WO2020002205A1

WO2020002205A1 - A ring-seal arrangement, a connector component comprising it and a method for producing the connector component

Info

Publication number: WO2020002205A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/066623
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hartmut Ripper; Yehya Ashour; Ruediger Ostermann
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2018-06-29
Filing date: 2019-06-24
Publication date: 2020-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-29
Also published as: DE102018115768A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a connector component (10) for an electrical connector (1), in particular an electrical charging connector for the motor vehicle industry, wherein a sealing arrangement (100), having two mutually spaced-apart seals (110, 120), is moulded onto/into a component blank (12) of the connector component (10). The invention further relates to a ring-seal arrangement (100) for an electrical connector, in particular an electrical charging connector for the motor vehicle industry, having two mutually spaced-apart ring seals (110, 120), wherein the ring seals (110, 120) are connected one another via a plurality of connecting bars (132). The invention further defines a connector component (10) comprising a ring-seal arrangement (100) and a component blank (12).

Description

A RING-SEAL ARRANGEMENT, A CONNECTOR COMPONENT COMPRISING IT AND A

METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE CONNECTOR COMPONENT

The invention relates to a method for producing a connector component for an electrical connector, in particular an electrical charging connector for the motor vehicle industry. The invention further relates to a ring-seal arrangement and also to a connector component for an electrical connector, in particular an electrical charging connector for the motor vehicle industry. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical connector, a ready-made cable, a mechanism, a device, a module, an appliance, an apparatus, an assembly, an installation or a system.

In the electrical industry (electronics, electrical

engineering, electrics, electrical power engineering, etc.), a large number of electrical connector mechanisms or

connector devices, socket, pin and/or hybrid connectors, etc. - designated below as (electrical) connectors (also: mating connectors) - are known, which serve to transmit electric currents, voltages, signals and/or data with a large range of currents, voltages, frequencies and/or data rates. In the low, medium or high voltage and/or current range, and in particular in the automotive sector, such connectors must guarantee, at short notice, a transmission of electrical power, signals and/or data, in warm, possibly hot,

contaminated, humid and/or chemically aggressive

environments, permanently, repeatedly and/or after a

comparatively long period of inactivity. Due to a wide range of applications, a large number of specially configured connectors is known.

Such a connector, and where appropriate its associated (for example in the case of a connector mechanism or a connector device) or parent (for example in the case of a connector device) housing, can be installed on an electrical cable, a wire, a cable harness, etc. (ready-made electrical cable), or at/in an electrical device or mechanism, such as for example at/in a housing, at/on a leadframe, at/on a printed circuit board etc., of a (power-) electrical, electro-optical or electronic constituent or a corresponding assembly etc. If a connector (with/without housing) is situated on a cable, a wire or a cable harness, this is also known as a flying

(plug) connector or a plug, a socket or a coupling; if it is situated at/in an electrical, electro-optical or electronic constituent, assembly etc., then this is also known as a (mating) connector device, such as, for example, a (built-in) connector, a (built-in) plug or a (built-in) socket.

Furthermore, a connector to such a device is often also called a (plug) receptacle, pin tray, pin strip or header.

Such a connector has to ensure faultless transmission of electricity, wherein connectors (connectors and mating connectors) which correspond to one another and are partly complementary to one another usually have locking devices and/or fastening devices for permanently, but generally releasably, locking and/or fastening the connector to/in the mating connector or vice versa. - Furthermore, an electrical connecting device for a connector, for example having or comprising an actual contact mechanism (terminal; usually formed in a materially one-piece or integral manner, e.g. a contact element etc.) or a contact device (terminal; usually formed in a multi-part, two-part, one-piece, materially one- piece or integral manner, for example a one- or multi-part (crimp) contact device) , has to be accommodated securely therein. In the case of a ready-made electrical cable, such a connecting device can be provided as a connector (c.f.

above) , that is to say, without a housing, for example flying .

For example, electrical charging connectors, such as charging sockets for example (referred to below as headers) and/or charging plugs, for electric or hybrid vehicles, require power-electric contact devices which have to transport an electric current (power contact device, grounding contact device) of approximately 32 A at outside temperatures of approximately -40°C to approximately +50°C for a charging plug, at temperatures at/in the motor vehicle of

approximately -40°C to approximately +140°C for a header and at a peak electric voltage of approximately 500 V. The service life of such charging connectors should be

approximately or at least ten to 15 years, wherein, depending on an environment (moisture, salt, sand etc.)_/ it should be possible to carry out 10,000 to 20,000 plugging cycles with such a charging connector, for which the charging connector has to be sealed appropriately.

Constant efforts are being made to improve electrical connectors or connector devices, in particular to make them more robust and to make them less expensive to form and/or produce. - It is a problem of the invention to specify an improved sealing arrangement and also an improved connector component for a sealed, electrical connector, in particular an electrical charging connector, preferably a header, for the motor vehicle industry. In this regard, the intention furthermore is to improve a production method for a connector component of the connector with regard to its sealing

arrangement. Furthermore, the intention is to specify a corresponding connector, in particular a charging connector.

