filled or without glass fiber filling) as a material, e.g. polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or the like, in particular predominant therein.

[0074] The sealing mat can, for example, be placed loosely or easily removable on the contact carrier (if no retaining plate is installed). It can, for example, be made of an elastic material or comprise such a material (especially predominantly), e.g., rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0075] The retaining plate can, for example, be attached to the base body, in particular be detachable without destruction. The retaining plate can, for example, be made from a plastic, e.g. in an injection molding process. It can consist of the same material as the base body and / or as the contact carrier. However, it can also consist of a different material than the base body and contact carrier. For example, the retaining plate can be manufactured as an injection-molded part or as a 3D-printed part. It can, for example, consist of plastic (glass fiber filled or not), e.g. polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or the like, in particular predominantly.

[0076] The contact carrier can, for example, be designed in one piece or in several pieces, particularly when viewed along the plug-in direction.

[0077] The contact carrier can, for example, be designed to accommodate at least one Ethernet contact element. In other cases, the base body can be designed to accommodate the Ethernet contact element (e.g., the Ethernet contact element can be arranged, mounted, or housed in an Ethernet contact chamber formed with or in the base body).

[0078] A nozzle can be understood, for example, as a channel-like element. The individual cable seal can be arranged in the nozzle or in one of the nozzles.

[0079] The nozzle structure can, for example, protrude from its base element. For example, a base body nozzle can protrude beyond the walls or the plane of the other, in particular adjacent, structures of the base body (e.g. opposite to the plug-in direction (e.g. upwards) and / or along the plug-in direction (e.g. downwards)). In the same way, for example, a holding plate nozzle can protrude beyond the usual plane or the usual structures of the holding plate and, for example, a contact carrier nozzle can protrude beyond the usual plane or the usual structures of the contact carrier or the associated contact carrier element (e.g. opposite to the plug-in direction and / or along the plug-in direction). In particular, different nozzles can be nested, ie: for example, a holding plate nozzle can be slipped over a base body nozzle and surround it in a radial direction (like a Matryoshka doll).

[0080] The nozzle or nozzle structure can, for example, have an (approximately) round cross-section in its interior, so that the nozzle or nozzle structure provides a reliable housing sealing surface for the single cable seal (at least the nozzle structure in which the single cable seal is arranged).

[0081] For example, it can be provided that a nozzle structure—particularly if the individual cable seal is not located within it or is outside the area in which the individual cable seal is to be placed (target area)—is structured on its inside and / or outside rather than smooth, e.g., to form the counter-fastening element and / or the counter-guide element. The nozzle structure can also, for example, have openings through the nozzle wall.

[0082] For example, the cap may be detachably attached to the nozzle structure (the base body nozzle and / or the contact carrier nozzle and / or the retaining plate nozzle). This secures it to the housing.

[0083] For example, it may be provided that the housing has only one base body stud or base body dome on the base body, or that the housing has only one contact carrier stud or contact carrier dome on the contact carrier, or that the housing has only one retaining plate stud or retaining plate dome on the retaining plate. The Ethernet cable is then routed through this one stud, and the cap is attached to this one stud.

[0084] Alternatively, it can be provided that the housing has a base body nozzle and a holding plate nozzle. The Ethernet cable is guided through both nozzles, for example. The cap is attached either to the base body nozzle or to the holding plate nozzle, or to both nozzles. For example, both nozzles protrude upwards (opposite the plug-in direction or towards the outside environment). Alternatively, the holding plate nozzle can protrude upwards and form the housing sealing surface for the individual cable seal inside, and the base body nozzle can protrude downwards, e.g. into the contact carrier, and form a sealing surface for the mat seal. Alternatively, it can be provided that the housing has a base body nozzle and a contact carrier nozzle. The Ethernet cable is guided through both nozzles, for example.The cap is attached either to the base body nozzle or to the contact carrier nozzle or to both nozzles.

[0085] Alternatively, the housing can be provided with a contact carrier socket and a retaining plate socket. The Ethernet cable, for example, is routed through both sockets. The cap is attached either to the contact carrier socket or to the retaining plate socket, or to both sockets.

[0086] Alternatively, the housing can be configured, for example, with a base body connector, a contact carrier connector, and a retaining plate connector. The Ethernet cable, for example, is routed through all three connectors. The cap is attached either to the base body connector, the contact carrier connector, the retaining plate connector, or to two of these connectors, or to all three of these connectors.

[0087] In a further development, the base body nozzle protrudes into the holding plate nozzle or passes through it. This advantageously has the effect that the base body nozzle can represent both the housing sealing surface (inside) for the individual cable seal and a sealing surface (in particular lateral or in the radial direction) for the mat seal. The base body nozzle can be optimized with regard to the sealing surfaces. It can, for example, have a thin wall thickness or a wall thickness essentially the same as the rest of the base body, so that there is no warpage or problems with flow fronts during manufacture of the base body if the base body is manufactured as an injection-molded part, e.g. from plastic, e.g. comprising polyamide or the like.

[0088] It can, for example, advantageously be provided that the counter-fastening structure and / or the counter-guiding structure is / are arranged on the holding plate connector. In this way, the sealing function on the one hand and the mechanical functions of holding and / or guiding can be distributed between two different parts (base body and holding plate). Accordingly, suitable materials and / or wall thicknesses can be used in each of the two components. Overall, this advantageously creates a particularly easy-to-manufacture, leak-proof and robust connector. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the holding plate connector protrudes into the base body connector or passes through it. This advantageously results in a simple design of the housing. For example, the individual cable seal can be arranged in the holding plate connector and sealed there. The mat seal can, for example,be sealed to the base body socket, particularly laterally or in the radial direction. The retaining plate socket can, for example, engage or protrude into the base body socket from above (along the plug-in direction) on an underside of the retaining plate. The retaining plate socket can, for example, (additionally) have an upper part (on an upper side of the retaining plate) that protrudes upwards (opposite the plug-in direction) from the retaining plate. The cap can be attached and / or guided, for example, on the retaining plate socket.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the contact carrier support protrudes into the retaining plate, in particular the retaining plate support, or extends through it. This advantageously results in a particularly simple construction of the housing. The individual cable seal can, for example, be arranged in the contact carrier support and sealed there. The seal against the sealing mat can be provided, in particular laterally or in the radial direction, e.g., on an outer side of the contact carrier support. The cap can be attached and / or guided, for example, on the contact carrier support and / or on the retaining plate support.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the holding plate support protrudes into the contact carrier, in particular the contact carrier support, or passes through it. This advantageously results in a simple design of the housing. For example, the individual cable seal can be arranged in the holding plate support and sealed there. The mat seal can be sealed, in particular laterally or in a radial direction, e.g. on the base body or on the base body support or on the contact carrier or on the contact carrier support. The holding plate support can, for example, be arranged on an underside of the holding plate and engage or protrude from above (along the plug-in direction) into the contact carrier, in particular into the contact carrier support. The holding plate support can, for example (additionally) have an upper part (on an upper side of the holding plate) which projects upwards (opposite the plug-in direction) from the holding plate.The cap can be attached and / or guided, for example, on the retaining plate socket.

