DE102022205199A1 - Connector for a power cable with improved sealing - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector (14, 15) for a supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to an electrical energy supply device (16) and/or to an electrical consumer (19), the connector (14, 15) having a housing (20) with at least a first housing shell (21) and a second housing shell (22) separate from the first housing shell (21), at least one connection unit arranged in the housing (20) on a connection side (27) of the housing (20). (23) for connection to the vehicle (12) or the energy supply device (16) or the consumer (19), a first sealing unit (24), and at least one second sealing unit (25), the first sealing unit (24) being formed in one piece and has at least one sealing section (24A) and at least one connecting section (24B, 24B`), wherein the sealing section (24A) of the first sealing unit (24) bears against both the first housing shell (21) and the second housing shell (22), the connecting section (24B, 24B`) of the first sealing unit (24) along more than 90% of its length only abuts against the first housing shell (21) and not against the second housing shell (22), and the second sealing unit (25) against the Connection unit (23), on the connecting portion (24B) of the first sealing unit (24) and on the second housing shell (22).

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for a power cable. The invention also relates to a supply cable having such a connector. The connector features a housing with an optimized seal.

State of the art

Various approaches are known from the prior art for the electrical charging of electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, boats, aircraft, two-wheelers, etc.). In a first charging situation, the vehicle can be charged via a dedicated charging infrastructure, in particular permanently installed charging stations. For example, such charging stations are implemented as charging stations or wall boxes. In an alternative charging situation, a permanent current socket is provided, as is used for example in normal households for the energy supply. For example, this is a (e.g. 230V) Schuko socket or a socket designed according to other regional standards or customs, whereby a three-phase current connection can also be provided. In this case, a connection line of the charging cable usually has an integrated controller, which is also called an in-cable control box, ICCB, and which is arranged between the two connectors inside the connection line. This integrated controller is used for communication with the vehicle and for enabling and setting a charging current, since a shockproof socket, unlike a charging station or a wall box, does not usually have a communication line that the vehicle can use to communicate with the energy supply device.

Such a charging or an energy transfer can be made possible by a supply line, which is commonly referred to as a charging cable. Such a supply line usually has a connector at both ends (commonly referred to as a charging plug), one of which is electrically connected to the vehicle (primary connector) and the other to the energy supply device or a consumer (secondary connector) (the consumer can also be another vehicle). A connecting line through which the electric current flows is arranged between the two connectors.

Such connectors often include a housing. This in turn can have two housing shells which are connected to one another when the connector is assembled. A connection unit is often arranged inside the housing on a connection side (which can be connected to the vehicle or the energy supply device or the consumer, for example). This can, for example, serve as a mechanical interface to the respective connection partner. Accordingly, it has a defined geometry on the outside (e.g. a type 2 connector face or a three-phase connector face, etc.). Furthermore, a line element is often arranged inside the housing on a line side that faces the connecting line. This can, for example, be part of the connecting line or a piece of line belonging to the connector, which can be connected to the connecting line on the outside of the housing or outside the housing of the connector, for example by means of a coupling.

For a safe and reliable use of such connectors, it is now necessary that no or as little dirt, dirt, moisture or fluid media in general penetrate into an interior space of the housing. For example, it can be required that the connector meets a protection class such as IP55, IP65, IP57, IP67 or even better.

This can be achieved, for example, in that the housing is manufactured in one piece, with the connection unit and the line section being overmoulded with plastic, as is widely known from the prior art, for example, in the case of the infrastructure-side connectors of chargers for mobile phones.

Disclosure of Invention

It has been shown that complete overmoulding or casting (potting) or "foaming" of larger connectors, such as those used for supply lines for electric vehicles, is basically possible and a very high degree of tightness can be achieved. However, this makes a connector of this type very heavy, since a large volume has to be filled with the injection molding material and/or foam material (e.g. a thermoplastic and/or duroplastic material). The costs are also comparatively high due to the high material consumption of plastic. In addition, such a connector is almost irreparable if a defect occurs inside. As a result, in such a case with the defective connector, the entire supply cable often becomes unusable, which contradicts the desire for sustainable products.

If, on the other hand, the housing is made in several parts for manufacturing reasons, it is necessary for the housing or the majority of the housing parts to be protected against penetration by these desired substances (dirt, dirt, fluid media) is sealed.

When using two housing shells, a flat seal is then usually required between the two flat front sides of the housing shells, which come into direct contact with one another, e.g. designed as a sealing cord. These flat seals are used to seal the end faces of the housing shells against the ingress of, for example, fluid media from the outside into the inside of the housing.

However, in the end areas (connection side and line side) of the housing shells, such housing shells often have arcuate areas or recesses in which the connection unit or the line element can be accommodated. A so-called radial seal is required in these areas, which is arranged between the connection unit and the recesses of the housing shells or between the line element and the housing shells.

It has been shown that when using, for example, two flat seals (e.g. as two sealing cords formed separately from one another) and two radial seals, the quality of the seal depends on a very precise positioning of the four sealing elements in relation to one another. This makes the assembly process very time consuming. Incorrect placement of the sealing elements can often only be detected during a final leak test after the complete connector has been assembled. If a leak is discovered at this stage of assembly, rework of the seal is very time-consuming and expensive, especially if the sealing cord is inserted in a narrow groove that holds the sealing cord in a non-positive manner - correction is then only possible by pressing, pulling, squeezing, which is the Sealing properties can negatively affect. Finally, subsequent slipping of the seals relative to each other during the life of the connector, e.g. as a result of falls or severe temperature fluctuations, is not easy to prevent, so that a service cable may fail due to such leaks occurring over time long before other components of the service cable or the connector have reached the end of their lifespan. This contradicts the desire for sustainable products.

There may therefore be a need to provide a connector for a supply cable for electric vehicles (e.g. a TYPE 2 connector) that is lightweight, can be manufactured with little material consumption, is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, has high tightness against the ingress of fluids media, dirt and grime (e.g. at least IP55, IP57, IP58, IP65, IP67, IP68 or better), has a long service life and is sustainable, which is easy to assemble in the manufacturing process, in which assembly errors can be detected early in the manufacturing process, so that time-consuming rework is not necessary and that is easy to repair and recycle, making it a sustainable product.

This need can be met by the connector of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

The connector according to the invention (also referred to as a vehicle-side or infrastructure-side or consumer-side charging connector) is provided for a supply cable (often also referred to as a charging cable). The supply cable is used in particular to electrically connect a vehicle to an energy supply device that provides electrical energy and/or to a consumer that requires electrical energy. The connector has a plurality of housing parts which are sealed against one another by means of a seal. The seal as described below advantageously achieves a reliable and effective sealing effect as well as simple, cost-effective and secure (mix-up) installation of the seal in the connector housing. In addition, this seal can advantageously be produced particularly inexpensively. Due to the sealing arrangement in the connector, it is advantageously possible to produce the connector with a housing that does not fill the entire interior, so that the connector has a low weight. The sealing arrangement enables easy and reliable assembly and correct positioning of the sealing arrangement in the connector, so that the sealing quality can be easily ensured. In this way, a high yield is achieved during assembly and the frequency of reworking due to non-fulfilled tightness requirements is reduced or made easier, since a possible leak can already be identified before the final assembly. Furthermore, the sealing arrangement brings about a high level of reliability of the seal over the service life of the connector, since relative displacement of the individual sealing units of the sealing arrangement with respect to one another is effectively avoided. Finally, the proposed connector is easy to repair, so that a particularly sustainable product is provided, since the entire supply line does not have to be replaced in the event of a defect in the interior of the connector or the tightness of the connector.

