WO2018095966A1

WO2018095966A1 - A conductor seal, in particular an individual conductor seal, and an electrical connector

Info

Publication number: WO2018095966A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/080036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonas Roland Happ; Alexander Stokowski; Ronny Puchner; Holger Holland-Cunz
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2016-11-22
Filing date: 2017-11-22
Publication date: 2018-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-22
Also published as: DE102016122471A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a conductor seal (10), in particular an individual conductor seal (10), preferably for an electrical conductor (20) and an electrical crimp contact, in particular for the automotive industry, having a radial seal section (100) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and which comprises an outer circumference seal region (104), and an inner seal section (120) which connects to the radial seal section (100) in the longitudinal direction (L) and which comprises an inner circumference seal region (126) for the electrical conductor (20), wherein an outer diameter of the inner seal section (120) substantially decreases at the radial seal section (100) starting from the radial seal section (100) in the longitudinal direction (L), optionally except for a comparatively short section. The invention further relates to an electrical connector (1), in particular a plug connector (1), a connecting device (1), a connecting mechanism (1), for the automotive industry or a non- automotive industry, wherein the electrical connector (1) has a conductor seal (10) according to the invention.

Description

A conductor seal, in particular an individual conductor seal, and an electrical connector

The invention relates to a conductor seal, in particular an individual conductor seal, preferably for an electrical conductor and an electrical crimp contact, in particular for the automotive industry. The invention further relates to an electrical

connector, in particular a plug connector, a connecting device, a connecting mechanism, for the automotive industry or a non- automotive industry. Moreover, the invention relates to a ready- made cable, a cable harness, a mechanism, a module, a subassembly, an appliance or an apparatus.

In the electrical industry (electronics, electrotechnology, electrics, electrical engineering etc.), a great number of

electrical connecting devices, connecting mechanisms, bushing connectors, tab connectors and/or pin connectors etc., hereinafter identified as (electrical) connectors, are known, which serve to transmit electrical currents, voltages, signals and/or data with a wide range of currents, voltages, frequencies and/or data rates. In the low, medium or high voltage region and/or low, medium or high current region, and in particular in the automotive industry, such connectors must, for a short time and/or permanently, ensure a proper transmission of electrical power, signals and/or data in warm or, where applicable, hot, contaminated, damp, wet and/or chemically aggressive environments. By virtue of a wide range of applications, a great number of specially configured connectors are known.

For a wet, damp, dusty and/or chemically aggressive environment, the connector must have a seal which prevents an ingress of surrounding substances into the connector and a counter-connector as well as corrosion of the electrical contacts and electrical conductors concerned and/or a formation of electrically conductive depositions. By virtue of a wide range of applications, numerous optimised connectors with seal (s) are specified. In particular water which is sprayed under increased pressure, at increased temperature and at an unfavourable angle creates comparatively serious problems for an individual conductor seal, an individual seal or a seal which has a plurality of individual conductor seals .

This relates to, for example, protection against: spray water on all sides (protection class: IPX4); spray water on all sides with increased pressure (IPX4K); water jets (nozzle) from any angle (IPX5); strong water jets (IPX6); strong water jets under

increased pressure, specifically for road vehicles (IPX6K);

intermittent immersion (IPX7); permanent immersion (IPX8); water during high-pressure cleaning/steam- jet cleaning, especially for farming (IP9); and/or water during high-pressure cleaning/steam- jet cleaning, specifically for road vehicles (IPX9K) . For the latter protection class, a jet of water (e.g. test period per angle (0°, 30°, 60°, 90° etc.): 15s, distance between nozzle and connector: 100-150mm, pressure: 80 bar, temperature: 80°C, three times) must be directed for a watertightness test, in particular also onto the respective seal of an electrical connection.

Electrical connectors with individual conductor seal (s) show, in particular in the case of the latter watertightness test, high failure rates. Without an additional protective cap on/in the respective housing as a separate second seal, most individual conductor seals are deemed to be leaky in tests. - In this case, a connector comprises a housing, e.g. of an electrical plug

connector, an electrical appliance etc. and at least one

individual conductor seal, wherein, for example, an electrical contact, usually a crimp contact formed as a bushing contact, tab contact or pin contact, is latched into a contact chamber of the housing, to which electrical crimp contact an electrical conductor is electrically and mechanically connected. The individual conductor seal is thereby arranged between the conductor and a wall of the contact chamber.

