EP1745528B1 - Sealed plug-in connection that runs through a dividing wall and corresponding mounting method - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug connection comprises a first plug having a seal and a second plug configured for fitting in an opening in a partition wall. The second plug is mateable with the first plug such that the seal substantially surrounds the opening in the partition wall. A clamping device is provided on the first plug and is configured for drawing the first plug into engagement with the second plug. The clamping device engages with the second plug at a connection region. The connection region is provided with a sealing member configured to seal the connection region between the clamping device and the second plug.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for making at least one electrical connection through an opening of a partition. The connector, which is also referred to as a through-connector, has a first and a second connector which can be plugged together and at least one of the connectors can be sealed against the partition wall via a seal enclosing the opening. In particular, the present invention relates to a connector in which at least one of the plugs has a tensioning device which can be brought into engagement with the other plug and with which the two plugs are permanently tensioned in their mating direction by incorporating the partition wall. The invention further relates to a mounting method for producing such an electrical connector.

In a known generic connector, as described for example in the published international patent application WO 2004/047234 A1 is shown, the tensioning of the two plugs to each other taking into account the partition by means of a sliding device which is displaceable for tensioning the two plugs in a direction approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition wall. Guide rails convert the pushing force into a clamping force.

However, in this known tensioning device the problem arises that moisture can penetrate at the connection points between the tensioning device and the plugs, which can lead to failure of the plug connection.

From the EP 1 318 570 A a connector for an electrical connection through a partition is known throughout, in which both connector housings each have a sealing device for sealing against the partition wall and a pivotable clamping device is provided to press the two parts of the connector in the assembled state sealed to the wall. A pivoting lever with a cam groove on the first connector cooperates with a cam follower on the second connector to press the two connectors together.

The DE 298 23 075 U1 relates to a connector housing coupling having a plug-in base housing and a plug-in counter housing, which together each connected through a wall. On the base housing a latching device for latched fixing of the base housing in the opening of the partition wall is provided and on the mating housing locking devices are present, which cooperate in the mated state of the housing with this latching device so that the latching device is held in the latched position immobile. Furthermore, a second locking device is provided by means of which the two housing parts are releasably locked together in the assembled state.

From the EP 0556 762 A an electrical connector assembly is known in which the complete mating of two connector parts, an operator actuates a pivotable lever which is provided with teeth which cooperate for moving the two connector parts to each other with associated racks. In this arrangement, a pivotal movement of the lever is translated into a linear motion for mating the two connectors.

From the WO 97/08783 A an arrangement with two connector halves for fixing in a wall is known which has two connector halves, wherein one connector half has an actuating slide with a guide groove and the other connector half corresponding to a pin. During actuation of the actuating slide, the pin is moved through the guide slot according to this document for connecting the connector halves.

The invention is therefore based on the object to improve a generic connector of the type mentioned in that the tightness against the environment and the reliability of the connection can be increased.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a plug connection with the features of patent claim 1.

Advantageous developments of the present invention are the subject of several subclaims.

The present invention is based on the basic idea that an undesirable penetration of moisture into the interior of the connector can be avoided by sealing the connection region between the clamping device and the at least one connector by means of a sealing device.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the tensioning device has at least one actuating projection, which cooperates for tensioning the plug with a receptacle which is arranged on one of the plugs. In this way can be done in a very simple manner, a translation of the expended during clamping force in a clamping force.

In order to minimize the area that such a sealing device has to seal, the tensioning device can have a locking lever, which is pivotable for tensioning the two plugs about an axis of rotation which runs approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the dividing wall. In such an arrangement, it is sufficient to seal the area in which the locking lever is rotatably mounted.

In order to achieve a particularly effective force transmission of a pivoting movement into a clamping force for tensioning the two plugs, at least one tooth with involute tooth flanks can be arranged on the bearing projections as the actuating projection.

The tensioning device may comprise a locking lever having a base portion and two leg portions. At the leg portions bearing projections are formed, which are rotatably mounted in corresponding bearing recesses of a plug. In this way it can be realized in a particularly simple manner that the locking lever for clamping the connector about an axis of rotation, which extends approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition, is pivotable. The sealing device can then be arranged on the bearing projections, for example in the form of an O-ring, or it is alternatively injection-molded directly onto the bearing projections.

A particularly cost-effective and simple realization of the sealing device according to the invention is given when the sealing device is formed by an elastic O-ring.

The seal opposite the dividing wall must be mounted circumferentially around the opening in the dividing wall. According to an advantageous embodiment, the seal can be sprayed onto the outer periphery of the plug, so that the seal is captively attached to the connector housing. In addition, the connection between the seal and the plug on which it is molded, always completely tight. However, this seal can also be a separate part that can be brought into contact with both the plug and the partition.