The connector has a housing with at least a first housing shell and a second housing shell separate from the first housing shell. In addition, the connector has at least one connection unit arranged in the housing on a connection side of the housing for connection to the vehicle or the energy supply device or the consumer. The connection unit can, for example, have male contact elements such as plugs (eg in the form of pins or contact blades, etc.) and/or female contact elements such as sockets for electrical contacting. However, the connection unit can also be designed merely as a housing for such male contact elements and/or female contact elements. In this case, the connection unit can have, for example, contact chambers for the introduction of male/female contact elements. It can thus provide a mechanical interface geometry with which mechanical coupling to a vehicle, an energy supply device and/or a consumer can be made possible. Furthermore, it is provided that the connector has a first sealing unit and at least one second sealing unit. The first sealing unit is designed in one piece and has at least one sealing section and at least one connecting section. The first sealing unit can, for example, be ring-shaped or closed all the way round.

At least when the housing is in an assembled state, it is provided that the sealing section of the first sealing unit bears against both the first housing shell and the second housing shell. The contact causes the first housing shell and the second housing shell to be sealed relative to one another in the contact section designed in this way, so that an interior space of the housing is sealed off from an exterior space. In this way, a seal that would otherwise be necessary for sealing, e.g. a flat seal, can advantageously be dispensed with.

Furthermore, at least in an assembled state of the housing, it is provided that the connecting section of the first sealing unit rests along more than 90% of its length only on the first housing shell and not on the second housing shell. The connecting section is provided in particular for better assembly and handling of the first sealing unit. The first sealing unit can be installed easily and reliably and can be optimally arranged. This leads to an optimization of the sealing effect of the sealing section and the second sealing unit. The connecting section bears against the first housing shell, for example with a radially outward-facing side.

In the event that the housing shells have been exchanged, at least 90% of its length is in contact with the second housing shell and not with the first housing shell.

In addition, at least in an assembled state of the housing, provision is made for the second sealing unit to rest against the connection unit, against the connecting section of the first sealing unit and against the second housing shell. Because the second sealing unit rests against the connection unit and the second housing shell, the connection unit and the second housing shell are sealed off from one another. The fact that the second sealing unit rests against the connecting unit and the connecting section of the first sealing unit also creates a seal between the connecting unit and the connecting section of the first sealing unit. Since the connecting section of the first sealing unit bears against the first housing shell, which achieves a sealing effect between the first housing shell and the connecting section, a sealing effect is also achieved between the first housing shell and the connection unit. The first housing shell and the second housing shell are thus reliably sealed with respect to one another and in each case with respect to the connection unit. This effectively prevents fluid media (e.g. liquid, moisture, gases) as well as dirt and dirt from the outside of the connector from entering the interior of the housing radially outwardly facing outside of the second housing shell.

With the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit, the sealing concept of the connector includes two partial seals, each of which fulfills different sealing tasks (first sealing unit: flat seal between the two housing shells, second sealing unit: radial seal between the connection unit and the two housing shells). The at least one connecting section connects the sealing sections (the flat sealing areas) to one another, so that when the connecting section is positioned in one of the housing shells, the sealing areas are automatically pre-positioned and can easily be brought into the final and correct position on the first and/or second housing shell . The connecting section is advantageously designed to complement the, for example, arcuate recess on the connection side (or the line side) and is therefore particularly easy to position. Another advantage is the seamless transition between the connecting section and the sealing section causes a very reliable and complete sealing effect at the usually critical transition from the flat sealing area to the radial sealing area.

In addition, the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit are in contact with one another in areas in order to achieve a continuous sealing effect. The housing and the connection unit are thus optimally sealed. Due to the fact that the first sealing unit does not rest completely on the second sealing unit (at least 90% of its length the connecting section only rests on the first housing shell), a particularly simple installation or a particularly simple arrangement of the connection unit in the housing is possible.

Because the second sealing unit bears against the second housing shell and the connecting element, it is possible in a simple manner to correctly position the connection unit in the housing. This can be done by correctly aligning the second sealing unit relative to the first sealing unit, which automatically results in the correct positioning in the housing if the second sealing unit—again advantageously in a simple manner—was mounted correctly on the connection unit. The correct installation of the second sealing unit on the connection unit can be checked easily and inexpensively in a separate production step (only connection unit and second sealing element) at a low value-added level.

The one-piece design of the first sealing unit has a particularly advantageous effect on simple and cost-effective production, and the assembly between the two housing shells and the connection unit is also advantageously simplified. The installation of several individual seals (e.g. one or two separate flat seals between the housing halves and a further seal between the two housing halves and the connection unit), which is otherwise necessary for the formation of the same sealing effect, can thus be omitted. The one-piece design also greatly reduces the risk of incorrect positioning (e.g. superfluous overlapping of several individual seals or gaps between several individual seals). This advantageously improves the reliability and quality of the sealing of the housing interior from the outside environment.

It can be provided, for example, that a receiving section or a receiving area (e.g. a groove, a shoulder, a collar, etc.) is provided on the first (and/or second) housing shell, in or on or on which the first Sealing unit is arranged or is. This receiving section can, for example, be located slightly below the end face of the first (or second) half-shell of the housing that faces the other housing shell. For example, it can extend along the entire first sealing section (flat sealing area) or at least along at least 30% of the length of the first sealing section. This facilitates positioning of the first sealing unit relative to the first or second housing shell and reliably ensures the sealing effect. This receiving section can, for example, be designed in such a way that the first sealing unit can be loosely inserted into the receiving section. I.e.: the receiving section can have a (slight, e.g. 5% or 10%) excess to the unpressed or uncompressed cross section of the first sealing unit in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the first sealing unit in this direction. In this way, the first sealing unit can advantageously be inserted or placed in or on the receiving section easily and without damage (without pulling and pressing or squeezing). In principle, such a receiving section can also be provided on the second housing shell. The exact positioning is facilitated by the connecting section and can be easily corrected if necessary.

The term "comprising" is used interchangeably with the term "comprising" unless otherwise noted.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

Provision is preferably made for the first sealing unit to have at least one first position control area at least on the sealing section. The first position control area can be arranged or is arranged on a predefined area of the first and/or second housing shell. The first position control area is arranged in particular on the predefined area of the first housing shell and/or second housing shell when the first sealing unit is arranged correctly on the housing, in particular on the first housing shell or second housing shell. Or to put it another way: if the first position control area is correct on or in the predefined area of the first housing shell (the second housing shell), then the first sealing unit is correctly arranged or there is a very high probability that incorrect assembly has not taken place.

The at least one position control area also has the advantageous effect that during assembly of the first sealing unit, even before the first sealing unit is finally placed or inserted on or in the first (or second) housing sea shell or in or on the receiving section or receiving area, the positioning can be checked. For example, also in those areas that are (further) away from the at least one connection area and/or, for example, near or in a bend in the housing shell(s) and/or, for example, at the end areas of the first sealing section. In this way, a correction of the positioning during or after assembly, for example by pulling, pressing or squeezing a sealing cord that is usually used, is advantageously not required.

