WO2013186683A1

WO2013186683A1 - Seal, connector housing and connector

Info

Publication number: WO2013186683A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/054734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Gimbel; Franz-Josef Thiel
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-06-12
Filing date: 2013-06-10
Publication date: 2013-12-19
Also published as: DE102012105065A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal (1), a connector housing (20) and a connector (20'). The object of the invention is to provide a simply constructed seal (1), which is simple to produce and seals a plugging region (66) and a screen (60), and which does not become lost. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a seal (1) with a socket (3), which is open on both sides and passes through the seal (1) in the plugging direction (S), on the end (V) of which situated in the plugging direction (S) a sealing flange (2), which surrounds the socket (3) and forms axial sealing faces (4, 5) pointing parallel to the plugging direction (S), is arranged, wherein the socket (3), transverse to the plugging direction (S), is surrounded by a sealing collar (6), which extends counter to the plugging direction (S) away from the sealing flange (2) and forms radial sealing faces (7, 8) pointing transverse to the plugging direction (S), and wherein at least one latching element (9) for latching to the connector (20') is arranged on the sealing flange (2). Furthermore, the invention provides a connector housing (20) matched thereto and a connector (20').

Description

SEAL, CONNECTOR HOUSING AND CONNECTOR

The invention relates to a seal for a connector, in particular an electric connector, which can be plugged together with a mating connector in a plugging direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector housing for a connector, in particular an electric connector, which can be plugged together with a mating connector in a plugging direction, for connection to a seal according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector, which has at least one seal according to the invention and/or a connector housing according to the invention.

The connector and mating connector are often used in rough or aggressive surroundings. For example, plug connections also have to be used in the engine compartment of a car, in particular also in regions, in which sometimes aggressive or environmentally harmful oils are used. A seal of the plugging region between the connector and mating connector, for example by means of a seal, is necessary in these cases. Furthermore, electric

connections often have to be carried out through a screen or partition between a region with aggressive surroundings and a region with less aggressive surroundings. In this case, a connector or mating connector is often attached to the screen in such a way that it seals the region with the aggressive surroundings from the region with the less aggressive surroundings by means of a seal located between the connector or mating connector and the screen. In order to achieve both the sealing of the plugging region between the connector and mating connector and the sealing of the region with the aggressive surroundings and the region with the less aggressive surroundings from one another, an individual seal may have two different sealing portions for the two sealing functions.

Above all in the automotive sector, many individual sub-modules are prefabricated at suppliers during production and only joined together after long transportation and handling during final assembly. In order to ensure here that the seal does not become lost or change its position, the seal is generally attached by an injection moulding method to or over the connector or mating connector. The use of an injection moulding method of this type is, however, only possible with a limited number of material combinations. In particular for seals, which are in contact with particularly aggressive oils, such as occur, for example, in the transmission of a car, no suitable injectable material combination is known. In these cases, a two-part plug/seal arrangement has to be used, in which, however, there is a risk of the seal being displaced during transportation or handling or of the seal becoming lost. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a seal, which seals a plugging region between the connector and the mating connector and a region within a screen from a region outside a screen. The seal should be constructed as simply as possible and be simple to produce. Furthermore, the seal should be formed in such a way that it does not change its position in the connector or mating connector when the connector is not yet plugged together with the mating connector.

According to the invention, this object is achieved for a seal with the features mentioned at the outset by a socket, which is open on both sides, passes through the seal in the plugging direction, and on the end of which located in the plugging direction, a sealing flange, which surrounds the socket and forms axial sealing faces pointing parallel to the plugging direction, is arranged, the socket being surrounded, transverse to the plugging direction, by a sealing collar, which extends counter to the plugging direction away from the sealing flange and forms radial sealing faces pointing transverse to the plugging direction, at least one latching element for latching to the plug being arranged on the sealing flange.

Furthermore, the invention provides a connector housing, which is matched to a seal according to the invention and is arranged over a mating connector socket, at the end of which situated in the plugging direction, is arranged a support flange, which surrounds the connector socket and forms an end face pointing in the plugging direction to support the sealing flange, the mating connector socket being surrounded by a connector wall running transverse to the plugging direction and extending counter to the plugging direction away from the support flange, and the connector housing having a mating latching element for latching to the latching element of the seal.

