WO2023214246A1 - Method for manufacturing a hermetic connector and hermetic connector obtained thereby - Google Patents

Method for manufacturing a hermetic connector and hermetic connector obtained thereby Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023214246A1
WO2023214246A1 PCT/IB2023/054225 IB2023054225W WO2023214246A1 WO 2023214246 A1 WO2023214246 A1 WO 2023214246A1 IB 2023054225 W IB2023054225 W IB 2023054225W WO 2023214246 A1 WO2023214246 A1 WO 2023214246A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cables
thermoplastic elastomer
protector
connector
preconnector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/054225
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
José Valentín JOVÉ ALBÓS
Fidel VAQUERA GONZÁLEZ
Original Assignee
Gjm, S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gjm, S.A. filed Critical Gjm, S.A.
Publication of WO2023214246A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023214246A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/504—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces different pieces being moulded, cemented, welded, e.g. ultrasonic, or swaged together
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14639—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles for obtaining an insulating effect, e.g. for electrical components
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/16—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
    • B29C45/1671—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles with an insert
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5216—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases characterised by the sealing material, e.g. gels or resins
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5219—Sealing means between coupling parts, e.g. interfacial seal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/005—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for making dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof connection, coupling, or casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B3/00—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties
    • H01B3/18—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances
    • H01B3/28—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances natural or synthetic rubbers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B3/00—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties
    • H01B3/18—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances
    • H01B3/30—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plastics; resins; waxes
    • H01B3/44—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plastics; resins; waxes vinyl resins; acrylic resins
    • H01B3/441—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plastics; resins; waxes vinyl resins; acrylic resins from alkenes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/50—Bases; Cases formed as an integral body
    • H01R13/501—Bases; Cases formed as an integral body comprising an integral hinge or a frangible part

Definitions

  • Procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector and waterproof connector which comprises: a first phase in which cables with a thermoplastic elastomer coating are cut and terminals are added, a second phase in which said terminals are placed and a part of the cable inside a preconnector, a third phase in which said cables and terminals are covered with a protector, defining a closed housing where at least the cables are located, characterized in that it comprises a fourth phase in which the set of the third phase is introduced into a mold, pressing said mold to the protector and the protector in turn to the cables and to the preconnector, said preconnector is manufactured in a polypropylene, said assembly being overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer at a temperature of at least 240°C , covering at least partially the protector, configuring a sealing ring on the outside and sealing the housing, the thermoplastic elastomer adhering both to the preconnector and the cables when a chemical reaction occurs between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding with the polyprop
  • European Patent No. 1439615 "ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR”, from 2004, in the name of AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS G m BH ' which refers to an electrical connector, in particular for use between a socket box and an electrical control device for unreliable restraint systems in motor vehicles, with the following characteristics: a housing for housing electrically connectable contact elements at the end of the plug-in side, means for retaining element for fastening the housing to the socket, as well as a locking element that can be moved axially in the direction towards the end of the plug-in side behind the retaining means, characterized in that the locking element is so surrounded non-positive by a sleeve-type sealing body, which protrudes from the socket box in the plugged-in state at the end of the plug-in side, and the seal with respect to the connector.
  • the Spanish Utility Model No. is also known. 200200002 "WATERPROOF MODULE-CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY", dated 2001, in the name of LEAR AUTOMOTIVE (EEDS) SPAIN, S.L., which refers to a waterproof module-connector assembly, of the type used for coupling between a connector body, which has a determined number of terminals that have the same number of cables associated with a base body that also has terminals for connection with those arranged in the connector body characterized in that the waterproof module has at least three cavities or entry ways and the same number of cavities or exit paths intended to house electrical terminals and their cables, having an elastic band around the perimeter of the upper part of the module that provides it with watertight conditions for its subsequent introduction into a housing of a connector body.
  • EEDS LEAR AUTOMOTIVE
  • an electrical connector assembly PROTECTOR FOR AN OVERMOLDED CONNECTOR. It is formed through an overmolding process.
  • the electrical connector assembly includes a body that houses the spring contacts, a spring mechanism, and terminals opposite the spring contacts. The body is enclosed with a shield that is defined by an upper portion and a lower portion that cooperate to provide structural protection during the overmolding process and also sealing protection.
  • the upper and lower rubber-like elastic member When welded by ultrasonic oscillation, the upper and lower rubber-like elastic member closely contact each other in a compression state, and simultaneously, the upper and lower rubber-like elastic member closely contact with the electric wire, the portion deck and the upper deck portion and projections are welded together.
  • German Patent Application no. 102011055215 "ABDICHTUNG DER KONTAKTKAMMEN GEGEN SPRITZMATERIAL (KUNSTSTOFF) WAHREND DEM UMSPRTITZPROZESS" describes the method and apparatus for producing a plug-type connector, which has a plastic injection molded contact holder with contact chambers to accommodate, in each case, a companion of contact, in which, in addition, a sealing element is provided that acts in each case on an external covering of at least one cable coming out of the plug-type connector and is connected at the end of the electrical conductor thereof to the associated contact partner, characterized in that the sealing element is also produced in a plastic injection molding method together with the contact holder.
  • European Patent No. 2731202 “PROCEDURE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A WATERPROOF CONNECTOR AND WATERPROOF CONNECTOR OBTAINED”, from 2012, belongs to the state of the art, which refers to a procedure for the manufacture of a watertight connector, which includes : a first phase in which cables are connected to a base with terminals, which comprises: a second phase in which a protector is available on at least part of the terminals, which coincides with the part of the connector which is going to be overmolded, said protector being welded to the base by ultrasonics, defining a watertight housing where at least said terminals are housed, and a third phase in which the assembly of the second phase is introduced into a mold and the protector is overmolded, a part of the base and a part of the cables are overmolded, defining a predetermined exterior shape of overmolding and sealing the cables-terminal assembly.
  • the present invention falls within the sector of waterproof connectors for electrical wiring for automobiles.
  • This patent solves the problem of both sealing and reducing the number of parts to be used, reducing handling costs and, above all, ensuring great sealing that prevents the overmolded plastic from entering the interior of the housing and damaging the cables.
  • the present invention goes one step further and achieves that at the same moment in which the overmolding occurs, the temperature and pressure inside the mold what they do is melt the chemical material that covers the cables and said chemical material is responsible for sealing the protector on the base, preventing plastic from entering the interior of the housing and preventing cables and connectors from being damaged.
  • the mold by pressing the protector, prevents product from entering the interior of the housing when it is overmolded. Furthermore, the thermoplastic elastomer itself of the overmolding causes a chemical reaction with the polypropylene of the pre-connector, sealing the pre-connector, leaving it sealed.
  • An object of the present invention is a procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector, which comprises: a first phase in which cables with a thermoplastic elastomer coating are cut and terminals are added, a second phase in which they place said terminals and a part of the cable inside a preconnector, a third phase in which said cables and terminals are covered with a protector, defining a closed housing where at least the cables are located, characterized in that it comprises a fourth phase in in which the assembly of the third phase is introduced into a mold, pressing said mold to the protector and the protector in turn to the cables and to the preconnector, said preconnector being manufactured in a polypropylene, said assembly being overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer at a temperature of at minus 240°C, at least partially covering the protector, forming a sealing ring on the outside and sealing the housing, the thermoplastic elastomer adhering to both the preconnector and the cables when a chemical reaction occurs between the thermoplastic elastomer of the over
  • An additional object of the present invention is a waterproof connector produced according to the procedure of claim 1, which comprises: cables connected to a pre-connector with terminals, the pre-connector comprising a base where the cables are arranged and a protector that covers said cables and the terminals, defining when closed on the base a housing where at least the cables are located, characterized in that said cables are covered with a thermoplastic elastomer, the preconnector is manufactured in a polypropylene, the assembly defined above is covered by an overmolding of a thermoplastic elastomer that covers the pre-connector and at least part of the cables that are arranged outside the connector, configuring a sealing ring on the outside, leaving the inside of the housing sealed, and defining a predetermined external shape, sealing the cables-terminal assembly through a chemical bond between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector, the polypropylene melts at a lower temperature than that of the thermoplastic elastomer of the over
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preconnector with the protector raised, leaving the cables visible, and
  • FIG. 1 is a view of the connector already overmolded.
  • Figure 1 illustrates cables 1 with their thermoplastic elastomer 20, a base 26, terminals 3, a protector 4, a housing 21, retaining means 22, retaining ends 23 and side walls 24.
  • Figure 2 shows the cables 1, a ring 25 and a layer of overmolded material 5.
  • the procedure for manufacturing a waterproof connector which includes a first phase in which cables 1 with a thermoplastic elastomer coating 20 are cut and terminals 3 are added. A second phase in which said terminals 3 and a part of the cable 1 are placed inside a pre-connector 2.
  • This housing 21 will subsequently protect that the cables 1 are not damaged by overmolding.
  • the mold also presses the protector 4 and the protector 4 in turn presses the cables 1. This is done to prevent any thermoplastic elastomer from entering inside while it is overmolded.
  • This allows the preconnector 2 to be sealed while it is being overmolded, preventing the entry of thermoplastic elastomer inside the housing, which results in the cables 1 not suffer no damage.
  • the thermoplastic elastomer 20 of the cables also fuses with the pre-connector 2, guaranteeing tightness in the area of the cables 1.
  • a sealing ring 25 is also injected on the outside of the connector.
  • This sealing ring 25 in turn serves to seal the connector entrance when it is installed in a female connector, for example, in a vehicle rearview mirror.
  • the polypropylene melts at a temperature of between 145°C and 185°C, since this allows a sealing of the housing 21.
  • the range to raise or lower temperature it is the range to raise or lower temperature.
  • the thermoplastic elastomer of the cables 1 is the same as the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding. In this way, incompatibilities are avoided.
  • the protector 4 comprises retaining means 22 that lock the protector on the base 26. This serves to guarantee the correct positioning of the protector 4, since a poor position of the protector 4 can lead to the entry of the thermoplastic elastomer into the inside the housing 21 and damage the cables 1.
  • Said retaining means 22 can adopt the configuration of lips, since they facilitate the closing of the protector 4 on the base 26.
  • the connector resulting from the procedure of claim 1 explained above comprises cables 1 connected to a pre-connector 2 with terminals 3 (Fig. 1).
  • the preconnector 2 comprises a base 26 where the cables 1 are arranged and a protector 4 that covers said cables 1 and the terminals 3, defining when closed on the base 26 a housing 21 where at least the cables 1 are located.
  • said cables 1 are covered with a thermoplastic elastomer 20, which will serve to make the chemical bond with the polypropylene of the preconnector 2 and with the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
  • the preconnector 2 is made of polypropylene as indicated above, and the assembly of the preconnector 2 is covered by an overmolding of a thermoplastic elastomer that covers the preconnector 2 and at least a part of the cables 3 that are arranged outside the connector 2. , the interior of the housing 21 being sealed, sealing the cables-terminal assembly by means of a chemical bond between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector (2), and defining a predetermined external shape by sealing the cables-terminal assembly by means of a chemical bond. between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector (2). In this way, the overmolded thermoplastic elastomer cannot enter the housing 21, because the chemical reaction that has occurred between the thermoplastic elastomer and the polypropylene causes the thermoplastic elastomer to adhere to the preconnector 2, sealing it.
  • It also comprises at least one sealing ring 25 injected on the outside of the preconnector 2, which allows the connector itself, when connected, to perform the sealing function and prevent the transfer of fluids to either side of the connector 5.
  • thermoplastic elastomer melts at a temperature between 145°C and 185°C.
  • the margin will depend on the type of thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the melting point, which will make that margin vary; the lower the melting point, the lower the melting temperature of the polypropylene, therefore approaching 145°C and vice versa, a higher melting point.
  • melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer allows choosing a polypropylene that has the highest melting temperature.
  • thermoplastic elastomer 20 of the cables 1 is the same as the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
  • the protector 4 comprises retaining means 22 that are fixed to retaining ends 23 of the protector 4, said retaining means 22 locking the protector 4 on the base 26, which guarantees that the protector 4 is well positioned in the moment in which it is overmolded, preventing the entry of thermoplastic elastomer into the interior of the housing 21 as a result of a poor position of the protector 4.
  • the retaining means 22 may be lips, which have been found efficient to lock the protector 4 against the base 26.
  • the protector 4 may comprise, as an additional measure to ensure that the overmolded material does not accidentally enter the housing 21, side walls 24 that rest on the base 26, and which would prevent the entry of the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolded material.
  • the connector has two wires, although it could have more than two.
  • the present invention describes a new procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector and waterproof connector obtained.
  • the examples mentioned here are not limiting of the present invention, therefore it may have different applications and/or adaptations, all of them within the scope of the following claims.

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a hermetic connector and hermetic connector obtained thereby. Said method comprises: - a first phase in which some cables (1) with a thermoplastic elastomer coating (20) are cut and terminals (3) are added, - a second phase in which said terminals (3) and a part of the cable (1) are placed inside a pre-connector (2), and - a third phase in which said cables (1) and terminals (3) are covered with a protector (4), defining a closed housing (21) in which at least the cables (1) are located.