A problem of the invention is to provide an improved conductor seal, in particular an improved individual conductor seal,

preferably for an electrical conductor and an electrical crimp contact, in particular for the automotive industry. The conductor seal should thereby be devised such that in the case of an

electrical connector, a second seal can be dispensed with in line with abovementioned protection requirements (IPX4 to IPX9K) . This means that a connector with a (n) (individual) conductor seal for an electrical conductor should pass a watertightness test

according to one of the abovementioned protection classes. This applies in particular to an IPX9K high-pressure steam- jet test.

The problem of the invention is solved, according to the

independent claims, by means of a conductor seal, in particular an individual conductor seal, preferably for an electrical conductor and an electrical crimp contact, in particular for the automotive industry an electrical connector, in particular a plug connector, a connecting device, a connecting mechanism, for the automotive industry or a non-automotive industry; and by means of a ready- made cable, a cable harness, a mechanism, a module, a subassembly, an appliance, an apparatus. - Advantageous further developments, additional features and/or advantages of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description.

The conductor seal according to the invention has a radial seal section which extends in the longitudinal direction and which comprises an outer circumference seal region, and an inner seal section which connects preferably directly to the radial seal section in the longitudinal direction and which comprises an inner circumference seal region for the electrical conductor. According to the invention, an outer diameter of the inner seal section substantially decreases at, preferably on or directly on, the radial seal section - optionally except for at least one comparatively short section in the longitudinal direction, radial direction and/or circumferential direction - starting from the radial seal section in the longitudinal direction.

The inner seal section can thereby be spaced apart from the radial seal section over a distance section, wherein both are connected, in particular formed, with each other via a material of the conductor seal. This distance section can fully circulate in the conductor seal as a comparatively thin radial material layer and connect the inner seal section and the radial seal section to each other via a kind of three-dimensional integral hinge (hollow cylinder) . It is of course in particular possible for the inner seal section to be directly linked to an axial side of the radial seal section or vice versa.

The outer circumference seal region of the radial seal section serves to seal the conductor seal itself in a liquid-tight manner against a respective inner side of a contact chamber in a housing, e.g. of an electrical connector, a mechanism, a module, a

subassembly, an appliance, an apparatus etc. The inner

circumference seal region of the inner seal section serves to seal the conductor seal itself in a liquid-tight manner against the electrical conductor, e.g. of a ready-made cable, a cable harness etc. In other words, a liquid-tight seal of the electrical

conductor against the contact chamber thus of course takes place via the conductor seal.

In an embodiment, the inner seal section can be formed with its inner circumference seal region as a partial seal, which is radially movable with the electrical conductor, in particular a high-pressure partial seal. The conductor seal can further be formed such that in the case of a conductor seal provided on the electrical conductor, the inner seal section substantially takes part in a radial movement of the electrical conductor. Moreover, the inner seal section can be formed such that in the event of liquid impacting on the inner seal section, a seal effect of the inner circumference seal region is at least partially reinforced.

In an embodiment, the conductor seal can be formed such that the conductor seal can be completely provided in a contact chamber of a housing. In this case, the inner seal section is preferably not formed as a kink protection (e.g. a protruding section of the conductor seal from the contact chamber) . If this was the case, in certain bend states of the electrical conductor, a potential additional function of the conductor seal as kink protection could impede its actual function of sealing the conductor seal in a liquid-tight manner against the electrical conductor. Furthermore, in an embodiment, a kink protection for the electrical conductor can be provided on the inner seal section away from the radial seal section.

The outer diameter of the inner seal section can substantially continuously decrease in the longitudinal direction when extending from the radial seal section. The outer diameter of the inner seal section can further be inwardly radially offset at the radial seal section relative to an outer diameter of the radial seal section. Moreover, the inner seal section can outwardly substantially have the shape of a convex, straight, concave and/or oblique taper or cone. In this case, a respective point of the taper or cone is formed to be substantially blunt. - The radial seal section preferably has the shape of a hollow cylinder, except for sealing lips or the like.