The sealing flange and the sealing collar surround the socket completely, in each case, and the support flange and the connector wall likewise completely surround the mating connector socket. The sealing faces located thereon point parallel or transverse to the plugging direction, i.e. the normal vectors of the faces point parallel or transverse to the plugging direction.

The sealing flange is used to seal a region with aggressive surroundings from a region with less aggressive surroundings, in that the sealing flange is attached between the support flange of the connector and the screen. The sealing collar is used to seal the sealing region between the connector and mating connector, so aggressive media cannot penetrate into the plugging region. In order to keep the seal on the connector when the connector is not yet connected to the mating connector, a latching element for latching to the connector is attached to the seal. In order to ensure simple and safe handling, the latching element is arranged on the sealing flange.

A connector according to the invention comprises at least one seal according to the invention and/or at least one connector housing according to the invention.

Advantageous developments, which can be combined with one another as desired, are described below. The at least one latching element may be located on a side of the sealing flange facing the sealing collar. A configuration of this type can ensure a particularly safe and stable attachment, for example because it pulls the seal into a mating connector socket or fixes it there. Furthermore, operation can be improved because of the good accessibility.

Alternatively or additionally, a latching element may, for example, also be located on a side or outer face.

The at least one latching element can extend along the plugging direction away from the sealing flange. In particular, it can extend counter to the plugging direction away from the sealing flange. As a result, the accessibility of the latching element can be improved.

Furthermore this can lead to holding forces that occur acting in or counter to the plugging direction, so the holding effect is improved and slipping because of laterally acting holding forces is avoided.

The at least one latching element can be formed as a tongue extending parallel and transverse to the plugging direction and spaced apart from the sealing collar. A tongue of this type can ensure an adequately large transition region between the latching element and the sealing flange in order to be able to apply relatively large holding forces. Owing to the configuration transverse to the plugging direction, it can also be ensured that larger holding forces along the plugging direction can be absorbed by the tongue because of the enlarged face in the plugging direction. The configuration parallel to the plugging direction can ensure that the holding forces do not have to be absorbed in the direct vicinity of the sealing flange, but that the tongue can guide the holding force away from the sealing flange to a holding point or mating latching element of the connector which is further away. The spacing from the sealing collar can limit the holding mechanism to the sealing flange and a direction perpendicular to the sealing flange. The component of the tongue running transverse to the plugging direction advantageously runs in a tangential direction around the socket. Alternatively, the component of the tongue running transverse to the plugging direction can also run toward the socket or away from the socket.

The at least one latching element can be resiliency expandable at least in the plugging direction. The latching element can only be attached to a holding point or a mating latching element on the connector when it is resiliency expanded. In a configuration of this type, holding forces that keep the seal on the connector are already produced by the expansion. Alternatively or additionally, a latching element can also be provided, which is resiliency deflectable in the plugging direction, so the resilient deflection in the plugging direction is based on structural configurations rather than on material properties of the seal.

A material containing silicone can preferably be used as the material of the seal. In particular, the material can be selected in such a way that it withstands the aggressive oils in automotive transmissions.

The sealing collar and the sealing flange can be continuously connected to one another. A configuration of this type is easy to produce and ensures a good sealing effect with an additional safety factor. Furthermore, a seal of this type may be more stable.

Advantageously, the entire seal is in one piece, i.e. it is manufactured from a single part only. For example, the seal may be a single injection-moulded part. A cross-section through the seal may be L-shaped. For example, with a section along a plane, which contains the plugging direction, two opposing L-shaped profiles of the seal may be visible.

The at least one latching element may have a latching opening. A latching opening of this type may, for example, be a slot, which may extend approximately in the plugging direction. A configuration with an eyelet is also provided. A mating latching element or a projection of the connector may, for example, be latched into a latching opening of this type. In particular, a latching opening may have a face, the normal vector of which points in the plugging direction. As a result, for example, a latching with a mating face on the connector oriented in the opposite direction may be possible. According to the invention, a connector housing for connection to a seal according to the invention is also provided. The connector housing, together with other elements, such as, for example, cables or contact elements, may be a connector or a connector/mating connector combination with the advantages mentioned at the outset. A connector according to the invention has a mating connector socket, at the end of which situated in the plugging direction, a support flange, which surrounds the mating connector socket and forms an end face pointing in the plugging direction to support the sealing flange, is arranged, the mating connector socket being surrounded by a connector wall running transverse to the plugging direction and extending counter to the plugging direction away from the support flange, and the connector housing having a mating latching element for latching to the latching element of the seal.