Description

Procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco y conector estanco obtenido. Procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector and waterproof connector obtained.
DESCRIPCIÓN DESCRIPTION
Procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco y conector estanco obtenido, que comprende: una primera fase en la que se cortan unos cables con un recubrimiento de elastómero termoplástico y se le añaden unos terminales, una segunda fase en la que sitúan dichos terminales y una parte del cable en el interior de un preconector, una tercera fase en la que se cubren dichos cables y terminales con un protector, definiendo un alojamiento cerrado en donde al menos se localizan los cables, caracterizado porque comprende una cuarta fase en la que el conjunto de la tercera fase se introduce en un molde, presionando dicho molde al protector y el protector a su vez a los cables y al preconector fabricado dicho preconector en un polipropileno, sobremoldeándose dicho conjunto con un elastómero termoplástico a una temperatura de al menos 240°C, cubriendo al menos parcialmente el protector, configurando una anilla estanqueizadora en el exterior y sellando el alojamiento, adhiriéndose el elastómero termoplástico tanto al preconector como a los cables al producirse una reacción química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado con el polipropileno del preconector, estanqueizando el preconector, fundiendo el polipropileno a una temperatura inferior que la del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. Procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector and waterproof connector obtained, which comprises: a first phase in which cables with a thermoplastic elastomer coating are cut and terminals are added, a second phase in which said terminals are placed and a part of the cable inside a preconnector, a third phase in which said cables and terminals are covered with a protector, defining a closed housing where at least the cables are located, characterized in that it comprises a fourth phase in which the set of the third phase is introduced into a mold, pressing said mold to the protector and the protector in turn to the cables and to the preconnector, said preconnector is manufactured in a polypropylene, said assembly being overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer at a temperature of at least 240°C , covering at least partially the protector, configuring a sealing ring on the outside and sealing the housing, the thermoplastic elastomer adhering both to the preconnector and the cables when a chemical reaction occurs between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding with the polypropylene of the preconnector, sealing the preconnector, melting the polypropylene at a lower temperature than that of the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
ANTECEDENTES DE LA INVENCIÓN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Se conocen en el estado de la técnica diferentes conectores que pertenecen a portalámparas que garantizan estanqueidad. Different connectors that belong to lamp holders that guarantee watertightness are known in the state of the art.
Así, pertenece al estado de la técnica, la Patente Europea n. 1439615 "CONECTOR ELECTRICO", del año 2004, a nombre de AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS G m B H’ que se refiere a un Conector eléctrico, en particular para su utilización entre una caja de enchufe y un aparato de control eléctrico para sistemas de retención infiables en vehículos automóviles, con las siguientes características: una carcasa para el alojamiento de elementos de contacto eléctricamente conectables en el extremo del lado de enchufado, unos medios de retención para la sujeción de la carcasa a la caja de enchufe, así como un elemento de enclavamiento que se puede desplazar axialmente en dirección hacia el extremo del lado de enchufado detrás de los medios de retención, caracterizado porque el elemento de enclavamiento es rodeado de forma no positiva por un cuerpo de estanqueidad de tipo manguito, el cual sobresale de la caja de enchufe en el estado enchufado por el extremo del lado de enchufado, y la obtura con respecto al conector. Thus, it belongs to the state of the art, European Patent No. 1439615 "ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR", from 2004, in the name of AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS G m BH ' which refers to an electrical connector, in particular for use between a socket box and an electrical control device for unreliable restraint systems in motor vehicles, with the following characteristics: a housing for housing electrically connectable contact elements at the end of the plug-in side, means for retaining element for fastening the housing to the socket, as well as a locking element that can be moved axially in the direction towards the end of the plug-in side behind the retaining means, characterized in that the locking element is so surrounded non-positive by a sleeve-type sealing body, which protrudes from the socket box in the plugged-in state at the end of the plug-in side, and the seal with respect to the connector.
También se conoce el Modelo de Utilidad Española n. 200200002 "CONJUNTO MODULO-CONECTOR ESTANCO", del año 2001 , a nombre de LEAR AUTOMOTIVE (EEDS) SPAIN, S.L., que se refiere a un conjunto módulo-conector estanco, del tipo empleado para el acoplamiento entre un cuerpo conector, que dispone de un número determinado de terminales que llevan asociado el mismo número de cables, a un cuerpo base que dispone también de terminales para su conexionado con los dispuestos en el cuerpo conector caracterizado porque el módulo estanco dispone de al menos tres cavidades o vías de entrada y el mismo número de cavidades o vías de salida destinadas a alojar terminales eléctricos y sus cables, disponiendo de una banda elástica alrededor del perímetro de la parte superior del módulo que dota al mismo de condiciones estancas para su posterior introducción en un alojamiento de un cuerpo conector. The Spanish Utility Model No. is also known. 200200002 "WATERPROOF MODULE-CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY", dated 2001, in the name of LEAR AUTOMOTIVE (EEDS) SPAIN, S.L., which refers to a waterproof module-connector assembly, of the type used for coupling between a connector body, which has a determined number of terminals that have the same number of cables associated with a base body that also has terminals for connection with those arranged in the connector body characterized in that the waterproof module has at least three cavities or entry ways and the same number of cavities or exit paths intended to house electrical terminals and their cables, having an elastic band around the perimeter of the upper part of the module that provides it with watertight conditions for its subsequent introduction into a housing of a connector body.