In an embodiment, the inner seal section can be formed with its inner circumference seal region such that, in a watertightness test according to IPX6, IPX6K, IPX7, IPX8, IP9 and/or IPX9K, said watertightness is guaranteed. Furthermore, in an embodiment, a respective circumference seal region can be formed such that, in a watertightness test according to IPX4, IPX4K, IPX5, IPX6, IPX6K, IPX7, IPX8, IP9 and/or IPX9K, said watertightness is guaranteed. - The radial seal section can comprise an inner circumference seal region. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction opposite the inner seal section, the conductor seal can have a mounting section which preferably directly connects to the radial seal section and which can comprise an inner circumference seal region.

The inner circumference seal region of the radial seal section serves to seal the conductor seal in a liquid-tight manner against the electrical conductor, e.g. of the ready-made cable, the cable harness etc., and the inner circumference seal region of the mounting section also serves to seal in such a liquid-tight manner. The mounting section possesses, except for inner,

optionally arranged, sealing lips and/or a flange or collar preferably on its free end, in particular substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder.

In an embodiment, the radial seal section or the outer

circumference seal region thereof is formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an inner side of the contact chamber of a housing in a liquid-tight manner. The inner seal section or the inner circumference seal region thereof can further be formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an outer side of the electrical conductor in a liquid-tight manner. Moreover, the radial seal section or the inner circumference seal region thereof can be formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an outer side of the electrical conductor in a liquid-tight manner. In addition, the mounting section or the inner circumference seal region thereof can be formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an outer side of the electrical conductor in a liquid-tight manner.

In an embodiment, the inner circumference seal region of the inner seal section, the inner circumference seal region of the radial seal section and/or the inner circumference seal region of the mounting section can be arranged substantially in alignment with each other in the conductor seal. The inner seal section can further be formed integrally, simply, materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece, cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part with the radial seal section. Moreover, the mounting section can be formed integrally, simply, materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece, cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part with the radial seal section. In addition, the conductor seal can be formed integrally, simply, materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece, cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part.

In an embodiment, the outer circumference seal region of the radial seal section can have at least one radially outer sealing lip. The inner circumference seal region of the radial seal section can have at least one radially inner sealing lip. The inner circumference seal region of the inner seal section can have at least one radially inner sealing lip. The mounting section can be formed as a crimp section for a crimp lug of a crimp contact. The mounting section can have a flange on its free end section. Moreover, the conductor seal can be formed as a one-component or a multi-component, in particular a two-component, conductor seal.

The inventive electrical connector comprises an inventive

conductor seal. The electrical connector can thereby have, as well as an electrical conductor, a housing, in particular a plug connector housing or a housing of a mechanism, a module, a

subassembly, an appliance, an apparatus etc., or a section

thereof. The inventive ready-made cable, the inventive cable harness, the inventive mechanism, the inventive module, the inventive subassembly, the inventive appliance or the inventive apparatus has an inventive conductor seal and/or an inventive electrical connector.

The invention is explained in greater detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawing, which is not true to scale. Sections, elements, structural parts, units, diagrams and/or components which possess an identical, univocal or similar design and/or function are identified by the same reference numbers in the description of the figures (see below) , the list of reference numbers, the patent claims and in the figures (Figs.) of the drawings. One possible alternative, a steady-state and/or kinematic reversal, a combination, etc., which is not explained in the description (description of the invention (see above) , description of the figures (see below) ) and which is not illustrated in the drawings and/or not exclusive, to the exemplary embodiments of the invention or a component, a diagram, a unit, a structural part, an element or a section thereof can be inferred from the list of reference numbers.

In the invention, a feature (section, element, structural part, unit, component, function, variable etc.) can be configured to be positive, i.e. present, or negative, i.e. absent, with a negative feature not being explicitly explained as a feature if the fact that it is absent is not deemed to be significant according to the invention. A feature of this specification (description, list of reference numbers, claims, drawings) can be applied not only in a specified manner but rather can also be applied in a different manner (isolation, summary, replacement, addition, unique,

omission, etc.) . In particular, using a reference number and a feature attributed to this, or vice versa, in the description, the list of reference numbers, the claims and/or the drawings, it is possible to replace, add or omit a feature in the claims and/or the description. Moreover, a feature in a claim can be interpreted and/or specified in greater detail as a result.