The problem of the invention is solved by a method for producing a connector component for an electrical connector, in particular an electrical charging connector, preferably a header, for the motor vehicle industry; by means of a ring- seal arrangement and by means of a connector component for a connector, in particular a charging connector, preferably a header, for the motor vehicle industry; and also by means of a connector, in particular a charging connector, a ready-made cable, a mechanism, a device, a module, an appliance, an apparatus, an assembly, an installation or a system; in accordance with the independent claims. - Advantageous further developments, additional features and/or advantages of the invention arise from the dependent claims and the following description.

By the production method according to the invention, a sealing arrangement, having exactly or at least two mutually spaced-apart seals, is provided at/in a component blank of a connector component, and as a result the connector component is obtained, wherein during provision of the sealing

arrangement at/in the component blank, the sealing

arrangement is moulded onto and/or formed into the component blank as a materially one-piece or integral sealing

arrangement .

Mutually spaced-apart seals of an integral sealing

arrangement are to be understood to mean seals the principal shapes of which, that is to say, the shapes which they require for their overall sealing tasks (e.g. circle, ellipsis, oval, rectangle, square and mixed forms thereof) , are arranged mutually spaced apart and integral in the sealing arrangement. In this regard, the seals preferably adopt various sealing tasks, that is to say, they can seal the component blank at two mutually spaced-apart regions or sealing areas with respect to a second and where appropriate a third component. In this case, a substance or material which is foreign to the sealing material is further situated between the seals.

In accordance with the invention, firstly the component blank can be produced in a first process of the production method, and in a second process of the production method, temporally and/or spatially separate from the first process, the sealing arrangement can be moulded onto and/or formed into the component blank. If the first process and the second process take place temporally but not spatially separate from one another, then this can also be understood to mean a multi constituent injection moulding method (see below) . If the first process and the second process take place temporally and spatially separate from one another, then this can also be understood to mean an injection overmoulding method (see below) .

In accordance with the invention, the connector component can be obtained by way of a multi-constituent injection moulding method. The multi-constituent injection moulding method can also be referred to as a multi-constituent method with

(clearly) separate but mutually connected or mutually

supporting constituents (component blank and sealing

arrangement) . In this regard, a component (connector

component) having (strictly) separate constituent regions is produced. For this purpose, a pre-moulded part (component blank) is preferably firstly produced, which is onmoulded or overmoulded (core retraction technique) in an identical position and temporally subsequently, with a different or second melt (sealing arrangement) .

Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the connector component can be obtained by way of an injection overmoulding method. In the case of an injection overmoulding method, there already exists a constituent or an overmoulded part (component blank), which is inserted into an injection mould and is temporally subsequently onmoulded or overmoulded with a melt (sealing arrangement) . - Such methods (multi

constituent injection moulding methods, overmoulding methods) are also referred to as overmoulding methods or onmoulding methods. - An inmould mounting method, as it is referred to, is preferably not applicable, since the two constituents preferably penetrate one another in accordance with the invention .

An injection mould for the connector component which is to be produced can have at least one injection site for a melt of the sealing arrangement only in the region of a single sealing hollow mould section. Alternatively, an injection mould for the connector component which is to be produced can have in each case at least one injection site for a melt of the sealing arrangement in the region of the two or more sealing hollow mould sections. In a closed state of a/the injection mould for the connector component which is to be produced and when the component blank is present, there is a substantial fluid communication between the mould regions of the injection mould for the seals. - In this regard, the component blank can be formed in the injection mould (multi constituent injection moulding method) or inserted into the injection mould (overmoulding method).

During the moulding and/or forming of the sealing arrangement onto/into the component blank, at least one connecting bar, which connects the seals integrally to one another, can be formed between and/or at the resulting seals. Preferably a plurality or multiplicity of such connecting bars are used between the seals. Furthermore, a first seal is firstly substantially formed and only subsequently to this is a second seal substantially formed. For example, in this regard (multi-constituent injection moulding method, overmoulding method) a melt of the later sealing arrangement, after the first seal is substantially formed, fills up the recesses or through-recesses in the component blank (the at least one connecting bar) , the second seal being formed temporally subsequently to this. Moreover, the seals can firstly be substantially formed, and only temporally subsequently to this can the at least one connecting bar be substantially formed .

Temporally following the moulding and/or forming of the sealing arrangement onto/into the component blank, a/the at least one connecting bar can extend through the component blank (c.f. first embodiment, see below) or pass through the component blank (c.f. second embodiment, see below) . In turn, preferably a plurality or multiplicity of such connecting bars are used between the seals. Furthermore, in this case the at least one connecting bar can be surrounded over part or all of its circumference by the component blank.

Furthermore, a diametric dimension of the at least one connecting bar can be less than or equal to a relevant dimension of the/a first seal and/or of the/a second seal (see also below "cross-section") .

Furthermore, the at least one connecting bar can be (e.g. axially) arranged between the seals (preferably also

substantially away from a sealing lip) and/or (e.g. radially) away from a sealing lip of at least one seal. - For example, connecting bars only between the seals (c.f. the first embodiment with its axial connecting bars of the sealing arrangement) can be suitable for seals or sealing materials which adhere comparatively (c.f. below) well to the component blank. Depending on an embodiment, these connecting bars hold the seals together in the sealing arrangement and, combined with the adhesion of the sealing materials to the component blank, support a maintaining of the positions of the seals and thus of the sealing arrangement at/in the component blank .