También se conoce la Patente Española n. 0223697, "CONECTOR ELECTRICO ESTANCO PARA SER EMPLEADO EN INMERSION EN UN LIQUIDO", del año 1986, que comprende dos elementos acoplables mecánicamente para cooperar dos a dos con contactos eléctricos dispuestos en estos elementos, uno de los cuales lleva un cuerpo aislante abierto con alojamientos longitudinales protegiendo los contactos y protegido en una caja exterior; medios de blindaje del elemento sobre un cable enlazado eléctricamente con contactos que incluyen: un collar encerrando la junta externa del cable y salientes radiales diametralmente opuestos; dos semibridas rodeando la extremidad posterior del cuerpo aislante y la zona cercana al cable, donde cada saliente esta encajado en dos escotaduras internas respectivas de las semibridas, habiéndose previsto medios de unión axial y de solidarización en rotación, entre el cuerpo aislante y las semibridas; y medios de unión de las semibridas. En la solicitud de Patente Americana n. 2003/0224649, se describe un conjunto de conector eléctrico "PROTECTOR FOR AN OVERMOLDED CONNECTOR". Se forma mediante un proceso de sobremoldeo. El conjunto del conector eléctrico incluye un cuerpo que aloja los contactos de resorte, un mecanismo de resorte y terminales opuestos a los contactos de resorte. El cuerpo está encerrado con un protector que está definido por una porción superior y una porción inferior que se cooperan para proporcionar protección estructural durante el proceso de sobremoldeo y también protección de sellado. Also known is the Spanish Patent No. 0223697, "WATERPROOF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO BE USED IN IMMERSION IN A LIQUID", from 1986, which includes two mechanically attachable elements to cooperate two by two with electrical contacts arranged in these elements, one of which has an open insulating body with housings longitudinal protecting the contacts and protected in an outer box; means for shielding the element on an electrically bonded cable with contacts including: a collar enclosing the external joint of the cable and diametrically opposed radial projections; two half-flanges surrounding the rear end of the insulating body and the area close to the cable, where each protrusion is fitted into two respective internal recesses of the half-flanges, having provided means for axial connection and rotational support between the insulating body and the half-flanges; and means of joining the semi-flanges. In American Patent application no. 2003/0224649, an electrical connector assembly "PROTECTOR FOR AN OVERMOLDED CONNECTOR" is described. It is formed through an overmolding process. The electrical connector assembly includes a body that houses the spring contacts, a spring mechanism, and terminals opposite the spring contacts. The body is enclosed with a shield that is defined by an upper portion and a lower portion that cooperate to provide structural protection during the overmolding process and also sealing protection.
La Patente de los Estados Unidos n. 6,129,576 "WATERPROOF STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC WIRE DRAWOUT PORTION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME" que se refiere a una estructura a prueba de agua para una porción de extracción de cable eléctrico que tiene un bajo costo de fabricación y una mayor impermeabilidad. Se forma una porción de cubierta en una porción de extremo de una carcasa y en esta porción de cubierta se monta un miembro elástico inferior en forma de nervio. Una porción de cubierta superior está soldada a la porción de cubierta por oscilación ultrasónica y en la porción de cubierta superior está montado n miembro elástico superior similar al caucho puesto en contacto de presión con el miembro elástico inferior similar al caucho y un cable eléctrico. En la porción de cubierta y la porción de cubierta superior hay proyecciones inferiores y superiores formadas integralmente expuestas en el miembro. Cuando se sueldan mediante la oscilación ultrasónica, el miembro elástico superior e inferior similar al caucho se contactan estrechamente entre sí en un estado de compresión y, simultáneamente, el miembro elástico superior e inferior similar al caucho se contactan estrechamente con el cable eléctrico, la porción de cubierta y la porción de cubierta superior y las proyecciones están soldadas entre sí. United States Patent No. 6,129,576 "WATERPROOF STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC WIRE DRAWOUT PORTION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME" which refers to a waterproof structure for an electrical wire draw portion that has a low manufacturing cost and higher impermeability. A cover portion is formed on an end portion of a housing and a rib-shaped lower elastic member is mounted on this cover portion. An upper cover portion is welded to the cover portion by ultrasonic oscillation, and an upper rubber-like elastic member placed in pressure contact with the lower rubber-like elastic member and an electrical cable are mounted on the upper cover portion. On the cover portion and the upper cover portion there are integrally formed lower and upper projections exposed on the member. When welded by ultrasonic oscillation, the upper and lower rubber-like elastic member closely contact each other in a compression state, and simultaneously, the upper and lower rubber-like elastic member closely contact with the electric wire, the portion deck and the upper deck portion and projections are welded together.
La Solicitud de Patente Alemana n. 102011055215 "ABDICHTUNG DER KONTAKTKAMMEN GEGEN SPRITZMATERIAL (KUNSTSTOFF) WAHREND DEM UMSPRTITZPROZESS" describe el método y el aparato para producir un conector tipo enchufe, que tiene un soporte de contacto moldeado por inyección de plástico con cámaras de contacto para acomodar en cada caso, un compañero de contacto, en el que, además, se proporciona un elemento de sellado que actúa en cada caso sobre una cubierta externa de al menos un cable que sale del conector de tipo enchufe y está conectado al final del conductor eléctrico del mismo al socio de contacto asociado, caracterizado porque el elemento de sellado también se produce en un método de moldeo por inyección de plástico junto con el soporte de contacto. German Patent Application no. 102011055215 "ABDICHTUNG DER KONTAKTKAMMEN GEGEN SPRITZMATERIAL (KUNSTSTOFF) WAHREND DEM UMSPRTITZPROZESS" describes the method and apparatus for producing a plug-type connector, which has a plastic injection molded contact holder with contact chambers to accommodate, in each case, a companion of contact, in which, in addition, a sealing element is provided that acts in each case on an external covering of at least one cable coming out of the plug-type connector and is connected at the end of the electrical conductor thereof to the associated contact partner, characterized in that the sealing element is also produced in a plastic injection molding method together with the contact holder.
Por último, pertenece al estado de la técnica la Patente Europea n° 2731202 “PROCEDIMIENTO PARA LA FABRICACIÓN DE UN CONECTOR ESTANCO Y CONECTOR ESTANCO OBTENIDO”, del año 2012, que se refiere a un procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco, que comprende: una primera fase en la que se conectan unos cables a una base con unos terminales, en el que comprende: una segunda fase en la que se dispone de un protector sobre al menos una parte de los terminales, que coincide con la parte del conector que va a ser sobremoldeado, soldándose dicho protector a la base por ultrasonidos definiendo una alojamiento estanco donde quedan alojados al menos dichos terminales, y una tercera fase en la que se introduce el conjunto de la segunda fase en un molde y se sobremoldea el protector, una parte de la base y una parte de los cables, son sobremoldeados, definiendo una forma exterior predeterminada de sobremoldeado y estanqueizando el conjunto cables-terminal. Finally, European Patent No. 2731202 “PROCEDURE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A WATERPROOF CONNECTOR AND WATERPROOF CONNECTOR OBTAINED”, from 2012, belongs to the state of the art, which refers to a procedure for the manufacture of a watertight connector, which includes : a first phase in which cables are connected to a base with terminals, which comprises: a second phase in which a protector is available on at least part of the terminals, which coincides with the part of the connector which is going to be overmolded, said protector being welded to the base by ultrasonics, defining a watertight housing where at least said terminals are housed, and a third phase in which the assembly of the second phase is introduced into a mold and the protector is overmolded, a part of the base and a part of the cables are overmolded, defining a predetermined exterior shape of overmolding and sealing the cables-terminal assembly.
BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓN BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
La presente invención se enmarca dentro del sector de los conectores estancos para cableado eléctrico para automóviles. The present invention falls within the sector of waterproof connectors for electrical wiring for automobiles.