The features of this specification can (in view of the (largely unknown) prior art) also be interpreted as optional features; i.e. each feature can be understood as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, i.e. as a non-obligatory feature. It is thus possible to detach a feature, optionally including its periphery, from an exemplary embodiment, with this feature then being

transferable to a generalised inventive concept. The lack of a feature (negative feature) in an exemplary embodiment shows that the feature is optional with regard to the invention. Furthermore, in the case of a type term for a feature, a generic term for the feature can also be read alongside this, (optionally further hierarchical classification into subgenus, section, etc.) as a result of which it is possible to generalise a or this feature, e.g. taking into account identical effect and/or equivalence. In the figures, which are merely exemplary:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an individual conductor seal according to the invention for applications with (strong) water jets, immersion and/or high-pressure cleaning/steam- jet cleaning;

Fig. 2 shows a two-dimensional longitudinal section of an

individual conductor seal provided on an electrical individual conductor in a mechanically substantially unstressed state in a contact chamber; and

Fig. 3 shows a depiction similar to Fig. 2 which shows the

electrical individual conductor, with the individual conductor seal thereof which sits thereon, in a fluid mechanically significantly stressed state in the contact chamber .

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of exemplary embodiments of an embodiment of a variant of an individual conductor seal 10 according to the invention, in particular for a crimp contact, preferably for the automotive industry. However, the invention is not limited to a variant of this kind, an embodiment of this kind and/or the exemplary embodiments which are explained hereinafter, but is of a more fundamental nature, such that it can be applied to all

(individual) conductor seals, e.g. for non-crimp contacts or a non-automotive industry.

In particular, the invention is applicable anywhere that

electricity in the form of currents, voltages, signals,

frequencies and/or data must be transmitted. Furthermore, the invention can be applied to optical conductors, cables or wires (pigtails) , and to opto-electrical or opto-electronic means, devices, mechanisms etc. Furthermore, the invention is

transferable to a conductor seal 10, by means of which, e.g. in the form of a mat seal, a plurality of electrical individual conductors must be sealed off together, e.g. with respect to a wall or a plurality of walls.

Only those sections of a subject-matter of the invention which are necessary for understanding the invention are illustrated in the drawings. Although the invention is more closely described and illustrated in detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed exemplary

embodiments. Other variations can be derived herefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

The drawings show an exemplary embodiment of the individual conductor seal 10 according to the invention which is formed as a one-component individual conductor seal 10, the individual conductor seal 10 also being able to be identified as a radial and mechanical seal 10, a closure plug 10 or a closure seal 10, in particular for an electrical contact or an electrical terminal (not illustrated) . The individual conductor seal 10 can further also be formed as a multi-component individual conductor seal 10, in particular a two-component individual conductor seal 10. The electrical contact is preferably formed as a crimp contact, a crimp connection, a connecting device, a connecting mechanism, etc .

An exemplary electrical crimp contact comprises, preferably in a central region, in particular a conductor crimp section with at least one conductor crimp lug, with which a stripped longitudinal end section of an electrical individual conductor 20 (see Figs. 2 and 3) can be crimped onto the crimp contact. On a front section of the crimp contact, the crimp contact has an electrical contact section which can be formed as a receptacle, a bushing, a tongue ( (faston) tab), a pin, etc. The crimp contact further has on a rear section an insulating crimp section which has at least one insulating crimp lug. With the help of the insulating crimp lug, a preferably electrically insulated section of the individual conductor 20 can be crimped onto the crimp contact. For example, the individual conductor seal 10 can be crimped onto the crimp contact between the insulating crimp lug and an electrical insulation 200 of the individual conductor 20.

The (electrical) individual conductor 20, which can also be identified as an (individual) core 20 or (individual) cable 20, comprises an electrical (inner) conductor 210, which can also be identified as a strand 210 or a wire 210 and which is encompassed by an electrical insulation 200, preferably made of plastic, wherein the conductor 210 is preferably stripped on at least one longitudinal end section. The conductor 210 can have a plurality or a bundle of individual conductors, or the conductor 210 itself can be formed as an individual solid cord. The conductor 210 preferably has aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or copper or a copper alloy. Of course, other conductor materials can be used.

The substantially preferably rotationally symmetrical individual conductor seal 10 comprises a middle radial seal section 100, a front mounting section 110, in particular a crimp section 110 and a rear inner seal section 120. In this case, the mounting section 110, on one side in the longitudinal direction L, and the inner seal section 120, on the other side in the longitudinal direction L, connect, immediately (preferably) or at a distance, to the radial seal section 100. If a spacing is arranged in the

individual conductor seal 10 in the longitudinal direction L, it is preferably formed as a comparatively thin radial seal section (integral hinge) or a comparatively thick radial seal section (collar, shoulder in the individual conductor seal 10) .