To prevent unintentional release of the tensioning device, a separate locking device, also referred to as connector position assurance (CPA), may be provided for locking the tensioning device in a final assembled condition.

In a particularly space-saving manner, the securing device is released when it is displaceable in a direction transverse to the direction of passage through the partition wall.

A locking lug, which is provided for locking the tensioning device on the securing device, represents a particularly effective and easily realizable possibility of locking.

As an alternative to the pivotable locking lever can be used according to the present invention, a correspondingly sealed sliding clamping device, which is useful, for example, if the available space does not allow pivoting of the locking lever during assembly. In this case, the tensioning device may be a sliding device with at least one transmission or reduction arrangement. This allows converting an applied pushing force or movement into a greater or lesser clamping force or movement.

Particularly advantageously, the tensioning device may be a sliding device, which is displaceable in a direction approximately transverse to the direction of passage through the partition wall for tensioning the plug. As a result, a particularly simple clamping device on the connector is possible, the clamping can be performed very quickly and easily and the required space can be kept low.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tensioning device may comprise at least one guide rail, which extends partially in a plane along the Zusammensteckrichtung and approximately transversely to the mating direction. This is a sliding force or movement in a clamping force or movement convertible.

If one observes a sealing device at an opening of a first connector housing, through which an engagement element of the clamping device penetrates, then a clamping device designed as a sliding device can be sealed particularly effectively against penetrating moisture. Such a seal can for example be injected and to improve the tightness and more complicated cross-sections, z. B. having at least one sealing lip.

A particularly secure and realized with little effort seal can be achieved if at least one sealing projection is formed on a second connector housing, which cooperates for sealing the connector with the sealing device.

Characterized in that further a locking device is provided, which is movable between a locked position in which the second connector is fixed to the partition, and an unlocked position, a particularly secure fixation of the second connector can be achieved on the partition. Such a locking device, which can also be referred to as a further connector position assurance (CPA), can be designed so that unlocking is also possible and, in the event of repair, the second connector can be easily removed from the partition wall. On the other hand, if greater forces must be expended when plugging in the first plug, it can be ensured that the second plug is not unintentionally released from the partition wall. In particular, if this second plug is held in a body panel whose rear side is no longer readily accessible at the time of mating, as is the case for example in a car door, can be avoided with the inventive solution that the second plug no longer properly can be contacted.

Characterized in that the locking device is mechanically fixed in the unlocked position, a defined position of the locking device can be ensured in the preassembled state.

Furthermore, at least one latching device can be arranged on the locking device in order to secure the locking device in cooperation with an associated latching opening in the locked position. This is particularly important in applications in the automotive sector, because strong mechanical and thermal stresses occur during operation.

Thus, the locking device can not move unintentionally from the unlocked position, the at least one locking device in the unlocked position cooperate with another associated locking opening to fix the locking device in this position. Conveniently, this locking connection from the outside (at least for a suitable tool) accessible so that it is solvable in the case of a desired expansion.

The locking device may be displaceable in the simplest case with respect to the second connector in the direction of joining the two connectors. However, this solution has the disadvantage that it can not be ensured that the two plugs are pluggable only when the locking device is properly in its locked position. In order to ensure in a particularly simple manner that the two plugs are pluggable only when the second plug is in its end position in the opening of the partition and the locking device is properly locked, the locking device may be mounted by means of a hinge-like connection to the second connector housing and between the locked and the unlocked position by a pivoting movement about an axis which extends approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition to be movable.

In such an embodiment, for example, an edge region lying opposite the axis of rotation in the unlocked state can thus be arranged in the second connector housing such that the two connectors can not be plugged together.

Of course, the proposed in connection with the present clamping device locking device can also be used for other connectors.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische, teilweise geöffnete Darstellung eines in einer Öffnung einer Trennwand montierten Steckverbinders;

Fig. 2

eine gegenüber der Darstellung aus Fig.1 gedrehte perspektivische Darstellung der Steckverbindung;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Steckverbindung aus Fig.1, bei der eine der beiden Stecker in der Öffnung der Trennwand gehalten ist und der andere Stecker im montagebereiten Zustand vor dem Zusammenstecken positioniert ist;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische, teilweise explodierte Darstellung des ersten Steckers gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische, teilweise explodierte Darstellung des zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung des in der Trennwand gehaltenen zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische, teilweise explodierte Darstellung eines ersten Steckers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische, teilweise explodierte Darstellung eines zweiten Steckers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung des ersten Steckers aus Fig. 7 im montagebereiten Zustand;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung des in der Trennwand gehaltenen zweiten Steckers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische, teilweise geöffnete Darstellung des in der Öffnung einer Trennwand montierten Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 12

eine teilweise geschnittene Darstellung des zweiten Steckers gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform während der Montage in der Trennwand;

Fig. 13

eine teilweise geschnittene Darstellung des zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 12 nach der Montage in der Trennwand;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Ansicht des zweiten Steckers aus Fig. 12;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Detailansicht des zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 12, wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung im vormontierten Zustand dargestellt ist;

Fig. 16

eine perspektivische, teilweise geöffnete Detailansicht des zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 12, wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung sich im verriegelten Zustand befindet;

Fig. 17

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines in der Öffnung einer Trennwand montierten Steckverbinders gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform;

Fig. 18

eine perspektivische Darstellung des zweiten Steckers aus Fig. 17;

Fig. 19

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Steckverbinders aus Fig. 17 vor dem Zusammenstecken von erstem und zweitem Stecker;

Fig. 20

eine perspektivische, teilweise explodierte Darstellung des ersten Steckers aus Fig. 17;

Fig. 21

eine perspektivische Darstellung des ersten Steckers aus Fig. 19 im montagebereiten Zustand;

Fig. 22

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer einteiligen Ausführungsform der Dichtungen aus Fig. 21;

Fig. 23

eine perspektivische Darstellung des in der Trennwand gehaltenen zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 19 mit Dichtungen;

Fig. 24

eine perspektivische, teilweise geöffnete Darstellung des zweiten Steckers gemäß Fig. 19 mit entriegelter Verriegelungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 25

ein Detail D aus Fig. 24;

Fig. 26

eine perspektivische, teilweise explodierte Darstellung des zweiten Steckers aus Fig. 19.

Based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Similar or corresponding details of the connector according to the invention are provided in the figures with the same reference numerals. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective, partially open view of a mounted in an opening of a partition connector;

Fig. 2

one opposite to the presentation Fig.1 rotated perspective view of the connector;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the connector Fig.1 in which one of the two plugs is held in the opening of the partition wall and the other plug is positioned in the ready-to-mount state prior to mating;

Fig. 4

a perspective, partially exploded view of the first connector according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

a perspective, partially exploded view of the second connector according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the second plug held in the partition according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7

a perspective, partially exploded view of a first connector according to the present invention;

Fig. 8

a perspective, partially exploded view of a second connector according to the present invention;

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the first connector Fig. 7 ready for installation;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the held in the partition second connector according to the present invention;

Fig. 11

a perspective, partially open view of the mounted in the opening of a partition connector according to the present invention;

Fig. 12

a partially sectioned view of the second connector according to a further advantageous embodiment during assembly in the partition wall;

Fig. 13

a partially sectioned view of the second connector according to Fig. 12 after installation in the partition;

Fig. 14

a perspective view of the second connector Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 15

a perspective detail view of the second connector according to Fig. 12 wherein the locking device is shown in the preassembled state;

Fig. 16

a perspective, partially open detail view of the second connector according to Fig. 12 wherein the locking device is in the locked state;

Fig. 17

a perspective view of a mounted in the opening of a partition connector according to a further advantageous embodiment;

Fig. 18

a perspective view of the second connector Fig. 17 ;

Fig. 19

a perspective view of the connector Fig. 17 before mating the first and second plugs;

Fig. 20

a perspective, partially exploded view of the first connector Fig. 17 ;

Fig. 21

a perspective view of the first connector Fig. 19 ready for installation;

Fig. 22

a perspective view of a one-piece embodiment of the seals Fig. 21 ;

Fig. 23

a perspective view of the second plug held in the partition according to Fig. 19 with seals;

Fig. 24

a perspective, partially open view of the second connector according to Fig. 19 with unlocked locking device;

Fig. 25

a detail D off Fig. 24 ;

Fig. 26

a perspective, partially exploded view of the second connector Fig. 19 ,

A connector 100 has reference to FIG Fig. 1 a first plug 1 and a second plug 17. In this case, the second plug 17 is mounted in a partition wall 37. According to Fig. 1 the second connector 17 is a male connector and the first connector 1 is the associated female connector, which is not essential to the present invention since the arrangement of pins and sockets could be reversed.

As in Fig. 1 shown, the first plug 1 is sealed by means of a circumferential seal 28 against the partition wall 37. As later with respect to the Figures 3 and 4 will be explained, the connector 100 has a clamping device 160, which in the in Fig. 1 shown final assembled position, the two plugs 37 braced against each other involving the partition wall. In this case, a locking lever 160 serves as a clamping device. The first connector 1 has a first connector housing 2, a nozzle 7 to which a nozzle can be attached, a first pin receptacle 5, and a second pin receptacle 6. The nozzle, which is not shown here, as well as the nozzle 7 are part of a channel through which a cable, not shown, is insertable into the interior of the first connector housing 2.

In order to prevent ingress of moisture into the interior of the plug at the connection point between the first connector housing 2 and the locking lever 160, the first connector 1 has a sealing device 162. This sealing device is realized in the arrangement shown by a simple O-ring. Of course, however, other possibilities for producing the sealing device can be used, such as molded seals or more complex shaped seals, the z. B. have sealing lips.

As with respect to Fig. 3 is still clear, the seal on a bearing projection 164 is arranged, which holds the locking lever 160 pivotally in the direction 166 in a bearing receptacle 168 of the first connector housing 2. Due to the special shape of the sealing device 162 as an O-ring seal despite the mobility of the locking lever 160 can be ensured in a particularly simple manner.

To illustrate the structure of the locking lever 160, the connector 100 in the Fig. 2 shown again in a rotated perspective view. In this view, it can be seen that the locking lever 160 is protected against unintentional unlocking in the direction 166 by a securing device 170. The securing device 170 has a latching lug 172 for latching with the latching opening 174 of the locking lever 160. With this arrangement, on the one hand, it can thus be prevented that the locking lever 160 is pivoted unintentionally and thus the sealing stress between the two plugs 1 and 17 is inadvertently released, but, on the other hand, the latching device 172 remains easily accessible from the outside in order, if necessary, to (at least with a suitable tool) to be able to open.

In Fig. 3 the connector is shown in the unmated state. In this case, the second plug 17 is already mounted in the partition wall 37. An elastic spring arm 152 with a latching nose 131, which are integrally formed on the housing 25, secure the second plug 17 in the opening of the partition 37. During assembly, additional space can be saved, since the second plug 17 in this "parking position" not yet must firmly abut the partition wall 37, but, if necessary, is still slidably mounted. Only when closing the Contact with the first connector 1 and when clamping the contact by means of the locking lever 160, the second connector 17 is attracted to the partition wall 37 and pressed. In this case, the receptacle 176 allows engagement of an integrally formed on the Verrieglungshebel actuating projection 178 for tensioning the two connectors to the partition wall 37 (see Fig. 4 ). From the operating principle, the engagement member 176 is formed as a reduced rack, which cooperates with the actuating element 178, which is designed as part of a gear.

In order to prevent the second plug 17 from falling out of the dividing wall during mechanical loading during assembly, a locking device 102 is furthermore provided whose mode of operation is to lock in the locked state a deflection of the latching arm 152 inwards, so that the plug 17 can not fall out of the opening. The resilient locking arm 152 is integrally formed in the embodiment shown on the plastic housing of the second connector.

As with respect to Fig. 5 is still clear, the locking device 102 has a latching lug 110 which locks both in the locked and in the unlocked state in a corresponding latching opening 124 and 126, so that the locking device 102 is captively secured in two positions. The locking device 102 is movable between the locked and the unlocked position in the direction 150, that is, in the direction of joining the two plugs 1 and 17. This is particularly advantageous because the locking device is thus particularly easy to access from the outside and easily locked by an operator and can also be solved again. Two elongate cutouts 154 also allow for flexible mobility of the detent 110. An actuating projection 156 facilitates operation of the locking device 102 by a user. The surfaces 158 (see Fig. 5 ) provide in the locked state for the blocking of the locking hooks 131.

A drip protection cap 26 covers the second plug 17 and thus protects against the ingress of dripping water.

The first connector 1 is shown here with the locking lever 160 pivoted upwards. The securing device 170, which is mounted displaceably on the housing 2, is located in the illustration shown in a position in which, during the later pivoting of the locking lever 160, latching with the latching lug 172 is made possible. After pivoting the locking lever 160 about the indicated axis of rotation 180, the securing device 170 can be pushed in the direction 182, whereby the locking lug 172 engages the projection 184 on the locking lever 160 and holds it securely in its locked position. An actuating projection 186 facilitates the displacement of the securing device 170. In order to ensure a secure guidance, the securing device is furthermore held displaceably in corresponding grooves on the housing 2. Finally, a securing tab is formed on the securing device 170, which prevents displacement of the securing device in the direction 182 until it is pressed by the folded-down locking lever 160 to the housing 2 and allows the securing tab 188 is displaceable in the groove 190.