El documento más cercano es la Patente Europea n° 2731202 de la propia firma solicitante. The closest document is European Patent No. 2731202 of the applicant firm itself.
Dicha patente soluciona el problema de a la vez estanqueizar y reducir el número de piezas a emplear, reduciendo los costes de manipulación y sobretodo asegurando gran estanqueidad que evita que el plástico del sobremoldeado no pueda entrar en el interior del alojamiento y dañar los cables. This patent solves the problem of both sealing and reducing the number of parts to be used, reducing handling costs and, above all, ensuring great sealing that prevents the overmolded plastic from entering the interior of the housing and damaging the cables.
La presente invención va un paso más allá y consigue que en el mismo momento en que se produce el sobremoldeado, la temperatura y presión del interior del molde lo que hacen es fundir el material químico que recubren los cables y dicho material químico se encarga de sellar el protector sobre la base, impidiendo la entrada de plástico en el interior del alojamiento y evitando que los cables y los conectores se puedan dañar. The present invention goes one step further and achieves that at the same moment in which the overmolding occurs, the temperature and pressure inside the mold what they do is melt the chemical material that covers the cables and said chemical material is responsible for sealing the protector on the base, preventing plastic from entering the interior of the housing and preventing cables and connectors from being damaged.
Al propio tiempo, el molde, al presionar el protector, impide que no entre producto en el interior del alojamiento cuando se sobremoldea. Además, el propio elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado provoca una reacción química con el polipropileno del preconector estanqueizando el preconector, quedando sellado. At the same time, the mold, by pressing the protector, prevents product from entering the interior of the housing when it is overmolded. Furthermore, the thermoplastic elastomer itself of the overmolding causes a chemical reaction with the polypropylene of the pre-connector, sealing the pre-connector, leaving it sealed.
Es un objeto de la presente invención un procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco, que comprende: una primera fase en la que se cortan unos cables con un recubrimiento de elastómero termoplástico y se le añaden unos terminales, una segunda fase en la que sitúan dichos terminales y una parte del cable en el interior de un preconector, una tercera fase en la que se cubren dichos cables y terminales con un protector, definiendo un alojamiento cerrado en donde al menos se localizan los cables, caracterizado porque comprende una cuarta fase en la que el conjunto de la tercera fase se introduce en un molde, presionando dicho molde al protector y el protector a su vez a los cables y al preconector fabricado dicho preconector en un polipropileno, sobremoldeándose dicho conjunto con un elastómero termoplástico a una temperatura de al menos 240°C, cubriendo al menos parcialmente el protector, configurando una anilla estanqueizadora en el exterior y sellando el alojamiento, adhiriéndose el elastómero termoplástico tanto al preconector como a los cables al producirse una reacción química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado con el polipropileno del preconector, estanqueizando el preconector, fundiendo el polipropileno a una temperatura inferior que la del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. An object of the present invention is a procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector, which comprises: a first phase in which cables with a thermoplastic elastomer coating are cut and terminals are added, a second phase in which they place said terminals and a part of the cable inside a preconnector, a third phase in which said cables and terminals are covered with a protector, defining a closed housing where at least the cables are located, characterized in that it comprises a fourth phase in in which the assembly of the third phase is introduced into a mold, pressing said mold to the protector and the protector in turn to the cables and to the preconnector, said preconnector being manufactured in a polypropylene, said assembly being overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer at a temperature of at minus 240°C, at least partially covering the protector, forming a sealing ring on the outside and sealing the housing, the thermoplastic elastomer adhering to both the preconnector and the cables when a chemical reaction occurs between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding with the polypropylene of the preconnector, sealing the preconnector, melting the polypropylene at a lower temperature than that of the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
Es un objeto adicional de la presente invención un conector estanco producido de acuerdo con el procedimiento de la reivindicación 1 , que comprende: unos cables conectados a un preconector con unos terminales, el preconector que comprende una base donde se disponen los cables y un protector que cubre dichos cables y los terminales, definiendo al cerrarse sobre la base un alojamiento en donde al menos se localizan los cables, caracterizado porque dichos cables están recubiertos de un elastómero termoplástico, el preconector está fabricado en un polipropileno, el conjunto definido anteriormente está recubierto por un sobremoldeado de un elastómero termoplástico que cubre el preconector y al menos una parte de los cables que están dispuestos fuera del conector, configurando una anilla estanqueizadora en el exterior, quedando sellado el interior del alojamiento, y definiendo una forma externa predeterminada, estanqueizando el conjunto cables-terminal mediante una unión química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado y el polipropileno del preconector, el polipropileno funde a una temperatura inferior a la del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. An additional object of the present invention is a waterproof connector produced according to the procedure of claim 1, which comprises: cables connected to a pre-connector with terminals, the pre-connector comprising a base where the cables are arranged and a protector that covers said cables and the terminals, defining when closed on the base a housing where at least the cables are located, characterized in that said cables are covered with a thermoplastic elastomer, the preconnector is manufactured in a polypropylene, the assembly defined above is covered by an overmolding of a thermoplastic elastomer that covers the pre-connector and at least part of the cables that are arranged outside the connector, configuring a sealing ring on the outside, leaving the inside of the housing sealed, and defining a predetermined external shape, sealing the cables-terminal assembly through a chemical bond between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector, the polypropylene melts at a lower temperature than that of the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE LOS DIBUJOS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Con el fin de facilitar la explicación se acompañan a la presente memoria de dos láminas de dibujos en la que se ha representado un caso práctico de realización, el cual se cita a título de ejemplo, no limitativo del alcance de la presente invención: In order to facilitate the explanation, this report is accompanied by two sheets of drawings in which a practical case of implementation has been represented, which is cited as an example, not limiting the scope of the present invention:
- La figura 1 es una vista en perspectiva del preconector con el protector levantado, dejando a la vista los cables, y - Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preconnector with the protector raised, leaving the cables visible, and
- La figura 2 es una vista del conector ya sobremoldeado. - Figure 2 is a view of the connector already overmolded.
CONCRETA REALIZACIÓN DE LA PRESENTE INVENCIÓN CONCRETE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Así, en la figura 1 se ¡lustran unos cables 1 con su elastómero termoplástico 20, una base 26, unos terminales 3, un protector 4, un alojamiento 21 , unos medios de retención 22, unos extremos retenedores 23 y unas paredes laterales 24. Thus, Figure 1 illustrates cables 1 with their thermoplastic elastomer 20, a base 26, terminals 3, a protector 4, a housing 21, retaining means 22, retaining ends 23 and side walls 24.
En la figura 2 se representan los cables 1 , una anilla 25 y una capa de material sobremoldeado 5. Figure 2 shows the cables 1, a ring 25 and a layer of overmolded material 5.
El procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco, que comprende una primera fase en la que se cortan unos cables 1 con un recubrimiento de elastómero termoplástico 20 y se le añaden unos terminales 3. Una segunda fase en la que sitúan dichos terminales 3 y una parte del cable 1 en el interior de un preconector 2. The procedure for manufacturing a waterproof connector, which includes a first phase in which cables 1 with a thermoplastic elastomer coating 20 are cut and terminals 3 are added. A second phase in which said terminals 3 and a part of the cable 1 are placed inside a pre-connector 2.
Una tercera fase en la que se cubren dichos cables 1 y terminales 3 con un protector 4, definiendo un alojamiento 21 cerrado en donde al menos se localizan los cables 1. Ese alojamiento 21 protegerá posteriormente que los cables 1 no queden dañados por el sobremoldeado. A third phase in which said cables 1 and terminals 3 are covered with a protector 4, defining a closed housing 21 where at least the cables 1 are located. This housing 21 will subsequently protect that the cables 1 are not damaged by overmolding.
También comprende una cuarta fase en la que el conjunto de la tercera fase se introduce en un molde, para en una fase posterior ser sobremoldeado. It also comprises a fourth phase in which the assembly of the third phase is introduced into a mold, to be overmolded in a later phase.
El molde, asimismo, presiona al protector 4 y el protector 4 a su vez a los cables 1 . Ello se hace para evitar que no pueda entrar ningún elastómero termoplástico en su interior mientras se sobremoldea. The mold also presses the protector 4 and the protector 4 in turn presses the cables 1. This is done to prevent any thermoplastic elastomer from entering inside while it is overmolded.
Todo el conjunto de preconector 2, fabricado en un polipropileno, se sobremoldea dicho con un elastómero termoplástico a una temperatura de al menos 240°C, sellando el alojamiento 21 mediante una reacción química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado con el polipropileno del preconector 2, adhiriéndose el elastómero termoplástico tanto al preconector 2 como a los cables 1 , estanqueizando el preconector 2. Ello permite sellar el preconector 2 mientras se está sobremoldeando, evitando la entrada de elastómero termoplástico en el interior del alojamiento lo que redunda en que los cables 1 no sufren ningún daño. Al propio tiempo, el elastómero termoplástico 20 de los cables también se funde con el preconector 2, garantizando la estanqueidad por la zona de los cables 1. The entire preconnector assembly 2, made of polypropylene, is overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer at a temperature of at least 240°C, sealing the housing 21 through a chemical reaction between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding with the polypropylene of the preconnector 2, the thermoplastic elastomer adhering to both the preconnector 2 and the cables 1, sealing the preconnector 2. This allows the preconnector 2 to be sealed while it is being overmolded, preventing the entry of thermoplastic elastomer inside the housing, which results in the cables 1 not suffer no damage. At the same time, the thermoplastic elastomer 20 of the cables also fuses with the pre-connector 2, guaranteeing tightness in the area of the cables 1.
En la misma cuarta fase también se inyecta una anilla estanqueizadora 25 en el exterior del conector. Esta anilla estanqueizadora 25 a su vez sirve para sellar la entrada del conector cuando se dispone en un conector hembra, por ejemplo, de un retrovisor de un vehículo. In the same fourth phase, a sealing ring 25 is also injected on the outside of the connector. This sealing ring 25 in turn serves to seal the connector entrance when it is installed in a female connector, for example, in a vehicle rearview mirror.
Se ha encontrado como ventajoso que el polipropileno funda a una temperatura de entre 145°C y 185°C, ya que de este modo permite un sellado del alojamiento 21. Dependiendo del tipo de elastómero termoplástico y marca, es el margen de subir o bajar la temperatura. Opcionalmente el elastómero termoplástico de los cables 1 es el mismo que el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. De este modo se evitan incompatibilidades. It has been found advantageous that the polypropylene melts at a temperature of between 145°C and 185°C, since this allows a sealing of the housing 21. Depending on the type of thermoplastic elastomer and brand, it is the range to raise or lower temperature. Optionally, the thermoplastic elastomer of the cables 1 is the same as the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding. In this way, incompatibilities are avoided.
También es opcional que el protector 4 comprende unos medios de retención 22 que bloquean el protector sobre la base 26. Ello sirve para garantizar el posicionado correcto del protector 4, ya que una mala posición del protector 4 puede suponer la entrada del elastómero termoplástico en el interior del alojamiento 21 y dañar los cables 1. It is also optional that the protector 4 comprises retaining means 22 that lock the protector on the base 26. This serves to guarantee the correct positioning of the protector 4, since a poor position of the protector 4 can lead to the entry of the thermoplastic elastomer into the inside the housing 21 and damage the cables 1.
Dichos medios medios de retención 22 pueden adoptar la configuración de unos labios, ya que facilitan el cierre del protector 4 sobre la base 26. Said retaining means 22 can adopt the configuration of lips, since they facilitate the closing of the protector 4 on the base 26.
De este modo, el conector resultante del procedimiento de la reivindicación 1 antes explicado comprende unos cables 1 conectados a un preconector 2 con unos terminales 3 (Fig. 1). El preconector 2 comprende una base 26 donde se disponen los cables 1 y un protector 4 que cubre dichos cables 1 y los terminales 3, definiendo al cerrarse sobre la base 26 un alojamiento 21 en donde al menos se localizan los cables 1. In this way, the connector resulting from the procedure of claim 1 explained above comprises cables 1 connected to a pre-connector 2 with terminals 3 (Fig. 1). The preconnector 2 comprises a base 26 where the cables 1 are arranged and a protector 4 that covers said cables 1 and the terminals 3, defining when closed on the base 26 a housing 21 where at least the cables 1 are located.
Así, dichos cables 1 están recubiertos de un elastómero termoplástico 20, que servirán para realizar la unión química con el polipropileno del preconector 2 y con el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. Thus, said cables 1 are covered with a thermoplastic elastomer 20, which will serve to make the chemical bond with the polypropylene of the preconnector 2 and with the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
El preconector 2 está fabricado en un polipropileno como se ha indicado anteriormente, y el conjunto del preconector 2 está recubierto por un sobremoldeado de un elastómero termoplástico que cubre el preconector 2 y al menos una parte de los cables 3 que están dispuestos fuera del conector 2, quedando sellado el interior del alojamiento 21 , estanqueizando el conjunto cables-terminal mediante una unión química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado y el polipropileno del preconector (2), y definiendo una forma externa predeterminada estanqueizando el conjunto cables-terminal mediante una unión química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado y el polipropileno del preconector (2). De este modo, el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado no puede entrar en el alojamiento 21 , porque la reacción química que se ha producido entre el elastómero termoplástico y el polipropileno hacen que el elastómero termoplástico se adhiera al preconector 2, sellándolo. The preconnector 2 is made of polypropylene as indicated above, and the assembly of the preconnector 2 is covered by an overmolding of a thermoplastic elastomer that covers the preconnector 2 and at least a part of the cables 3 that are arranged outside the connector 2. , the interior of the housing 21 being sealed, sealing the cables-terminal assembly by means of a chemical bond between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector (2), and defining a predetermined external shape by sealing the cables-terminal assembly by means of a chemical bond. between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector (2). In this way, the overmolded thermoplastic elastomer cannot enter the housing 21, because the chemical reaction that has occurred between the thermoplastic elastomer and the polypropylene causes the thermoplastic elastomer to adhere to the preconnector 2, sealing it.
También comprende al menos una anilla estanqueizadora 25 inyectada en el exterior del preconector 2, lo que permite que el propio conector cuando se conecta realiza la función estanqueizadora e impida el trapaso de fluidos a lado y lado del conector 5. It also comprises at least one sealing ring 25 injected on the outside of the preconnector 2, which allows the connector itself, when connected, to perform the sealing function and prevent the transfer of fluids to either side of the connector 5.
El polipropileno funde a una temperatura inferior a la del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. Polypropylene melts at a lower temperature than the overmolded thermoplastic elastomer.
Se ha encontrado indicado que el polipropileno funda a una temperatura de entre 145°C y 185°C. El margen dependerá del tipo de elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado y del punto de fusión, lo que hará vahar ese margen, a menor punto de fusión, menor temperatura de fusión del polipropileno, por ello acercándose a los 145°C y viceversa, un mayor punto de fusión del elastómero termoplástico permite escoger un polipropileno que tenga la temperatura de fusión más elevada. It has been found indicated that polypropylene melts at a temperature between 145°C and 185°C. The margin will depend on the type of thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the melting point, which will make that margin vary; the lower the melting point, the lower the melting temperature of the polypropylene, therefore approaching 145°C and vice versa, a higher melting point. melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer allows choosing a polypropylene that has the highest melting temperature.
Por temas de compatibilidad de materiales, opcionalmente, el elastómero termoplástico 20 de los cables 1 es el mismo que el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. For material compatibility issues, optionally, the thermoplastic elastomer 20 of the cables 1 is the same as the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
Existe la posibilidad de que el protector 4 comprende unos medios de retención 22 que se fijan a unos extremos retenedores 23 del protector 4, bloqueando dichos medios retenedores 22 el protector 4 sobre la base 26, lo que garantiza que el protector 4 quede bien posicionado en el momento en que se sobremoldea, evitando la entrada de elastómero termoplástico en el interior del alojamiento 21 como consecuencia de una mala posición del protector 4. There is the possibility that the protector 4 comprises retaining means 22 that are fixed to retaining ends 23 of the protector 4, said retaining means 22 locking the protector 4 on the base 26, which guarantees that the protector 4 is well positioned in the moment in which it is overmolded, preventing the entry of thermoplastic elastomer into the interior of the housing 21 as a result of a poor position of the protector 4.
Los medios de retención 22 pueden ser unos labios, que se han encontrado eficientes para bloquear el protector 4 contra la base 26. El protector 4 puede comprender, como medida adicional para asegurarse que no entra sobremoldeado de manera accidental dentro del alojamiento 21 , unas paredes laterales 24 que se apoyan en la base 26, y que impedirían la entrada del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. The retaining means 22 may be lips, which have been found efficient to lock the protector 4 against the base 26. The protector 4 may comprise, as an additional measure to ensure that the overmolded material does not accidentally enter the housing 21, side walls 24 that rest on the base 26, and which would prevent the entry of the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolded material.
En esta realización el conector tiene dos cables, aún cuando podría tener más de dos. La presente invención describe un nuevo procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco y conector estanco obtenido. Los ejemplos aquí mencionados no son limitativos de la presente invención, por ello podrá tener distintas aplicaciones y/o adaptaciones, todas ellas dentro del alcance de las siguientes reivindicaciones. In this embodiment the connector has two wires, although it could have more than two. The present invention describes a new procedure for the manufacture of a waterproof connector and waterproof connector obtained. The examples mentioned here are not limiting of the present invention, therefore it may have different applications and/or adaptations, all of them within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES
1.- Procedimiento para la fabricación de un conector estanco, que comprende: 1.- Procedure for the manufacture of a watertight connector, which includes:
- una primera fase en la que se cortan unos cables (1) con un recubrimiento de elastómero termoplástico (20) y se le añaden unos terminales (3),- a first phase in which cables (1) with a thermoplastic elastomer coating (20) are cut and terminals (3) are added,
- una segunda fase en la que sitúan dichos terminales (3) y una parte del cable (1) en el interior de un preconector (2), - a second phase in which said terminals (3) and a part of the cable (1) are placed inside a pre-connector (2),
- una tercera fase en la que se cubren dichos cables (1) y terminales (3) con un protector (4), definiendo un alojamiento (21) cerrado en donde al menos se localizan los cables (1), caracterizado porque comprende - a third phase in which said cables (1) and terminals (3) are covered with a protector (4), defining a closed housing (21) where at least the cables (1) are located, characterized in that it comprises
- una cuarta fase en la que el conjunto de la tercera fase se introduce en un molde, presionando dicho molde al protector (4) y el protector (4) a su vez a los cables (1) y al preconector (2) fabricado dicho preconector en un polipropileno, sobremoldeándose dicho conjunto con un elastómero termoplástico a una temperatura de al menos 240°C, cubriendo al menos parcialmente el protector (4), configurando una anilla estanqueizadora (25) en el exterior y sellando el alojamiento (21), adhiriéndose el elastómero termoplástico tanto al preconector (2) como a los cables (1) al producirse una reacción química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado con el polipropileno del preconector (2), estanqueizando el preconector (2), fundiendo el polipropileno a una temperatura inferior que la del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. - a fourth phase in which the assembly of the third phase is introduced into a mold, pressing said mold to the protector (4) and the protector (4) in turn to the cables (1) and the preconnector (2) manufactured said preconnector in a polypropylene, said assembly being overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer at a temperature of at least 240°C, at least partially covering the protector (4), configuring a sealing ring (25) on the outside and sealing the housing (21), the thermoplastic elastomer adhering to both the preconnector (2) and the cables (1) when a chemical reaction occurs between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding with the polypropylene of the preconnector (2), sealing the preconnector (2), melting the polypropylene at a temperature lower than that of the overmolded thermoplastic elastomer.