The (front) crimp section 110 is in a first respect substantially formed as a hollow cylinder, wherein a radially, outwardly projecting flange 112 or collar 112 can be formed on a free longitudinal end section of the crimp section 110. The flange 112 serves to axially fix the individual conductor seal 10 on the electrical individual conductor 20 during and, optionally, in time after crimping the crimp contact together with the individual conductor seal 10 at/onto the individual conductor 20.

The crimp section 110 can have an axial A inner circumference seal region 116 which is inwardly formed smoothly (see Figs 2 and 3) or can inwardly have one or a plurality of sealing lips or the like

(not illustrated) . The inner circumference seal region 116, if it is installed, serves to seal the individual conductor seal 10 itself in a liquid-tight manner against the individual conductor 20. In this case, the sealing is achieved inwardly in the crimp section 110 and outwardly on an outer side 206 of the individual conductor 20 in the longitudinal direction L and in the

circumferential direction U of the individual conductor seal 10

(at least partially in sections) .

The (middle) radial seal section 100 is in a first respect

substantially formed as a hollow cylinder and has an axial L outer circumference seal region 104, which preferably has at least one sealing lip, but in particular a plurality of sealing lips. The outer circumference seal region 104 serves to seal the individual conductor seal 10 itself in a liquid-tight manner against an inner wall 304 or inner side 304 of a contact chamber 300, e.g. in a housing 30 for the electrical crimp contact. In this case, the seal is achieved outwardly on the radial seal section 100 and inwardly on the inner wall 304 in the longitudinal direction L and in the circumferential direction U of the individual conductor seal 10 (at least partially in sections) .

The radial seal section 100 can further have an axial L inner circumference seal region 106 which preferably has at least one sealing lip, but in particular a plurality of sealing lips. Of course, an inner circumference seal region 106 which is inwardly formed smoothly can be used (not illustrated) . The inner

circumference seal region 106, if it is installed, serves to seal the individual conductor seal 10 itself in a liquid-tight manner against the individual conductor 20. In this case, the seal is achieved inwardly on the radial seal section 100 and outwardly on the outer side 206 of the individual conductor 20 in the

longitudinal direction L and in the circumferential direction U of the individual conductor seal 10 (at least partially in sections) .

On a front end face 101 of the radial seal section 100, the mounting section 110 is preferably provided directly and

immediately thereon or formed therewith. On a rear end face 102 of the radial seal section 100, the inner seal section 120 is

preferably provided directly and immediately thereon or formed therewith. The respective connection (two-component or multi- component individual conductor seal 10) or design (one-component or, optionally, two-component or multi-component individual conductor seal 10) can be integral, simple, materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece, cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part.

The (rear) inner seal section 120 in a first respect substantially possesses the form of a taper or cone, which in a second respect can substantially take the shape of a convex, straight, concave and/or oblique taper or cone. A surface area of the taper or cone, i.e. a larger area which runs in the radial direction R, is provided at the radial seal section 100 (not illustrated) or formed therewith. The inner seal section 120 has an axial L inner circumference seal region 126, which preferably has at least one sealing lip, but in particular a plurality of sealing lips. Of course, an inner circumference seal region 126 which is inwardly formed smoothly can be used (not illustrated) .

The inner circumference seal region 126 serves to seal the

individual conductor seal 10 itself in a high-pressure, liquid- tight manner against the electrical individual conductor 20. In this case, the seal is achieved inwardly on the inner

circumference seal region 126 of the inner seal section 120 against the outer side 206 of the individual conductor 20 in the longitudinal direction L and in the circumferential direction U of the individual conductor seal 10 (at least partially in sections) . A seal effect between the inner circumference seal region 126 and at least one section of the outer side 206 of the individual conductor 20 is established here preferably according to a

watertightness test according to IPX4, IPX4K, IPX5, IPX6, IPX6K, IPX7, IPX8, IP9 and/or IPX9K (see above) .