Fig. 4 shows the first connector 1 in an exploded view. How out Fig. 4 can be seen, the first and the second pin receptacle 5, 6 sections complementary to each other, so that the first pin receptacle 5 in sections in the direction of arrow 8 in the second pin receptacle 6 is inserted. In the assembled state, the first and the second pin receptacle 5, 6 in the direction of arrow 9 in the interior of the first connector housing 2 can be inserted. A latching device 192 ensures a secure hold in the first connector housing 2. The first connector housing according to the invention has approximately circular bearing recesses 168, through which the bearing projections 164 penetrate and allow rotation about the dashed line indicated axis 180.

About the bearing projections 164 an O-ring 162 is pushed in each case as a sealing device. This O-ring prevents moisture from penetrating through the bearing opening 168 into the interior of the plug housing 2. Opposite the partition wall, the plug housing is sealed in the installed state via the seal 28. This seal can be either molded or as a prefabricated part, for example made of silicone rubber, manufactured and mounted on the connector housing 2. The locking lever 160 has a substantially U-shaped configuration with two legs on which the bearing projections 164 are formed, and a base, which engages with the securing device 170 on. Due to the fact that the locking lever 160 partially surrounds the housing 2, the most space-saving possible arrangement can be realized.

On the bearing projection 164, a part of a gear wheel is in each case formed as an actuating element 178, which engages with corresponding engagement elements 176 on the second connector housing 25. Advantageously, the actuating element 178 is formed as part of an involute toothing and the tooth flank 194, which must hold the entire force in the final assembled state, is integrally formed on the solid material of the bearing projection 164 in order to allow better power and long-term stability.

The second plug 17 of the connector is in Fig. 5 partially exploded. The second plug 17 has a second plug housing 25, a drip protection cap 26 and a locking device 102.

The drip protection cap 26 can be pushed onto the second connector housing 25 in the direction of the arrow 29. In this case, an outer periphery 30 of the second connector housing 25 and a Umgreifrand 31 of the drip protection cap 26 engage each other.

In the assembled state, the drip protection cap is secured to the connector housing 25 via a catch 196.

As from the representation of Fig. 5 As can be seen, the locking device 102 has an actuating projection 156, which facilitates the operation of the locking device by the user. The surfaces 158 provide in the locked state for blocking the latching hooks 131st

The Fig. 6 Finally, shows the second connector 17 again in the held in the partition wall 37, ready for insertion position.

Subsequently, the assembly of the in the FIGS. 1 to 6 described connector described.

First, the first connector 1 is pre-assembled. Referring to Fig. 4 In this case, the first pin receptacle 5 is inserted in the arrow direction 8 in sections into the second pin receptacle 6. In this state, the first and second pin receiving 6, 5 are inserted in the direction of arrow 9 in the interior of the first connector housing 2. Thereafter, a spout (not shown here) can be pushed over the connecting piece 7 in sections. For mounting the first connector 1 further includes mounting pins in the first and second pin recordings and laying a Zuführkabels through the interior of the spout in the interior of the first connector housing 2 and connecting wires of the connecting cable with corresponding pins.

Regardless of the assembly of the second plug 17 is carried out. In particular, the drip protection cap 26 is pushed onto the second connector housing 25 in the direction of arrow 29. Also in the second connector 17 pins are used and one or more feed lines are placed.

Now, the connection can be made through the opening 39 of the partition wall 37 by means of the connector according to the invention. In this case, the connection in this embodiment is an electrical connection.

Regarding Fig. 5 and 6 the second plug 17 is guided in the direction of arrow 38 through the opening 39 of the partition wall 37. The execution takes place until the locking projections 131 are secured to the partition wall. Subsequently, the locking device 102 is inserted in the direction of 103 in the housing 25 and pushed down until a latching takes place in the latching opening 124 and is therefore secured over the surfaces 158 of the latching arm 152 against bending inwards, so that the second plug 17th now captive secured in the partition.

The second plug 17 is now secured in its position relative to the partition wall 37. This can be a pre-assembly state in the automotive industry.

Now the mating of the first and second plug 1, 17 can take place. Starting from the in Fig. 3 shown position of the first and second plugs 1, 17, the first plug 1 is brought to the second plug 17 in the direction of arrow 150 and mated with the second plug 17.

Then, a force is applied to the actuating surface 11 of the locking lever 116, so that the locking lever 116 is pivoted about the axis 180 and thereby the applied force by means of the gear / rack assembly 178, 176 translated into a tensioning movement. As a result, voltage is built up until the actuation element 178 has assumed its end position in the engagement element 176. Furthermore, the latching hook 172 engages with the latching opening 174. In the next step, the securing device 170 is displaced in the direction 182 (see Fig. 3 ), whereby the latching hook 172 is secured to the projection 184 and the clamping device is held against unintentional movement of the now assumed end position. Due to the mechanical stress, the seal 28 is pressed against the partition wall 37, so that in this position together with the seal of the locking lever 160, the first plug 1 is securely protected against moisture penetration.

An advantageous embodiment of the connector according to the invention will now be with reference to the FIGS. 7 to 16 be explained.

How out Fig. 7 can be seen, the first connector 1 according to the present invention, instead of the locking lever designed as a tensioning device 704 for tensioning the two connectors against each other. The pusher 704 is slidably received in the direction of arrow 10 in the first connector housing 2. The pusher 704 has an actuating surface 11 to which a displacement force for displacing the pusher can be applied.

The pusher 704 has side members 12, 13. As in Fig. 7 are shown in the side members 12, 13 respectively upper guide rails 14 and lower guide rails 15 provided. The guide rails 14, 15 are guide recesses in this embodiment of the invention.

In the Fig. 7 Furthermore, an intended joining direction of the first plug 2 with the second plug 17 is indicated by an arrow 16. The direction 10 in which the pusher 704 is slidable in the first connector housing 2 is approximately transverse to the mating direction 16 of the first connector 1 with the second connector 17. The guide rails 14, 15 have reduction sections 18, 19 which are unidirectional run approximately transversely to the mating direction 16 and approximately transversely to the sliding direction 10. In addition, the guide rails 14, 15 end portions 20, 21 which extend parallel to the sliding direction 10.

As with respect to Fig. 8 recognizable, the guide rails 14, 15 cooperate with associated pin-like projections 33, 34 for clamping the two connectors against each other and to the partition wall.

According to the invention, corresponding to the pin-like projections 33, 34 openings 72, 73, through which the pin-like projections 33, 34 penetrate to cooperate with the sliding device 704, provided with circumferential seals 163 to seal this connection area against ingress of moisture inside the plug.

On the first connector housing 2, a seal 28 is further circumferentially mounted. In the in Fig. 7 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the seal 28 is sprayed onto the housing 2. The seal 28 is thus captively secured to the first connector housing 2, and the connection between the seal 28 and the first connector housing 2 is always sealed. However, the seal 28 may also be a separate part to the first connector housing 2.

The above also applies to the seals 163, which are also molded onto the first connector housing of the embodiment shown.

In Fig. 8 the second plug 17 according to the present invention is shown in partially exploded view. Those elements which correspond to those according to the first embodiment are not mentioned separately again in the following.

According to the invention, the second plug 17 has pin-like projections 33, 34, which are integrally formed on the plug housing 25. The pin-like projections 33, 34 are formed so that they can be engaged with the guide rails 14, 15 of the slider 704 of the first connector and thus constitute engagement means for the tensioning device 704 serving as a tensioning device.

For sealing the openings 72, 73 by means of the seals 163 sealing projections 198 are further integrally formed on the second connector housing 25, which can form a sealing connection with the seals 163.

An elastic spring arm 152 with a holding device 131 serves as with reference to FIG Fig. 10 is still clear, a fastening of the second plug 17 in the opening of the partition wall 37. A locking device 102 allows blocking of this elastic spring arm 152 for locking the second plug 17 in the partition by an inward bending of the spring arm 152 in the locked state is prevented.

In this case, the locking device 102 according to this embodiment, as with reference to the FIGS. 15 and 16 more clearly, bearing projections 206 held in corresponding bearing recesses 208 on the second connector housing 25. Thereby, the locking device 102 can be moved between a locked and an unlocked position about a rotation axis 202. In the unlocked position, the locking device 102 is secured in the latching recess 210, in the locked position in the latching recess 212.

Fig. 9 shows in a perspective view the plug-ready first connector. 1

In Fig. 10 the plug-in second connector 17 is shown, with the locking device 102 in the locked position, so that the second plug 17 in the Partition 37 is securely held. In this position, moreover, the edge 204 of the locking device 102 with the connector housing 25 in such a system that the pin tray released and thus plugging together the two connectors is possible.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective, partially sectioned view of the connector according to the invention in the final assembled and mated condition. According to the invention, the sealing devices 28 and 163 ensure a complete sealing of the internal electrical connections against the ingress of moisture. The two plugs 1 and 17 are firmly clamped to the partition wall 37.

With reference to the FIGS. 12 and 13 will be explained in more detail below, the assembly of the second connector 17 in the partition wall 37. In this case, on the second plug 17 to the seal 28 analog seal 27 is provided for sealing against the partition wall 37. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that it is irrelevant for the principles according to the invention on which side of the partition wall 37 a seal is provided.

It is located, as in the partially opened representation of Fig. 12 recognizable, the locking device 102 in the unlocked position. For mounting, the second plug 17 is hung obliquely into the opening of the partition wall 37, wherein the provided free distance 134 ensures that the required tilting by the angle α is possible.

After hanging, the second plug 17 is pivoted about the lower edge in the direction 112, so that the projection 131 holds the second plug 17 in the partition wall 37. Now, the locking device 102 can be tilted in the direction 113, so that on the one hand an inward pressing of the latching hook 131 is prevented, and on the other hand in the FIGS. 15 and 16 more clearly visible projections 214, 216 cooperate with the partition wall 37 to hold the second plug 17 in the opening of the partition wall 37.

In the embodiment shown, the plug 17 is also in the in Fig. 13 shown pre-assembled position still displaceable by the distance 137 transversely to the mating direction. The pin tray 128 is in the in Fig. 13 shown position of the locking device 102 released, so that a mating can now take place.

In a perspective view of the assembly step, the in Fig. 12 shown again in Fig. 14 shown. It is clear that the locking device 102, which is locked in the unlocked position in this drawing, with its edge 204, the pin tray 128 blocks. It can be ensured in this way that the second plug 17 can only be plugged together with the first plug 1 in the completely locked state. In this way, assembly errors can be detected and corrected in good time.

Two detailed views of the second connector for more detailed explanation of the operation of the locking device 102 are in the FIGS. 15 and 16 shown. Fig. 15 shows the unlocked state in which the locking device 102 is locked in the latching recess 210 that the pin tray 128 is blocked for mating the two plugs. As in the synopsis with the Fig. 8 becomes clear, the locking device is held by means of the bearing projections 206 in the bearing recesses 208 so that it is pivotable in the direction 113. In the in Fig. 16 In the locked position shown, on the one hand, the movement of the latching hook 131 is blocked, and in addition the protrusions 214, 216 penetrating through the second connector housing directly secure the second plug 17 in the partition 37. Through the fixed retaining projection 132, the plug 17 is secured to the opposite end of the plug Housing 25 held in the partition 37.

FIG. 17 shows in a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of the connector according to the invention. Similar to the first embodiment, a sliding device 704 for tensioning the two connectors 1, 2 against each other is also provided here. In order to solve the sliding device 704 easily when needed, a recess 218 is provided on both sides of the first connector housing 2, which is a secure gripping the sliding device 704 for allows an operator. Locking recesses 220 and 224 secure via associated latching hooks 226 (see also FIG. 20 In particular, the latching hook 226 engages in the final assembled state in the latching recess 220 and is secured in the preassembled state by the latching recess 224.

In addition to the circumferential latching projection 228 shown in connection with the first embodiment, the socket 7 in the embodiment shown here has a resilient latching arm 230. Both the circumferential projection 228 as well as the locking arm 230 allow the mechanical fixation of a spout not shown here.

A perspective view of the second plug 17 FIG. 17 is in the FIG. 18 shown. In this case, the second plug 17 is positioned in the partition wall 37, but not yet finally fixed. The locking device 102 is still in the pre-locked position. According to the present embodiment, the locking in the dividing wall 37 takes place here exclusively via the elastic spring arm 152 and the holding structure 131 formed thereon, as well as via the opposite holding structure 132. The locking device 102 holds as follows FIG. 19 is still clear, in the final latched state, the spring arm 152 in the locked position.

In FIG. 19 is the connector 100 off FIG. 17 shown before mating the first and second connectors 1, 17. The second plug 17 is firmly held in the partition wall 37 at this stage, and the locking device 102 holds the spring arm 152 in the position shown. The first plug 1 is in a plug-in position, in which the sliding device 704 is locked in a preassembled position by means of the latching openings 224.

FIG. 20 shows the first connector 1 according to the in FIG. 17 shown embodiment in a too FIG. 7 analog representation. Essentially, the explanations given with regard to the second embodiment also apply correspondingly to the explanations given in FIG FIG. 20 shown embodiment. In particular, the openings 72 and 73 provided with circumferential seals 163 and the functionality of the sliding device 704 correspond those of the first embodiment. As already mentioned, according to the present embodiment, the slider 704 has latching hooks 226 to be securely held in the first connector housing 2 both in a pre-engaged position and in the final assembled position. The first pin receptacle 5 and the second pin receptacle 6 have a slightly modified form. However, this embodiment is only to be understood as an example, since the principles of the invention can be used advantageously with any plug shapes. Due to the recesses 218, the actuating surface 11 of the sliding device 704 can be rectilinear in this embodiment, which reduces the required space.

FIG. 21 shows in a perspective view the plug-ready first connector 1 according to the in FIG. 20 shown embodiment.

In FIG. 22 the peripheral seal 28 for sealing against the partition wall 37 and the sealing devices 163 are shown detached from the connector. According to the present advantageous embodiment, the four sealing devices 163 are made in one piece with the seal 28 by being connected to the seal 28 via webs 199. This embodiment offers the advantage of simplified manufacturability in a single operation both as a separately inserted seal assembly as well as molded onto the plug 1 seal. In the latter case, 163 no disturbing injection points must be provided on the fine structures of the sealing devices. In addition, this embodiment allows a secure seal in the region of the projections 33, 34th

FIG. 23 shows the plug-ready second connector 17 according to the embodiment FIG. 19 , wherein the second plug 17 is mounted in the partition wall 37 and the seals 28 and 163 FIG. 21 to illustrate their position are also shown. In this embodiment, the seal 28 and the sealing devices 163 are in turn made in one piece by the webs 199 make a connection.

With reference to the FIGS. 24 and 25 is the embodiment of the locking device 102 according to the in FIG. 18 shown embodiment and in the unlocked position shown in detail. In this case, the functionality of the locking device 102 essentially corresponds to that with reference to FIGS FIGS. 15 and 16 explained principles.

FIG. 26 shows the second plug 17 FIG. 19 in a partially exploded representation. In comparison to the analogous embodiment, which in FIG. 8 is shown in this embodiment, especially the simplified design of the pivotable locking device 102 is important. The locking device 102 is configured here without the protrusions 214, 216 penetrating through the second connector housing. Apart from that, however, all the functional mechanisms set forth with reference to the preceding embodiments can also be applied to the present embodiment.

With the help of the connector according to the invention can be achieved that on the one hand, the tightness is not affected by the cable, and that on the other hand, due to the axial seal on the female connector optimal sealing function to a partition, such as a body panel, is guaranteed. The pen tray is protected against dripping water and both the assembly and disassembly are simple and clear. The closing of the coupling causes in addition to the electrical contact also a defined Dichtigkeitspressung between plug and partition. Finally, the Kojiri safety can be ensured by a deep tub and a high guard bar.

Claims (12)

1. A plug connection for bringing about at least one connection through an opening (39) in a partition (37), the plug connection comprising a first and a second connector (1, 17), which may be mated together, and at least one of the connectors (1, 17) being sealable relative to the partition (37) by means of a seal (28) surrounding the opening (39), and,
   at least one of the connectors (1, 17) comprising a clamping device, which may be brought into engagement with the other connector (17, 1) and with which the connectors (1, 17) may be clamped permanently in their mating direction (16) with inclusion of the partition (37),
   the clamping device comprising at least one sealing device (162, 163) for sealing a connection area between the clamping device and the at least one connector (1, 17),
   characterised in that
   the clamping device comprises a sliding device (704) with at least one step-up or step-down arrangement (18, 19) and the at least one sealing device (163) is formed at an opening in a first connector housing (2) through which passes an engaging element of the clamping device.
2. A plug connection according to claim 1, characterised in that the clamping device comprises a sliding device (704), which may be slid in a direction approximately perpendicular to the passage direction (38) through the partition to clamp the connectors (1, 17).
3. A plug connection according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the clamping device comprises at least one guide rail (18, 19), which extends at least in part in a plane along the mating direction (16) and roughly perpendicular to the mating direction (16).
4. A plug connection according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sealing device (163) comprises at least one sealing lip.
5. A plug connection according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one sealing projection (198) is formed on a second connector housing (25), which sealing projection (198) cooperates with the sealing device (163) to seal the plug connection.
6. A plug connection according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (28) is injection-moulded onto the connector (1, 17).
7. A plug connection according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second connector (17) comprises a locking device (102), which is movable between a locked position, in which the second connector (17) is secured to the partition (37), and an unlocked position.
8. A plug connection according to claim 7, characterised in that the locking device (102) is displaceable in relation to the second connector (17) in the mating direction of the two connectors (1, 17).
9. A plug connection according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that at least one latching device (110) is arranged on the locking device (102), in order to secure the locking device (102) in the locked position in cooperation with an associated latching opening (124).
10. A plug connection according to claim 9, characterised in that the at least one latching device (110) cooperates in the unlocked position with a further associated latching opening (126), in order to hold the locking device (102) in place.
11. A plug connection according to claim 7, characterised in that the locking device (102) is mounted on the second connector housing (25) by means of a hinge-like connection (200) and is movable between the locked and the unlocked position by a swivelling movement about an axis which extends approximately perpendicularly to the passage direction (38) through the partition (37).
12. A plug connection according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (28) and the sealing device (162, 163) are of one piece construction.

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