The first position control area is arranged in particular by flat application of the first position control area to the predefined area of the first housing shell (or the second housing shell). The predefined area can only be designed, for example, as a recess and/or a shaped area of the first housing shell (or the second housing shell), into which the first position control area can be inserted, for example, so that based on the position of the first position control area in the predefined It can be seen in the area whether the first sealing unit is correctly arranged on the housing, in particular on the first housing shell (or on the second housing shell). The first position control area can, for example, be an area which is attached to the sealing section and which, for example, has a cross section which differs from that of the sealing section. The first position control area preferably has a characteristic shape which differs from the shape of the sealing section and which can be cuboid or cylindrical, for example. The predefined area of the first housing shell (or the second housing shell) has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the first position control area. It can also advantageously be provided that the first position control area has a recess, in which case the first housing shell (or the second housing shell) includes or has a projection shaped complementarily to the recess as a predefined area. If the first sealing unit has a plurality of first position control areas, these can extend, starting from the sealing section, within the same plane or in different planes, for example perpendicular to one another. In principle, other designs for the first position control area are also conceivable, e.g. a (colored) marking that should be located in the defined area of the first housing shell (or the second housing shell).

The at least one first position control area advantageously has a through opening. The through-opening can be provided, for example, for the passage of assembly means, preferably screws. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided, for example, for leading through or plugging through display means, preferably light-emitting diodes or light guides. In an assembled state of the housing, a single assembly means or, alternatively, a single display means is passed through in particular per passage opening. A seal with respect to the assembly means and/or display means is thus achieved. In addition, the housing shells can be optimally pressed or pressed onto the first sealing unit by the assembly means in order to achieve a reliable sealing effect.

The second sealing unit preferably has at least one second position control area. The second position control area can be arranged or is arranged in a predefined area on the connection unit. In particular, the second position control area is arranged on the predefined area on the connection unit when the second sealing unit is correctly arranged on the connection unit. Or to put it another way: if the second position control area is correct on or in the predefined area of the connection unit, then the second sealing unit is arranged correctly or there is a very high probability that incorrect assembly has not taken place. The second position control area can be arranged, for example, by laying the second position control area flat on the predefined area of the connection unit. The predefined area can be designed, for example, as a recess and/or a shaped area of the connection unit, into which the second position control area can be inserted, so that it can be seen from the position of the second position control area in the predefined area whether the second sealing unit is on the connection unit is correctly arranged. The second position control area is preferably an area that has a cross section that differs from the rest of the second sealing unit. The second position control area preferably has a characteristic shape that differs from the shape of the rest of the second sealing unit and is cuboid, for example. The predefined area of the connection unit preferably has a shape that complements the shape of the second position control area. In principle, other designs for the second position control area are also conceivable, e.g. a (colored) marking that should be located in the defined area of the connection unit. Basically, the considerations for the first position control area apply analogously to the second position control area and vice versa.

As explained above, the second position control area can advantageously enable correct assembly or positioning of the second sealing unit on the connection unit in a simple manner. This is of particular advantage, for example, when the connection area does not have a circular shape, for example, or a rotationally symmetrical shape, but rather, for example, a shape with a section that is flattened in an angular range. In such a case, incorrect positioning of the second sealing section along the circumferential direction can result in the second sealing unit being excessively stretched and/or excessively loose fitting on the connection unit at one or more points. This can lead to unwanted leaks. Such an incorrect assembly is directly visible or recognizable through the second position control area and can be corrected (error along the direction of rotation).

In addition, advantageously, the second position control area can also make incorrect assembly of the connection unit (including the second sealing unit) in the first (or second) housing shell easily recognizable. In order to achieve a good sealing effect, it may be necessary for the connection unit to be pushed or pressed into the first (or second) housing shell together with the second sealing unit. In the event of incorrect operation or assembly, it can happen that the second sealing unit is compressed and only rests loosely at one or more points on the outer wall of the connection unit or is even lifted off, especially in the area in which the other housing shell is assembled . Such a distortion of the second sealing unit can be easily detected by means of the second position control, since in the event of a distortion it is no longer arranged at the intended radial position, but also protrudes from the predefined area of the connection unit or is tilted relative to this area. If such a misalignment of the second position control area is detected, the assembly of the connection unit can advantageously be corrected (immediately).

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the connecting section of the first sealing unit has a cross section with a first concave area. At least in the assembled state of the housing, a holding area of the first housing shell engages in the first concave area of the connecting section of the first sealing unit. This serves in particular to hold the connecting section, in particular the first sealing unit, on the first housing shell. The first concave area faces radially outwards, for example. For example, it may have the shape of a "V" or "U" opening radially outwards or the like. A shape that opens at least slightly outwards (like a “V”) can act like an insertion funnel and further facilitate assembly (e.g. an opening angle of the shape of at least 5°, preferably at least 10° between the legs). In this case, the radial direction extends perpendicularly to an axial direction, with the axial direction being able to represent the plug-in direction, e.g. in the area of the connection unit. A direction of rotation goes around the connection unit and the axial direction.

The interlocking of the first concave area and the holding area advantageously prevents twisting of the connecting section and/or undesired displacement of the connecting section along the axial direction. An assembler or a machine also advantageously receives haptic feedback during assembly of the connecting section on the holding area as soon as the holding area has correctly engaged in the first concave area. This advantageously simplifies assembly and improves the quality of the seal.

In a further development it is provided that the second sealing unit has a cross section with a second concave area (eg circumferentially along the circumferential direction). At least in the assembled state of the housing, an engagement area of the second housing shell and the connecting section of the first sealing unit engage in the second concave area (eg at different sections of the second sealing unit). On the one hand, this improves the sealing effect by lengthening the sealing section and, on the other hand, improves the attachment of the second sealing unit and in particular the connection unit to the housing. Twisting of the second sealing unit is thus advantageously prevented. An undesired axial displacement of the second sealing unit, for example relative to the housing, is also advantageously prevented in this way. An assembler or a machine also advantageously receives haptic feedback when assembling the connecting section on the holding area as soon as the intervention in the second concave area has taken place correctly. This advantageously simplifies assembly and improves the quality of the seal. The second concave area is in particular walled radially outwards. It can, for example, have the shape of a “V” or “U” or the like that opens radially outward. A shape that opens at least slightly outwards (like a “V”) can act like an insertion funnel and further facilitate assembly (eg an opening angle of the shape of at least 5°, preferably at least 10° between the legs). Such an opening angle of the second concave is advantageous Area at least equal to or larger than that of the first concave portion.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the second concave area is designed to be constant along a circumferential direction around the connection unit. The engagement area of the first housing shell has in particular a smaller dimension along a longitudinal direction or the axial direction of the connector than the holding area of the second housing shell. This enables the second concave portion to be configured consistently, with both the connecting portion mounted on the holding portion and the engaging portion being equally engageable (nested) with the second concave portion. The longitudinal direction extends in particular from the connection side to a line side of the housing. Particularly advantageously, the longitudinal direction runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction through each centroid of each cross section through the connector.