2.- Procedimiento, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado porque el polipropileno funde a una temperatura de entre 145°C y 185°C. 2.- Procedure, according to claim 1, characterized in that the polypropylene melts at a temperature between 145°C and 185°C.
3.- Procedimiento, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 ó 2, caracterizado porque caracterizado porque el elastómero termoplástico de los cables (1) es el mismo que el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. 3.- Procedure, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer of the cables (1) is the same as the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
4.- Procedimiento, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado porque el protector (4) comprende unos medios de retención (22) que bloquean el protector sobre la base (26). 4.- Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the protector (4) comprises retention means (22) that block the protector on the base (26).
5.- Procedimiento, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 4, caracterizado porque los medios de retención (22) son unos labios. 5.- Procedure, according to claim 4, characterized in that the retention means (22) are lips.
6.- Conector estanco producido de acuerdo con el procedimiento de la reivindicación 1 , que comprende: 6.- Watertight connector produced according to the procedure of claim 1, which comprises:
- unos cables (1) conectados a un preconector (2) con unos terminales (3), - some cables (1) connected to a pre-connector (2) with terminals (3),
- el preconector (2) que comprende una base (26) donde se disponen los cables (1) y un protector (4) que cubre dichos cables (1) y los terminales (3), definiendo al cerrarse sobre la base un alojamiento (21) en donde al menos se localizan los cables (1), caracterizado porque - the preconnector (2) that comprises a base (26) where the cables (1) are arranged and a protector (4) that covers said cables (1) and the terminals (3), defining a housing (when closed on the base) 21) where at least the cables (1) are located, characterized because
- dichos cables (1) están recubiertos de un elastómero termoplástico (20), - said cables (1) are covered with a thermoplastic elastomer (20),
- el preconector (4) está fabricado en un polipropileno, - the preconnector (4) is made of polypropylene,
- el conjunto definido anteriormente está recubierto por un sobremoldeado de un elastómero termoplástico que cubre el preconector (2) y al menos una parte de los cables (3) que están dispuestos fuera del conector (2), configurando una anilla estanqueizadora (25) en el exterior, quedando sellado el interior del alojamiento (21), y definiendo una forma externa predeterminada, estanqueizando el conjunto cables-terminal mediante una unión química entre el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado y el polipropileno del preconector (2), y - the assembly defined above is covered by an overmolding of a thermoplastic elastomer that covers the preconnector (2) and at least a part of the cables (3) that are arranged outside the connector (2), configuring a sealing ring (25) in the exterior, the interior of the housing (21) being sealed, and defining a predetermined external shape, sealing the cables-terminal assembly through a chemical bond between the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding and the polypropylene of the preconnector (2), and
- el polipropileno funde a una temperatura inferior a la del elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. - polypropylene melts at a lower temperature than the overmolded thermoplastic elastomer.
7.- Conector, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 6, caracterizado porque el polipropileno funde a una temperatura de entre 145°C y 185°C. 7.- Connector, according to claim 6, characterized in that the polypropylene melts at a temperature between 145°C and 185°C.
8.- Conector, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 7 u 8, caracterizado porque el elastómero termoplástico de los cables (1) es el mismo que el elastómero termoplástico del sobremoldeado. 8.- Connector, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer of the cables (1) is the same as the thermoplastic elastomer of the overmolding.
9.- Conector, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 6, caracterizado porque el protector9.- Connector, according to claim 6, characterized in that the protector
(4) comprende unos medios de retención (22) que se fijan a unos extremos retenedores (23) del protector (4), bloqueando dichos medios retenedores (22) el protector (4) sobre la base (2). (4) comprises retaining means (22) that are fixed to retaining ends (23) of the protector (4), said retaining means (22) blocking the protector (4) on the base (2).
10.- Conector, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 9, caracterizado porque los medios de retención (22) son unos labios. 10.- Connector, according to claim 9, characterized in that the retention means (22) are lips.
11.- Conector, de acuerdo con la reivindicación 6 caracterizado porque el protector (4) comprende unas paredes laterales (24) que se apoyan en la base (26). 11.- Connector, according to claim 6 characterized in that the protector (4) comprises side walls (24) that rest on the base (26).
PCT/IB2023/054225 2022-05-03 2023-04-25 Method for manufacturing a hermetic connector and hermetic connector obtained thereby WO2023214246A1 (en)

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MXMX/A/2022/005346 2022-05-03
MX2022005346 2022-05-03

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6129576A (en) 1996-12-24 2000-10-10 Yazaki Corporation Waterproof structure for electric wire drawout portion and method of manufacturing the same
US20030224649A1 (en) 2002-05-29 2003-12-04 Vista Fidel P. Protector for an overmolded connector
EP1439615A2 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-07-21 AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS GmbH Electrical connector
US20120094539A1 (en) * 2009-08-10 2012-04-19 Yazaki Corporation Thermoplastic elastomer resin composition and connector
DE102011055215A1 (en) 2010-11-12 2012-05-16 Hirschmann Automotive Gmbh Sealing of the contact chambers against spray material (plastic) during the extrusion process
EP2731202A1 (en) 2012-11-13 2014-05-14 Gjm, S.A. Method for manufacturing a tight connector and sealed connector obtained
US20160141818A1 (en) * 2014-11-17 2016-05-19 Foxconn Interconnect Technology Limited Cable connector assembly and method of manufacturing the cable connector assembly
PL239418B1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-11-29 Elektrometal Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Spolka Komandytowa Method for manufacturing a car plug and a car plug

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6129576A (en) 1996-12-24 2000-10-10 Yazaki Corporation Waterproof structure for electric wire drawout portion and method of manufacturing the same
US20030224649A1 (en) 2002-05-29 2003-12-04 Vista Fidel P. Protector for an overmolded connector
EP1439615A2 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-07-21 AMPHENOL-TUCHEL ELECTRONICS GmbH Electrical connector
US20120094539A1 (en) * 2009-08-10 2012-04-19 Yazaki Corporation Thermoplastic elastomer resin composition and connector
DE102011055215A1 (en) 2010-11-12 2012-05-16 Hirschmann Automotive Gmbh Sealing of the contact chambers against spray material (plastic) during the extrusion process
EP2731202A1 (en) 2012-11-13 2014-05-14 Gjm, S.A. Method for manufacturing a tight connector and sealed connector obtained
US20160141818A1 (en) * 2014-11-17 2016-05-19 Foxconn Interconnect Technology Limited Cable connector assembly and method of manufacturing the cable connector assembly
PL239418B1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-11-29 Elektrometal Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Spolka Komandytowa Method for manufacturing a car plug and a car plug

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