A degree of watertightness, in the case of said given contact chamber 300, occurs on at least one completely circumferential segment between the inner circumference seal region 126 and the outer side 206 of the individual conductor 20, by virtue of a configuration of the inner seal section 120 and/or its link to the radial seal section 100; which can of course be applied to all exemplary embodiments explained in this specification. - A

geometric configuration, e.g. as a taper or a cone, is selected such that the inner circumference seal region 126, substantially or at least primarily, and the inner seal section 120,

substantially or at least primarily, take part in a movement of the individual conductor 20, e.g. in the event of liquid

impacting, e.g. under high-pressure, on the individual conductor 20 and/or the inner seal section 120 (Fig. 3) .

Furthermore, this is guaranteed by virtue of a material link of the inner seal section 120 to the radial seal section 100. In this case, the arising power flows should be arranged between the inner seal section 120 and the radial seal section 100 during the different watertightness tests, by virtue of geometry and/or a respective material, such that the inner circumference seal region 126, substantially or at least primarily, and the inner seal section 120, substantially or at least primarily, take part in a movement of the individual conductor 20, e.g. in the event of liquid impacting, e.g. under high-pressure, on the individual conductor 20 and/or the inner seal section 120 (Fig. 3) . - This can optionally also be dependent on a configuration of the radial seal section 100 itself, which can also be specifically formed for this purpose (see above) .

The mounting section 110 or the inner circumference seal region 116 thereof, the radial seal section 100 or the inner

circumference seal region 106 thereof, and the inner seal section 120 or the inner circumference seal region 126 thereof each have or constitute a section for a through-recess 130 or through-hole 130 for the electrical individual conductor 20 in the individual conductor seal 10. This means that, depending on an arranged inner circumference seal region 116, 106, 126, it forms a section for the through-recess 130. In this case, the inner circumference seal regions 116, 106, 126 are preferably substantially arranged in alignment or the through-recess 130 is arranged straight-lined continuously through the individual conductor seal 10.

Reference numbers

0 Mechanism, module, subassembly, appliance, apparatus etc.

1 A ready-made cable, cable harness, connector, device,

mechanism for the automotive industry, e.g. for motor vehicles, or a non-automotive industry

10 A (substantially rotationally symmetrical, one-component or multi-component, radial, mechanical) seal, (individual) conductor seal, closure plug, closure seal for an electrical contact or terminal, in particular for a crimp contact

20 An (electrical) (individual) conductor, (individual) core,

(individual) cable, aluminium conductor, copper conductor, part of a cable harness 1, but also optical conductor, cable or wire (pigtail) etc. are possible

30 A housing, e.g. of an electrical plug 1, of an appliance 0 ]_00 A (middle) radial seal section of the conductor seal 10

101 A (front) end face of the radial seal section 100

102 A (rear) end face of the radial seal section 100

104 An (axial A) outer circumference seal region, preferably

with at least one sealing lip, in particular a plurality of sealing lips

106 An (axial A) inner circumference seal region, preferably

with at least one sealing lip, in particular a plurality of sealing lips

110 A (front) mounting section, in particular a crimp section for crimp lug(s) of the electrical crimp contact which should be connected to the conductor seal 10

112 A Flange, collar 116 An (axial A) inner circumference seal region, inwardly preferably smoothly formed, can, however, have a sealing lip or a plurality of sealing lips

120 A (rear) inner seal section

126 An (axial A) inner circumference seal region, inwardly

preferably smoothly formed, can, however, have a sealing lip or a plurality of sealing lips

130 A through-hole, through-recess for the conductor 20

200 An (electrical) insulation, preferably made of plastic

206 An outer side of the conductor 20

210 An (electrical) (inner) conductor, strand, wire, preferably made from aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or copper or a copper alloy

300 A contact chamber, e.g. in the housing 30 for the electrical crimp contact with its conductor seal 10

304 An inner wall, inner side of the contact chamber 300

L A longitudinal direction, longitudinal axis of the conductor seal 10, of the electrical crimp contact, axial, axis of rotation of the conductor seal 10

R A radial direction of the conductor seal 10, radial

U A circumferential direction of the conductor seal 10,

tangential

Claims

1. A conductor seal (10), in particular an individual conductor seal (10), preferably for an electrical conductor (20) and an electrical crimp contact, in particular for the automotive

industry, having

a radial seal section (100) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and which comprises an outer circumference seal region (104), and an inner seal section (120) which connects to the radial seal section (100) in the longitudinal direction (L) and which comprises an inner circumference seal region (126) for the electrical conductor (20), characterised in that,

an outer diameter of the inner seal section (120)

substantially decreases at the radial seal section (100) starting from the radial seal section (100) in the longitudinal direction (L) , optionally except for a comparatively short section.