The formation of the second concave region of the second sealing unit, which remains the same in the circumferential direction, advantageously brings about a particularly simple and cost-effective production of the second sealing unit. Also advantageous in this way is a simple and confusion-proof installation and a high sealing quality.

In a further development it is provided that the sealing section of the first sealing unit has an oval cross section or a rectangular, in particular non-square, cross section or a hexagonal cross section. A cross section that is anisotropic with respect to two spatial directions can advantageously prevent twisting of the sealing section during assembly and/or cause self-centering of the sealing section with respect to a twisting direction on or in the first or second housing shell or its receiving section. For example, this can be brought about in cooperation with a receiving section, which has a dimension that is smaller transversely to the insertion direction or assembly direction than the longer axis of the cross section of the sealing section. This dimension may alternatively or additionally be larger than the shorter axis of the cross-section of the sealing portion. For example, it can be provided that a largest dimension of the cross section of the sealing section is oriented in the direction in which the sealing section is pressed or pinched or compressed between the first housing shell and the second housing shell. This advantageously improves the sealing effect.

Provision is preferably made for the second sealing unit to rest against the first housing shell at least in an assembled state of the housing and in particular to at least partially enclose the connecting section of the first sealing unit in cross section. This has the advantageous effect that the connecting section brings about a defined positioning of the second connecting section and thus a reliable seal. If the first sealing unit is correctly positioned, a fitter can, when installing the second sealing unit, e.g. haptically and/or visually detect whether the second sealing unit is correctly positioned by recognizing whether/that the second sealing unit overlaps the first sealing unit in cross section in the area of the Connecting section encloses. This can be done, for example, by nesting the matryoshka doll. The actual sealing of the housing at the interface between the connection unit and the two housing shells can then, for example, be carried out exclusively or mainly by the second sealing unit. In such an exemplary configuration, the connecting section has the main task of facilitating and/or ensuring the positioning of the second sealing unit.

The connector preferably has a line element which, on a line side of the housing, extends through the housing from an interior space into an external environment or an exterior space. In addition, the connector advantageously has a third sealing unit. It is provided that at least in an assembled state of the housing, the third sealing unit is in contact with the line element, with the connecting section of the first sealing unit and with the second housing shell. In this case, the third sealing unit can, for example, wrap around the line element. For example, the third sealing unit can be designed as a sleeve-like element with a through-channel. The line element can, for example, be inserted through the through-channel, so that the third sealing element lies tightly (and/or tightly) against an outer wall of the line element, for example on its outer insulation. The first sealing unit can have a plurality of connecting sections, wherein, for example, the second sealing unit is in contact with one connecting section and the third sealing unit is in contact with a further connecting section. The line element can be a connecting line between two connectors of the supply cable, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the line element can be, for example, a connecting line for internally contacting a coupling for the connecting line within the connector, or even be such a coupling itself. The sealing concept with regard to the line element is in particular analogous to the sealing concept with regard to the connections is built up. Accordingly, the same advantages also result. In a particularly advantageous manner, the third sealing element brings about a particularly good seal of the housing interior from an exterior of the connector, specifically from the line side. This prevents dirt, dirt and/or fluid media from penetrating into the interior along the connecting line or the line element or via a coupling of the connector to the connecting line. The connection section can bring about a particularly simple and positionally secure assembly of the first sealing element in the housing or on/in the housing shells, with the actual sealing being effected particularly well by the third sealing unit. A separation of functions can thus advantageously be carried out. The exterior of the housing can be, for example, the environment or the space in which an operator can touch the connector.

The line side of the housing is to be understood as meaning that side or front side or that end of the housing which faces a connecting line of the supply cable. Accordingly, the connection side of the connector is to be understood as meaning the side or end face facing away from the line side or the end of the connector facing away from it. The connection side is the side of the connector with which the connector can be connected to a vehicle (vehicle connector) or to an energy supply device (infrastructure connector) or a consumer (consumer connector).

Particularly advantageously, the third sealing unit has a cross section with a convex area. The convex portion engages with the second shell and a third concave portion of the connecting portion of the first seal unit. The convex area and the third concave area can be designed to be complementary to one another, e.g. in terms of flank angle and/or projection height (convex area) or notch depth (third concave area). The convex portion is preferably an outward (radially outward) projection. For example, the third concave portion may have a V-shape or a U-shape, the open side of which shape is directed radially inwards at the third concave portion. The convex area engages in the second housing shell preferably in a (complementary) recess in the second housing shell. In addition, e.g. an intervention directly into the second housing shell or the recess is possible, so that no other element is stored in between.

In a further development it is provided that the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit are designed in one piece with each other. Provision can be made, for example, for the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit not to be detachable from one another without being destroyed.

In this way, the number of parts to be manufactured and parts to be assembled in or on the connector can advantageously be reduced. Furthermore, this advantageously further improves the positioning accuracy of the two sealing units relative to the first and/or second housing half.

In a further development it is provided that the third sealing unit and the first sealing unit are designed in one piece with each other. It can be provided, for example, that the first sealing unit and the third sealing unit cannot be detached from one another without being destroyed.

In this way, the number of parts to be manufactured and parts to be assembled in or on the connector can advantageously be reduced. Furthermore, this advantageously further improves the positioning accuracy of the two sealing units relative to the first and/or second housing half.

Finally, it can also be provided that all three sealing units (first, second and third sealing unit) are formed in one piece with one another. As a result, the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled is further reduced and the positioning accuracy is advantageously further improved.

The invention also relates to a supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle to an energy supply device that provides electrical energy and/or to a consumer that requires electrical energy. The umbilical has a first connector as previously described, which is designed to connect the umbilical to a vehicle. In addition, the supply cable has a second connector, as described above, which is designed to connect the supply cable to an energy supply device and/or a consumer. The umbilical cable further includes a connection line that is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector. The use of the connectors described above makes it more difficult or impossible for foreign bodies and/or fluid media to penetrate into the supply cable, in particular the connectors.

• -- eine erste Dichtungseinheit und zumindest eine zweite Dichtungseinheit, wobei die erste Dichtungseinheit einstückig ausgebildet ist, insbesondere ringförmig geschlossen, und
• -- zumindest einen Dichtabschnitt und zumindest einen Verbindungsabschnitt. Die Dichtungsanordnung ist bevorzugt ausgebildet, dass zumindest in einem zusammengesetzten Zustand des Gehäuses des Verbinders
• -- der Dichtabschnitt der ersten Dichtungseinheit sowohl an die erste Gehäuseschale als auch an die zweite Gehäuseschale anlegbar ist,
• -- der Verbindungsabschnitt der ersten Dichtungseinheit entlang von mehr als 90% seiner Länge nur an die ersten Gehäuseschale und nicht an die zweite Gehäuseschale anlegbar ist, und
• -- die zweite Dichtungseinheit an die Anschlusseinheit und an die zweite Gehäuseschale anlegbar ist und an dem Verbindungsabschnitt der ersten Dichtungseinheit anliegt.