For example, connecting bars at the seals, where appropriate with portions between the seals (c.f. the second embodiment with its radial and axial connecting bars of the sealing arrangement) or where appropriate in addition to connecting bars only between the seals, can be suitable for seals or sealing materials which do not adhere or do not adhere comparatively (c.f. above) well to the component blank. For example, in the case of radial connecting bars, these can extend axially mainly or substantially as far as the

corresponding seal or the sealing arrangement. In this regard supports. Depending on an embodiment, these connecting bars hold the seals together in the sealing arrangement and hold, support or fix the seals or the sealing arrangement at/in the component blank, as a result of which a maintaining of the positions of the seals and thus of the sealing arrangement at/in the component blank is guaranteed.

Furthermore, the at least one connecting bar further can have a structure by means of which it engages the component blank. Such a structure can have many possible configurations and can assist the holding, supporting or fixing of the seals or of the sealing arrangement at/in the component blank. Thus it is possible, for example, where appropriate together with the connecting bar, to produce a hook-shaped structure, an undercut, an engagement in the component blank etc., which holds a relevant seal at/in the component blank. For this purpose, for example, a t-shaped (c.f. the second

embodiment), an 1-shaped, a v-shaped etc. (part- ) cross- section of the connecting bar can be used.

In accordance with the invention, the seals can make

different sealing functions available for the connector.

A/the first seal can further be formed as an axial seal. An axial seal is understood to mean a seal of the sealing arrangement which seals in the axial direction, for which purpose the axial seal preferably can be stressed radially with a mechanical pressure (see also below) . Furthermore, a/the second seal can be formed as a radial seal. A radial seal is understood to mean a seal of the sealing arrangement which seals in the radial direction, for which purpose the radial seal preferably can be stressed axially with a

mechanical pressure (see also below) .

The sealing arrangement can be formed as a ring-seal

arrangement, the ring-seal arrangement having exactly or at least two ring seals arranged (axially) above one another. That is to say, in such an exemplary embodiment, the sealing arrangement can be formed as a double ring-seal arrangement. The ring seals can be arranged substantially concentrically. A planar section of a ring seal, or planar sections of both ring seals, can further be formed point-symmetrically .

The component blank can become or be formed in a materially one-piece or integral manner. Furthermore, the component blank can have at least one recess or through-recess for the at least one connecting bar. Moreover, the component blank can have seal receptacles for the seals. Such a seal

receptacle can, for example, be formed as an 1-shaped, u- shaped or v-shaped contour, or a composite of such contours, at the component blank. A missing circumferential section for a closed cross-section of the relevant seal is made available by the injection mould (sealing hollow mould section) .

A first seal receptacle of the component blank can be formed as an axial seal receptacle, and a second seal receptacle of the component blank can be formed as a radial seal

receptacle. In this regard, the first seal receptacle can be formed as a ring-seal receptacle and/or with an 1-shaped contour. In this regard, the second seal receptacle can be formed as a ring-seal receptacle and/or with a u-shaped contour. Other seal receptacles and/or contours can, of course, be used.

The connector component is preferably formed in two parts with constituents (one-piece, materially one-piece or

integral connector component and materially one-piece or integral sealing arrangement) which are mutually connected, mutually supporting and/or mutually adhering. - The ring-seal arrangement can be formed as a ring-seal arrangement

according to the invention (see below) . The connector

component can further be formed as a connector component according to the invention (see below) .

The ring-seal arrangement according to the invention has exactly or at least two mutually spaced-apart ring seals, the ring seals being formed and/or moulded in a materially one- piece or integral manner in relation to one another via a plurality of connecting bars. A, for example, constant cross- section of the connecting bars can be formed substantially oval, substantially elliptical, substantially circular, substantially polygonal, substantially rectangular,

substantially square etc. (see also above "dimension").

Furthermore, a connecting bar, a mould of a connecting bar or a cross-section of a connecting bar can be configured in such a way that an undercut can be produced therewith. That is to say, if the ring-seal arrangement is mounted or, as above, injection moulded, then with such a configuration at/in the connecting bar such a configuration of a connecting bar or such a configuration of a cross-section of a connecting bar, an undercut can be established with a component blank, on which the ring-seal arrangement is mounted or on which the ring-seal arrangement is injection moulded.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a cross-section of a connecting bar can be formed substantially 1-shaped at least in sections or substantially t-shaped at least in sections. Other cross-sectional shapes can, of course, also be used. Preferably, all connecting bars are configured substantially identically. Furthermore, these exemplary embodiments can also be reversed statically.

Preferably, air is provided between the two mutually spaced- apart ring seals, if these are not mounted. A first ring seal can be formed as an axial seal or a radial seal. Analogously to this, a second ring seal can be formed as a radial seal or an axial seal. For this purpose, the axial seal preferably has at least one (also) radially extending sealing lip (see also above) . Furthermore, for this purpose the radial seal preferably has at least one (also) axially extending sealing lip (see also above) .

The ring-seal arrangement can have exactly or at least two ring seals arranged (axially) above one another. The ring seals can further be arranged substantially concentrically. Moreover, a planar section of a ring seal or planar sections of both ring seals can further be formed point-symmetrically . The ring-seal arrangement can be established by a production method according to the invention at/in a component blank. In this regard, the ring-seal arrangement should be identified with the above sealing arrangement.

The connector component according to the invention has a component blank, with a ring-seal arrangement according to the invention being arranged at/in the component blank. The two ring seals can possess different sealing tasks or sealing functions for the connector component. The connecting bars can run inside the connector component and extend (pass) through the connector component. In this regard, a material of the connector component surrounds the relevant connecting bars over at least part of their circumference, in particular over all of their circumference. For this purpose, the component blank has at least one recess or through-recess for the at least one connecting bar.

A section of the component blank is preferably arranged between the two mutually spaced-apart ring seals. The

component blank is preferably formed in a materially one- piece or integral manner. The component blank preferably further has seal receptacles for the seals (see also above) . In this regard, a first seal receptacle can be formed as an axial seal receptacle and a second seal receptacle can be formed as a radial seal receptacle. The connector component can be produced by a production method according to the invention .

The electrical connector according to the invention has a ring-seal arrangement according to the invention or a

connector component according to the invention. Such a connector, where appropriate also formed as a mating connector, can be arranged, for example, as a connector device (header, built-in connector) or formed as a flying (plug) connector for an electrical cable. - The ready-made cable, the mechanism, the device, the module, the appliance, the apparatus, the assembly, the installation or the system according to the invention has an electrical connector according to the invention. In this regard, the connector can be integrated into such an entity, wherein for example a housing of the connector can be integrated into a housing of the entity (built-in connector) . It is, of course, possible that the connector can be brought into electrical connection with an entity via a cable (ready-made cable) or is

electrically connected to such an entity.

The invention is explained in greater detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached

schematic drawings, which are not true to scale. Sections, elements, components, units, diagrams and/or constituents which possess an identical, univocal or similar form and/or function are identified by the same reference symbols in the description of the figures (see below) , the list of reference symbols, the claims and in the figures (Fig.) of the

drawings. A possible alternative, a steady-state and/or kinematic reversal, a combination, etc., which is not

explained in the description of the invention (see above) , is not depicted in the drawings and/or is not exclusive, with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the invention or a constituent, a diagram, a unit, a component, an element or a section thereof can furthermore be derived from the list of reference symbols and/or from the description of the figures.

In the case of the invention, a feature (section, element, component, unit, constituent, function, size etc.) can be configured positively, i.e. present, or negatively, i.e.

absent, wherein a negative feature is not explained

explicitly as a feature if, according to the invention, no importance is placed on the fact that it is absent, therefore the invention actually made, and not constructed by the prior art, consists in omitting that feature. A feature of this specification (description, list of reference symbols, claims, drawings) can be used not only in a specified manner, but rather can also be applied in another manner (isolation, summary, replacement, addition, uniqueness, omission etc.).

In particular, it is possible using a reference symbol and a feature associated with this, or vice versa, in the

description, the list of reference symbols, the claims and/or the drawings, to replace, add or omit a feature in the claims and/or the description. Moreover, as a result, a feature can be explained and/or specified in greater detail in a claim.

The features of this description (considering the (initially mostly unknown) prior art) can also be interpreted as

optional features; i.e. every feature can be understood as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, i.e. as a non binding feature. It is thus possible to detach a feature, where appropriate including its periphery, from an exemplary embodiment, 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 in relation to the invention.

Furthermore, in the case of a type term for a feature, a generic term can also be read alongside this for the feature (where appropriate further hierarchical division into

subgenus etc.), as a result of which, for example taking equivalent effect and/or equivalence into account, a

generalisation of the feature is possible.

In the drawings, which are given merely by way of example, the following is shown: Figs. 1 and 2 show, in perspective views, a first embodiment of a sealing arrangement according to the invention with two ring seals arranged above one another; Figs. 3 to 5, likewise in perspective views, show an embodiment of a component blank according to the invention (Fig. 3) for a first embodiment of a connector component and also such a connector component according to the invention (Figs. 4 and 5) for an electrical connector according to the invention; Figs. 6 to 8 show, in perspective views, a second embodiment of the sealing arrangement (Figs. 6 and 7) and also a second embodiment of the component blank (Fig. 8);

Fig. 9 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of a charging connector according to the invention, which is plugged together with a charging mating connector (charging connection); and Fig. 10 shows a sectional and partially broken-away perspective partial view of the charging

connection from Fig. 9, the ring-seal arrangement according to the invention likewise being depicted in a sectional manner .

The invention is explained in greater detail below using exemplary embodiments of an embodiment of a variant of a sealing arrangement and also of a method for producing a connector component for an electrical charging connector for the motor vehicle industry. Although the invention is

described and illustrated more closely and in greater detail by way of preferred exemplary embodiments, in this way the invention is not limited by the disclosed exemplary

embodiments, rather it is of a fundamental nature. Other variations can be derived from these and/or from the above (description of the invention) , without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. Thus, the invention is also applicable to other sealing arrangements and also connector components in a non-motor vehicle industry, such as an electrical engineering industry, and very generally in engineering .

In the drawings, only those spatial sections of a subject- matter of the invention which are necessary for an

understanding of the invention are depicted. Names such as connector and mating connector etc. are to be interpreted synonymously, i.e. where appropriate in each case mutually interchangeably. - The sealing arrangement 100 according to the invention, in this case, is divided into a first seal 110 and a second seal 120, which are formed in a materially one- piece or integral manner in relation to one another via at least one connecting bar 132. The first seal 110 and the second seal 120 are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another in the sealing arrangement 100 via a gap 103 which is bridged at least by one connecting bar 132 (c.f. Figs. 1 and 2 (first embodiment) and Figs. 6 and 7 (second embodiment)) or by means of at least one connecting bar (not depicted) .

The sealing arrangement 100 can be provided at/in a component blank 12 for a connector component 10, in particular at/in said component blank (moulded and/or formed) . This can take place, for example, by way of an injection moulding method (see above description of the invention) . At least the component blank 12 (c.f. Figs. 3 and 8) and the sealing arrangement 100, in this case, produce the connector

component 10 (c.f. Figs. 4 and 5) . The connector component 10 can be a component of a sealed, electrical connector 1, in particular of a charging connector 1 (c.f. Figs. 9 and 10, header 1) . The connector 1 can, in this case, be formed as a component of a mechanism 0, of a device 0, of a module 0, of an appliance 0, of an apparatus, of an assembly 0, of an installation 0, of a system 0 etc., that is to say, of an entity 0 (c.f. Figs. 9 and 10) or flying on a cable (not depicted) . The connector 1 preferably corresponds to a geometrically partially complementary, sealed, electrical mating connector 5 (c.f. Figs. 9 and 10, flying mating (plug) connector 5) .

In the present case, the sealing arrangement 100 (see Figs.

1, 2 and also 6, 7) is formed as a ring-seal arrangement 100, of which the exactly or at least two, preferably concentric, ring seals 110, 120 are arranged axially Ax adjacent to one another in the ring-seal arrangement 100 over a gap 103. The ring seals 110, 120, in this case, are arranged mutually spaced apart in the ring-seal arrangement 100 via connecting bars 132 which extend (pass) over the gap 103 in the axial direction Ax of the sealing arrangement 100. The connecting bars 132 are preferably arranged in a circumferential direction Urn of the ring-seal arrangement 100 between the ring seals 110, 120 in a distributed manner, in particular evenly distributed.

In this case, the ring seals 110, 120 cover substantially an identical area in a relevant radial plane Ra-Ra, i.e. they possess preferably substantially the same circumference in the circumferential direction Urn. This can be modified, of course (not depicted) , a respective middle line of the connecting bars 132 then no longer extending substantially in the axial direction Ax, but rather additionally also

substantially in the radial direction Ra . Additionally or alternatively, an extent of the respective middle line of the connecting bars 132 substantially in the circumferential direction Urn is also possible. - In general, the at least one connecting bar 132 can run in any desired extent between the seals 110, 120 or the ring seals 110, 120, i.e. can be arranged as desired in the sealing arrangement 100.

In the present case, a first ring seal 110 is formed as an axial seal 110 (i.e. axially Ax sealing and in the process radially Ra stressed with mechanical pressure) and a second ring seal 120 is formed as a radial seal 120 (i.e. radially sealing and in the process axially stressed with mechanical pressure) . A different sealing function of the first ring seal 110 and/or the second ring seal 120 can, of course, be used (not depicted) . In the present case, the axial seal 110 has two sealing lips extending (also) in the radial direction Ra, it being possible, of course, likewise to use a different number of sealing lips (not depicted) . Furthermore, in the present case the radial seal 120 has two sealing lips extending (also) in the axial direction Ax, it being possible of course to use a different number of sealing lips (not depicted) . In the present case, the first ring seal 110 or the axial seal 110 has, in a first approximation, a cross-section which has a comparatively long extent in the axial direction Ax and a cross-section which has a comparatively short extent in the radial direction Ra (first approximation: mainly rectangle). From a tangential outer side of the cross-section, the at least one sealing lip points radially Ra inwards in the direction of a cavity of the first ring seal 110 (see Figs. 2 and 7) . In the present case, a cross-section of the second ring seal 120 or the radial seal 120 has, in a first

approximation, substantially the same dimensions in the axial direction Ax and in the radial direction Ra (first

approximation: cross-section mainly square). At an underside of the cross-section, the at least one sealing lip points axially Ax downwards away from the ring-seal arrangement 100 (see Figs. 2 and 7) .

Preferably, the sealing arrangement 100 according to the invention or the ring-seal arrangement 100 according to the invention is produced in an injection moulding method. In this regard, it is preferred to mould (onmould and/or

inmould) the sealing arrangement 100 or the ring-seal

arrangement 100 according to the invention in a materially one-piece or integral manner on a component blank 12. In this regard, the component blank 12 itself can have been produced only in this injection moulding method (multi-constituent injection moulding method) or be formed as an insert

(injection overmoulding method). A ready-to-use component 10, in the present case the connector component 10 (see below) , is obtained from the component blank 12 and the sealing arrangement 100 or ring-seal arrangement 100 provided

thereon. The component 10 or the connector component 10 can comprise further parts (not shown) in addition to the

component blank 12 and the sealing arrangement 100 or the ring-seal arrangement 100.

Of course, a multiplicity of embodiments of sealing arrangements or ring-seal arrangements can be made (c.f.

description of the invention) . In this regard (all not depicted) in particular a sealing function or sealing task of at least one seal can be a different one than a specified one. Furthermore, at least one seal can be configured

differently; thus, for example, a cross-section, a type and/or number of the sealing lips (if present), a type and/or number of the seals etc. can vary, whereby of course it does not have to be a ring-seal arrangement with axially arranged ring seals. The ring seals can also lie in a plane or be oriented another way. Furthermore, the use of a ring seal or ring seals is likewise not compulsory. A production method for the sealing arrangement can also be a different one.

The component blank 12 is preferably formed as an injection moulded part. A different production method can be used, of course, for the component blank 12. For the sealing

arrangement 100, the component blank 12 has seal receptacles 210, 220, at least one recess 232, in particular at least one through-recess 232, being situated in a component section 230 situated between said seal receptacles, for the at least one connecting bar 132 of the sealing arrangement 100. Away from this, the component blank 12 can be formed in an application- specific manner. Preferably the component blank 12 is formed approximately, mainly or substantially point-symmetrically, mirror-symmetrically or rotationally symmetrically.

Figs. 3 (first embodiment) and 8 (second embodiment) in each case show a component blank 12 and Figs. 4 and 5 (only first embodiment) show a substantially ready-to-use connector component 10 for the connector 1. The component blank 12 can be formed in the form of a tray or a cage with a fully circumferential, sealing and closed wall 240. A floor 250 of the component blank 12 can, in this case, have recesses, between or inside the wall 240, for the contact devices 32 of the connector 1, and also preferably bearings for mounting devices or mounting devices (not depicted) of the connector 1. For the seal receptacles 210, 220, the component blank 12 has an (inner) ring section 230 which runs circumferentially inside the wall, in which ring section a plurality of the through-recesses 232 are provided. The seal receptacles 210, 220 are formed axially Ax on both sides of the inner ring section 230.

In the present case, the seal receptacles 210, 220 of the component blank 12 are thus formed as ring-seal receptacles 210, 220, in particular a first (ring-) seal receptacle 210 being formed as an axial seal receptacle 210 (c.f. above for definition), and/or a second (ring-) seal receptacle 220 being formed as a radial seal receptacle 220 (c.f. above for definition) . The axial seal receptacle 210 is formed, in this case, as an 1-shaped section at/in the component blank 12 and the radial seal receptacle 220 is formed as a u-shaped section at/in the component blank 12. In this regard, the inner ring section 230 lies between the ring-seal receptacles 210, 220. Differently formed sections can, of course, also be used in each case (not depicted) .

Of course, a multiplicity of embodiments of component blanks can be made (c.f. description of the invention) . In this regard (all not depicted) in particular a sealing function or sealing task by the component blank can be a different one than a specified one. Furthermore, at least one seal

receptacle can be configured differently; thus, for example, a type, a cross-section, a contour etc. can vary, whereby of course it does not have to be a ring-seal receptacle with axially Ax arranged ring seals. The ring-seal receptacles can also lie in a plane or be oriented another way. Furthermore, the use of a ring-seal receptacle or of ring-seal receptacles is likewise not compulsory.

The two embodiments differ substantially in a configuration of their connecting bars 132. - A single connecting bar 132 of the first embodiment (see Figs. 1 and 2) aligns in the axial direction Ax with the seals 110, 120 or ring seals 110, 120; that is to say, it does not enlarge a radial Ra

dimension of the sealing arrangement 100. The connecting bar 132 extends, apart from its cross-sections, substantially exclusively in the axial direction Ax. Additionally or alternatively, an extent of the connecting bar 132 can possess portions in the radial Ra direction and/or tangential Urn direction (not depicted) . A single connecting bar 132 has, in the present case, the form of a preferably straight Ax and preferably full circular cylinder. The recess 232 (lock) corresponding to a connecting bar 132 (key) is complementary (key-lock principle) to the connecting bar 132.

Figs. 6 to 8 show the second embodiment of the invention, there being arranged between the seals 110, 120 or ring seals 110, 120 not a simple cross-section of the connecting bars

132, but rather a composite one. A single connecting bar 132 of the second embodiment (see Figs. 6 and 7) extends

substantially along the outside of the seals 110, 120; i.e. it enlarges an outer radial Ra dimension of the sealing arrangement 100. The connecting bar 132 extends, again apart from its cross-sections, substantially exclusively in the axial direction Ax. Additionally or alternatively, again an extent of the connecting bar 132 can possess portions in the radial Ra and/or tangential Urn direction (not depicted) .

A single connecting bar 132 has, in the present case, the form of a preferably straight Ax and preferably full T-beam. In the present case, a cross-section of the T-beam is

composed of a beam 133 (width) and a bar 134 (height) ("T") , a width of the cross-section being comparatively large and a height of the cross-section being comparatively small in relation thereto (in this regard, width and height are placed in a relationship with each other) . At least the connecting bar 132 is integrally connected to the seals 110, 120 via its bar 134, preferably it being possible for the beam 133 likewise to be integrally connected to at least one of the seals 110, 120. A materially one-piece formation can, of course, likewise be used.

In the present case, the connecting bar 132 is connected, via its bar 134, integrally to a radial Ra outer side of the seal 110 and integrally to an axial Ax inner side (in relation to the sealing arrangement 100) of the seal 120. The bar 134 can likewise be integrally connected to an inner side of the seal 110 axially Ax opposite this axial Ax inner side of the seal 120; i.e. the bar 134 can extend radially in between the seals 110, 120. Furthermore, in the present case only the beam 133 of the connecting bar 132 is integrally connected to a radially Ra outer side of the seal 120.

In this regard, the two free longitudinal end sections of the beam 133 are arranged in the region of the seal 110 and in the region of the gap 103 at a radial Ra spacing from the seal 110 in the sealing arrangement 100. As a result of this, the seal 110 can hold itself securely (undercut) in the component blank 12. The recess 232 (lock) corresponding to a connecting bar 132 (key) is in turn formed in complementary manner (key-lock principle) to the connecting bar 132. - Similarly, this can be established only for the seal 120 or for both seals 110, 120 in the sealing arrangement 100.

A respectively different cross-section (see above in the first embodiment; L-profile, I-profile etc. in the second embodiment) or cross-sectional gradient (thus deviating from an axial gradation of the single cross-sections) of the relevant connecting bar 132 can, of course, also be used. Thus, a cross-sectional gradient can conform, for example, to characteristics of the component blank 12. A hollow body can, of course, likewise be used as a relevant connecting bar 132, which, for example, can again also be attributed to the characteristics of the component blank 12. Furthermore, away from the relevant connecting bar 132, an undercut of a seal 110, 120 can be arranged with the component blank 12 in the region of a relevant seal receptacle 210, 220 by means of a sealing material. (All not depicted.)

Figs. 9 and 10 show the use of the invention on a sealed, electrical charging connector 1 (Fig. 9 below), which is preferably formed as a header 1 which is formed as a tab connector 1 ((tab) contact device 32) . The header 1 or its housing can, in this case, be provided at/in a housing of an entity 0 (see above) (built-in connector, Figs. 9 and 10) or be integrated into said housing (integrated built-in

connector, not depicted) . A sealed, electrical charging mating connector 5 (Fig. 9 above) is, in this regard,

connected to an electrical cable 6 and has, in a manner corresponding and partially complementary to the electrical contact devices 32 of the header 1, electrical (socket) contact devices 52 in a mating connector housing 50. The charging connector 1 and the charging mating connector 5 are, in this case, depicted in the plugged-together state

(charging (plug) connection 2, 5) in Figs. 9 and 10.

The header 1 comprises, not exhaustively, an inner connector housing 30 with the contact devices 32 and an outer connector housing 10, the outer connector housing 10 being formed as a connector component 10 according to the invention with a housing part blank 12 (see above: component blank 12) and the ring-seal arrangement 100 according to the invention. A housing section 20 of the entity 0 is or can be provided between the outer connector housing 10 and the inner

connector housing 30 in such a manner that it can be clamped in. The two connector housings 10, 30 are preferably sealed in relation to one another. In this case, by way of its ring- seal arrangement 100 the outer connector housing 10 serves, alongside other functions such as, for example, a locking of the charging mating connector 5 to/in the header 1 etc., to seal the header 1 with respect to the charging mating

connector 5 (axial seal 110, see Fig. 10) and also with respect to the housing section 20 (radial seal 120, see Fig. 10) . According to the invention, only a single seal 100; 110, 120 (sealing arrangement 100) with two sealing functions is produced, which makes the seal 100; 110, 120 more robust than two mutually separate and mutually spaced-apart single seals. In the single seal 100; 110, 120, the seals 110, 120 thereof can mutually hold one another, which makes a loss of a position of such a seal 110, 120 with respect to two mutually separate seals less likely. A slip of a seal 120/110, in particular the seal 120 (axial seal 120) at risk in this respect, during the plugging operation or plugging of the connector 1, is prevented according to the invention, since the relevant other seal 110/120 holds the first seal 120/110 in position. Furthermore, none of the seals 110, 120 of the seal 100; 110, 120 can be lost during transportation and later during use of the connector 1.

List of reference symbols

0 entity: mechanism, device, module, appliance, apparatus, assembly, installation, system etc.

1 (sealed, electrical) connector

5 (sealed, electrical) mating connector

6 electrical cable

10 connector component, (outer) connector housing

12 component blank, housing part blank

20 housing section of the entity 0

30 (inner) connector housing

32 electrical contact device connector 1

50 mating connector housing

52 electrical contact device mating connector 5

100 sealing arrangement

103 gap

110 (first) seal

120 (second) seal

132 connecting bar

133 beam (only second embodiment)

134 bar (only second embodiment)

210 (first) seal receptacle

220 (second) seal receptacle

230 component section

232 recess

240 wall

250 floor

Ax axial direction

Ra radial direction

Um circumferential direction

Claims

1. A method for producing a connector component (10) for an electrical connector (1), in particular an electrical

charging connector (1) for the motor vehicle industry, wherein

a sealing arrangement (100), having mutually spaced- apart seals (110, 120), is provided at/in a component blank (12) of the connector component (10), and as a result the connector component (10) is obtained, characterised in that during provision of the sealing arrangement (100) at/in the component blank (12), the sealing arrangement (100) is moulded onto/into the component blank (12) as a materially one-piece or integral sealing arrangement (100).

2. The production method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that firstly the component blank (12) is produced in a first process of the production method, and in a second process of the production method, temporally and/or spatially separate from the first process, the sealing arrangement (100) is moulded onto/into the component blank (12) .

3. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connector

component (10) is obtained by way of a multi-constituent injection moulding method, or the connector component (10) is obtained by way of an injection overmoulding method.

4. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, temporally during the moulding of the sealing arrangement (100) onto/into the component blank (12) :

• at least one connecting bar (132), which connects the seals (110, 120) integrally to one another, is formed between and/or at the resulting seals (110, 120),

• a first seal (110/120) is firstly substantially formed, and only temporally subsequently to this is a second seal (110/120) substantially formed, and/or

• the seals (110, 120) are firstly substantially formed, and only temporally subsequently to this is the at least one connecting bar (132) substantially formed.

5. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, temporally

following the moulding of the sealing arrangement (100) onto/into the component blank (12) :

• a/the at least one connecting bar (132) extends through or passes through the component blank (12),

• the at least one connecting bar (132) is surrounded over part or all of its circumference by the component blank (12) ,

• the at least one connecting bar (132) is arranged

between the seals (110, 120) and/or away from a sealing lip of at least one seal (110/120, 120/110), and/or

• the at least one connecting bar (132) further has a

structure by means of which it engages the component blank (12) .

6. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seals (110,

120) :

• make different sealing functions available for the

connector ( 1 ) ,

• a/the first seal (110) is formed as an axial seal (110), and/or

• a/the second seal (120) is formed as a radial seal

(120) .

7. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sealing

arrangement (100) is formed as a ring-seal arrangement (100), wherein :

• the ring-seal arrangement (100) has two ring seals (110, 120) arranged above one another,

• the ring seals (110, 120) are arranged substantially

concentrically, and/or

• a planar section of a ring seal (110/120) or planar

sections of both ring seals (110, 120) are formed point- symmetrically .

8. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• the component blank (12) becomes or is formed in a

materially one-piece or integral manner,

• the component blank (12) has at least one recess (232) or through-recess (232) for the at least one connecting bar (132),

• the component blank (12) has seal receptacles (210, 220) for the seals (110, 120), and/or

• a first seal receptacle (210) is formed as an axial seal receptacle (210) and a second seal receptacle (220) is formed as a radial seal receptacle.

9. The production method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• the connector component (10) is formed in two parts with constituents (11, 100) which are mutually connected, mutually supporting and/or mutually adhering,

• the ring seal arrangement (100) is formed according to any one the following claims, and/or

• the connector component (10) is formed according to any one the following claims.

10. A ring seal arrangement (100) for an electrical

connector (1), in particular an electrical charging connector (1) for the motor vehicle industry, having two mutually spaced-apart ring seals (110, 120), characterised in that the ring seals (110, 120) are formed in a materially one-piece or integral manner in relation to one another via a plurality of connecting bars (132) .

11. The ring seal arrangement (100) according to the

preceding claim, characterised in that:

• a cross-section of a connecting bar (132) is

substantially oval, substantially elliptical,

substantially circular, substantially polygonal,

substantially rectangular or substantially square,

• a connecting bar (132), a mould of a connecting bar

(132) or a cross-section of a connecting bar (132) is configured in such a way that an undercut can be

produced therewith, and/or

• a cross-section of a connecting bar (132) is formed

substantially 1-shaped at least in sections or

substantially t-shaped at least in sections.

12. The ring-seal arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

• air is provided between the two mutually spaced-apart ring seals (110, 120),

• a first ring seal (110/120) is formed as an axial seal (110) or a radial seal,

• a second ring seal (120/110) is formed as a radial seal (120) or an axial seal, and/or

• the ring seal arrangement (100) is established by a

production method according to any one of the preceding claims at/in a component blank (12) .

13. A connector component (10) for an electrical connector (1), in particular an electrical charging connector (1) for the motor vehicle industry, characterised in that

the connector component (10) is produced by a production method according to any one of the preceding claims, and/or the connector component (10) has a component blank (12) and a ring-seal arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims is arranged at/in the component blank (12) .

14. An electrical connector (1), in particular an electrical charging connector (1) for the motor vehicle industry, characterised in that

the connector (1) has a ring-seal arrangement (100) or a connector component (10) according to any one of the

preceding claims.

15. A ready-made cable (0), mechanism (0), device (0), module (0), appliance (0), apparatus (0), assembly (0), installation (0) or system (0), preferably for the motor vehicle industry, characterised in that

the ready-made cable (0), the mechanism (0), the device (0), the module (0), the appliance (0), the apparatus (0), the assembly (0), the installation (0) or the system (0) has an electrical connector (1) according to the preceding claim.