2. The conductor seal (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that:

• the inner seal section (120) with its inner circumference

seal region (126) is formed as a partial seal which is

radially movable with the electrical conductor (20);

• the conductor seal (10) is formed such that in the case of a conductor seal (10) provided on the electrical conductor (20), the inner seal section (120) substantially takes part in a radial movement of the electrical conductor (20);

• the inner seal section (120) is formed such that in the event of liquid impacting on the inner seal section (120), a seal effect of the inner circumference seal region (126) is at least partially reinforced;

• the conductor seal (10) is formed such that the conductor

seal (10) can be completely provided in a contact chamber (300) of a housing (30); and/or • a kink protection for the electrical conductor (20) is provided on the inner seal section (120) away from the

radial seal section (100).

3. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• the outer diameter of the inner seal section (120) decreases substantially continuously in the longitudinal direction (L) when extending from the radial seal section (100);

• the outer diameter of the inner seal section (120) is inwardly radially (R) offset at the radial seal section (100) relative to an outer diameter of the radial seal section (100); and/or

• the inner seal section (120) outwardly substantially has the shape of a convex, straight, concave and/or oblique taper or cone .

4. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner seal section (120) is formed with its inner circumference seal region (126) such that, in a watertightness test according to IPX6, IPX6K, IPX7, IPX8, IP9 and/or IPX9K, said watertightness can be guaranteed, and/or

in a watertightness test according to IPX4, IPX4K, IPX5, IPX6, IPX6K, IPX7, IPX8, IP9 and/or IPX9K, a respective circumference seal region (104, 106, 116, 126) guarantees watertightness.

5. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the radial seal section (100) comprises an inner circumference seal region (106), and/or

in the longitudinal direction (L) opposite the inner seal section (120), the conductor seal (10) has a mounting section (110) which connects to the radial seal section (100) and which comprises an inner circumference seal region (116) .

6. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• the radial seal section (100) or the outer circumference seal region (104) thereof is formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an inner side (304) of the contact chamber (300) of a housing (30) in a liquid-tight manner;

• the inner seal section (120) or the inner circumference seal region (126) thereof is formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an outer side (206) of the electrical conductor (20) in a liquid-tight manner;

• the radial seal section (100) or the inner circumference seal region (106) thereof is formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an outer side (206) of the electrical conductor (20) in a liquid-tight manner; and/or

• the mounting section (110) or the inner circumference seal region (116) thereof is formed such that it can be brought into abutment against an outer side (206) of the electrical conductor (20) in a liquid-tight manner.

7. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner circumference seal region (126) of the inner seal section (120), the inner circumference seal region (106) of the radial seal section (100) and/or the inner circumference seal region (116) of the mounting section (110) are arranged substantially in alignment with each other in the conductor seal (10) .

8. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• the inner seal section (120) is formed integrally, simply, materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece,

cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part with the radial seal section (100);

• the mounting section (110) is formed integrally, simply,

materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece, cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part with the radial seal section (100); and/or

• the conductor seal (10) is formed integrally, simply,

materially in one piece, adhesively in one piece, cohesively in one piece, in one piece and/or in one part.

9. The conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• the outer circumference seal region (104) of the radial seal section (100) has at least one radially (R) outer sealing lip;

• the inner circumference seal region (106) of the radial seal section (100) has at least one radially (R) inner sealing lip;

• the inner circumference seal region (126) of the inner seal section (120) has at least one radially (R) inner sealing lip;

• the mounting section (110) is formed as a crimp section (120) for a crimp lug of a crimp contact;

• the mounting section (110) has a flange (112) on its free end section; and/or

• the conductor seal (10) is formed as a one-component or a multi-component conductor seal (10).

10. An electrical connector (1), in particular a plug connector (1), a connecting device (1), a connecting mechanism (1), for the automotive industry or a non-automotive industry, characterised in that

the electrical connector (1) has a conductor seal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A ready-made cable (0), cable harness (0), mechanism (0), module (0), subassembly (0), appliance (0), apparatus (0), characterised in that

the ready-made cable (0), the cable harness (0), the

mechanism (0), the module (0), the subassembly (0), the appliance (0), or the apparatus (0) has a conductor seal (10) or an

electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims .