EP2658038B1 - Protection device and method for manufacturing a protection device - Google Patents

Protection device and method for manufacturing a protection device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2658038B1
EP2658038B1 EP13001985.4A EP13001985A EP2658038B1 EP 2658038 B1 EP2658038 B1 EP 2658038B1 EP 13001985 A EP13001985 A EP 13001985A EP 2658038 B1 EP2658038 B1 EP 2658038B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing element
cable
connector
housing
protection device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13001985.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2658038A1 (en
Inventor
Michael Quiter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH
Original Assignee
Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH filed Critical Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH
Publication of EP2658038A1 publication Critical patent/EP2658038A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2658038B1 publication Critical patent/EP2658038B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5205—Sealing means between cable and housing, e.g. grommet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5202—Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5219—Sealing means between coupling parts, e.g. interfacial seal
    • H01R13/5221—Sealing means between coupling parts, e.g. interfacial seal having cable sealing means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/506—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
    • H01R13/5845—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable the strain relief being achieved by molding parts around cable and connections

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a protective device for a connector twisted with a cable and a method for its production.
  • Such a protective device serves to prevent damage to a plug connector, in particular a standardized plug connector, for example if a cable is unintentionally pulled.
  • the protective device prevents the penetration of solid and liquid bodies, e.g. Moisture, water, etc., so that contact errors or short circuits within or on the standardized connector can be prevented even in a dusty or damp environment.
  • a similar protective device is for example from the DE 10 2007 004 900 A1 known.
  • the protective device known from this document consists of a pair of couplable housing elements which is designed to accommodate a plug connection. This protective device can be separated by decoupling the housing elements, while the plug connection is protected by the pair of housing elements in the connected state, in that the plug connection is at least partially received in the coupled housing elements.
  • document DE 10 2005 022 118 A1 relates to a waterproof connector.
  • An inner housing holds the wires of a cable as well as the corresponding connection connections.
  • the inner case is arranged in an outer case and is held in a predetermined position, in which state a hot glue is inserted from the back of the outer case so that a waterproof mechanism is made of a thermoplastic resin.
  • WO 02/071548 A2 relates to a device for increasing the degree of protection of a commercially available connector.
  • the device is designed in two parts and comprises a receiving part which can be plugged onto a socket part. Two sealing rings and seal the plug connection, one of the sealing rings being held by a closure at the cable end.
  • document US 7,201,595 B1 relates to an electrical connector with a connection housing for a connector together with wires.
  • a plastic is poured over the connection housing 108 in such a way that a connecting body is formed.
  • an elastomer is injected into the connecting body in such a way that a cable seal and a peripheral seal are formed from the elastomer.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a protective device for a connector, which provides improved protection of the connector provides.
  • the protective device serves to protect a connector connected to a cable.
  • the protective device has a first housing element which is coupled or can be coupled to a second housing element of the protective device.
  • the first housing element at least partially accommodates the connector
  • the second housing element at least partially accommodates the cable.
  • the first housing element, the second housing element and the cable are integrally connected to one another by a sealing element.
  • the protective device can be assembled in two stages or steps: in a first connection stage or a first connection step, the two housing elements are coupled to one another in such a way that they include the plug connector and a cable section.
  • the connector and the cable are electrically connected to each other.
  • a sealing element is inserted, through which both the first housing element, the second housing element and the cable are integrally connected to one another. Due to the coupling design of the two housing elements, the two housing elements of the protective device can be coupled and assembled in a simple manner. Due to the integral connection via or by means of the sealing element, the two housing elements are inseparably connected to one another. As a result, the connection of the two housing elements to one another and / or to the cable can no longer be separated from one another without damage or even destruction of at least one of the components of the protective device.
  • a secure connection is thus provided by means of the sealing element, which firmly and inseparably connects the two housing elements and the cable.
  • the protective device makes a safe and robust unit with high strength provided.
  • integral connection means an "intimate connection" between two bodies. In the sense of the application, this is a direct, direct mechanical contact in a contact area or a contact area.
  • the intimate connection can be made by shrinking a circumferential body onto another circumferential body, so that the circumferential body exerts a force or mechanical tension on the circumferential body in the contact area, so that an elastic or plastic deformation of the two bodies in the contact area there is essentially no space between the two bodies.
  • the two bodies can be fused together in the contact area.
  • the integral connection can mean a chemical connection and / or a connection in which the connection partners are connected to one another by atomic and / or molecular forces. Because of the material bond, it may in particular be possible for the elements connected by material bond, for example, to be separated. first housing element and / or second housing element and / or cable or cable jacket is only possible by destroying at least one, in particular all, of the connected elements.
  • the sealing element is at least partially injected into a cavity between the first and the second housing element.
  • a cavity is formed at least at one point between the first housing element and the second housing element.
  • this cavity is filled, in particular completely filled, by the sealing element.
  • the protective device seals the connector, in particular the cable-side area of the connector, in a moisture-tight manner in accordance with IP67.
  • IP67 is a generally accepted standard for defining the moisture density of an object.
  • the protection device meets the requirements of IP67. This provides good moisture and dust protection.
  • the protective device seals the connection area between the cable and the plug connector and / or the area in which the cable is passed through the protective device and the connection between the two housing elements in a moisture-tight manner.
  • moisture-tight is understood to mean a tightness or a barrier to a fluid, in particular water or water vapor, the flow or displacement of the moisture being prevented.
  • a contact area between two bodies, which are particularly intimately connected to one another is moisture-tight if and only if a fluid cannot penetrate into the interior of the connection between the connector and the cable along the (flat) contact area.
  • the sealing element surrounds the cable and / or the second housing element at least partially and / or is cohesively attached to it.
  • the second housing element is designed to at least partially accommodate the cable. This can mean that part of the cable is passed through the second housing element.
  • the second housing element surrounds or encircles the cable radially from the outside.
  • the sealing element is arranged such that it surrounds the cable radially from the outside on a section of the cable, as well as part of the second housing element.
  • the second housing element can be inserted at least partially into the first housing element, the sealing element being at least partially surrounded by the first housing element.
  • the second housing element is designed to receive the cable.
  • the second housing element is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cable.
  • the first housing element for at least partially receiving the connector can be coupled to the second housing element.
  • the cable can also be arranged in the first housing element at least in regions. The coupling of the first and second housing elements can in particular take place by at least partially inserting the second housing element into the first housing element.
  • the coupled connection of the two housing elements is reinforced by the sealing element.
  • the sealing element consists of an elastic polymer.
  • a particularly inexpensive and efficient cohesive connection can be provided by an elastic polymer.
  • an elastic polymer can be injected into a cavity between the first housing element and the second housing element in a simple step.
  • the sealing element is at least 1 mm thick between the first housing element and the second housing element.
  • the sealing element is not a mere adhesive layer, but is designed as an independent component of the protective device. It is injected between the two housing elements in such a way that there is a cavity with a minimum thickness of 1 mm between the first housing element and the second housing element fills out.
  • the sealing element has a non-negligible volume. Because the sealing element has its own volume, the sealing element can fill (unwanted) cavities into which moisture or dust could penetrate.
  • the sealing element can preferably also be made from 0.1 mm to 20 mm, from 0.25 mm to 5 mm thick, in particular from 1 mm to 2 mm thick.
  • the second housing element has at least one spray hole which is filled by the sealing element and which connects a region of the sealing element which surrounds the cable, and in particular is integrally connected to the cable, to a region of the sealing element which is between the first Housing element and the second housing element is arranged.
  • spray holes By forming spray holes in the second housing element, different hollow areas or cavities inside the protective device can be filled by means of the sealing element when the sealing element is injected.
  • different components of the protective device can be integrally connected to one another by means of the sealing element. For example, no two spray holes may be formed, which are preferably opposite one another.
  • the first housing element has a sealing lip which, when the plug connector is inserted in a socket, seals a plug connection of the plug connector with the socket in a moisture-tight manner to IP67.
  • the sealing lip is arranged on the side of the first housing element which is designed and provided to be connected to a socket or socket in the plug-in direction of the plug connector. When inserting the connector, the sealing lip is brought into contact with the socket or the socket.
  • the sealing lip can in particular be formed from an elastically deformable material that is compressed during the insertion process and thus provides a tight connection.
  • the sealing lip seals the connection between the connector and the socket and / or the socket.
  • the protective device itself, and in particular the sealing element ensures a seal between the plug and the cable.
  • the sealing lip and the sealing element together bring about a moisture-tight seal both of the plug connection (in particular through the sealing lip) and of the connecting region between the plug connector and the cable (in particular through the sealing element), that is to say of the entire plug connector.
  • the entire plug can be designed to be moisture-tight in accordance with IP67.
  • one of the first or second housing element has a receptacle into which at least a portion of the other of the first and second housing element can be at least partially inserted in order to couple the first housing element to the second housing element.
  • the receptacle and the section ensure a coupling of the two housing elements to one another. In the coupled state, the two housing elements of the protective device are connected to one another.
  • the first housing element can be coupled to the second housing element by a positive connection.
  • the positive connection prevents the two housing elements from being decoupled from one another, in particular when the sealing element is introduced. This enables both a secure insertion or injection of the sealing element and a relief of force between the two housing elements when the sealing element dries out.
  • the first housing element can be coupled to the second housing element by a non-positive connection.
  • the connector is designed as a standardized industrial connector in accordance with an industry standard.
  • the protective device according to the invention can be used for any standardized industrial plug.
  • a protective device is provided which is intended for use for an RJ connector.
  • RJ stands for "registered jack", ie for an Ethernet connector, USB connector, Firewire, power connector, DVI connector. HDMI connector, etc.
  • the second housing element has a cable section which encloses a section of the cable such that a contact area between the plug connector and electrical lines of the cable is essentially free of the sealing element. This prevents sticking and damage to the contact area when the sealing element is injected.
  • At least part of the cable can first be passed through the second housing element and the plug connector inserted into the first housing element in such a way that it is at least partially inserted into the first housing element.
  • the method is used in particular to produce a protective device for a connector according to one of claims 1 to 12.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a protective device.
  • the protective device surrounds a connector 10, which is electrically and mechanically connected to a cable 20.
  • the protective device has a first housing element 30, a second housing element 40 and a sealing element 50.
  • the first housing element 30 encloses the connector 10.
  • the first housing element 30 surrounds the plug connector 10 in such a way that a contact surface 11 of the plug connector 10 remains completely free.
  • the contact surface 11 of the plug connector 10 is designed and intended to be inserted into a socket or socket in order to provide electrical contact between the plug connector 10 and the socket or socket there.
  • the contact surface 11 is arranged on the side of the connector 10 which faces away from the cable 30.
  • the first housing element 30 not only leaves the contact surface 11 free, but also the region of the plug connector 10 which is adjacent to the contact surface 11 and which is designed and intended to be inserted into a socket or socket.
  • the first housing element 30 only includes the plug connector 10 from a section that connects the cable 30 is facing and which protrudes from the socket or the socket in an inserted state of the connector.
  • the first housing element 30 is in mechanical contact with the connector 10 such that it holds the connector 10 in place.
  • the second housing element 40 comprises a portion of the cable 20 radially from the outside, in particular the end of the cable 30 which faces the connector 10.
  • the cable 20 penetrates the second housing element 40.
  • the majority of the second housing element 40 is arranged inside the first housing element 30.
  • the sealing element 50 is injected between the cable 20 and the second housing element 40 and connects the two housing elements to one another in a cohesive manner on the cable.
  • the sealing element 50 is injected into a cavity arranged between the two housing elements 30, 40 and the cable 20, the shape of which is shown in more detail in the further figures.
  • FIG. 2 shows the protection device of the Fig. 1 in an unconnected state.
  • the first housing element 30 comprises the section of the connector 10 which, when the connector 10 is inserted into a socket or a socket, protrudes from the socket or socket.
  • the first housing element 30 has a cylindrical section 33, which is designed and provided to receive part of the second housing element 40 and part of the cable 20.
  • the cylindrical section 33 of the first housing element 30 is designed as a receptacle for a section of the second housing element 40. Furthermore, the cylindrical section 33 is provided and designed to receive the sealing element 50.
  • the first housing element 30 has a shoulder 34 which, when the plug connector 10 is in the inserted state, bears against the socket or socket.
  • the first housing element 30 also has diametrically opposite levers 35 which extend parallel to the direction of cable propagation.
  • the levers 35 are connected to the first housing element 30, in particular to the shoulder 34.
  • sections 32 are formed which are provided for engagement in a rotary ring 42. In the in the Fig. 2 Decoupled state shown, both the sections 32 and the end of the lever 35 on which they are arranged, are designed to float.
  • the second housing element 40 comprises a section of the cable 20.
  • the cable 20 is threaded into the interior of the second housing element 40 such that a section of the cable 20 is surrounded radially from all sides by the second housing element 40 and is mechanically contacted.
  • the second housing element 40 has a cylindrical basic shape which has a cable outlet for the insertion and removal of the cable 20.
  • the second housing element 40 is preferably made of a rubber or elastomer, such as FKN, HNBR, TPE etc., in order to be able to be non-positively coupled to the first housing element.
  • the second housing element 40 can also be screwed and / or locked to the first housing element.
  • the second housing element 40 can be connected to the first housing element by means of a positive connection.
  • the protective device has a rotating ring 42 which is designed as a grip element.
  • the rotating ring 42 is arranged in the jacket direction of the cable 20.
  • the rotating ring 42 is formed at two diametrically opposite points with an enlarged inside diameter, at which insertion sections 41 are formed on the inside of the grip element 42.
  • the insertion sections 41 serve to receive a part of the levers 35, and in particular to receive the sections 32 such that the levers 35 are fixed.
  • the rotary ring 42 can be designed as a separate component or as part of the second housing element 40.
  • the part of the second housing element 40 facing the plug connector 10 is inserted into the cylindrical section 33 of the first housing element 30. Furthermore, the sections 32 of the levers 35 are brought into engagement with the insertion sections 41 of the rotary ring 42. As a result, the first housing element 30 is coupled to the second housing element 40.
  • the sealing element 50 is then injected into a cavity, in particular a partially cylindrical cavity, between the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20, by means of which the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20 are integrally connected to one another . After the sealing element 50 has been introduced, the protective device is inseparably connected to one another.
  • connection process takes place by first contacting the cable 20 with the plug connector 10, after which the second housing element 40 is inserted into the first housing element 30 and these are coupled to one another.
  • Figure 3 shows a part of the second housing element 40 without the rotary ring 42.
  • the second housing element 40 has cylindrical sections which partially form a ring around the cable 20 and partly leave a cavity between the cable and the second housing element 40 for the sealing element 50.
  • a substantially cylindrical cable section 43 is formed on that end of the second housing element 40 which faces the plug connector 10 and which comprises a section of the cable 20.
  • a substantially cylindrical cavity section 44 is formed on the end of the second housing element 40 facing the cable 20, which forms a cavity between the cavity section 44 and the cable 20 into which the sealing element 50 can be injected.
  • two spray holes 46 are formed, by means of which the Cavity section 44 comprises a cavity is connected to an (radially viewed) outer space of the second housing element 40. If the sealing element 50 is injected into the cavity between the cable 20 and the cavity section 44, which is enclosed by the cavity section 44, the molding compound partially exits through the spray holes 46 onto the outside of the second housing element 40 and sprays a cavity between the cable section 43 and the first housing element 30 .
  • the second housing element 40 When the second housing element 40 is inserted into the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 is inserted parallel to the direction of cable propagation in the plug-in direction of the connector 10 until the first housing element 30 strikes a thickened stop 45 of the second housing element.
  • a positive and / or non-positive connection between the first housing element 30 and the second housing element 40 is provided by means of a coupling section 47 of the second housing element 40.
  • the coupling section 47 can e.g. consist of a non-slip rubber and / or be designed as a screw section and / or as a latching section.
  • Figure 4 shows the sealing element 50, which is injected into the cavity between the housing elements and the cable 20.
  • the sealing element 50 is formed in one piece and completely fills the cavity between the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20.
  • the sealing element 50 has a conical section 51 which is formed on the end of the protective device opposite the plug connector 10 and which has a cable entry for the cable 20.
  • the outer circumference of the sealing element 50 widens along a sealing ring 52 of the sealing element 50 to almost the outer circumference of the protective device.
  • a cable inclusion 53 adjoining the sealing ring 52 in the plug-in direction is as essentially cylindrical region is formed radially around the cable 20.
  • the sealing element 50 merges along two webs 55 into an intermediate region 54 which is arranged between the first housing element 30 and the second housing element 40.
  • the webs 55 are formed when the sealing element 50 is injected within the injection holes 46 of the second housing element 40.
  • the sealing element 50 is designed as a one-piece casting.
  • the material of the sealing element 50 is fluidly injected into the cavity between the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20, a cohesive or intimate connection being produced by cooling and / or curing the material of the sealing element.
  • the rotating ring 42 remains contact-free with the sealing element 50 and thus rotatable. This means that the protective device can be plugged in and unplugged into a socket.
  • the first housing element 30 and the second housing element 40 are fixed relative to one another until the sealing element 50 has hardened.
  • the first housing element 30 fixes the connector 10
  • the second housing element 40 fixes the section of the cable 20 facing the connector 10.
  • gripping tools can be provided, which attach to the two housing elements 30, 40 and / or the cable 20 in order to fix them in their position relative to one another when the sealing element 50 is injected.
  • the two housing elements 30, 40 and the cable can already be fixed by their coupling in order to enable the sealing element to be injected and hardened without "shaking".
  • Figures 5A and 5B each show a section through in two sectional views in the Fig. 1 shown protective device with plug and cable.
  • the two cutting planes are perpendicular to each other.
  • the sealing element 50 is shown hatched. A synopsis of the Figures 4 and 5 shows an embodiment of the sealing element 50.
  • Figures 5A and 5B show further details of the protection device.
  • the connector 10 is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable 20 via electrical lines 21.
  • an axial direction AR of the cable 20 is also shown.
  • the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the sealing element 50 protect the electrical and mechanical connection between the cable 20 and the connector 10 against environmental influences such as water, dust, etc. In addition, there is a complete protection against contact between the connector 10 and the cable 20 provided by the protection device.
  • the cable section 43 of the second housing element 40 which encloses a section of the cable 20, ends in the insertion direction of the connector 10 in front of a stripped section of the cable 20, from which the electrical lines 21 for contacting the connector 10 protrude.
  • the insertion direction can be parallel to the axial direction AR. This prevents the material of the sealing element 50 from contacting the contacts in the region between the plug connector 10 and the cable 20 in the liquid, hot state.
  • the material of the sealing element 50 is prevented in its liquid phase by the cable section 43 of the first housing element 30 from filling the contact area.
  • the contact area between the plug connector 10 and the electrical lines 21 remains essentially free of the sealing element 50.
  • “essentially free” means that no electrical component or semiconductor component, which is arranged on the contact area, through the sealing element 50 is mechanically contacted.
  • the levers 35 of the first housing element 30 are designed as spring tongues and are made from a metal sheet.
  • the lever 35 essentially has a tab 36 in a central section, which can be inserted into a corresponding slot in the first housing element 30 in order to fasten the lever 35 to an outer circumference of the first housing element 30. Since the lever 35 is made of a resilient sheet metal, a spring-loaded lever 35 is provided in this way. If, for example, pressure is exerted radially from the outside on handle elements 37 of the lever 35, an engagement section 38 of the lever 35 is pushed radially outwards (for the engagement section 38, see also Fig. 2 ).
  • the engagement section 38 is preferably rectangular.
  • a socket or socket into which the connector 10 can be inserted has a pair of engagement elements which can be inserted or clipped into the engagement sections 38 of the levers 35 as latching lugs. This allows the protective device to be connected to the socket or the socket.
  • the levers 35 are fixed. This prevents the protective device from being released by leading engagement sections of the socket or socket out of the engagement sections 38 of the levers 35 and keeps the protective device in plug connection with the socket or socket.
  • the first housing element 30 also has a sealing lip 31 in order to provide a moisture-tight seal between the protective device and the socket or the socket.
  • the sealing lip 31 is preferably made of Viton, silicone rubber or another suitable material and has a plurality of radial shafts that increase the elastic formability in the direction of insertion.
  • the rotating ring 42 can be formed as part of the second housing element 40, as a separate component or as part of the first housing element 30.
  • the rotating ring 42 together with its insertion sections 41 and the levers 35 serves to contact the protective device with the socket (not shown in the figures) or socket.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schutzvorrichtung für einen mit einem Kabel verdundenen Steckverbinder sowie ein Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung.The invention relates to a protective device for a connector twisted with a cable and a method for its production.

Eine derartige Schutzvorrichtung dient der Verhinderung von Beschädigungen eines Steckverbinders, insbesondere eines genormten Steckverbinders, wenn beispielsweise unbeabsichtigt an einem Kabel gezogen wird. Darüber hinaus verhindert die Schutzvorrichtung das Eindringen von festen und flüssigen Körpern, z.B. Feuchtigkeit, Wasser, etc., so dass selbst in einer staubigen oder feuchten Umgebung Kontaktierungsfehler bzw. Kurzschlüsse innerhalb oder an dem genormten Steckverbinder verhindert werden können.Such a protective device serves to prevent damage to a plug connector, in particular a standardized plug connector, for example if a cable is unintentionally pulled. In addition, the protective device prevents the penetration of solid and liquid bodies, e.g. Moisture, water, etc., so that contact errors or short circuits within or on the standardized connector can be prevented even in a dusty or damp environment.

Eine ähnliche Schutzvorrichtung ist beispielsweise aus der DE 10 2007 004 900 A1 bekannt. Die aus diesem Dokument bekannte Schutzvorrichtung besteht aus einem Paar koppelbarer Gehäuseelemente, die für die Aufnahme einer Steckverbindung ausgebildet ist. Diese Schutzvorrichtung ist durch ein Entkoppeln der Gehäuseelemente trennbar, während die Steckverbindung im verbundenen Zustand durch das Paar Gehäuseelemente geschützt ist, indem die Steckverbindung in den gekoppelten Gehäuseelementen zumindest teilweise aufgenommen ist.A similar protective device is for example from the DE 10 2007 004 900 A1 known. The protective device known from this document consists of a pair of couplable housing elements which is designed to accommodate a plug connection. This protective device can be separated by decoupling the housing elements, while the plug connection is protected by the pair of housing elements in the connected state, in that the plug connection is at least partially received in the coupled housing elements.

Dokument DE 10 2005 022 118 A1 betrifft eine wasserdichte Steckverbindung. Dabei hält ein Innengehäuse die Drähte eines Kabels sowie zugehörige Verbindungsanschlüsse. Das Innengehäuse ist in einem Außengehäuse angeordnet und wird in einer vorbestimmten Position gehalten, wobei in diesem Zustand ein Heißkleber von der Rückseite des Außengehäuses so eingeführt wird, dass ein wasserdichter Mechanismus aus einem thermoplastischen Kunstharz ausgebildet wird.document DE 10 2005 022 118 A1 relates to a waterproof connector. An inner housing holds the wires of a cable as well as the corresponding connection connections. The inner case is arranged in an outer case and is held in a predetermined position, in which state a hot glue is inserted from the back of the outer case so that a waterproof mechanism is made of a thermoplastic resin.

Dokument WO 02/071548 A2 betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Schutzgraderhöhung eines handelsüblichen Steckverbinders. Die Vorrichtung ist zweiteilig ausgeführt und umfasst ein Aufnahmeteil, das auf ein Buchsenteil aufsteckbar ist. Zwei Dichtungsringe und dichten die Steckverbindung ab, wobei einer der Dichtungsringe von einem Verschluss am kabelseitigen Ende gehalten wird.document WO 02/071548 A2 relates to a device for increasing the degree of protection of a commercially available connector. The device is designed in two parts and comprises a receiving part which can be plugged onto a socket part. Two sealing rings and seal the plug connection, one of the sealing rings being held by a closure at the cable end.

Dokument US 7,201,595 B1 betrifft einen elektrischen Stecker mit einem Anschlussgehäuse für einen Steckverbinder mitsamt Drähten. In einem ersten Vergussschritt wird ein Plastik so über das Anschlussgehäuse 108 gegossen, dass ein Verbindungskörper ausgebildet wird. In einem zweiten Vergussschritt wird ein Elastomer so in den Verbindungskörper eingespritzt, dass eine Kabelversiegelung und eine Peripherieversiegelung aus dem Elastomer ausgebildet werden.document US 7,201,595 B1 relates to an electrical connector with a connection housing for a connector together with wires. In a first casting step, a plastic is poured over the connection housing 108 in such a way that a connecting body is formed. In a second casting step, an elastomer is injected into the connecting body in such a way that a cable seal and a peripheral seal are formed from the elastomer.

Moderne EDV-Anlagen, Telefonanlagen und andere elektronische Geräte und dergleichen vereinen immer mehr Funktionen und Schnittstellen auf engstem Raum. Deshalb besteht ein Bedarf für eine miniaturisierte Schutzvorrichtung, die darüber hinaus auch bei einem beengten Einbauraum auf einfache Weise betätigbar ist.Modern computer systems, telephone systems and other electronic devices and the like combine more and more functions and interfaces in a very small space. There is therefore a need for a miniaturized protective device which can also be actuated in a simple manner even in a confined installation space.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht in der Bereitstellung einer Schutzvorrichtung für einen Steckverbinder, die einen verbesserten Schutz des Steckverbinders bereitstellt.The object of the invention is to provide a protective device for a connector, which provides improved protection of the connector provides.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Gegenstände der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen beschrieben.This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Erfindungsgemäß dient die Schutzvorrichtung zum Schutz für einen mit einem Kabel verbundenen Steckverbinder. Die Schutzvorrichtung weist ein erstes Gehäuseelement auf, das mit einem zweiten Gehäuseelement der Schutzvorrichtung gekoppelt ist bzw. koppelbar ist. Dabei nimmt das erste Gehäuseelement den Steckverbinder zumindest teilweise auf, und das zweite Gehäuseelement nimmt das Kabel zumindest teilweise auf. Das erste Gehäuseelement, das zweite Gehäuseelement und das Kabel sind durch ein Dichtelement stoffschlüssig miteinander verbunden. Mit anderen Worten ist die Schutzvorrichtung in zwei Stufen bzw. Schritten zusammenbaubar: In einer ersten Verbindungsstufe bzw. einem ersten Verbindungsschritt werden die beiden Gehäuseelemente so miteinander gekoppelt, dass sie den Steckverbinder und einen Kabelabschnitt umfassen. Der Steckverbinder und das Kabel sind elektrisch miteinander verbunden. In einer zweiten Stufe bzw. einem zweiten Verbindungsschritt wird ein Dichtelement eingefügt, durch das sowohl das erste Gehäuseelement, das zweite Gehäuseelement und das Kabel stoffschlüssig miteinander verbunden werden. Durch die koppelbare Ausbildung der beiden Gehäuseelemente sind die beiden Gehäuseelemente der Schutzvorrichtung in einfacher Weise miteinander koppelbar und zusammenbaubar. Durch die stoffschlüssige Verbindung über bzw. mittels des Dichtelements werden die beiden Gehäuseelemente untrennbar miteinander verbunden. Dadurch ist die Verbindung der beiden Gehäuseelemente miteinander und/oder mit dem Kabel nicht mehr ohne eine Beschädigung oder sogar Zerstörung zumindest eines der Bauteile der Schutzvorrichtung voneinander trennbar.According to the invention, the protective device serves to protect a connector connected to a cable. The protective device has a first housing element which is coupled or can be coupled to a second housing element of the protective device. The first housing element at least partially accommodates the connector, and the second housing element at least partially accommodates the cable. The first housing element, the second housing element and the cable are integrally connected to one another by a sealing element. In other words, the protective device can be assembled in two stages or steps: in a first connection stage or a first connection step, the two housing elements are coupled to one another in such a way that they include the plug connector and a cable section. The connector and the cable are electrically connected to each other. In a second stage or a second connection step, a sealing element is inserted, through which both the first housing element, the second housing element and the cable are integrally connected to one another. Due to the coupling design of the two housing elements, the two housing elements of the protective device can be coupled and assembled in a simple manner. Due to the integral connection via or by means of the sealing element, the two housing elements are inseparably connected to one another. As a result, the connection of the two housing elements to one another and / or to the cable can no longer be separated from one another without damage or even destruction of at least one of the components of the protective device.

Mittels des Dichtelements wird somit eine sichere Verbindung bereitgestellt, die die beiden Gehäuseelemente und das Kabel fest und untrennbar miteinander verbindet. Dadurch wird durch die Schutzvorrichtung eine sichere und robuste Einheit mit einer hohen Festigkeit bereitgestellt.A secure connection is thus provided by means of the sealing element, which firmly and inseparably connects the two housing elements and the cable. As a result, the protective device makes a safe and robust unit with high strength provided.

Auf diese Weise kann ein Staubschutz und Feuchtigkeitsschutz geschaffen werden. Darüber hinaus wird ein vollständiger Berührungsschutz der Steckverbindung bereitgestellt, insbesondere im Anschlussbereich zwischen Steckverbinder und Kabel.In this way, dust protection and moisture protection can be created. In addition, complete protection against contact of the plug connection is provided, in particular in the connection area between the plug connector and the cable.

Unter dem Begriff stoffschlüssige Verbindung wird eine "innige Verbindung" zwischen zwei Körpern verstanden. Dies ist im Sinne der Anmeldung eine direkte, unmittelbare mechanische Kontaktierung in einem Kontaktbereich bzw. einer Kontaktfläche. Insbesondere kann die innige Verbindung durch Aufschrumpfen eines umfangenden Körpers auf einen anderen umfangenen Körper erfolgen, so dass der umfangende Körper im Kontaktbereich eine Kraft bzw. mechanische Spannung auf den umfangenen Körper ausübt, so dass durch eine elastische bzw. plastische Verformung der beiden Körper im Kontaktbereich im Wesentlichen kein Zwischenraum zwischen den beiden Körpern besteht. Insbesondere können die beiden Körper im Kontaktbereich miteinander verschmolzen sein.The term integral connection means an "intimate connection" between two bodies. In the sense of the application, this is a direct, direct mechanical contact in a contact area or a contact area. In particular, the intimate connection can be made by shrinking a circumferential body onto another circumferential body, so that the circumferential body exerts a force or mechanical tension on the circumferential body in the contact area, so that an elastic or plastic deformation of the two bodies in the contact area there is essentially no space between the two bodies. In particular, the two bodies can be fused together in the contact area.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann mit der stoffschlüssigen Verbindung eine chemische Verbindung und/oder eine Verbindung gemeint sein, bei der die Verbindungspartner durch atomare und/oder molekulare Kräfte miteinander verbunden sind. Aufgrund des Stoffschlusses kann es insbesondere möglich sein, daß eine Trennung der mittels Stoffschluss verbundenen Elemente, z,B. erstes Gehäuseelement und/oder zweites Gehäuseelement und/oder Kabel bzw. Kabelmantel nur durch Zerstörung zumindest eines, insbesondere aller der verbundenen Elemente möglich ist.Alternatively or additionally, the integral connection can mean a chemical connection and / or a connection in which the connection partners are connected to one another by atomic and / or molecular forces. Because of the material bond, it may in particular be possible for the elements connected by material bond, for example, to be separated. first housing element and / or second housing element and / or cable or cable jacket is only possible by destroying at least one, in particular all, of the connected elements.

Erfindungsgemäß ist das Dichtelement zumindest teilweise in einen Hohlraum zwischen das erste und das zweite Gehäuseelement gespritzt. Vor dem Einspritzen des Dichtelements ist zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement an zumindest einer Stelle ein Hohlraum ausgebildet. Dieser Hohlraum wird beim irreversiblen Verbinden der Schutzvorrichtung miteinander durch das Dichtelement gefüllt, insbesondere vollständig gefüllt. Dabei ist der Hohlraum zumindest teilweise zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement, dem zweiten Gehäuseelement und dem Kabel ausgebildet. Durch die Anordnung eines Hohlraums im gekoppelten, aber noch nicht mittels des Dichtelements verbundenen Zustand, wird ein Einspritzen des Dichtelements vereinfacht.According to the invention, the sealing element is at least partially injected into a cavity between the first and the second housing element. Before the sealing element is injected, a cavity is formed at least at one point between the first housing element and the second housing element. When the protective device is irreversibly connected to one another, this cavity is filled, in particular completely filled, by the sealing element. there the cavity is at least partially formed between the first housing element, the second housing element and the cable. Injecting the sealing element is simplified by arranging a cavity in the coupled state, but not yet connected by means of the sealing element.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform dichtet die Schutzvorrichtung den Steckverbinder, insbesondere den kabelseitigen Bereich des Steckverbinders feuchtigkeitsdicht nach IP67 ab. IP67 ist eine allgemein anerkannte Norm zur Definition der Feuchtigkeitsdichte eines Gegenstandes. In dieser Ausführungsform erfüllt die Schutzvorrichtung die Anforderungen von IP67. Dadurch wird ein guter Feuchtigkeits- und Staubschutz bereitgestellt. Insbesondere dichtet die Schutzvorrichtung den Verbindungsbereich zwischen dem Kabel und dem Steckverbinder und/oder den Bereich in dem das Kabel durch die Schutzvorrichtung hindurchgeführt wird sowie die Verbding der beiden Gehäuseelemente feuchtigkeitsdicht ab.According to one embodiment, the protective device seals the connector, in particular the cable-side area of the connector, in a moisture-tight manner in accordance with IP67. IP67 is a generally accepted standard for defining the moisture density of an object. In this embodiment, the protection device meets the requirements of IP67. This provides good moisture and dust protection. In particular, the protective device seals the connection area between the cable and the plug connector and / or the area in which the cable is passed through the protective device and the connection between the two housing elements in a moisture-tight manner.

Unter dem Begriff "feuchtigkeitsdicht" wird im Sinne der vorliegenden Anmeldung eine Dichtheit bzw. eine Barriere gegenüber einem Fluid, insbesondere Wasser oder Wasserdampf verstanden, wobei das Fließen bzw. Verlagern der Feuchtigkeit verhindert wird. Mit anderen Worten ist ein Kontaktbereich zwischen zwei Körpern, die insbesondere innig miteinander verbunden sind, genau dann feuchtigkeitsdicht, wenn ein Fluid nicht entlang des (flächigen) Kontaktbereichs in das Innere des Anschlusses zwischen Steckverbinder und Kabel eindringen kann.In the context of the present application, the term “moisture-tight” is understood to mean a tightness or a barrier to a fluid, in particular water or water vapor, the flow or displacement of the moisture being prevented. In other words, a contact area between two bodies, which are particularly intimately connected to one another, is moisture-tight if and only if a fluid cannot penetrate into the interior of the connection between the connector and the cable along the (flat) contact area.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform umschließt das Dichtelement das Kabel und/oder das zweite Gehäuseelement zumindest teilweise und/oder liegt daran stoffschlüssig an. Das zweite Gehäuseelement ist zur zumindest teilweisen Aufnahme des Kabels ausgebildet. Dies kann bedeuten, dass ein Teil des Kabels durch das zweite Gehäuseelement hindurch geführt wird. Dadurch umfasst bzw. umfängt das zweite Gehäuseelement das Kabel radial von außen. Das Dichtelement ist dabei so angeordnet, dass es sowohl das Kabel radial von außen an einem Abschnitt des Kabels umschließt, als auch einen Teil des zweiten Gehäuseelements. Durch ein zumindest teilweises Umschließen des Kabels und/oder des zweiten Gehäuseelements wird eine statisch besonders günstige Verbindung bereitgestellt, die insbesondere einer Relativbewegung des Dichtelements und/oder des zweiten Gehäuseelements relativ zum Kabel in Kabelausbreitungsrichtung entgegenwirkt. Die Kabelausbreitungsrichtung kann parallel zu einer Achsialrichtung des Kabels sein.According to one embodiment, the sealing element surrounds the cable and / or the second housing element at least partially and / or is cohesively attached to it. The second housing element is designed to at least partially accommodate the cable. This can mean that part of the cable is passed through the second housing element. As a result, the second housing element surrounds or encircles the cable radially from the outside. The sealing element is arranged such that it surrounds the cable radially from the outside on a section of the cable, as well as part of the second housing element. Through a At least partially enclosing the cable and / or the second housing element, a statically particularly favorable connection is provided, which counteracts in particular a relative movement of the sealing element and / or the second housing element relative to the cable in the direction of cable propagation. The direction of cable propagation can be parallel to an axial direction of the cable.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist das zweite Gehäuseelement zumindest teilweise in das erste Gehäuseelement einführbar, wobei das Dichtelement zumindest teilweise von dem ersten Gehäuseelement umgeben ist. Das zweite Gehäuseelement ist zur Aufnahme des Kabels ausgebildet. Dazu ist das zweite Gehäuseelement bevorzugt in unmittelbarer Kabelnähe angeordnet. Das erste Gehäuseelement zur zumindest teilweisen Aufnahme des Steckverbinders ist mit dem zweiten Gehäuseelement koppelbar. Das Kabel kann zumindest bereichsweise auch in dem ersten Gehäuseelement angeordnet sein. Die Kopplung des ersten und zweiten Gehäuseelements kann insbesondere durch ein zumindest teilweises Einführen des zweiten Gehäuseelements in das erste Gehäuseelement erfolgen. Die gekoppelte Verbindung der beiden Gehäuseelemente wird durch das Dichtelement stoffschlüssig verstärkt.According to one embodiment, the second housing element can be inserted at least partially into the first housing element, the sealing element being at least partially surrounded by the first housing element. The second housing element is designed to receive the cable. For this purpose, the second housing element is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cable. The first housing element for at least partially receiving the connector can be coupled to the second housing element. The cable can also be arranged in the first housing element at least in regions. The coupling of the first and second housing elements can in particular take place by at least partially inserting the second housing element into the first housing element. The coupled connection of the two housing elements is reinforced by the sealing element.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform besteht das Dichtelement aus einem elastischen Polymer. Durch ein elastisches Polymer kann eine besonders kostengünstige und effiziente stoffschlüssige Verbindung bereitgestellt werden. Außerdem läßt sich ein elastisches Polymer in einem einfachen Arbeitsschritt in einen Hohlraum zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement einspritzen.According to one embodiment, the sealing element consists of an elastic polymer. A particularly inexpensive and efficient cohesive connection can be provided by an elastic polymer. In addition, an elastic polymer can be injected into a cavity between the first housing element and the second housing element in a simple step.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist das Dichtelement zumindest 1 mm dick zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement ausgebildet. Das Dichtelement ist keine bloße Kleberschicht, sondern ist als eigenständiges Bauteil der Schutzvorrichtung ausgebildet. Dabei ist es derart zwischen die beiden Gehäuseelemente gespritzt, dass es einen Hohlraum einer Mindeststärke von 1 mm Abstand zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement ausfüllt. Das Dichtelement weist ein nicht vernachlässigbares Volumen auf. Dadurch, dass das Dichtelement ein eigenes Volumen aufweist, kann das Dichtelement (unerwünschte) Hohlräume ausfüllen, in die Feuchtigkeit oder Staub eindringen könnte. Bevorzugt kann das Dichtelement auch von 0,1mm bis 20 mm, von 0,25 mm bis 5 mm dick ausgebildet sein, insbesondere von 1 mm bis 2 mm dick.According to one embodiment, the sealing element is at least 1 mm thick between the first housing element and the second housing element. The sealing element is not a mere adhesive layer, but is designed as an independent component of the protective device. It is injected between the two housing elements in such a way that there is a cavity with a minimum thickness of 1 mm between the first housing element and the second housing element fills out. The sealing element has a non-negligible volume. Because the sealing element has its own volume, the sealing element can fill (unwanted) cavities into which moisture or dust could penetrate. The sealing element can preferably also be made from 0.1 mm to 20 mm, from 0.25 mm to 5 mm thick, in particular from 1 mm to 2 mm thick.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform weist das zweite Gehäuseelement zumindest ein Spritzloch auf, das durch das Dichtelement ausgefüllt ist und das einen Bereich des Dichtelements, der das Kabel umgibt, und insbesondere mit dem Kabel stoffschlüssig verbunden ist, mit einem Bereich des Dichtelements verbindet, der zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement angeordnet ist. Durch die Ausbildung von Spritzlöchern im zweiten Gehäuseelement können unterschiedliche Hohlbereiche bzw. Hohlräume im Inneren der Schutzvorrichtung beim Einspritzen des Dichtelements mittels des Dichtelements ausgefüllt werden. Dadurch können verschiedene Bauteile der Schutzvorrichtung mittels des Dichtelements stoffschlüssig miteinander verbunden werden. Beispielsweise keinen zwei Spritzlöcher ausgebildet sein, die sich vorzugsweise gegenüber liegen.According to one embodiment, the second housing element has at least one spray hole which is filled by the sealing element and which connects a region of the sealing element which surrounds the cable, and in particular is integrally connected to the cable, to a region of the sealing element which is between the first Housing element and the second housing element is arranged. By forming spray holes in the second housing element, different hollow areas or cavities inside the protective device can be filled by means of the sealing element when the sealing element is injected. As a result, different components of the protective device can be integrally connected to one another by means of the sealing element. For example, no two spray holes may be formed, which are preferably opposite one another.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform weist das erste Gehäuseelement eine Dichtlippe auf, die in einem in einer Buchse eingesteckten Zustand des Steckverbinders eine Steckverbindung des Steckverbinders mit der Buchse feuchtigkeitsdicht nach IP67 abdichtet. Die Dichtlippe ist dabei auf der Seite des ersten Gehäuseelements angeordnet, die dazu ausgebildet und vorgesehen ist, in Steckrichtung des Steckverbinders mit einer Buchse bzw. Steckdose verbunden zu werden. Beim Einsteckvorgang des Steckverbinders wird die Dichtlippe in Kontakt mit der Buchse bzw. der Steckdose gebracht. Dabei kann die Dichtlippe insbesondere aus einem elastisch verformbaren Material ausgebildet sein, das beim Einsteckvorgang gestaucht wird und so eine dichte Verbindung bereitstellt. Dabei bewirkt die Dichtlippe eine Abdichtung der Verbindung zwischen dem Steckverbinder und der Buchse und/oder der Steckdose. Die Schutzvorrichtung selber, und insbesondere das Dichtelement, sorgt für eine Abdichtung zwischen dem Stecker und dem Kabel.According to one embodiment, the first housing element has a sealing lip which, when the plug connector is inserted in a socket, seals a plug connection of the plug connector with the socket in a moisture-tight manner to IP67. The sealing lip is arranged on the side of the first housing element which is designed and provided to be connected to a socket or socket in the plug-in direction of the plug connector. When inserting the connector, the sealing lip is brought into contact with the socket or the socket. The sealing lip can in particular be formed from an elastically deformable material that is compressed during the insertion process and thus provides a tight connection. The sealing lip seals the connection between the connector and the socket and / or the socket. The protective device itself, and in particular the sealing element, ensures a seal between the plug and the cable.

Die Dichtlippe und das Dichtelement bewirken zusammen eine feuchtigkeitsdichte Abdichtung sowohl der Steckverbindung (insbesondere durch die Dichtlippe) als auch des Verbindungsbereichs zwischen dem Steckverbinder und dem Kabel (insbesondere durch das Dichtelement), also des gesamten Steckverbinders. Dabei kann der gesamte Stecker feuchtigkeitsdicht gemäß IP67 ausgebildet sein.The sealing lip and the sealing element together bring about a moisture-tight seal both of the plug connection (in particular through the sealing lip) and of the connecting region between the plug connector and the cable (in particular through the sealing element), that is to say of the entire plug connector. The entire plug can be designed to be moisture-tight in accordance with IP67.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform weist eines aus dem ersten oder zweiten Gehäuseelement eine Aufnahme auf, in die zumindest ein Abschnitt des anderen aus dem ersten und zweiten Gehäuseelements zumindest teilweise einführbar ist, um das erste Gehäuseelement mit dem zweiten Gehäuseelement zu koppeln. Die Aufnahme und der Abschnitt sorgen für eine Kopplung der beiden Gehäuseelemente miteinander. Im gekoppelten Zustand sind die beiden Gehäuseelemente der Schutzvorrichtung miteinander verbunden.According to one embodiment, one of the first or second housing element has a receptacle into which at least a portion of the other of the first and second housing element can be at least partially inserted in order to couple the first housing element to the second housing element. The receptacle and the section ensure a coupling of the two housing elements to one another. In the coupled state, the two housing elements of the protective device are connected to one another.

Dabei kann das erste Gehäuseelement mit dem zweiten Gehäuseelement durch eine formschlüssige Verbindung gekoppelt sein. Durch die formschlüssige Verbindung wird ein Entkoppeln der beiden Gehäuseelemente voneinander, insbesondere beim Einbringen des Dichtelements vermieden. Dies ermöglicht sowohl ein sicheres Einführen bzw. Einspritzen des Dichtelements, als auch eine Kraftentlastung zwischen den beiden Gehäuseelementen beim Austrocknen des Dichtelements. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann das erste Gehäuseelement mit dem zweiten Gehäuseelement durch eine kraftschlüssige Verbindung gekoppelt sein.The first housing element can be coupled to the second housing element by a positive connection. The positive connection prevents the two housing elements from being decoupled from one another, in particular when the sealing element is introduced. This enables both a secure insertion or injection of the sealing element and a relief of force between the two housing elements when the sealing element dries out. Additionally or alternatively, the first housing element can be coupled to the second housing element by a non-positive connection.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist der Steckverbinder als genormter Industriestecker gemäß einer Industrienorm bzw. Industriestandard ausgeführt. Die erfindungsgemäße Schutzvorrichtung kann in dieser Ausführungsform für jeden beliebigen genormten Industriestecker verwendet werden. Insbesondere wird eine Schutzvorrichtung bereitgestellt, die zur Verwendung für einen RJ-Stecker vorgesehen ist. RJ steht dabei für "registered jack", also für einen Ethernet-Stecker, USB-Stecker, Firewire, Stromstecker, DVI-Stecker. HDMI-Stecker, etc.According to one embodiment, the connector is designed as a standardized industrial connector in accordance with an industry standard. In this embodiment, the protective device according to the invention can be used for any standardized industrial plug. In particular, a protective device is provided which is intended for use for an RJ connector. RJ stands for "registered jack", ie for an Ethernet connector, USB connector, Firewire, power connector, DVI connector. HDMI connector, etc.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform weist das zweite Gehäuseelement einen Kabelabschnitt auf, der einen Abschnitt des Kabels so umschließt, dass ein Kontaktbereich zwischen dem Steckverbinder und elektrischen Leitungen des Kabels im Wesentlichen frei von dem Dichtelement ausgebildet ist. Dadurch wird ein Verkleben und eine Beschädigung des Kontaktbereichs beim Einspritzen des Dichtelements vermieden.According to one embodiment, the second housing element has a cable section which encloses a section of the cable such that a contact area between the plug connector and electrical lines of the cable is essentially free of the sealing element. This prevents sticking and damage to the contact area when the sealing element is injected.

Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird weiter durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13 gelöst.The object on which the invention is based is further achieved by a method according to claim 13.

Durch das Verfahren wird eine Schutzvorrichtung für einen mit einem Kabel verbundenen Steckverbinder hergestellt, wobei die Schutzvorrichtung ein erstes und ein zweites miteinander koppelbares Gehäuseelement aufweist. Weiterhin weist das Verfahren folgende Schritte auf:

  • Koppeln des ersten Gehäuseelements, das den Steckverbinder zumindest teilweise aufnimmt und fixiert, mit dem zweiten Gehäuseelement, das das Kabel zumindest teilweise aufnimmt und fixiert, und
  • Einspritzen eines Dichtelements zumindest teilweise in einen Hohlraum zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement, dem zweiten Gehäuseelement und dem Kabel derart, dass das erste Gehäuseelement, das zweite Gehäuseelement und das Kabel durch das Dichtelement stoffschlüssig miteinander verbunden werden.
The method produces a protective device for a connector connected to a cable, the protective device having a first and a second housing element that can be coupled to one another. The method also has the following steps:
  • Coupling the first housing element, which at least partially accommodates and fixes the connector, to the second housing element, which at least partially accommodates and fixes the cable, and
  • Injecting a sealing element at least partially into a cavity between the first housing element, the second housing element and the cable such that the first housing element, the second housing element and the cable are integrally connected to one another by the sealing element.

Beim Durchführen des Verfahrens kann zunächst zumindest ein Teil des Kabels durch das zweite Gehäuseelement durchgeführt werden und der Steckverbinder so in das erste Gehäuseelement eingeführt werden, dass er zumindest teilweise in das erste Gehäuseelement eingeführt ist.When carrying out the method, at least part of the cable can first be passed through the second housing element and the plug connector inserted into the first housing element in such a way that it is at least partially inserted into the first housing element.

Das Verfahren dient insbesondere zum Herstellen einer Schutzvorrichtung für einen Steckverbinder nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12.The method is used in particular to produce a protective device for a connector according to one of claims 1 to 12.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform im Zusammenhang mit den beigefügten Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer Schutzvorrichtung;
Fig. 2
eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Gehäuseelements einer Schutzvorrichtung und eines zweiten Gehäuseelements einer Schutzvorrichtung vor dem Koppeln der beiden Gehäuseelemente;
Fig.3
eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung eines Teils des zweiten Gehäuselements;
Fig.4
eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung eines Dichtelements und
Figuren 5A und 5B
zwei Schnittdarstellungen durch die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Schutzvorrichtung durch zueinander senkrecht stehende Ebenen.
The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a preferred embodiment in connection with the attached figures. Show it:
Fig. 1
is a schematic, perspective view of a protective device;
Fig. 2
a schematic representation of a first housing element of a protective device and a second housing element of a protective device before coupling the two housing elements;
Fig. 3
is a schematic, perspective view of part of the second housing element;
Figure 4
is a schematic, perspective view of a sealing element and
Figures 5A and 5B
two sectional views through the in Fig. 1 shown protective device by mutually perpendicular planes.

Figur 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Schutzvorrichtung. Die Schutzvorrichtung umgibt einen Steckverbinder 10, der elektrisch und mechanisch mit einem Kabel 20 verbunden ist. Die Schutzvorrichtung weist ein erstes Gehäuseelement 30, ein zweites Gehäuseelement 40 und ein Dichtelement 50 auf. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 umschließt den Steckverbinder 10. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a protective device. The protective device surrounds a connector 10, which is electrically and mechanically connected to a cable 20. The protective device has a first housing element 30, a second housing element 40 and a sealing element 50. The first housing element 30 encloses the connector 10.

Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 umschließt den Steckverbinder 10 derart, dass eine Kontaktfläche 11 des Steckverbinders 10 vollständig frei bleibt. Die Kontaktfläche 11 des Steckverbinders 10 ist dafür ausgebildet und vorgesehen, in eine Buchse oder Steckdose eingeführt zu werden, um dort eine elektrische Kontaktierung zwischen dem Steckverbinder 10 und der Buchse bzw. Steckdose bereitzustellen. Die Kontaktfläche 11 ist an der Seite des Steckverbinders 10 angeordnet, die dem Kabel 30 abgewandt ist. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 läßt dabei nicht nur die Kontaktfläche 11 frei, sondern auch den an die Kontaktfläche 11 angrenzenden Bereich des Steckverbinders 10, der dazu ausgebildet und vorgesehen ist, in eine Buchse bzw. Steckdose eingeführt zu werden. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 umfasst den Steckverbinder 10 erst ab einem Abschnitt, der dem Kabel 30 zugewandt ist und der in einem eingesteckten Zustand des Steckverbinders aus der Buchse bzw. der Steckdose hinausragt. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 ist in mechanischem Kontakt mit dem Steckverbinder 10 derart, dass es den Steckverbinder 10 festhält.The first housing element 30 surrounds the plug connector 10 in such a way that a contact surface 11 of the plug connector 10 remains completely free. The contact surface 11 of the plug connector 10 is designed and intended to be inserted into a socket or socket in order to provide electrical contact between the plug connector 10 and the socket or socket there. The contact surface 11 is arranged on the side of the connector 10 which faces away from the cable 30. The first housing element 30 not only leaves the contact surface 11 free, but also the region of the plug connector 10 which is adjacent to the contact surface 11 and which is designed and intended to be inserted into a socket or socket. The first housing element 30 only includes the plug connector 10 from a section that connects the cable 30 is facing and which protrudes from the socket or the socket in an inserted state of the connector. The first housing element 30 is in mechanical contact with the connector 10 such that it holds the connector 10 in place.

Das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 umfasst einen Teilbereich des Kabels 20 radial von außen, insbesondere das Ende des Kabels 30, das dem Steckverbinder 10 zugewandt ist. Das Kabel 20 durchdringt dabei das zweite Gehäuseelement 40. Der Großteil des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ist dabei im Inneren des ersten Gehäuseelement 30 angeordnet.The second housing element 40 comprises a portion of the cable 20 radially from the outside, in particular the end of the cable 30 which faces the connector 10. The cable 20 penetrates the second housing element 40. The majority of the second housing element 40 is arranged inside the first housing element 30.

Das Dichtelement 50 ist zwischen das Kabel 20 und das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 eingespritzt und verbindet die beiden Gehäuseelemente stoffschlüssig miteinander am Kabel. Das Dichtelement 50 ist dabei in einen zwischen den beiden Gehäuseelementen 30, 40 und dem Kabel 20 angeordneten Hohlraum eingespritzt, dessen Form näher in den weiteren Figuren gezeigt ist.The sealing element 50 is injected between the cable 20 and the second housing element 40 and connects the two housing elements to one another in a cohesive manner on the cable. The sealing element 50 is injected into a cavity arranged between the two housing elements 30, 40 and the cable 20, the shape of which is shown in more detail in the further figures.

Figur 2 zeigt die Schutzvorrichtung der Fig. 1 in einem unverbundenen Zustand. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 umfasst dabei den Abschnitt des Steckverbinders 10, der in einem in eine Buchse bzw. eine Steckdose eingesteckten Zustand des Steckverbinders 10 aus der Buchse bzw. der Steckdose hinausragt. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 weist dabei einen zylinderförmigen Abschnitt 33 auf, der dazu ausgebildet und vorgesehen ist, einen Teil des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 sowie einen Teil des Kabels 20 aufzunehmen. Der zylinderförmige Abschnitt 33 des ersten Gehäuseelements 30 ist als Aufnahme für einen Abschnitt des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ausgebildet. Weiterhin ist der zylinderförmige Abschnitt 33 dazu vorgesehen und ausgebildet, das Dichtelement 50 aufzunehmen. Figure 2 shows the protection device of the Fig. 1 in an unconnected state. The first housing element 30 comprises the section of the connector 10 which, when the connector 10 is inserted into a socket or a socket, protrudes from the socket or socket. The first housing element 30 has a cylindrical section 33, which is designed and provided to receive part of the second housing element 40 and part of the cable 20. The cylindrical section 33 of the first housing element 30 is designed as a receptacle for a section of the second housing element 40. Furthermore, the cylindrical section 33 is provided and designed to receive the sealing element 50.

Weiterhin weist das erste Gehäuseelement 30 einen Absatz 34 auf, der in einem eingesteckten Zustand des Steckverbinders 10 an der Buchse bzw. Steckdose anliegt. Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 weist zudem diametral gegenüberliegende Hebel 35 auf, die sich parallel zur Kabelausbreitungsrichtung erstrecken. Die Hebel 35 sind mit dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30 verbunden, insbesondere mit dem Absatz 34. An einem dem Steckverbinder 10 abgewandten Erstreckungsende der Hebel 35 sind Abschnitte 32 ausgebildet, die zum Eingriff in einen Drehring 42 vorgesehen sind. In dem in der Fig. 2 gezeigten entkoppelten Zustand sind sowohl die Abschnitte 32 als auch das Ende des Hebels 35, an dem sie angeordnet sind, frei schwebend ausgebildet.Furthermore, the first housing element 30 has a shoulder 34 which, when the plug connector 10 is in the inserted state, bears against the socket or socket. The first housing element 30 also has diametrically opposite levers 35 which extend parallel to the direction of cable propagation. The levers 35 are connected to the first housing element 30, in particular to the shoulder 34. At an extension end of the lever 35 facing away from the plug connector 10, sections 32 are formed which are provided for engagement in a rotary ring 42. In the in the Fig. 2 Decoupled state shown, both the sections 32 and the end of the lever 35 on which they are arranged, are designed to float.

Das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 umfasst einen Abschnitt des Kabels 20. Das Kabel 20 ist in das Innere des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 so eingefädelt, dass ein Abschnitt des Kabels 20 radial von allen Seiten vom zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 umschlossen und mechanisch kontaktiert ist.The second housing element 40 comprises a section of the cable 20. The cable 20 is threaded into the interior of the second housing element 40 such that a section of the cable 20 is surrounded radially from all sides by the second housing element 40 and is mechanically contacted.

Das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 weist eine zylinderförmige Grundform auf, die einen Kabelaustritt zum Ein- und Ausführen des Kabels 20 aufweist. Das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 ist vorzugsweise aus einem Gummi oder Elastomer, wie beispielsweise FKN, HNBR, TPE etc., hergestellt, um kraftschlüssig mit dem ersten Gehäuseelement koppelbar zu sein. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 auch mit dem ersten Gehäuseelement verschraubbar und/oder verrastbar sein. Insbesondere kann das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 mit dem ersten Gehäuseelement mittels eines Formschlusses verbunden sein.The second housing element 40 has a cylindrical basic shape which has a cable outlet for the insertion and removal of the cable 20. The second housing element 40 is preferably made of a rubber or elastomer, such as FKN, HNBR, TPE etc., in order to be able to be non-positively coupled to the first housing element. Alternatively or additionally, the second housing element 40 can also be screwed and / or locked to the first housing element. In particular, the second housing element 40 can be connected to the first housing element by means of a positive connection.

Weiterhin weist die Schutzvorrichtung einen Drehring 42 auf, der als Griffelement ausgebildet ist. Der Drehring 42 ist in Mantelrichtung des Kabels 20 angeordnet. Der Drehring 42 ist an zwei diametral gegenüberliegenden Stellen mit einem vergrößerten Innendurchmesser ausgebildet, an denen auf der Innenseite des Griffelements 42 Einführabschnitte 41 ausgebildet sind. Die Einführabschnitte 41 dienen zur Aufnahme eines Teils der Hebel 35, und insbesondere zur Aufnahme der Abschnitte 32 derart, dass die Hebel 35 fixiert werden.Furthermore, the protective device has a rotating ring 42 which is designed as a grip element. The rotating ring 42 is arranged in the jacket direction of the cable 20. The rotating ring 42 is formed at two diametrically opposite points with an enlarged inside diameter, at which insertion sections 41 are formed on the inside of the grip element 42. The insertion sections 41 serve to receive a part of the levers 35, and in particular to receive the sections 32 such that the levers 35 are fixed.

Der Drehring 42 kann als separates Bauteil ausgebildet sein, oder als Bestandteil des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ausgebildet sein.The rotary ring 42 can be designed as a separate component or as part of the second housing element 40.

Beim Zusammenbau der Schutzvorrichtung wird der dem Steckverbinder 10 zugewandte Teil des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 in den zylinderförmigen Abschnitt 33 des ersten Gehäuseelements 30 eingeführt. Weiterhin werden die Abschnitte 32 der Hebel 35 in Eingriff gebracht mit den Einführabschnitten 41 des Drehrings 42. Dadurch wird das erste Gehäuseelement 30 mit dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 gekoppelt. Anschließend wird in einen Hohlraum, insbesondere einen abschnittsweise zylindrischen Hohlraum, zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30, dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 und das Kabel 20 das Dichtelement 50 eingespritzt, mittels dessen das erste Gehäuseelement 30, das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 und das Kabel 20 stoffschlüssig miteinander verbunden werden. Nach dem Einbringen des Dichtelements 50 ist die Schutzvorrichtung untrennbar miteinander verbunden.When the protective device is assembled, the part of the second housing element 40 facing the plug connector 10 is inserted into the cylindrical section 33 of the first housing element 30. Furthermore, the sections 32 of the levers 35 are brought into engagement with the insertion sections 41 of the rotary ring 42. As a result, the first housing element 30 is coupled to the second housing element 40. The sealing element 50 is then injected into a cavity, in particular a partially cylindrical cavity, between the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20, by means of which the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20 are integrally connected to one another . After the sealing element 50 has been introduced, the protective device is inseparably connected to one another.

Der Verbindungsvorgang dadurch erfolgen, dass zunächst das Kabel 20 mit dem Steckverbinder 10 kontaktiert wird, wonach das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 in das erste Gehäuseelement 30 eingeführt und diese miteinander gekoppelt werden.The connection process takes place by first contacting the cable 20 with the plug connector 10, after which the second housing element 40 is inserted into the first housing element 30 and these are coupled to one another.

Figur 3 zeigt einen Teil des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ohne den Drehring 42. Das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 weist zylinderförmige Abschnitte auf, die teilweise einen Ring um das Kabel 20 ausbilden und teilweise einen Hohlraum zwischen dem Kabel und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 für das Dichtelement 50 freilassen. Figure 3 shows a part of the second housing element 40 without the rotary ring 42. The second housing element 40 has cylindrical sections which partially form a ring around the cable 20 and partly leave a cavity between the cable and the second housing element 40 for the sealing element 50.

Ein im Wesentlichen zylinderförmiger Kabelabschnitt 43 ist an dem dem Steckverbinder 10 zugewandten Ende des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ausgebildet, der einen Abschnitt des Kabels 20 umfasst. Ein im Wesentlichen zylinderförmiger Hohlraumabschnitt 44 ist an dem dem Kabel 20 zugewandten Ende des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ausgebildet, der einen Hohlraum zwischen dem Hohlraumabschnitt 44 und dem Kabel 20 ausbildet, in den das Dichtelement 50 einspritzbar ist.A substantially cylindrical cable section 43 is formed on that end of the second housing element 40 which faces the plug connector 10 and which comprises a section of the cable 20. A substantially cylindrical cavity section 44 is formed on the end of the second housing element 40 facing the cable 20, which forms a cavity between the cavity section 44 and the cable 20 into which the sealing element 50 can be injected.

In einem Übergangsbereich zwischen dem Kabelabschnitt 43 und dem Hohlraumabschnitt 44 sind zwei Spritzlöcher 46 ausgebildet, mittels derer der vom Hohlraumabschnitt 44 umfasste Hohlraum mit einem (radial gesehen) Außenraum des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 verbunden ist. Wird das Dichtelement 50 in den vom Hohlraumabschnitt 44 umschlossenen Hohlraum zwischen dem Kabel 20 und dem Hohlraumabschnitt 44 eingespritzt, tritt die Spritzmasse teilweise durch die Spritzlöcher 46 auf die Außenseite des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 aus und verspritzt einen Hohlraum zwischen dem Kabelabschnitt 43 und dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30.In a transition area between the cable section 43 and the cavity section 44, two spray holes 46 are formed, by means of which the Cavity section 44 comprises a cavity is connected to an (radially viewed) outer space of the second housing element 40. If the sealing element 50 is injected into the cavity between the cable 20 and the cavity section 44, which is enclosed by the cavity section 44, the molding compound partially exits through the spray holes 46 onto the outside of the second housing element 40 and sprays a cavity between the cable section 43 and the first housing element 30 .

Beim Einführen des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 in das erste Gehäuseelement 30 wird das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 parallel zur Kabelausbreitungsrichtung in Steckrichtung des Steckverbinders 10 eingeführt, bis das erste Gehäuseelement 30 an einen verdickten Anschlag 45 des zweiten Gehäuseelements anschlägt.When the second housing element 40 is inserted into the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 is inserted parallel to the direction of cable propagation in the plug-in direction of the connector 10 until the first housing element 30 strikes a thickened stop 45 of the second housing element.

Dabei wird mittels eines Koppelabschnitts 47 des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 eine formschlüssige und/oder kraftschlüssige Verbindung zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30 und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 bereitgestellt. Der Koppelabschnitt 47 kann z.B. aus einem rutschfesten Gummi bestehen und/oder als Schraubabschnitt und/oder als Rastabschnitt ausgebildet sein.A positive and / or non-positive connection between the first housing element 30 and the second housing element 40 is provided by means of a coupling section 47 of the second housing element 40. The coupling section 47 can e.g. consist of a non-slip rubber and / or be designed as a screw section and / or as a latching section.

Figur 4 zeigt das Dichtelement 50, das in den Hohlraum zwischen den Gehäuseelementen und dem Kabel 20 eingespritzt ist. Das Dichtelement 50 ist einstückig ausgebildet und füllt den Hohlraum zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30, dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 und dem Kabel 20 vollständig aus. Figure 4 shows the sealing element 50, which is injected into the cavity between the housing elements and the cable 20. The sealing element 50 is formed in one piece and completely fills the cavity between the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20.

Das Dichtelement 50 weist einen konischen Abschnitt 51 auf, der an dem dem Steckverbinder 10 gegenüberliegenden Ende der Schutzvorrichtung ausgebildet ist und der einen Kabeleintritt für das Kabel 20 aufweist. Entlang eines Dichtrings 52 des Dichtelements 50 verbreitert sich der Außenumfang des Dichtelements 50 bis fast auf den Außenumfang der Schutzvorrichtung.The sealing element 50 has a conical section 51 which is formed on the end of the protective device opposite the plug connector 10 and which has a cable entry for the cable 20. The outer circumference of the sealing element 50 widens along a sealing ring 52 of the sealing element 50 to almost the outer circumference of the protective device.

Ein an den Dichtring 52 in Steckrichtung anschließender Kabeleinschluss 53 ist als im Wesentlichen zylinderförmiger Bereich radial um das Kabel 20 ausgebildet. Entlang zweier Stege 55 geht das Dichtelement 50 in einen Zwischenbereich 54 über, der zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30 und dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 angeordnet ist. Die Stege 55 werden beim Einspritzen des Dichtelements 50 innerhalb der Spritzlöcher 46 des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 gebildet.A cable inclusion 53 adjoining the sealing ring 52 in the plug-in direction is as essentially cylindrical region is formed radially around the cable 20. The sealing element 50 merges along two webs 55 into an intermediate region 54 which is arranged between the first housing element 30 and the second housing element 40. The webs 55 are formed when the sealing element 50 is injected within the injection holes 46 of the second housing element 40.

Das Dichtelement 50 ist als einstückiges Gußteil ausgebildet. Dabei ist das Material des Dichtelements 50 flüssig in den Hohlraum zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseelement 30, dem zweiten Gehäuseelement 40 und dem Kabel 20 eingespritzt, wobei eine stoffschlüssige bzw. innige Verbindung mit diesen durch Abkühlen und/oder Aushärten des Materials des Dichtelements erzeugt ist.The sealing element 50 is designed as a one-piece casting. The material of the sealing element 50 is fluidly injected into the cavity between the first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the cable 20, a cohesive or intimate connection being produced by cooling and / or curing the material of the sealing element.

In der in den Figuren gezeigten Ausführungsform bleibt dabei der Drehring 42 konktaktfrei zu dem Dichtelement 50 und somit drehbar. Damit bleibt die Schutzvorrichtung ein- und aussteckbar in eine Buchse.In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating ring 42 remains contact-free with the sealing element 50 and thus rotatable. This means that the protective device can be plugged in and unplugged into a socket.

Beim Einspritzen des Dichtelements 50 in die Schutzvorrichtung sind das erste Gehäuseelement 30 und das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 relativ zueinander fixiert, bis das Dichtelement 50 ausgehärtet ist. Dabei fixiert das erste Gehäuseelement 30 den Steckverbinder 10, und das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 den dem Steckverbinder 10 zugewandten Abschnitt des Kabels 20.When the sealing element 50 is injected into the protective device, the first housing element 30 and the second housing element 40 are fixed relative to one another until the sealing element 50 has hardened. The first housing element 30 fixes the connector 10, and the second housing element 40 fixes the section of the cable 20 facing the connector 10.

Beim Einspritzen des Dichtelements 50 in die Schutzvorrichtung können Greifwerkzeuge vorgesehen sein, die an den beiden Gehäuseelementen 30, 40 und/oder dem Kabel 20 ansetzten, um diese beim Einspritzen des Dichtelements 50 in ihrer Position relativ zueinander zu fixieren. Alternativ oder zusätzlich können die beiden Gehäuseelemente 30, 40 und das Kabel durch deren Kopplung bereits fixiert sein, um ein Einspritzen und Aushärten des Dichtelements ohne ein "Verwackeln" zu ermöglichen.When the sealing element 50 is injected into the protective device, gripping tools can be provided, which attach to the two housing elements 30, 40 and / or the cable 20 in order to fix them in their position relative to one another when the sealing element 50 is injected. Alternatively or additionally, the two housing elements 30, 40 and the cable can already be fixed by their coupling in order to enable the sealing element to be injected and hardened without "shaking".

Figuren 5A und 5B zeigen in zwei Schnittdarstellungen jeweils einen Schnitt durch die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Schutzvorrichtung mit Stecker und Kabel. Die beiden Schnittebenen stehen dabei senkrecht zueinander. Figures 5A and 5B each show a section through in two sectional views in the Fig. 1 shown protective device with plug and cable. The two cutting planes are perpendicular to each other.

Das Dichtelement 50 ist dabei schraffiert dargestellt. Eine Zusammenschau der Figuren 4 und 5 zeigt eine Ausführungsform des Dichtelements 50.The sealing element 50 is shown hatched. A synopsis of the Figures 4 and 5 shows an embodiment of the sealing element 50.

Figuren 5A und 5B zeigen weitere Einzelheiten der Schutzvorrichtung. Der Steckverbinder 10 ist über elektrische Leitungen 21 elektrisch und mechanisch mit dem Kabel 20 verbunden. In den Figuren 5A und 5B ist auch eine Achsialrichtung AR des Kabels 20 dargestellt. Figures 5A and 5B show further details of the protection device. The connector 10 is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable 20 via electrical lines 21. In the Figures 5A and 5B an axial direction AR of the cable 20 is also shown.

Das erste Gehäuseelement 30, das zweite Gehäuseelement 40 und das Dichtelement 50 schützen die elektrische und mechanische Verbindung zwischen dem Kabel 20 und dem Steckverbinder 10 gegenüber Umwelteinflüssen wie Wasser, Staub, etc. Darüber hinaus wird ein vollständiger Berührschutz der Verbindung zwischen Steckverbinder 10 und dem Kabel 20 durch die Schutzvorrichtung bereitgestellt.The first housing element 30, the second housing element 40 and the sealing element 50 protect the electrical and mechanical connection between the cable 20 and the connector 10 against environmental influences such as water, dust, etc. In addition, there is a complete protection against contact between the connector 10 and the cable 20 provided by the protection device.

Der Kabelabschnitt 43 des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40, der einen Abschnitt des Kabels 20 umschließt, endet in Einsteckrichtung des Steckverbinders 10 vor einem abisolierten Abschnitt des Kabels 20, aus dem die elektrischen Leitungen 21 zum Kontaktieren des Steckverbinders 10 herausragen. Die Einsteckrichtung kann parallel zur der Achsialrichtung AR sein. Damit wird verhindert, dass das Material des Dichtelements 50 in flüssigem, heißem Zustand die Kontakte im Bereich zwischen Steckverbinder 10 und Kabel 20 kontaktiert. Das Material des Dichtelements 50 ist in seiner flüssigen Phase durch den Kabelabschnitt 43 des ersten Gehäuseelements 30 daran gehindert, den Kontaktbereich zu füllen. Mit anderen Worten bleibt der Kontaktbereich zwischen dem Steckverbinder 10 und den elektrischen Leitungen 21 im Wesentlichen frei von dem Dichtelement 50. Dabei bedeutet "im Wesentlichen frei", dass kein elektrisches Bauteil bzw. Halbleiterbauteil, welches an dem Kontaktbereich angeordnet ist, durch das Dichtelement 50 mechanisch kontaktiert ist.The cable section 43 of the second housing element 40, which encloses a section of the cable 20, ends in the insertion direction of the connector 10 in front of a stripped section of the cable 20, from which the electrical lines 21 for contacting the connector 10 protrude. The insertion direction can be parallel to the axial direction AR. This prevents the material of the sealing element 50 from contacting the contacts in the region between the plug connector 10 and the cable 20 in the liquid, hot state. The material of the sealing element 50 is prevented in its liquid phase by the cable section 43 of the first housing element 30 from filling the contact area. In other words, the contact area between the plug connector 10 and the electrical lines 21 remains essentially free of the sealing element 50. Here, “essentially free” means that no electrical component or semiconductor component, which is arranged on the contact area, through the sealing element 50 is mechanically contacted.

Die Hebel 35 des ersten Gehäuseelements 30 sind als Federzunge ausgebildet und aus einem Metallblech hergestellt. Der Hebel 35 hat im Wesentlichen in einem zentralen Abschnitt eine Lasche 36, die in einen entsprechenden Schlitz des ersten Gehäuseelements 30 einsetzbar ist, um den Hebel 35 an einem Außenumfang des ersten Gehäuseelements 30 zu befestigen. Da der Hebel 35 aus einem federnden Metallblech hergestellt ist, wird auf diese Weise ein federbelasteter Hebel 35 bereitgestellt. Wird beispielsweise auf Griffelemente 37 des Hebels 35 radial von außen Druck ausgeübt, wird ein Eingriffsabschnitt 38 des Hebels 35 radial nach außen weggedrückt (zum Eingriffsabschnitt 38 vgl. auch Fig. 2). Der Eingriffsabschnitt 38 ist vorzugsweise rechteckig ausgebildet. Eine Buchse bzw. Steckdose, in die der Steckverbinder 10 eingesteckt werden kann, weist ein Paar Eingriffselemente auf, die als Rastnasen in die Eingriffsabschnitte 38 der Hebel 35 eingeführt bzw. eingeclipst werden können. Dadurch kann die Schutzvorrichtung mit der Buchse bzw. der Steckdose verbunden werden.The levers 35 of the first housing element 30 are designed as spring tongues and are made from a metal sheet. The lever 35 essentially has a tab 36 in a central section, which can be inserted into a corresponding slot in the first housing element 30 in order to fasten the lever 35 to an outer circumference of the first housing element 30. Since the lever 35 is made of a resilient sheet metal, a spring-loaded lever 35 is provided in this way. If, for example, pressure is exerted radially from the outside on handle elements 37 of the lever 35, an engagement section 38 of the lever 35 is pushed radially outwards (for the engagement section 38, see also Fig. 2 ). The engagement section 38 is preferably rectangular. A socket or socket into which the connector 10 can be inserted has a pair of engagement elements which can be inserted or clipped into the engagement sections 38 of the levers 35 as latching lugs. This allows the protective device to be connected to the socket or the socket.

Sind die Abschnitte 32 der Hebel 35 in den Drehring 42 eingeführt und der Drehring 42 in Mantelrichtung des Kabels 20 verdreht, sind die Hebel 35 fixiert. Dadurch wird ein Lösen der Schutzvorrichtung durch ein Herausführen von Eingriffsabschnitten der Buchse bzw. Steckdose aus den Eingriffsabschnitten 38 der Hebel 35 verhindert und die Schutzvorrichtung in Steckverbindung mit der Buchse bzw. Steckdose gehalten.If the sections 32 of the levers 35 are inserted into the rotating ring 42 and the rotating ring 42 is rotated in the jacket direction of the cable 20, the levers 35 are fixed. This prevents the protective device from being released by leading engagement sections of the socket or socket out of the engagement sections 38 of the levers 35 and keeps the protective device in plug connection with the socket or socket.

Das erste Gehäuseelement 30 weist weiterhin eine Dichtlippe 31 auf, um eine feuchtigkeitsdichte Abdichtung zwischen der Schutzvorrichtung und der Buchse bzw. der Steckdose bereitzustellen. Die Dichtlippe 31 ist vorzugsweise aus Viton, Silikongummi oder einem anderen geeigneten Material hergestellt und weist eine Vielzahl von radialen Wellen auf, die die elastische Formbarkeit in Steckrichtung erhöhen.The first housing element 30 also has a sealing lip 31 in order to provide a moisture-tight seal between the protective device and the socket or the socket. The sealing lip 31 is preferably made of Viton, silicone rubber or another suitable material and has a plurality of radial shafts that increase the elastic formability in the direction of insertion.

Der Drehring 42 kann als Teil des zweiten Gehäuseelements 40 ausgebildet sein, als separates Bauteil oder als Teil des ersten Gehäuseelements 30. Der Drehring 42 zusammen mit seinen Einführabschnitten 41 und den Hebeln 35 dient der Kontaktierung der Schutzvorrichtung mit der (in den Figuren nicht gezeigten) Buchse bzw. Steckdose.The rotating ring 42 can be formed as part of the second housing element 40, as a separate component or as part of the first housing element 30. The rotating ring 42 together with its insertion sections 41 and the levers 35 serves to contact the protective device with the socket (not shown in the figures) or socket.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

1010
SteckverbinderConnectors
1111
KontaktflächeContact area
2020th
Kabelelectric wire
2121
elektrische Leitungelectrical line
3030
erstes Gehäuseelementfirst housing element
3131
DichtlippeSealing lip
3232
Abschnittsection
3333
zylinderförmiger Abschnittcylindrical section
3434
Absatzparagraph
3636
LascheTab
3737
GriffelementGrip element
3838
EingriffabschnittEngagement section
4040
zweites Gehäuseelementsecond housing element
4141
EinführabschnittInsertion section
4242
DrehringRotating ring
4343
KabelabschnittCable section
4444
HohlraumabschnittCavity section
4545
Anschlagattack
4646
SpritzlochSpray hole
4747
KoppelabschnittCoupling section
5050
DichtelementSealing element
5151
konischer Abschnittconical section
5252
DichringSealing ring
5353
KabeleinschlussCable lock
5454
Zwischenbereichintermediate area
5555
Stegweb
ARAR
AchsialrichtungAxial direction

Claims (13)

  1. A protection device for a plug-in connector (10) connected to a cable (20), wherein the protection device has a first housing element (30) which is coupled to a second housing element (40) of the protection device, and
    the first housing element (30) at least partially accommodates and fixes the plug-in connector (10), and the second housing element (40) at least partially accommodates and fixes the cable (20);
    wherein
    the first housing element (30), the second housing element (40) and the cable (20) are adhesively connected to each other by a sealing element (50), wherein the sealing element (50) is at least partially injected into a cavity between the first housing element (30), the second housing element (40) and the cable (20).
  2. The protection device according to Claim 1, wherein the protection device seals the plug-in connector (10) in a moisture-tight manner in accordance with IP67.
  3. The protection device according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (50) at least partially encloses the cable (20) and/or the second housing element (40).
  4. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing element (40) can be at least partially introduced into the first housing element (30), and wherein the sealing element (50) is at least partially surrounded by the first housing element (30).
  5. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (50) consists of an elastic polymer.
  6. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (50) is configured to be at least 1 mm thick between the first housing element (30) and the second housing element (40).
  7. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing element (40) has at least one injection hole (46) which is filled up by the sealing element (50) and which connects a region (53) of the sealing element (50), which surrounds the cable (20), to a region (54) of the sealing element (50), which is arranged between the first housing element (30) and the second housing element (40).
  8. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing element (30) has a sealing lip (31) which, in an inserted condition of the plug-in connector (10) into a jack, seals a plug-in connection of the plug-in connector (10) to the jack in a moisture-tight manner in accordance with IP67.
  9. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first or second housing element (30; 40) has a receptacle (33), into which at least a portion of the other of the first and second housing element (30; 40) can be at least partially introduced in order to couple the first housing element (30) to the second housing element (40).
  10. The protection device according to Claim 9, wherein the first housing element (30) is coupled to the second housing element (40) by a positive connection and/or a non-positive connection.
  11. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connector (10) is configured as a standardized industrial connector.
  12. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing element (40) has a cable portion (43) which encloses a portion of the cable (20) so that a contact region between the plug-in connector (10) and electrical lines (21) of the cable (20) is configured substantially free of the sealing element (50).
  13. A method for manufacturing a protection device for a plug-in connector (10) connected to a cable (20) having a first (30) and a second housing element (40) which can be coupled to each other, comprising the steps:
    - coupling of the first housing element (30) which at least partially accommodates and fixes the plug-in connector (10) to the second housing element (40) which at least partially accommodates and fixes the cable (20), and
    - injecting a sealing element (50) at least partially into a cavity between the first housing element (30), the second housing element (40) and the cable in such a way that the first housing element (30), the second housing element (40) and the cable (20) are adhesively connected to each other by the sealing element (50).
EP13001985.4A 2012-04-24 2013-04-16 Protection device and method for manufacturing a protection device Active EP2658038B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012008145.6A DE102012008145B4 (en) 2012-04-24 2012-04-24 Protective device and method for producing a protective device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2658038A1 EP2658038A1 (en) 2013-10-30
EP2658038B1 true EP2658038B1 (en) 2020-03-04

Family

ID=48190012

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13001985.4A Active EP2658038B1 (en) 2012-04-24 2013-04-16 Protection device and method for manufacturing a protection device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2658038B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102012008145B4 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016223257A1 (en) 2016-11-24 2018-05-24 Robert Bosch Gmbh Tempering device, tank device and method of manufacture

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6361342B1 (en) * 2000-09-11 2002-03-26 Baker Hughes Incorporated Pothead with pressure energized lip seals
DE10058265C1 (en) * 2000-11-23 2002-06-13 Dbt Automation Gmbh Essen Cable connector for electrical cable connections
US6648686B2 (en) * 2000-11-30 2003-11-18 Shimano Inc. Electrical connector
DE10110470C2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2003-04-30 Siemens Ag Device for increasing the degree of protection
JP4267518B2 (en) * 2004-05-13 2009-05-27 矢崎総業株式会社 Waterproof connector
DE102005040970A1 (en) * 2005-08-30 2007-03-08 Kostal Kontakt Systeme Gmbh Electrical connector part
US7201595B1 (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-04-10 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Electrical connector body co-molded with cable and peripheral seals
DE202006009187U1 (en) * 2006-04-22 2007-08-30 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Adapter housing for receiving a male or female part
DE102007004900A1 (en) 2007-01-31 2008-08-14 Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland Gmbh Protective device for a plug connection
DE102007008740B3 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-07-24 Siemens Ag Electrical connector has spike protection with partly metallic housing, which has cable-lateral and plug-lateral end, and dielectric material sleeve surrounds total connector
US7927150B2 (en) * 2008-10-23 2011-04-19 Tyco Electronics Corporation Connectors including spring tabs for holding a contact module

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102012008145A1 (en) 2013-10-24
DE102012008145B4 (en) 2018-01-25
EP2658038A1 (en) 2013-10-30

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