[0091] In a further development, the mat seal is provided to rest tightly against the sides of the base body, in particular against the base body nozzle. This advantageously provides a particularly simple housing design. Furthermore, the sealing of the housing interior is particularly secure.

[0092] Alternatively, the mat seal can be provided to rest tightly against the sides of the contact carrier, in particular against the contact carrier socket. This advantageously provides a particularly simple housing design. Furthermore, the sealing of the housing interior is particularly secure.

[0093] In a further development, the base body nozzle is tightly connected to the base body all the way around. This advantageously ensures that no leakage paths toward the housing interior are present.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the retaining plate nozzle is tightly connected to the retaining plate all the way around.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the contact carrier socket is tightly connected to the contact carrier all the way around. For example, it can be provided that the socket structure, in particular the base body socket and / or the retaining plate socket and / or the contact carrier socket, has a stop section with a tapered diameter on its side facing away from the external environment of the connector, wherein the stop section is particularly designed to define a maximum axial position of the individual cable seal in the direction of the housing interior.

[0096] This advantageously secures the individual cable seal towards the housing interior, e.g., in the event that the individual cable seal detaches from the cap. This advantageously prevents the individual cable seal from shifting into the housing interior due to mechanical influences, pressure fluctuations, temperature fluctuations, etc., and thus reduces the seal between the Ethernet cable and the housing, the nozzle structure, or the housing sealing surface. Furthermore, in certain applications, this allows for the reliable adjustment of the desired position of the individual cable seal during assembly, or for the sealing effect to be improved (e.g., by expanding the individual cable seal through axial compression between the stop section and the cap in a radial seal).In a further development, it is provided that the nozzle structure, in particular the base body nozzle and / or the holding plate nozzle and / or the contact carrier nozzle, has the counter-fastening element, in particular a recess or a counter-latching hook, in particular on the outside. This advantageously ensures that the cap can be securely fastened to the corresponding nozzle structure and no further elements of the housing are necessary for fastening the cap. An arrangement of the counter-fastening element on the outside of the respective nozzle structure advantageously enables the fastening of the cap to be easily checked visually and / or haptically and also enables the cap to be dismantled easily, in particular non-destructively.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the nozzle structure, in particular the base body nozzle and / or the retaining plate nozzle and / or the contact carrier nozzle, has the counter-guiding element, in particular a groove or a projection, particularly on the inside. This advantageously ensures that the cap is securely guided on the corresponding nozzle structure and no additional elements of the housing are required to guide the cap.

[0098] The counter-guiding structure can, for example, interact with the guide structure to provide anti-twist protection. Alternatively or additionally, it can, for example, form a stop for the guide element or interact with a guide element designed as a stop to define a maximum axial position of the cap in the insertion direction or to define a minimum distance of the cap relative to the housing.

[0099] In a further development, the cap essentially completely covers an edge of the nozzle structure, in particular the base body nozzle and / or the retaining plate nozzle and / or the contact carrier nozzle. This advantageously prevents or at least impedes the penetration of dirt, grime, and / or fluid media into the space beneath the cap, e.g., into the nozzle structure (e.g., into the base body nozzle, the retaining plate nozzle, the contact carrier nozzle).

[0100] According to a second aspect of the invention, a cap is proposed, designed for, in particular, detachable, attachment to a housing of a connector, wherein the connector has at least one Ethernet cable with a single-cable seal. The cap has an opening, in particular a central opening, through which the Ethernet cable can be passed, wherein the cap is designed in particular to secure the single-cable seal in the housing, in particular along a direction of insertion of the Ethernet cable into the housing. The cap and the single-cable seal are coupled to one another in a captive or captive manner.

[0101] This advantageously prevents the individual cable seal from leaving a defined area within the connector housing, allowing axial positioning of the individual cable seal. The cap can advantageously ensure the sealing of the Ethernet cable relative to the connector housing.

[0102] Drawings

[0103] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] It shows

[0105] Fig. 1 : a schematic view of a

[0106] connector arrangement;

[0107] Fig. 2: a longitudinal section through a connector;

[0108] Fig. 3: a cross-section through a perspective view of a

[0109] connector;

[0110] Fig. 4a: a top view of a perspective view of a

[0111] housing of a connector;

[0112] Fig. 4b: the housing from Fig. 4a with a mat seal;

[0113] Fig. 4c: a plan view of a housing of a connector;

[0114] Fig. 5: a retaining plate for a connector; Figs. 6a, 6b: different perspective views of a

[0115] cap of a connector;

[0116] Fig. 6c: a perspective view of an Ethernet

[0117] Contact element with attached Ethernet cable as well as a single cable seal mounted on the Ethernet cable and a cap mounted on the Ethernet cable;

[0118] Figs. 7a, 7b: two side views of a connector with different mounting states of a cap and a single cable seal on or in the housing;

[0119] Fig. 8: a cross section through a cap sealing

[0120] Module;

[0121] Figs. 9a to 9c: Cross sections through different designs of caps (Figs. 9a and 9c) and single cable seals (Figs. 9b and 9c) as well as a top view of one of the caps (Fig. 9a).

[0122] Figures 1 to 9d are described together below.

[0123] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 comprises a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The connector 1 is designed to be mated with the mating connector 2 along a mating direction z. The mating direction z, together with an X direction x and a Y direction y, forms a Cartesian coordinate system. It is understood that, depending on the application, the X direction x can also be referred to as a longitudinal direction or a width direction, and the Y direction y can also be referred to as a width direction, a longitudinal direction, or a transverse direction.

[0124] The connector 1 has a housing assembly 62. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 62 has a housing 3 and, for example, an (optional) cover 61, which is arranged or fastened to the housing 3, in particular is detachably fastened. The (optional) cover 61 here has, for example, a lateral opening (pointing to the left) which serves as a cable outlet opening. The cover 61 protects the housing 3 and the elements located therein from mechanical influences as well as from dirt and grime. The cover 61 can, for example, be rotatably mounted on the housing 3. For example, in the floor plan of the housing 3 shown here, it can be mounted on the housing 3 rotated by 180° (in which case the cable outlet points to the right, for example). In other embodiments, other angles of rotation are also conceivable (e.g. 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, etc.).

[0125] The housing 3 has a housing interior 4, which is located, for example, below the level of the cover 61.

[0126] The housing 3 is designed here, for example, to accommodate a collar of the mating connector 2. The connector 1 is thus designed here, for example, as an external connector.

[0127] It is understood that the connector can in principle also be designed as an internal connector which is accommodated in a mating connector housing of the mating connector 2.

[0128] The mating connector 2 has a mating connector housing 60.

[0129] The mating connector housing 60 furthermore has (purely by way of example and optionally) the collar just described. This collar is designed, for example, to be received in the housing 3, in particular a base body 21, of the connector 1.

[0130] Here, by way of example and optionally, at least one counter-engagement element is arranged on the outer side of the collar (the mating connector 2 and / or the mating connector housing 60 can also be designed differently). Sealing can be provided on the outer side of the collar, for which purpose a circumferential seal, in particular a radial seal 71 (see Fig. 2), can be arranged on the housing 3, in particular on the base body 21, of the connector 1.

[0131] The plug connector 1 has a plurality of contact elements 50 arranged in the housing interior 4, one of which is shown as an example, here as a female contact element, e.g. as a socket contact element. In particular, different types of contact elements 50 (e.g. signal contact elements, power contact elements or contact elements of different dimensions) are arranged in the housing interior 4. The contact element 50 can, for example, be contacted with a mating contact element 51 of the mating connector 2. The mating contact element 51 can, for example, be designed as a male contact element, e.g. as a pin or as a flat blade. The contact element 50 is, for example, electrically connected to a cable 63 or a line; for example, the cable 63 or the line can be crimped, soldered, welded, etc. to the contact element 50.

[0132] Furthermore, the connector 1 has at least one Ethernet contact element 5 arranged in the housing interior 4 (e.g. for the secure and reliable transmission of high-frequency signals with a frequency of at least 100 MHz or at least 500 MHz or of at least 1 GHz or e.g. for transmission with transmission rates of at least 100 Mbit / s, preferably of at least 200 Mbit / s and particularly preferably for transmission of at least 500 Mbit / s) with an Ethernet cable 6 connected thereto, wherein the Ethernet contact element 5 is a different type of contact element from the previously described contact elements 50. Thus, the Ethernet contact element 5 is integrated into the connector 1 or into its housing 3 or into its housing interior 4 together with the other contact elements 50. It is arranged together with the other contact elements 50 under the common (optional) cover 61.The Ethernet contact element 5 is plugged into the housing 3 along a plug-in direction E. The Ethernet contact element 5 can, for example, have two Ethernet contacts, a first Ethernet contact 83 and a second Ethernet contact 84 (see Fig. 2). The Ethernet contacts 83, 84 can, for example, be designed as female contacts. They can each be contacted by an Ethernet mating contact 52 that is arranged in the mating connector 2, here designed, for example, as a male contact. The first Ethernet contact 83 is connected to a first Ethernet line 81 and the second Ethernet contact 84 is connected to a second Ethernet line 82. The first Ethernet line 81 and the second Ethernet line 82 are surrounded by a common cable insulation 80 of the Ethernet cable 6. They can be wound around each other or twisted together (twisted-pair arrangement) within the cable insulation 80 (see Fig. 2).On the outside, the Ethernet contact element 5 is surrounded, for example, by an Ethernet shield 86, or the Ethernet shield 86 forms an outer side of the Ethernet contact element 5. The Ethernet shield 86 also extends - as can be seen in Fig. 2 - a little way upwards into the area of ​​the Ethernet cable 6 and runs outside the cable insulation 80.

[0133] The connector 1 further comprises a single-cable seal 7 or single-wire seal, which is arranged or mounted on the Ethernet cable 6. The single-cable seal 7 can, for example, be pushed (loosely) onto the Ethernet cable 6 and, for example, enclose it (see Fig. 2). For example, the single-cable seal 7 is not crimped onto the Ethernet contact element 5 or otherwise (stationarily) attached to it. Rather, it is generally movable along the Ethernet cable 6 (see Figs. 7a, 7b). The single-cable seal 7 prevents the penetration of dirt, grime, and moisture from an external environment 28 of the connector 1 along the Ethernet cable 6 into the housing interior 4. The single-cable seal 7 can, for example, rest on its single-cable seal outer side 8 against a housing sealing surface 9 (see Fig. 2).The connector 1 further comprises a cap 10, in particular a round or oval cap, with a particularly central opening 11 through which the Ethernet cable 6 is passed (see Figs. 2, 3, 4c, 6a to 6c, 7a, 7b). The Ethernet contact element 5 is inserted or inserted into the housing 3, for example, along an insertion direction E.

[0134] A radial direction R runs perpendicular to the insertion direction E or perpendicular to the extension direction of the Ethernet cable 6. A circumferential direction U runs around the insertion direction E.

[0135] The cap 10 is attached to the housing 3, in particular detachably.

[0136] The cap 10 and the single-cable seal 7 are coupled to each other in a captive or captively secured manner. In other words, the cap 10 and the single-cable seal 7 form a unit, in particular a cap-seal assembly 46 (see also Fig. 8).

[0137] The cap 10 can, for example, have a plate element 87 (see Figs. 2, 3, 4c, 6a to 6c). This exemplary plate element 87 can, for example, be flat. The opening 11 can, for example, be formed in the plate element, although other embodiments are also conceivable. The cap 10 can, for example, also be configured to position the individual cable seal 7 in the housing, i.e., to hold it in a desired position or in a desired section. This can advantageously ensure that the individual cable seal 7 always rests against the housing sealing surface 9, thus permanently ensuring the seal.

[0138] In Fig. 2, the single-cable seal 7 is, for example, formed integrally with the cap 10. Cap 10 and single-cable seal 7 are coupled together in a manner that is not non-destructively detachable from each other.

[0139] The single cable seal 7 is, for example, integrally connected to the cap 10 in Fig. 2, e.g. glued or thermally fused together, etc.

[0140] In Fig. 2, the single-cable seal 7 is injection-molded onto the cap 10 or onto the cap 10 or formed by a 3D printing process.

[0141] In Fig. 2, the cap 10 has, for example, in a radially inner section 19, at least one positioning projection 20, which protrudes in the direction of the single-cable seal 7 and against which the single-cable seal 7 rests or, in this case, is even integrally formed. The positioning projection 20 protrudes, for example, less in the direction of the single-cable seal 7 than a fastening element 12 described below and / or than a guide element 16 described below.

[0142] In Fig. 2, the single-cable seal 7 cannot be displaced relative to the cap 10 (in particular parallel to the insertion direction E or the axial direction). In other embodiments (see, for example, Figs. 8 to 9d), it can be provided that the single-cable seal 7 is slightly displaceable relative to the cap 10, in particular along the Ethernet cable 6 (at least until it abuts the cap 10 or coupling elements described further below between the cap 10 and the single-cable seal prevent or block further separation or spacing of the two elements from each other).

[0143] Figure 8, for example, shows a single-cable seal 7 which is (initially) designed as a separate element from the cap 10, the single-cable seal 7 being connected to the cap 10 in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. This applies equally to the combinations of cap 10 and single-cable seal 7 shown in Figures 9a and 9b or in Figures 9c and 9d. In Figs. 8 to 9d, coupling elements are provided on the cap 10 and the single-cable seal 7. By way of example, at least one locking element 40 is provided on the single-cable seal 7 (e.g., two, three, four or more locking elements 40 are provided in each case), which is locked to at least one (in particular corresponding) counter-locking element 41 of the cap 10 (e.g., two, three, four or more counter-locking elements 41 are provided in each case). 8 to 9d, the locking element 40 of the single-cable seal 7 is designed as a locking hook only by way of example (in Fig.8, for example, with a "T"-shaped head as the locking structure, in Fig. 9b, for example, with a "P"-shaped head as the locking structure, and in Fig. 9d, for example, with an arrowhead-shaped locking structure), and the counter-locking element 41 as an opening through which the locking hook extends and at whose edge it locks as an undercut. It is understood that other locking structures are also conceivable, and the locking structures of Figs. 8, 9b, and 9d can be interchanged.

[0144] Figure 8 shows a single-cable seal 7 which, at its end 42 facing the cap 10, has a first section 43 on which no sealing structure 45 is arranged, the single-cable seal 7 having at least one sealing structure 45 in a second section 44 which adjoins the first section 43, here by way of example two sealing structures 45 which are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction and which run around a sealing body 47 of the single-cable seal 7 along the circumferential direction U. The sealing structures 45 are designed here, for example, as sealing structures 45 protruding outwards from the sealing body 47 in the radial direction R. The sealing structures 45 are designed here, for example, as sealing lips or sealing lamellae. They improve the seal against the housing sealing surface 9. Furthermore, it can be seen that the housing 3 (here, for example, the base body nozzle 26) has an insertion bevel 48 orhas a chamfer. This insertion bevel 48 or chamfer can, for example, facilitate the insertion of the individual cable seal 7 into the housing up to the defined position. The first section 43 advantageously ensures that the sealing structures 45, for example, only insert at a depth of the housing 3 or the base body socket 26 at which the insertion bevel 48 or chamfer ends or ends. This advantageously ensures that the sealing structures 45 bear against a well-defined housing sealing surface 9, in particular at a location with the same diameter.

[0145] In Figs. 9a and 9c, the cap 10 (analogous to Fig. 2), in particular in a radially inner section 19, has, for example, at least one positioning projection 20 which projects in the direction of the individual cable seal 7 and against which the individual cable seal 7 rests in the assembled state. The positioning projection 20 here projects, for example, less far in the direction of the individual cable seal 7 than a fastening element 12 described further below and / or than a guide element 16 described further below. In Fig. 9a, the plate element 87 in the region of the opening 11 is drawn downwards in the direction of the individual cable seal 7, so that the cap 10 has largely the same wall thickness or structural thickness throughout. This can advantageously reduce warping during production. The plate element 87 here merges directly into the positioning projection 20 or forms it, in particular with approximately the same wall thickness.

[0146] In Fig. 9c, the plate element 87 is flat on its upper side and is not drawn downward. This allows the cap 10 to be manufactured with a simpler tool and is particularly stable. The positioning projection 20 is molded onto the underside of the plate element 87. It has a different, in this case, thinner, wall thickness than the plate element 87.

[0147] In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the housing 3 of the plug connector 1 has a wall. The mating connector 2 can be mounted on a device, for example a control unit. It has a mating connector housing 60 with at least one mating contact element 51, which here is designed as a male contact element, for example as a pin or as a contact blade. The mating contact element 51 is electrically connected to the at least one contact element 50 of the plug connector 1, in particular when the plug connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are plugged together. The electrical connection of contact element 50 and mating contact element 51 is achieved in particular by plugging them into one another. In this case, predefined insertion forces must be overcome. The plug connector 1 has in particular a multiplicity of contact elements 50 which are to be connected to corresponding mating contact elements 51 (here for example more than 40 contact elements, see for example Figs. 4a to 4c).The housing 3 is designed to be correspondingly long, in particular along the x-direction x, in order to accommodate the plurality of contact elements 50. The resulting insertion forces then make it difficult, in this exemplary embodiment, to plug together the connector 1 and the mating connector 2, or make it impossible for forces normally exerted by humans, or can lead to tilting when the insertion force is applied. The housing 3, for example, has an approximately rectangular cross-section in the xy plane. The cover 61 also has this cross-sectional shape.

[0148] In this exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 1 therefore has a connecting device 67 coupled to the housing 3 and in particular attached to the base body 21 already described above (see, for example, Figs. 2, 3 and also the description further below). The connecting device 67 is designed to connect and / or lock the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 2. This is to be understood in particular that the connecting device 67 facilitates, enables or simplifies the plugging together and / or locking of the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 2. The plugging apart of the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 2 is also facilitated by the connecting device 67.

[0149] The connecting device 67 can, for example, have a first engagement element 68, a second engagement element 69, and an intermediate element 70 arranged between the two engagement elements 68, 69, although other configurations are also conceivable. The first and second engagement elements 68, 69 can interact with or engage with counter-engagement elements of the mating connector 2 (not shown here). The engagement elements 68, 69 can, for example, be designed in the manner of gears. The at least one counter-engagement element can, for example, be designed in the manner of a rack.

[0150] Furthermore, an operating element 65, e.g., a lever 66, which can be moved between an initial position and an end position, can be arranged on the connector 1 or the housing 3. The operating element 65 can be connected, for example, to the connecting device 67, e.g., to the first engagement element 68.

[0151] As already described above, the cap 10 with the single-cable seal 7 is movable relative to the Ethernet contact element 5 and, in particular, is not attached to the Ethernet contact element 5. It is advantageously also not (stationarily) attached to the Ethernet cable 6, for example. It is also not (stationarily) attached to the housing 3, for example.

[0152] The single-cable seal 7 is shown in Figs. 2, 7a, 8, 9b, and 9d as an example, made in one piece. It is made, in particular, from a single material. It can be made, for example, from an elastic material such as rubber or caoutchouc or the like. It is advantageous here that it is not made as a composite element, for example, from a metal part overmolded with plastic or the like.

[0153] It is understood, however, that in other embodiments the single-cable seal 7 may comprise, for example, a reinforcing element, in particular made of a different material than the sealing material, for example of a hard plastic or of metal.

[0154] The cap 10 is advantageously formed as a single piece with a closed ring shape, particularly a continuously closed ring shape. In other words, the cap 10 does not have a hinge, for example, to allow it to be wrapped around the Ethernet cable 6. Instead, the Ethernet cable 6 must be passed through the opening 11 before or during assembly. In this way, the cap 10 can be designed particularly simply, cost-effectively, and robustly.

[0155] The cap 10 is designed here, for example, to center the Ethernet cable 6. This can be achieved, for example, by means of the - here: central - opening 11. Undefined kinking of the Ethernet cable 6 upon exiting the housing 3 can also be advantageously prevented by the cap 10. This enables a defined (radial) position of the Ethernet cable 6 and / or a defined cable outlet or cable path of the Ethernet cable 6. Particularly reliable data transmission is advantageously ensured, e.g., at frequencies of at least 100 MHz or at least 200 MHz or at least 500 MHz or at least 1 GHz. For example, data transmission rates of at least 100 Mbit / s (e.g., configured for 100 Base T1 operation), preferably with data transmission rates of at least 200 Mbit / s, and particularly preferably with data transmission rates of at least 500 Mbit / s (e.g., configured for 1000 Base T1 operation) may be enabled.

[0156] The opening 11 of the cap 10 has an oversize of no more than 15%, preferably no more than 10%, and particularly preferably no more than 5%, relative to an Ethernet cable outer diameter D. This reduces the risk of dirt, grime, fluid media, etc., getting under the cap 10 along the cable. Positioning and centering of the Ethernet cable 6 is also simplified. At the same time, a certain oversize can ensure that the cap 10 does not notch or crush the Ethernet cable 6 given manufacturing tolerances of its outer diameter D, and that the cap 10 can be easily moved along the Ethernet cable 6 during assembly. Figures 6a and 6b show a cap-seal assembly 46. The cap-seal assembly 46 has a cap 10 and the individual cable seal 7 captively coupled to it.The cap 10 here comprises, for example, a disk-shaped, flat plate element 87 (which was already described above), in which, for example, the opening 11 is arranged. The plate element 87 extends in a plane whose surface normal is, for example, the insertion direction E.

[0157] The cap 10, for example, has at least one fastening element 12 (here: two fastening elements 12) for captively securing it to the housing 3. The two fastening elements 12 are designed here as locking hooks 13 (in principle, a design as a locking tab or the like is also conceivable). The fastening elements 12 protrude, for example, from the plate element 87 in the same direction (parallel to the insertion direction E, here even along the insertion direction E).

[0158] The fastening elements 12 are each fastened to a counter-fastening element 30, in particular on a housing outer side 14 of the housing 3. In other embodiments, the counter-fastening element 30 can also be arranged on an inner side 18 of the housing 3. The fastening elements 12 are arranged here, for example, in a radially outer section 15 of the cap 10.

[0159] The cap 10 here has, for example, at least one guide element 16 (here: two guide elements 16). The two guide elements 16 are, in particular, not designed for fastening. The two guide elements 6 are, for example, designed here to act as an anti-twist device. They are also designed here, for example, to define a minimum distance of the cap 10 relative to the housing 3. For this purpose, they are designed such that they form a stop of the cap 10 on the housing 3 (at its free end) or abut against a stop structure 88 (see Fig. 5) of the housing 3 in the axial direction (here: parallel to the plug-in direction z or the plug-in direction E) (here with their free, distal end), in particular before the plate element 87 comes into mechanical contact with the housing 3. The guide elements 16 interact here, for example, with a counter-guide element 17.The counter-guide element 17 is arranged here merely by way of example on an inner side 18 of the housing 3; in other embodiments, it can also be arranged on the outer side 14 of the housing. The stop structure 88 is here, by way of example, part of the counter-guide element 17. The two guide elements 16 are arranged in a radially outer section 15 of the cap 10. The guide elements 16 and the fastening elements 12 are arranged here—merely by way of example—in the radially outer section 15 at different distances from the opening 11, viewed in the radial direction R (although in other embodiments they can also be arranged at the same distance from the opening 11). As a result, the two functions (fastening, anti-twist protection) can be implemented by specifically arranged counter-structures 17, 30 on the housing 3.The guide elements 16 and the fastening elements 12 are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction U surrounding the insertion direction E (e.g., spaced apart by at least 25°). This advantageously enables functional separation in the housing 3.

[0160] In Figs. 2, 6a and 6b as well as in the above-described Figs. 9a and 9c it can be seen that the cap 10, in particular in a radially inner section 19 (which is spaced from the outer section 15 in the radial direction R perpendicular to the insertion direction E, for example), has at least one positioning projection 20 which projects in the direction of the individual cable seal 7 and against which the individual cable seal 7 rests. It can, for example, be designed to limit an axial position of the individual cable seal 7. Here, for example, it is provided that the positioning projection 20 projects less far in the direction of the individual cable seal 7 than the fastening element 12 and / or than the guide element 16. The positioning projection 20 is designed here, for example, in the manner of a sleeve or, here, an inner (cap) collar.

[0161] In the outer section 15, an (outer) cap collar 85 also projects from the plate element in the direction of the housing 3. This is interrupted here, for example, at two points along the circumferential direction U (here: in the area of ​​the fastening elements 12). A type of groove is formed between the (outer) cap collar 85 and the positioning projection 20. In principle, a complementary structure or an edge 32 of the housing 3 can engage at least partially in this groove. The cap 10 can, for example, be positioned in the radial direction R by means of the groove. In other embodiments, the provision of an anti-twist device in the groove (e.g., a radially extending rib) is also conceivable.

[0162] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connector 1. The housing 3 has a base body 21 with a base body interior 22 (the housing interior 4 and the base body interior 22 overlap). The base body 21 is designed, for example, in a frame-shaped manner here. It has a cavity or pocket 72 in its wall. This cavity or pocket 72 is designed to receive a collar of the mating connector 2. The connector 1 is thus designed, for example, as an external connector that receives the mating connector 2 (in other embodiments, a design as an internal connector is also conceivable). A radial seal 71 is arranged on an inner wall of the pocket 72. When the mating connector 2 is plugged in, the radial seal 71 can interact with the collar of the mating connector 2 and seal the housing interior 4.

[0163] The housing 3 further comprises a contact carrier 23 arranged in the interior space 22 of the base body for receiving the contact elements 50, wherein the contact carrier 23 can be made from a single element or can comprise multiple parts. Contact chambers are formed in the contact carrier 23, for example, in which the contact elements 50 and / or the lines or cables 63 connected to them are arranged or can be arranged or stored or can be stored. The contact carrier 23 (or one of its elements) can also be designed, for example, to receive the at least one Ethernet contact element 5, as shown here by way of example (wherein the Ethernet contact element 5 can in principle also be arranged in the base body 21 or a contact chamber provided there). In this embodiment, the Ethernet contact element 5 is longer than the other contact elements 50. It does not have a sealing crimp.It is arranged with its lower part, which faces the mating connector 2, in the contact carrier 23 and with its upper part at least partially in a chamber formed in the base body 21.

[0164] In this exemplary embodiment, the contact carrier 23 is initially an element separate from the base body 21 and is fastened to or in the base body 21 (removably without destruction). In other embodiments, the contact carrier 23 can be formed integrally with the base body 21, e.g., by being injection-molded onto at least one wall of the base body 21. In yet other embodiments, it can be provided that one element or part of the contact carrier 23 is formed integrally with the base body 21 and another element or part of the contact carrier 23 (e.g., the lower part in which contact boxes of the contact elements 50 are arranged) is a separate element from the base body 21.

[0165] Furthermore, the housing 3 has a mat seal 24 for the contact elements 50 (not for the Ethernet contact element 5). The mat seal 24 has through-holes through which the contact elements 50 are inserted when the connector 1 is populated. When populated, the through-holes enclose the cables 63 of the contact elements 50 and thus protect the contact elements 50 or the contact carrier 23 or the housing interior 4 against the ingress of fluid media (e.g., water), dirt, dust, grime, etc.

[0166] Furthermore, the housing has a holding plate 25 for holding or retaining the mat seal 24 on the contact carrier 23 and / or for pressing the mat seal 24 between the holding plate 25 and the contact carrier 23. Viewed along the insertion direction E or the plug-in direction z, the following sequence is provided in particular (from bottom to top in Fig. 2): contact carrier 23 - mat seal 24 - holding plate 25. In this embodiment, the base body 21 in turn represents, by way of example, an outer edge of the housing 3 (viewed in the radial direction R). Contact carrier 23, mat seal 24 and holding plate 25 are received in the base body interior 22 or enclosed by the base body 21.

[0167] The base body 21 here has, for example, a base body nozzle 26. The retaining plate 25 here has, for example, a retaining plate nozzle 27. The base body nozzle 26 and the retaining plate nozzle 27 can be referred to here as a nozzle structure.

[0168] A nozzle can be considered, for example, an element that has an opening or through-hole, particularly one that is channel-shaped. It thus has an inner wall accessible from the inside.

[0169] Such a nozzle can, for example, protrude at least partially beyond the body on which it is formed (see, for example, Figs. 2, 3, 4a, 4b for the base body nozzle 26; see, for example, Figs. 2, 3, 5 for the retaining plate nozzle 27), or protrude beyond or protrude from the body (here, for example, both nozzles protrude opposite the insertion direction z, upwards in Fig. 2). In this case, it has an outer wall accessible from the outside.

[0170] It is understood that in other embodiments, a contact carrier socket can be provided alternatively or additionally. It can be provided alternatively or additionally that the respective sockets protrude from the respective body along the insertion direction E or the plug-in direction z (i.e., downwards in Fig. 2). The respective sockets can thus protrude either upwards (opposite the insertion direction E in Fig. 2) or downwards, or both downwards and upwards. In this merely exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, the Ethernet cable 6 is guided through the base body socket 26 and through the holding plate socket 27. The cap 10 is fastened here, for example, to the holding plate socket 27, in particular detachably. The cap 10 can, for example - here merely by way of example with the positioning projection 20 - secure or position the individual cable seal 7 in the base body socket 26.

[0171] The housing sealing surface 9 is arranged or formed here, for example, in the base body nozzle 26.

[0172] In another embodiment, a contact carrier socket may alternatively or additionally be provided on the contact carrier 23. In this embodiment, the Ethernet cable 6 may be routed through the contact carrier socket. In such a case, the cap 10 may, for example, be attached to the contact body socket (or to other elements). In such an example, the cap 10 may be configured to secure or position the individual cable seal 17 in the contact carrier socket.

[0173] In Figure 8, for example, only a base body socket 26 is provided, in the interior of which the housing sealing surface 9 is formed, and on the outside of which counter-fastening elements 30 are formed, for example, for coupling with the fastening elements 12 of the cap 10. Of course, a retaining plate socket 27 could also be provided in Figure 8, analogous to Figure 2.

[0174] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the base body connecting piece 26 extends into the retaining plate connecting piece 27 or even extends through it. In other words, the retaining plate connecting piece 27 is arranged around the base body connecting piece 26 (in the radial direction R, it therefore lies outside the base body connecting piece 26). The retaining plate connecting piece 27 is pushed over the base body connecting piece 26, for example, during assembly of the retaining plate 25.

[0175] In an embodiment not shown here, it can be provided that the holding body socket 27 projects into the base body socket 26 or passes through it, in particular along the plug-in direction, e.g.

[0176] In an embodiment not shown here, it can be provided that the contact carrier socket protrudes into the holding plate 25, in particular into the holding plate socket 27, or extends through it. In an embodiment not shown here, it can be provided that the holding plate socket 27 protrudes into the contact carrier 23, in particular into the contact carrier socket, or extends through it.

[0177] In Fig. 2 and by comparing Figs. 4a and 4b it can be clearly seen that the mat seal 24, for example, lies tightly laterally against the base body 21, in particular against the base body nozzle 26.

[0178] At the same time, the housing sealing surface 9 is formed inside the base body nozzle 26 or on its inner wall.

[0179] In another embodiment, the mat seal 24 can be provided to rest tightly against the contact carrier 23, in particular against the contact carrier socket. In this case, for example, the housing sealing surface 9 can additionally be formed in the contact carrier socket.

[0180] Furthermore, Figs. 2, 4a, and 4b show that the base body connecting piece 26 is sealed all the way around to the base body 21, in particular at least above the level of the mat seal 24. In other words, no fluid (e.g., water) can penetrate between the base body connecting piece 26 and the base body 21 into the base body interior 22. The connecting piece wall has no opening to the base body 21 at points that are not sealed. Below the mat seal 24, i.e., in an area sealed by the mat seal 24 (and also by the individual cable seal 7), there may be openings in the (lateral) connecting piece wall.

[0181] Figure 2 further shows that, in this exemplary embodiment, the base body socket 26 has a stop section 29 with a tapered diameter on its side facing away from the external environment 28 of the connector 1. The stop section 29 is configured here, for example, to define a maximum axial position P1 of the single-cable seal 7 in the direction of the housing interior 4 or to position the single-wire seal 7. This can be helpful, for example, if the single-cable seal 7 accidentally detaches from the cap 10.

[0182] Figure 5 shows that, in this exemplary embodiment, the retaining plate socket 27, particularly on the outside, has the counter-fastening element 30 (here: two counter-fastening elements 30), here, for example, each in the form of a recess 31 (which here, for example, even breaks through the wall). A fastening element 12 of the cap 10 can be coupled to or fastened to each counter-fastening element 30. For example, a locking hook 13 of the cap 10 can engage in each recess 31. This enables a simple and secure connection (see also Figs. 2, 3) between the cap 10 and the housing 3, which connection can advantageously be removed again without causing damage.

[0183] Figure 8 shows another embodiment in which the counter-fastening elements 30 are arranged in the base body socket 26 (on its outer side). In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the wall is not perforated.

[0184] In Fig. 5, it can also be seen that the retaining plate socket 27, particularly on the inside, has the counter-guide element 17 (here: two counter-guide elements 17). These are designed here, for example, as grooves that extend (essentially) parallel to the insertion direction E. They serve to prevent rotation (in the circumferential direction U) in cooperation with the guide elements 16. In addition, a stop structure 88 is formed on the underside of the grooves or the counter-guide element 17, which, in interaction with the guide element 16, defines a minimum (axial) distance of the cap 10 relative to the housing 3.

[0185] The arrangement of the counter-fastening element 30, in particular the recess 31 and the counter-guide element 17 on the holding plate socket 27 advantageously enables a functional separation between the fastening function and the guide function of the cap 10 and the sealing function of the individual cable seal 7 in the base body socket 26. The wall of the base body socket 26 can thus be designed to be smooth on the inside and outside, without perforations and with a uniform wall thickness, which reduces the risk of distortion during production and increases the sealing quality.

[0186] In the embodiment of Figure 8, for example, a counter-guide element 17 can also be provided. It can be provided that such an optional counter-guide element 17—not visible in the cross-section shown—is formed in the outer or inner side of the base body socket 26. Several counter-guide elements 17 can also be provided. For example, such a counter-guide element can be arranged in the region of the first section 43 of the single-cable seal in the base body socket 26. In Figures 2, 3 and 4c, it can be seen that the cap 10 essentially completely or largely covers an edge 32 of the base body socket 26 and / or the holding plate socket 27, in particular when viewed in the circumferential direction U (the edge 32 of the holding plate socket 27 is not covered in the region of the guide elements 16 of the cap 10).

[0187] As already briefly described above, the cap 10 together with the single-cable seal 7 is shown in detail in Figs. 6a and 6b (as a cap-seal assembly 46). The cap 10 is designed for, in particular releasable, attachment to the housing 3 of the connector 1, which has at least one Ethernet cable 6 with a single-cable seal 7. The cap 10 has an opening 11, in particular a central one, through which the Ethernet cable 6 can be passed. The cap 10 is designed in particular to secure the single-cable seal 7 in the housing 3, in particular along or parallel to the insertion direction E of the Ethernet cable 6 into the housing 3. The cap 10 and the single-cable seal 7 are captively coupled or coupled to one another.

[0188] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a connector 1. It is clearly visible that the base body stud 26 or base body dome (see also Fig. 2) and the retaining plate stud 27 or retaining plate dome protrude beyond the respective associated body (once the base body 221 and once the retaining plate 25). This advantageously saves material and, at the same time, allows the Ethernet contact element 5 to be integrated into a common housing 3 with the contact elements 50. Furthermore, this provides a sufficient sealing surface for the mat seal 24, so that the different sealing concepts (mat seal 24 vs. individual cable seal 7) can be implemented in a single housing 3. The contact elements 50 are smaller in their dimensions, particularly along the insertion direction E, than the Ethernet contact element 5.Due to the selected design, it is not necessary, in order to save material, for the housing 3 to be as high in the area of ​​the contact elements 50 as in the area of ​​the Ethernet contact element 5.

[0189] As already described above, Fig. 3 clearly shows how the fastening elements 12 and the guide elements 16 of the cap 10 interact with the counter-fastening elements 30 and the counter-guide elements 17 of the housing 3 (here they are arranged or formed on the holding plate support 27, for example). Figure 4a shows a top view of a perspective view of a housing 3 of a connector 1. Visible here are the base body 21 and the contact carrier 23 arranged in the interior 22 of the base body. At the point where the Ethernet contact element 5 is to be inserted, the base body 21 has the base body support 26, which extends upwards away from the base body 21, starting approximately from a plane that corresponds to a top side of the contact carrier 23, counter to the insertion direction E. The base body support 26 is designed like a channel here, for example. It has an approximately round cross-section, for example.The housing sealing surface 9 for the individual cable seal 7 is formed inside the housing. The base body socket 26 is circumferentially closed in its section above this plane and is tightly connected to the base body 21 without any openings on the side. The contact carrier 23, which has a substantially rectangular shape in the xy plane, has a recess or a concave cutout in the area of ​​the base body socket 26 that runs around the base body socket 26. The base body socket 26 has a smooth surface or is smooth on its outer side. This outer side can serve as a sealing surface for the mat seal 24, as described below.

[0190] Figure 4b shows the housing 3 from Fig. 4a, with the mat seal 24 now arranged above the contact carrier 23. The mat seal 24 seals tightly on its (laterally circumferential) outer side with a sealing seam 89 of the base body 21 and - in the area of ​​the base body socket 26 - with the outer wall of the base body socket 26.

[0191] Figure 4c shows a plan view of a housing 3 of a connector 1, with the retaining plate 25, which is arranged above the mat seal 24, facing the viewer (see also Figs. 2, 3). Its upper edge (with the exception of the retaining plate stud 27 or retaining plate dome) ends approximately at the level of the base body 21 or the base body walls (see Figs. 2, 3). It can be seen that the cap 10, in particular the plate element 87 of the cap 10, essentially completely or at least predominantly covers the edge 32 of the base body stud 26 and / or the retaining plate stud 27. Furthermore, it can be seen how the Ethernet cable 6 is guided through the opening 11 of the cap 10 from the external environment 28 into the housing 3. Figure 5 shows a retaining plate 25 for a connector 1.Retaining plate feedthroughs for the contact elements 50 (here: holding plate feedthroughs of different sizes for different types of contact elements 50) can be seen. Furthermore, the holding plate support 27, through which the Ethernet contact element 5 or the Ethernet cable 6 can be passed, is visible. The counter-fastening elements 30, which here are designed as recesses 31 or openings (on the outside) on the holding plate support 27, are clearly visible. Also clearly visible are the counter-guide elements 17, which are formed on the inside of the holding plate support 27. Here, the stop structures 88 are also arranged, for example, at the lower end of the counter-guide elements 17.

[0192] Figures 6a and 6b have already been described in detail above. They show different views of an exemplary cap 10.

[0193] Figure 6c shows a perspective view of an Ethernet contact element 5 with an Ethernet cable 6 attached thereto, as well as a single-cable seal 7 and a cap 10 mounted on the Ethernet cable 6. It can be seen that the Ethernet contact element 5 does not have a sealing crimp tab(s) and that the single-cable seal 7 is not attached to the Ethernet contact element 5. The single-cable seal 7 is captively coupled to the cap 10, e.g., fastened to the cap 10. However, it is not permanently connected to the Ethernet cable 6. The fastening elements 12, the guide elements 16, the positioning projection 20, and the cap collar 85 can be clearly seen on the cap 10.

[0194] Figures 7a and 7b show two side views of a connector 1 with different assembly states of a cap 10 and a single-cable seal 7 on or in the housing 3.

[0195] Figure 7a shows an intermediate state during assembly. The Ethernet contact element 5 has already been inserted into the housing interior 4, the single-cable seal 7 and the cap 10 securely coupled to it are mounted on the Ethernet cable 6. However, the cable seal assembly 46 is not yet mounted in the housing 3, and the cap 10 is not yet attached to the housing 3. In this exemplary embodiment, a base body socket 26 (not visible here) and a retaining plate socket 27 surrounding it are provided.

[0196] Figure 7b shows the connector from Fig. 7a, with the single-cable seal 7 (not visible) now mounted in the correct position in the housing 3 (here: for example in the base body socket 26) and with the cap 10 mounted in a rotation-proof manner and in the defined axial position on the housing 3, here on the holding body socket 27.

[0197] Figure 8 has been described in detail above and shows a cross-section through a cap-seal assembly 46.

[0198] Figure 9a shows a cross section through a cap 10 and a plan view of this cap 10 together with the counter-locking elements 41 arranged in the plate element 87. Further details have been described above.

[0199] Figure 9b shows a single-cable seal 7 that matches the cap 10 of Fig. 9a, in which the radially outward-facing sealing structures 45 are positioned directly on the end 42 facing the cap 10. When the single-cable seal 7 is mounted on the cap 10, its inner edge (radially inward between the locking elements 40) rests against the positioning projection 20. It can, for example, be clamped axially between the plate element 87 and the positioning projection. Further details have been described above.

[0200] Figure 9c shows another cap 10 in cross section and has already been described in more detail above.

[0201] Figure 9d shows a single-cable seal 7 that matches the cap 10 of Fig. 9b, in which the radially outward-facing sealing structures 45 are positioned directly at the end 42 facing the cap 10. The locking elements 40 protrude somewhat longer from the end 42 than those of Fig. 9b until they form locking structures (arrowhead-shaped in Fig. 9d). Further details have been described above.

[0202] Overall, an integrated and sealed connector 1 is provided in which a plurality of contact elements 50, in particular of different types, as well as at least one Ethernet contact element 5 are integrated into a common, space-saving housing 3. This simplifies operation since, for example, with a single plugging process, in particular with the assistance of an operating element 65 for reducing operating force, all contact elements 50 and the at least one Ethernet contact element 5 can be connected - in particular more or less simultaneously - to the corresponding mating contact elements 51 or the at least one Ethernet mating contact 52.

Claims

1 . Connector (1) designed to be mated with a mating connector (2) along a mating direction (z), the connector (1) comprising: - a housing (3) with a housing interior (4); - a plurality of contact elements (50) arranged in the housing interior (4); - at least one Ethernet contact element (5) arranged in the housing interior (4) with an Ethernet cable (6) connected thereto; - a single-cable seal (7) which is arranged on the Ethernet cable (6) and which rests on its single-cable seal outer side (8) against a housing sealing surface (9); - a cap (10), in particular a round or oval cap, with an opening (11), in particular a central opening, through which the Ethernet cable (6) is passed; wherein the cap (10) is fastened to the housing (3), in particular detachably, wherein the cap (10) and the single-cable seal (7) are captively coupled to one another.

2. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the single-cable seal (7) is formed integrally with the cap (10) and / or wherein the single-cable seal (7) is materially connected to the cap (10) and / or wherein the single-cable seal (7) is injection-molded onto the cap (10) or formed by a 3D printing process.

3. Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the single-cable seal (7) is designed as an element separate from the cap (10), wherein the single-cable seal (7) is connected to the cap (10) in a form-fitting manner or is non-positively connected, in particular wherein a locking element (40) is provided on the single-cable seal (7), which is locked to a counter-locking element (41) of the cap (10).

4. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the single-cable seal (7) has, at its end (42) facing the cap (10), a first section (43) on which no sealing structure (45) is arranged, wherein the single-cable seal (7) has at least one sealing structure (45) in a second section (44) adjacent to the first section (43) and / or wherein the cap (10), in particular in a radially inner section (19), has at least one positioning projection (20) which projects in the direction of the single-cable seal (7) and against which the single-cable seal (7) rests, wherein in particular the positioning projection (20) projects less far in the direction of the single-cable seal (7) than the fastening element (12) and / or than the guide element (16).

5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (10) is formed in one piece and / or is annularly closed, in particular is continuously closed in a ring-shaped manner, and / or wherein the cap (10) is designed to center the Ethernet cable (6), and / or wherein the opening (11) of the cap (10) has an oversize of at most 15%, preferably of at most 10% and particularly preferably of at most 5% with respect to an Ethernet cable outer diameter (D).

6. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (10) has at least one fastening element (12) for captive fastening to the housing (3), in particular a latching hook (13) or a latching tab, wherein in particular the fastening element (12) is fastened to a counter-fastening element (30) on a housing outer side (14) of the housing (3), wherein in particular the fastening element (12) is arranged in a radially outer section (15) of the cap (10), and / or wherein the cap (10) has at least one guide element (16), which is in particular not designed for fastening, wherein in particular the guide element (16) is designed as an anti-twist device and / or as a stop for a minimum distance of the cap (10) relative to the housing (3), wherein in particular the guide element (16) is provided with a counter-guide element (17) interacts with an inner side (18) of the housing (3), wherein in particular the guide element (16) is arranged in a radially outer section (15) of the cap (10).

7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) comprises: - a base body (21) with a base body interior (22); - a contact carrier (23) arranged in the interior space (22) of the base body for receiving the contact elements (50) and in particular also for receiving the at least one Ethernet contact element (5); - a mat seal (24) for the contact elements (5); - a holding plate (25) for holding the mat seal on the contact carrier (23) and / or for pressing the mat seal (24) between the holding plate (25) and the contact carrier (23); wherein the base body (21) has a base body socket (26) and / or wherein the holding plate (25) has a holding plate socket (27) and / or wherein the contact carrier (23) has a contact carrier socket, wherein the Ethernet cable (6) is guided through the base body socket (26) and / or the holding plate socket (27) and / or the contact carrier socket, wherein the cap (10) is fastened, in particular detachably, to the base body socket (26) and / or to the holding plate socket (27) and / or to the contact carrier socket, wherein in particular the housing sealing surface (9) is arranged in the base body socket (26) and / or in the holding plate socket (27) and / or in the contact carrier socket.

8. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, - wherein the base body socket (26) projects into the holding plate socket (27) or passes through it, or - wherein the holding plate socket (27) projects into the base body socket (26) or passes through it or - wherein the contact carrier support protrudes into the holding plate (25), in particular into the holding plate support (27), or passes through it, or - wherein the holding plate support (27) projects into the contact carrier (23), in particular into the contact carrier support, or passes through it.

9. Connector (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the mat seal (24) lies laterally in a tight fit against the base body (21), in particular against the base body socket (26), or wherein the mat seal (24) lies laterally in a tight fit against the contact carrier (23), in particular against the contact carrier socket.

10. Connector (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the base body socket (26) is circumferentially tightly connected to the base body (21). 11 . Plug connector according to one of the four preceding claims and according to claim 6, wherein the base body socket (26) and / or the holding plate socket (27) and / or the contact carrier socket, in particular on the outside, has the counter-fastening element (30), in particular a recess (31) or a counter-latching hook, and / or wherein the base body socket (26) and / or the holding plate socket (27) and / or the contact carrier socket, in particular on the inside, has the counter-guide element (17), in particular a groove or a projection.

12. Connector (1) according to one of the five preceding claims, wherein the cap (10) substantially completely covers an edge (32) of the base body socket (26) and / or the holding plate socket (27) and / or the contact carrier socket.

13. Cap (10), designed for, in particular detachable, fastening to a housing (3) of a plug-in connector (1) which has at least one Ethernet cable (6) with a single-cable seal (7), wherein the cap (10) has an opening (11), in particular a central opening, through which the Ethernet cable (6) can be passed, wherein the cap (10) is designed in particular to secure the single-cable seal (7) in the housing (3), in particular along a direction of insertion (E) of the Ethernet cable (6) into the housing (3), wherein the cap (10) and the single-cable seal (7) are captively coupled to one another.

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