A sealing arrangement for a connector of a supply cable is thus preferably provided. The connector has a housing with at least a first housing shell and a second housing shell separate from the first housing shell and at least one connection unit arranged in the housing on a connection side of the housing for connection to a vehicle or an energy supply device or a consumer. The sealing arrangement has:

• -- a first sealing unit and at least one second sealing unit, wherein the first sealing unit is designed in one piece, in particular closed in the form of a ring, and
• -- at least one sealing section and at least one connecting section. The sealing arrangement is preferably formed at least in an assembled state of the housing of the connector
• -- the sealing section of the first sealing unit can be placed against both the first housing shell and the second housing shell,
• -- the connecting section of the first sealing unit can only be placed against the first housing shell and not against the second housing shell along more than 90% of its length, and
• - The second sealing unit can be placed against the connection unit and the second housing shell and rests against the connecting section of the first sealing unit.

In particular, the connector has a line element which, on a line side of the housing, extends through the housing from an interior space into the exterior space. The sealing arrangement preferably has a third sealing unit (26). It is preferably designed such that, at least in an assembled state of the housing, the third sealing unit can be placed against the line element and the second housing shell and is in contact with the connecting section or another connecting section of the first sealing unit.

character list

• 1 eine schematische Abbildung eines Versorgungskabels,
• 2 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung eines Verbinders des Versorgungskabels,
• 3 eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung der verschiedenen Dichtungseinheiten des Verbinders,
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht einer Anschlusseinheit des Verbinders,
• 5 eine schematische Detailansicht einer Anschlussseite eines Gehäuses des Verbinders,
• 6 eine weitere schematische Ansicht des Verbinders in teilweiser Explosionsdarstellung,
• 7 eine schematische Detailansicht des Verbinders in Explosionsdarstellung an der Anschlussseite,
• 8 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Teilbereichs des Verbinders an der Anschlussseite,
• 9 eine schematische Detailansicht des Verbinders in Explosionsdarstellung an einer Leitungsseite des Gehäuses,
• 10 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Teilbereichs des Verbinders an der Leitungsseite, und
• 11 eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Teilbereichs des Verbinders an einem Dichtungsabschnitt einer ersten Dichtungseinheit.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:

• 1 a schematic illustration of a supply cable,
• 2 a schematic exploded view of a connector of the supply cable,
• 3 a schematic exploded view of the various sealing units of the connector,
• 4 a schematic view of a connection unit of the connector,
• 5 a schematic detailed view of a connection side of a housing of the connector,
• 6 another schematic view of the connector in a partially exploded view,
• 7 a schematic detailed view of the connector in an exploded view on the connection side,
• 8th a schematic sectional view of a portion of the connector on the connection side,
• 9 a schematic detailed view of the connector in an exploded view on a line side of the housing,
• 10 a schematic sectional view of a portion of the connector on the line side, and
• 11 a schematic sectional view of a portion of the connector on a sealing portion of a first sealing unit.

Embodiments of the invention

All figures are merely schematic representations of the device according to the invention or its components according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, distances and size relationships are not shown to scale in the figures. Corresponding elements in the various figures are given the same reference numbers.

1 shows schematically a vehicle 12 which is, for example, a hybrid or electric vehicle and which has an energy store 11 . The energy store 11 is to be charged here, for example via an energy supply device 16 . The energy supply device 16 in the in 1 The case shown can be, for example, a wall box that enables charging with three-phase AC voltage, or a constant voltage source, for example a household socket such as a Schuko socket, for example, which enables single-phase charging. A supply cable 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is provided for connecting energy supply device 16 and energy store 11 or vehicle 12 .

The supply cable 10 has a primary connector 14 and a secondary connector 15 on where in 1 different variants of the secondary connector 15 are shown. In the context of the application, connectors 14, 15 are spoken of in general. For the sealing concept of the connector 14, 15, it is irrelevant whether it is a primary connector 14 or a secondary connector 15. To make the application text easier to understand, however, the connector 14 , 15 can occasionally be specified more precisely as the primary connector 14 or secondary connector 15 . A supply line or connecting line 13 is present between the (primary) connector 14 and the (secondary) connector 15 . The (primary) connector 14 is used for the electrical connection to the vehicle 12 and specifically to the energy store 11. The (secondary) connector 15 is used, depending on its design, to connect to the various types of energy supply device 16 or a consumer 19. In the case that the (secondary) connector 15 is set up for connection to a consumer 19 (shown here by way of example in the form of a hair dryer), the (secondary) connector 15 can be a Schuko socket, for example. In this case, electrical energy is drawn from the vehicle 12 or its energy store 11 . It goes without saying that the electrical consumer can also be a power grid, so that electrical energy from the vehicle 12 can be fed back into the power grid. In this case, for example, a Schuko plug or a type 2 charging plug for plugging into a wall box can serve as the (secondary) connector 15 . It is also understood that the electrical load can also be another vehicle that is supplied with electricity or electrical energy from the vehicle 12 . In this case, the (secondary) connector 15 can be designed analogously to the (primary) connector 14, for example.

The (primary) connector 14 has a vehicle connection 14A, which is provided for the directly or indirectly detachable wireless or wired electrical connection to the vehicle 12 or the energy store 11 .

In the embodiment shown, the (primary) connector 14 also has an additional connection 9, via which a wireless and/or wired electrical connection with an additional coupling 5 of the connecting line 13 can be made detachable directly or indirectly. In an alternative embodiment, the additional connection 9 and the additional coupling 5 can be dispensed with, so that the connecting line 13 is attached directly to the (primary) connector 14 and cannot be separated from it without destroying it.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the supply cable 10 can be coupled to various types of (secondary) connectors 15 . Each (secondary) connector 15 has an infrastructure connection 1 and a cable connection 2, the infrastructure connection 1 being designed for electrical connection to the energy supply device 16 or the consumer 19. The cable connection 2 is used for connection to the connecting line 13. For this purpose, the connecting line 13 has, for example, a coupling 6, the coupling 6 and the cable connection 2 being electrically connectable in a detachable manner. The (secondary) connectors 15 can thus be exchanged easily and with little effort, in that only the connection between the coupling 6 and the cable connection 2 has to be separated. In principle, of course, supply cables 10 are also conceivable in which the (secondary) connector 15 is non-detachably (i.e. not detachably detachable) connected to the connecting line 13 .

In 1 The top right shows that the infrastructure connection 1 can also be designed for connection to a consumer 19, for example by the infrastructure connection 1 or the (secondary) connector 15 being designed as a shockproof socket or as a three-phase socket. In 1 center right shows that the infrastructure connection 1 of the (secondary) connector 15 can be, for example, a type 2 connection for connection to a charging station or wall box in an alternative embodiment (here, for example, a current flow from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or from the vehicle 12 way to the infrastructure connection 1 possible). In 1 The example on the bottom right shows that the infrastructure connection 1 of the (secondary) connector 15 can, in an alternative embodiment, be a safety plug for connection to a domestic socket (here too, for example, a current flow from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or away from the vehicle 12 to the Infrastructure connection 1 possible). A (secondary) connector 15 for connecting to another vehicle is also possible in principle, but is not shown here.

In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting line 13 has only electrical conductors between the clutch 6 and the additional clutch 5 , which establish an electrical connection between the clutch 6 and the additional clutch 5 . These electrical conductors are, for example, copper conductors or aluminum conductors, or they are made from another material with high electrical conductivity and have electrical insulation. All electrical conductors are combined in one strand, for example, and preferably have a common sheath, which serves as electrical insulation on the one hand and as mechanical protection on the other. Preferred is in 1 no active or passive electrical components are provided in the connecting line 13 . All logical components or logic modules (e.g. microprocessors, ASICs, etc.) and in particular active ones or passive electrical components are either part of the (primary) connector 14 and/or part of the (secondary) connector 15. As a result, the connecting line 13 can advantageously be produced inexpensively. An ICCB (an in-cable control box) can thus be expressly dispensed with in this exemplary embodiment. As a result, the supply cable 10 can be provided in a cost-effective, compact, simple, space-saving and light-weight manner despite its adaptability shown here (different (secondary) connectors 15 can be optionally coupled). Not having an ICCB reduces the weight, costs and manageability, as well as time-consuming quality checks and stress tests, since it is not necessary to protect the sensitive electronics of the ICCB from being run over by other vehicles, such as trucks. This also advantageously reduces the risk of people stumbling. It goes without saying that in other exemplary embodiments an ICCB can be provided, which is then arranged, for example, within the connecting line 13 .

2 12 schematically shows an exploded view of the (primary) connector 14, with a structure of the (secondary) connector 15 preferably being analogous to that of the (primary) connector 14. Therefore, in the following, no explicit distinction is made between (primary) connector 14 and (secondary) connector 15, but general reference is made to a connector 14, 15, which can thus be the (primary) connector 14 and/or (secondary) connector 15.

The connector 14, 15 has a housing 20 on. The housing 20 has at least a first housing shell 21 and a second housing shell 22 separate from the first housing shell 21 . Furthermore, at least one connection unit 23 arranged in the housing 20 on a connection side 27 of the housing 20 is provided for connection to the vehicle 12 or the energy supply device 16 or the consumer 19 . The connection unit 23 preferably has plug connectors (e.g. at least one male contact element and/or at least one female contact element) which are designed for electrically contacting mating connectors. A line side 28 is provided on an end of the housing opposite the connection side 27 . On the line side 28, a line element 13' of the housing 20 extends through the housing 20 from an interior space 20A of the housing 20 into an exterior environment or an exterior space 20B of the housing 20. The exterior environment or the exterior space 20B is, for example, the space in which an operator can touch the connector 14,15. The line element 13' can be the connecting line 13. Likewise, the line element 13' can be a cable stub to which the connecting line 13' can be connected. Another possibility is that the line element 13 ′ makes electrical contact with the clutch 6 or additional clutch 5 . In principle, the coupling 6 or the additional coupling 5 can also represent the line element 13`, which reaches through the housing 20 from the interior 20A into the exterior 20B or the exterior of the housing 20 or is in - e.g. direct - contact with the exterior 20B.

A longitudinal direction 300 of the connector 14, 15 and thus of the housing 20 extends from the connection side 27 to the line side 28. The longitudinal direction 300 runs in particular through the centers of gravity of all cross sections of the connector 14, 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 300. Since the connector 14, 15 has a curved housing shape, the longitudinal direction 300 is therefore also not straight but follows the curved housing shape, that is to say it is curved. For the connection unit 23 and the line element 13′, the longitudinal direction 300 is in particular a central axis. A radial direction 200 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 300 . A circulation direction 100 runs around longitudinal direction 300.

On the connection side 27, the first housing shell 21 has a holding area 21A, which runs around the inner wall along the circumferential direction 100 in the area of the end face of the first housing shell 21 on the inside thereof. The holding area 21A is designed here, for example, as a projection or convex curvature. It is provided here as an example in a context with 3 described first concave portion 25B of a terminal-side connecting portion 24B of a first seal unit 24 to engage. In this way, assembly of the first sealing unit 24 can be facilitated, and in this way the connection area 24B and thus the first sealing unit 24 can be arranged or held or fastened in a fixed position on the first housing shell.

In this embodiment, the first housing shell 21 has, by way of example, a receiving area or receiving section 30 , which is designed here in the form of a groove 31 , merely by way of example. This receiving area 30 runs slightly below an end face (here: an outer wall) of the first housing shell 21 facing the second housing shell 22. The receiving area 30 is delimited here in such a way that the outer wall of the first housing shell protrudes beyond an inner wall delimiting the groove 31, e.g. by at most 2 mm, preferably by at most 1 mm.

3 shows a sealing arrangement from the just described first sealing unit 24, a second sealing unit 25 and a third th sealing unit 26. The first sealing unit 24 is in particular formed in one piece. It can, for example, be designed in the form of a closed ring. The first sealing unit 24 has at least one sealing section 24A and at least one connecting section 24B, in the exemplary embodiment shown two sealing sections 24A and one connecting section 24B (on the connection side 27 of the connector 14, 15) and a (further) connecting section 24B` (on the line side 28 of the connector 14, 15). In this exemplary embodiment, the two sealing sections 24A are each connected at one of their ends to the connecting section 24B and at their other end to the further connecting section 24B'.

At least when the housing 20 is in an assembled state, it is provided that each sealing section 24A of the first sealing unit 24 bears against both the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22 . In this way, a sealing effect is achieved between the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22, at least between the connection side 27 and the line side 28. The sealing sections 24A of the first sealing unit 24 run in particular along the longitudinal direction 300. The sealing sections 24A thus extend, for example, in each case between the connection side 27 and the line side 28. On the connection side 27, the connecting section 24B connects the two sealing sections 24A, on the line side 28 the (further) connecting section 24B` connects the two sealing sections 24A. In this way, the closed shape of the first seal unit 24 described above is formed. It is particularly advantageous for the sealing sections 24A to run flat, e.g. to extend in one plane. In other words, the sealing sections 24A extend in two directions in space, but not in a third direction in space.

The connecting section 24B and the further connecting section 24B' of the first sealing unit 24 each lie along more than 90% of their length, preferably along more than 95% of their length and very particularly preferably along more than 98% of their length only on the first housing shell 21 and not on the second housing shell 22. The connecting section 24B and the (additional) connecting section 24B` run along the circumferential direction 100 and thus, in particular, component-wise also in that spatial direction along which the sealing sections 24A do not extend.

The second sealing unit 25 is in contact with the connection unit 23 , with the connecting section 24B of the first sealing unit 24 and with the second housing shell 22 .

The connecting section 24B arranged on the connection side 27 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment has, for example, as already described above, a cross section with a first concave area 24D, into which the holding area 21A, at least in the assembled state of the housing 20 (see 2 ) of the first housing shell 21 engages. For example, the first concave portion 24D may have a U-shape or V-shape or the like in cross-section, the open side of which shape is directed radially outward (open toward the first shell 21).

The third sealing unit 26 provided here as an example rests on the line element 13 ′, on the (additional) connecting section 24B ′ of the first sealing unit 24 and on the second housing shell 22 .

Thus, the second sealing unit 25 and the third sealing unit 26 provided here as an example serve to seal between the housing 20 and the connection unit 23 and the line element 13 'together with the respective connecting area or connecting section 24B, 24B' of the first sealing unit 24. This leads to a complete and reliable sealing of the connectors 14, 15. Since the connecting sections 24B, 24B' of the first sealing unit 24 interact with the second sealing unit 25 and the third sealing unit 26 and since the first sealing unit 24 is designed in one piece, the transitions at which the Outer edges of the first housing shell 21, second housing shell 22 and connection unit 23 or line element 13' meet, reliably and completely sealed.

The placement of the seal between the two housing shells 21, 22, which is normally difficult given the curved shape of the housing 20, is considerably simplified by the design of the first sealing unit 24 and thereby advantageously leads to a reduction in the risk of leakage. Because the provision of the connecting sections 24B, 24B`, which are adapted to the shape of the housing shells 21, 22 on the connection side 27 and on the line side 28, makes it easier for a fitter and/or a machine to position the sealing sections 24A correctly along the housing shells 21 , 22 can be reached quickly and reliably. The connecting sections 24B, 24B' also provide dimensional stability of the first sealing unit 24 in itself, which increases the risk of the sealing sections 24A twisting about their own axis or of misplacement (e.g. mounting upright instead of transversely). significantly reduced during installation. It goes without saying here that a single connection section can already be sufficient for this risk minimization.

In order to achieve further improved positioning of the first sealing unit 24 on the housing 20, in particular on the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22, the first sealing unit 24 has a plurality of first position control areas 24C on each sealing section 24A in this embodiment (in principle, only a single first position control area 24C may be provided). The position control areas 24C can be arranged on respective predefined areas of the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22, respectively. The position control areas 24C can be designed, for example, as cuboid or cylindrical projections on the respective sealing area 24A, which can be inserted into complementarily shaped recesses on or in the first housing shell 21 and/or the second housing shell 22 or can be coupled to these recesses or defined areas are. In the exemplary embodiment, the position control areas 24C have through-openings into which, in this exemplary embodiment, projections of the first housing shell 21 that are shaped complementarily thereto engage when the first sealing unit 24 is correctly arranged on the first housing shell 21 . The through-openings are also used here—just by way of example—to guide through assembly means, preferably screws, and/or display means, for example light-emitting diodes or light guides or the like. Thus, on the one hand, the two housing shells 21, 22 can be optimally screwed together. On the other hand, an indication, e.g. The sealing effect is consistently guaranteed.

4 shows schematically the connection unit 23 with the second sealing unit 25. The second sealing unit 25 has here, for example, at least one second position control area 25A, which can be arranged in a predefined area on the connection unit 23. In the exemplary embodiment, the second position control region 25A is cuboid and can be arranged in a recess of the connection unit 23 that is shaped to complement it. If the second position control area 25A is correctly arranged on the predefined area of the connection unit 23, ie placed appropriately in the recess, then the second sealing unit 25 is also correctly arranged or attached to or connected to or coupled to the connection unit 23 .

The second seal unit 25 has a cross section with a second concave portion 25B, in which at least in the assembled state of the housing 20 an engaging portion 22A (see Fig. 6 until 8th ) of the second housing shell 22 (in the 2 , 6 , 7 , 8th respectively in the upper portion of the second seal unit 25) and the connecting portion 24B of the first seal unit 24 (in Figs 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 , 8th each engage the lower portion of the second seal unit 25). The second concave region 25B is formed here, for example, consistently along the circumferential direction 100 around the connection unit 23 (it has the same cross section circumferentially).

The second concave portion 25B serves to cooperate with the connecting portion 24B of the first sealing unit 24 as well as with the second housing shell 22 when the connection unit 23 is arranged on the housing 20. This is explained below.

5 schematically shows a detailed view of the connection side 27 of the first housing shell 21, on which the connection unit 23 can be arranged. On the first shell 21 is attached the connecting portion 24B of the first seal unit 24, which engages with the second concave portion 25B of the second seal unit 25 when the terminal unit 23 is placed in the first shell 21 correctly. This is particularly in the 6 until 8th shown.

The terminal-side connection portion 24B of the first seal unit 24 has a cross section with a first concave portion 24D as described above. As described above, a holding portion 21A of the first housing shell 21 engages in the first concave portion 24D. Thus, on the one hand, a sealing effect is achieved between the connecting section 24B on the connection side and the first housing shell 21 . In addition, the connecting portion 24B is held on the first shell 21 .

6 , 7 and 8th show an example of the interaction of the connecting section 24B on the connection side, the two housing shells 21, 22 and the connection element 23 with its second sealing unit 25.

As in particular in 6 and 8th As illustrated, both the terminal-side connecting portion 24B of the first seal unit 24 and the engaging portion 22A of the second shell 22 are engaged with the second concave portion 25B of the second seal unit 25 . This leads to a reliable sealing effect between the housing 20 and the connection unit 23. In this In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the engagement area 22A of the second housing shell 22 and the connection area 24B of the first sealing unit 24 (which in turn is engaged by the holding area 21A) have an (approximately) identical external shape. As a result, it is advantageously achieved that the second concave region 25B of the second sealing unit 25 can have the same design as described above along the circumferential direction 100, ie it has an unchanged design in terms of its cross section. This simplifies manufacture and assembly and reduces the risk of leakage. At the same time, it is nevertheless ensured that the connecting section 24B on the connection side can be arranged on the first housing shell 21 in a simple and positionally secure manner. As a result, the sealing quality is improved while at the same time being particularly cost-effective to manufacture and simple to assemble.

The second sealing unit 25 is preferably in contact with the first housing shell 21 . For this purpose, the second sealing unit 25 with its second concave area 25B encloses the connecting section 24B of the first sealing unit 24 in cross section (similar to a Matryoshka doll). The outer ends of the second concave area 25B (thus, e.g. in the case of a U shape or a V shape, the tips of the U limbs or the V limbs) are then in contact with the inner wall of the first housing shell. In this exemplary embodiment, the second sealing unit 25 can thereby directly bring about a sealing effect between the connection unit 23 and the first housing shell 21, analogously to the sealing effect by the second sealing unit 25 between the connection unit 23 and the second housing shell 22. The connecting section 24B of the first sealing unit 24 is not required directly for the sealing effect between connection unit 23 and first housing shell 21 in this exemplary embodiment. However, the connecting section 24B can, for example, ensure or improve the tightness at the point where the outer edges of the connection unit 23, the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22 meet, in particular compared to the formation of the sealing arrangement using separate cord seals for the sealing section 24A.

The 9 and 10 Fig. 12 schematically show the sealing on the line side 28 of the housing 20, where the third sealing unit 26 is used for sealing against the conductor element 13'. It is provided here that the third sealing unit 26 has a cross section with a convex (radially outward-pointing) area 26A, which engages in the second housing shell 22 and in a third concave area 24E of the further (line-side) connecting section 24B` of the first sealing unit 24 . In contrast to the first concave area 24D on the connecting section 24B on the connection side, this third concave area 24E here has a concave shape that is open radially inwards. If it is designed in a U-shape or V-shape, for example, the open side of this shape is directed radially inwards or away from the inner wall of the first housing shell 21 . This allows the convex portion 26A of the third sealing unit 26 to be smoothly engaged with the third concave portion 24E. At the same time, this creates a safeguard against confusion if, for example, the housing 20 is not bent along the longitudinal direction 300 and the connection side 27 and line side 28 have similar opening diameters. Because then, based on the different concave opening (once radially outwards, once radially inwards), a fitter or a machine can very easily and quickly see how the first sealing unit 24 has to be installed in the first housing shell 21, so that it can be installed in later Process steps (assembly of the connection unit 23 and the conductor element 13` does not lead to complex rework.

The third sealing unit 26 is preferably longer in the longitudinal direction 300 than the second sealing unit 25. A position control area, as provided for the first sealing unit 24 and the second sealing unit 25, can also be dispensed with in this exemplary embodiment. The reason for this is that no special alignment of the third sealing unit 24 with respect to the circumferential direction 100 is necessary to seal the conductor element 13 ′ in this exemplary embodiment. Both the conductor element 13′ and the third sealing unit 24 are cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical (or e.g. sleeve-like). For example, they can be rotationally symmetrical. In other embodiments, a third position control area can also be provided on the third sealing unit. This third position control area can be or can be arranged in a predefined area of the first housing shell or the second housing shell (in the assembled state).

11 shows a section through the sealing section 24A of the first sealing unit 24. The sealing section 24A is arranged in the receiving area or receiving section 30, which is designed here as a groove 31, for example. It can be placed loosely in the receiving section 30 or placed in the receiving section 30 . The receiving section 30 here is only by way of example along the radial direction 200 (here: the radial direction 200 running from left to right, transverse to the arrows drawn in) compared to the non-pressed cross section of the sealing portion 24A in this direction. The sealing section 24A of the first sealing unit 24 has, for example, a hexagonal cross section, the height of the sealing section being greater than the width and also greater than the cross section of the receiving area 30. In this way, clear positioning and/or self-alignment or Self-centering of the sealing section 24A in an untwisted manner in the receiving area 30 is ensured, since with a twisting of, for example, 90°, the sealing section can only be inserted into the receiving section 30 under strong compression. Alternatively, the sealing section 24A can also have an oval cross section or a rectangular, in particular non-square, cross section. Such a cross section not only allows each sealing section 24A to be positioned optimally and correctly and in a self-centering manner in the receiving area. As a result, it can also be optimally compressed if the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22 are fixed to one another, for example screwed together. As a result, an optimal sealing effect between the first housing shell 21 and the second housing shell 22 is achieved. Because not only is a seal created by the compression along the in 11 drawn arrows (referred to here as axial pressure). Rather, by squeezing in the radial direction (here: left/right) transverse to the arrows, a seal can also be effected, which can be referred to here as a radial seal, by contacting the walls of the groove 31 through the sealing section 24A.

In the 1 until 11 Connectors 14, 15 or first, second and third sealing units 24, 25, 26 are shown, in which the first sealing unit 24, the second sealing unit 25 and the third sealing unit 26 are each present as separate elements that can be detached from one another without being destroyed. In principle, it is also possible (in the exemplary embodiments not shown here) for the first sealing unit 24 to be designed in one piece with the second sealing unit 25 . In this case, for example, the two sealing units 24, 25 cannot be connected to one another in a non-destructive manner. In this way, advantageously, fewer elements that effect the sealing need to be manufactured and assembled. The placement between the housing shells can also become even clearer. Furthermore, it is possible that, alternatively or additionally, the third sealing unit 26 is designed in one piece with the first sealing unit 24 . The third sealing unit 26 can be connected to the first sealing unit 24 in a non-destructively detachable manner, for example. It is possible in the described one-piece designs of at least two of the three sealing units 24, 25, 26 that the one-piece design is carried out, for example, by a common injection molding process in one step or, for example, by a 2K injection molding process by using different materials for the depending on the requirements different sealing ranges can be used.

Claims (14)

Connector (14, 15) for a supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to an energy supply device (16) providing electrical energy and/or to a consumer (19) requiring electrical energy, the connector (14, 15) having : -- a housing (20) with at least a first housing shell (21) and a second housing shell (22) separate from the first housing shell (21), -- at least one connection unit (23) arranged in the housing (20) on a connection side (27) of the housing (20) for connection to the vehicle (12) or the energy supply device (16) or the consumer (19), -- a first sealing unit (24), and -- at least one second sealing unit (25), -- wherein the first sealing unit (24) is designed in one piece, in particular closed in the form of a ring, and has at least one sealing section (24A) and at least one connecting section (24B, 24B`), -- wherein at least in an assembled state of the housing (20) ---- the sealing section (24A) of the first sealing unit (24) abuts both the first housing shell (21) and the second housing shell (22), ---- the connecting section (24B, 24B`) of the first sealing unit (24) abuts only the first housing shell (21) and not the second housing shell (22) along more than 90% of its length, and ---- the second sealing unit (25) rests on the connection unit (23), on the connecting section (24B) of the first sealing unit (24) and on the second housing shell (22). connector (14, 15). claim 1 , wherein the first sealing unit (24) has at least one first position control area (24C) at least on the sealing section (24A), which can be arranged on a predefined area of the first housing shell (21) or the second housing shell (22). connector (14, 15). claim 2 , wherein the at least one first position control area (24C) has a through-opening, in particular for the passage of assembly means, preferably screws, and/or display means, preferably light-emitting diodes or light guides. Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sealing unit (25) has at least one second position control area (25A) which can be arranged at a predefined area on the connection unit (23). Connector (14, 15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion (24B) of the first sealing unit (24) has a cross section with a first concave area (24D) into which at least in the assembled state of the housing (20) a holding area ( 21A) of the first housing shell (21) engages. Connector (14, 15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sealing unit (25) has a cross section with a second concave portion (25B) into which, at least in the assembled state of the housing (20), an engaging portion (22A) of the second housing shell (22) and the connecting portion (24B) of the first seal unit (24) engage. connector (14, 15). claim 6 , wherein the second concave portion (25B) is consistently formed along a circumferential direction (100) around the terminal unit (23). Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing portion (24A) of the first sealing unit (24) has an oval cross section or a rectangular, in particular non-square, cross section or a hexagonal cross section. Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sealing unit (25) bears against the first housing shell (21) at least in an assembled state of the housing (20) and in particular the connecting section (24B) of the first sealing unit (24) encloses in cross section. Connector (14, 15) according to any one of the preceding claims, the connector (14, 15) further comprising: -- a line element (13`), which on a line side (28) of the housing (20) passes through the housing (20) from an interior (20A) into an exterior (20B), -- a third sealing unit (26), -- wherein at least in an assembled state of the housing (20), the third sealing unit (26) rests against the line element (13`), against the connecting section (24B`) of the first sealing unit (24) and against the second housing shell (22). connector (14, 15). claim 10 , wherein the third sealing unit (26) has a cross section with a convex area (26A) which engages in the second housing shell (22) and in a third concave area (24E) of the connecting portion (24B`) of the first sealing unit (24). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing unit (24) and the second sealing unit (25) are formed in one piece with one another and, in particular, cannot be detached from one another without being destroyed. Connector according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the third sealing unit (26) and the first sealing unit (24) are formed in one piece with one another and, in particular, cannot be detached from one another without being destroyed. Supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to an energy supply device (16) providing electrical energy and/or to a consumer (19) requiring electrical energy, having: -- a first connector (14) according to any one of the preceding claims for connecting the umbilical cable (10) to a vehicle (12); -- a second connector (15) according to one of the preceding claims for connecting the supply cable (10) to an energy supply device (16) and/or a consumer (19); -- a connecting line (13) which is electrically connected to the first connector (14) and the second connector (15).

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