A mating connector formed in an at least partially complementary manner can be at least partially plugged into the mating connector socket. The support flange is used to support the sealing flange of the seal and for this purpose has an end face, which may be in contact with the sealing flange and, together with the seal and a mating face of a screen, is used to seal the screen between a region with aggressive surroundings and a region with less aggressive surroundings. The connector wall may be used to support the sealing collar of the seal, in particular when the mating connector is plugged into the mating connector socket. In this plugged-together state, the sealing collar is thus located between the connector wall and a part of the mating connector, so the plugging region between the connector and mating connector is sealed.

In order to achieve as stable a fastening of the seal as possible in the plugging direction, and in order to improve handling, the mating latching element of the connector may be arranged on the connector wall. The holding forces occurring are then stably absorbed in the plugging direction by the connector wall running in the plugging direction. Furthermore, in a configuration of this type, a deflection of the latching element in a direction transverse to the plugging direction may be possible, so the seal can be latched with little play in the plugging direction and therefore with a high degree of fitting accuracy and possibly with a high holding force. Advantageously, the mating latching element is located on the outside of the connector wall, i.e. on the side of the connector wall remote from the mating connector socket. As a result, the latching connection can be easily accessible. The mating latching element may extend away outwardly from the connector wall. The mating latching element may have a latching face, which points counter to the plugging direction and is intended for latching to a corresponding face on the seal. The mating latching element may, for example, be wedge-like and have a slope facing the seal and a latching face remote from the seal. This configuration can facilitate the placing of the latching element, for example the pushing on of the seal. The latching element and the mating latching element may be formed partially

complementary. However, a simple positive connection is also sufficient. For example, the two elements may be formed as an eyelet and protection, as a hook and mating hook, as a tongue and groove, but also as any other latching connection. The support face may have a through-opening for the latching element of the seal. As a result, the fastening of the seal may appear rather flat, in contrast to a rather unstable fastening due to the generally soft seal at the edge of the seal or the support flange.

The through-opening may be very much larger than necessary to guide the latching element through. Alternatively or additionally, however, the through-opening may also be formed in such a way that there is only room to guide the latching element through. As a result, the connector housing may be more stable. A coded configuration of the through- opening and latching element is also possible, so, for example, only fitting seals can be placed on a connector housing or an incorrect assembly, for example in an incorrect orientation, is prevented.

In particular, a plurality of through-openings for a plurality of latching elements may be provided. More through-openings than latching elements may also be present, in order to be able to mount various seals on a single connector housing. The through-openings may be arranged symmetrically for as good a distribution of forces as possible. Alternatively or additionally, individual or a plurality of through-openings may be arranged asymmetrically so an incorrect mounting of a seal is prevented. In a special configuration, the seal has four latching elements and the connector housing has four through-openings. Alternatively or in addition to the hole-like configuration of a through-opening, slots or recesses, which are open transverse to the plugging direction, may also be present.

A particularly advantageous configuration of a through-opening may be a slot-like through- opening. The elongate configuration of a slot may allow a stable configuration of the latching element here, which allows high tensile or holding forces. At the same time, the stability of the support flange is hardly impaired by the small width extent of a slot.

Furthermore, a rotation of the latching element during assembly or operation is prevented by this non-rotationally symmetrical configuration. The mating latching element and the through-opening may be arranged one behind the other in the plugging direction. This can bring about the fact that the holding and/or tensile forces run in the plugging direction and do not have a component transverse to the plugging direction, which can allow a stable connection with high tensile or holding forces. The arrangement one behind the other in the plugging direction thus means, in particular, that the mating latching element at least partially conceals the through-opening when one looks in the plugging direction. In order, nevertheless, to allow an assembly, the latching element and/or the mating latching element may be deflectable transverse to the plugging direction. A deflectability of this type may, come about, for example, by structural mechanical measures such as a mechanically deflectable spring arm. On the other hand, material properties can also lead to or contribute to the fact that such a deflection is provided. Typically a seal is made of a soft rubber-like material, which can be resiliency deformed and, in particular, can be deflected transverse to the plugging direction.

In order, for example, to prevent an unintentional release of the latching element from a securing position, in which it is connected to the connector, in particular to a mating latching element of the connector, the connector housing may have an anti-release device. The anti-release device may comprise a stop, which is arranged in the securing position of the latching element at least partially in front of the latching element in a release direction. Owing to this configuration, the stop in particular blocks an unintentional movement of the latching element out of the securing position. The stop may, for example, be partially movable, for example displaceable in front of the latching element.

In a preferred configuration, however, this is a rigid stop, which is not deflectable and not movable. In order, nevertheless, to attach the latching element to the connector and/or to the mating latching element of the connector, the latching element may be resiliency deflectable or deformable transverse to the release direction, so the latching element can be moved transverse to the release direction in order to be able to circumvent the blockade in the release direction, so it can be released from the new position in the release direction.

The stop may be located on the side of the support flange facing the connector wall. As the support flange can extend outwardly, in this configuration, an assembly and a later disassembly are facilitated. In particular, the stop can be in one piece with the support flange and/or the connector housing.

The stop can run in the plugging direction and transverse thereto. The stop can especially run parallel to the connector wall. A flat configuration, in which the face is oriented toward the mating connector socket, is also advantageous.

The stop can be formed as a securing rib. A securing rib of this type may be simple to realise structurally and in terms of manufacturing. It may, for example, extend away from a strut as a projection.

The stop may be attached or arranged on other elements or faces of the plug or else be present individually. In an advantageous configuration, parts or faces of another element act as a stop, so a separate stop is not necessary.

A connector housing according to the invention may, in particular, be a single moulded part, for example an injection-moulded part.

Furthermore, a connector housing according to the invention may have at least one holding opening to receive a fastening element, with which the connector housing can be fastened, for example, to a screen. A screw, which cooperates with a nut, can be used, for example, as a fastening element, as high forces can thereby be applied and the seal thereby achieves a higher sealing effect.

Metal rings may, for example, be insertable into a holding opening to ensure that the connector housing withstands the high pressing forces occurring during the use of screws.

A holding opening may, in particular, be larger than is necessary for the corresponding fastening means. Thereupon, a displaceability of the connector on the screen may, for example, be allowed in order to compensate manufacturing or assembly tolerances. A connector with the advantages mentioned at the outset has at least one seal according to the invention and/or at least one connector housing according to the invention. A connector/mating connector combination comprises at least one seal according to the invention and/or at least one connector housing according to the invention.

In an advantageous configuration, the connector and the mating connector are configured in such a way that they do not only allow an electrical or other plugging connection, but are simultaneously mechanically fastened to one another. For example, the mating connector may be held mechanically in the mating connector socket of the connector. In order, for example, to allow a tight guidance through a screen, the connector may allow a seal of the opening and a seal of the plugging region between the connector and mating connector and simultaneously mechanically hold the mating connector, so the mating connector floats freely in an opening. Conversely, the connector may also be held by the mating connector.

The invention will be described below with the aid of advantageous configurations. The individual developments and advantageous embodiments are in each case independent from one another here and may be combined with one another as desired or omitted, depending on how this is necessary in the object.

In the figures: Fig. 1 shows a schematic, perspective exploded view of a connector/mating connector combination according to the invention with a seal according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic, perspective view of a connector/mating connector combination according to the invention with a seal according to the invention, which is attached to the connector;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic, perspective view of a section through a connector/mating connector combination according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows a schematic, perspective view of a connector according to the invention with a seal according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic, perspective view of a detail of a connector according to the invention with a seal according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a connector/mating connector combination 50 according to the invention, consisting of a connector housing 20, a mating connector housing 40 and a seal 1 together with a screen 60, on which the connector/mating connector combination can be attached. Attached cables or contact elements are not shown.

The connector housing 20 may be pressed onto the screen 60 with the aid of screws 61 , which are attached to the screen 60. For this purpose, metal rings 62 can be introduced into holding openings 21 of the connector housing 20 and the connector housing 20 can then be fastened by nuts (not shown) to the screen 60, in order to produce as high a contact pressure as possible. The seal 1 is firstly attached to the connector housing 20 and the connector housing/seal combination is then brought up to the screen 60. The screws 61 are then guided through the metal rings 62 and the nuts are tightened. In a further step, the mating connector 40 is inserted through the opening 63 of the screen and introduced into the connector 20. Alternatively, the mating connector 40 may also be rigidly connected to other parts, in other words be non-movable relative to the screen 60 and already project through the opening 63 before the connector/seal combination is brought up to the screen 60. The connector/seal combination is thus simultaneously fastened to the screen 60 in this method and connected to the mating connector 40.

The connector/mating connector combination 50 thus created can, together with the screen 60, separate a region 65, in which aggressive media are present, from a region 64, which would be impaired by the aggressive media of this type, from one another. For example, the mating plug 40 can then be arranged in aggressive surroundings, for example in a car transmission, in which aggressive oils are to be found.

The seal 1 has a sealing flange 2, which completely surrounds a socket 3 which is open on both sides in a plugging direction S. The sealing flange 2 lies in a flange plane F, the normal vector NF of which runs parallel to the plugging direction. The sealing flange 2 is arranged on the seal 1 at the end V situated in the plugging direction S. The sealing flange 2 has axial sealing faces 4, 5 pointing parallel to the plugging direction. The normal vectors of these axial sealing faces 4, 5 point in the plugging direction S or counter thereto, in other words are identical to the normal vector NF of the flange plane F. The front axial sealing face 4 points toward the screen 60 and the rear axial sealing face 5 lies on the side facing the connector housing 20. The two axial sealing faces 4, 5, together with the connector housing 20 and the screen 60, ensure a seal of the opening 53 of the screen 60 and therefore a seal of the two regions 64, 65 separated by the screen 60.

The seal 1 furthermore has a sealing collar 6, which completely surrounds the socket 3, which is open on both sides, and forms radial sealing faces 7, 8. The radial sealing faces 7, 8, i.e. their normal vectors NR, point transverse to the plugging direction S. The sealing collar 6 extends counter to the plugging direction S away from the sealing flange 2. The sealing collar 6 is used to seal the plugging region between the connector housing 20 and mating connector housing 40 in the plugged-together state. An outer radial sealing face 8 is kept smooth and an inner radial sealing face 7 has a plurality of sealing grooves 7'.

The sealing collar 6 shown here, along the plugging direction S and transverse to the plugging direction S, has approximately the same height and width, in other words is tubular. As a result, the radial sealing faces 7, 8 are perpendicular to the axial sealing faces 4, 5.

A plurality of latching elements 9 are attached to the sealing flange 2. The latching elements 9 are located on a side H of the sealing flange 2 facing the sealing collar 6. They extend counter to the plugging direction S away from the sealing flange 2 and are tongue- like. These tongues 10 run parallel and transverse to the plugging direction S and can be inserted through corresponding through-openings 29 in the form of slot-like through- openings 30. If the seal 1 is completely fastened to the connector housing 20, i.e. placed on and in the connector housing 20, the latching elements 20 latch to mating latching elements 22 on the connector housing 20. The slots 1 1 are thus used as latching openings 1 1 a.

The latching elements 9 have slots 1 1 in which the mating latching elements 22 engage. In order to produce the latching, it is, however, necessary, to deflect the latching elements 9, at least at their rear end 9b, in a release direction L, so that they can engage behind the mating latching elements 22. The entire seal 1 including the latching elements 9 is made of a single material, and, in particular manufactured in one piece. This material is rubber-like and can thus be resiliency deformed. The latching elements 9 thus run, while being attached, over slopes 23 of the mating latching elements 22 and still have to be lengthened slightly counter to the plugging direction for complete latching, so they can latch onto the latching faces 24 pointing counter to the plugging direction S.

The mating latching elements 22 and the through-openings 29 are in each case located one behind the other in the plugging direction. If one looks in the plugging direction S at a mating latching element 22, it at least partially conceals the through-opening 29 belonging thereto. In particular, the latching face 24 can be found in the centre of the through-opening 29 in a viewing direction of this type. The holding and tensile forces occurring when the seal 1 is fastened to the connector housing 20 thus run precisely in the plugging direction S and counter thereto, so the seal 1 cannot move from the correct position owing to holding or tensile forces acting transverse to the plugging direction S.

The mating latching elements 22 extend away from a connector wall 28, which surrounds a mating connector socket 27. They extend, in particular, away outwardly and project from the connector wall 28.

The connector housing 20 and the seal 1 are shown in the completely plugged-together state in Fig. 2. Furthermore, it is shown how the mating connector housing 40 projects through an opening 63 of the screen 60. The latching elements 9, which are configured as tongues 10, of the seal 1 are latched to the mating latching element 22 of the connector housing 20. The tongues 10 run in the plugging direction S and tangentially therearound and, are therefore parallel to a connector wall 28. The connector housing 20 has an end face 25 pointing in the plugging direction S on a support flange 26. The sealing collar of the seal 1 rests on the end face 25. The sealing face 25 thus, together with the sealing flange and the screen 60, seals the opening 63 of the screen 60 when the connector housing 20 with the seal 1 is applied to the screen 60. In order to reinforce this sealing effect, nuts (not shown) are screwed onto the screws 61 , so they engage behind the metal rings 62 attached in the holding openings 21 and press the connector housing 20 onto the screen 60.

The connector housing 20 has a mating connector socket 27, into which the mating connector 40 can be plugged, at least partially. The connector wall 28, the faces of which, in each case, have a component in the plugging direction S, runs around the mating connector socket 27. Furthermore, a rear wall 31 , which at least partially terminates the mating connector socket 27, counter to the plugging direction, and is simultaneously used as a stop for the mating connector 40, is attached to the mating connector socket 27.

Furthermore, a plurality of cable feedthroughs 32 is attached to the mating connector socket 27.

For stabilisation, the connector housing 20 has a plurality of struts 33, which, in particular, connect the mating connector socket 27 to the holding openings 21 and to a frame 34 surrounding the entire connector housing. Laterally projecting anti-release devices 35 in the form of securing ribs 35a with stops 36, the mode of action of which will be explained in more detail later in the explanations for Fig. 5, are additionally located on a plurality of supports 33'. Fig. 3 shows the elements shown in Fig. 2 in a completely plugged-together state in a cross-section. The opening 63 of the screen 60 is closed by the connector housing 20. An end face 25 presses the seal 1 against the screen 60, so the seal 1 is squeezed and slightly deformed at least in the plugging direction S. The sealing flange 2 seals the connector side 64' situated on one side of the screen 60 from the mating connector side 65' situated opposite on the mating connector side on the other side of the screen 60. In order to also seal the plugging region 66, in which an electrical connection is generally produced at least partially lying open, against the mating connector side 65, the mating connector housing 40 presses the sealing collar 6 of the seal 1 against the connector wall 28 of the connector housing 20. In this case, the sealing collar 6 is continuously connected to the sealing flange 2 at a connecting point 12, i.e. the connecting point 12 runs completely around the mating plug 40. On the one hand this produces a higher stability of the seal 1 and, on the other hand, ensures an improved sealing effect. The sealing flange 2 and the sealing collar 6 form an L-shaped profile of the seal 1 here.

In the connector/mating connector combination 50 shown here, the mating connector housing 40 is not fastened to the screen 60 or held thereby. It could, for example, float freely in the opening 43 and be merely mechanically held by the connector housing 20 in conjunction with the seal 1 . In this example, the mating connector housing 40 is, however, rigidly fastened to another part, so the connector housing 20 is held by the mating connector housing 40 and the position in the opening 63 is variable transverse to the plugging direction S. As a result, manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, in particular transverse to the plugging direction S. Owing to the flat configuration of the sealing flange 2, a good seal is also ensured here in various positions.

The connector housing 20 and the mating connector housing 40 are in each case manufactured by an injection-moulding method from plastics material. The entire connector housing 20 or the entire mating connector housing 40 consists of a single part, so one assembly step to assemble the connector housing 20 or the mating connector housing 40 can be dispensed with.

The seal 1 consists of a deformable material, in this case of a material containing silicone. As a result, it can easily be deformed and produces a better sealing effect. The sealing grooves 7' shown in Fig. 1 of the inner radial sealing faces 7 are deformed by the forces occurring. Sealing grooves 4' situated on the front axial sealing faces 4 are likewise deformed. Fig. 4 shows a connector housing 20 according to the invention with a seal 1 according to the invention in a viewing direction, which runs partly counter to the plugging direction S. The sealing flange 2 rests on an end face 25 of the support flange 26. Sealing grooves 4' of the front axial sealing faces 4 project in the plugging direction S. The sealing collar 6 of the seal 1 is arranged in the mating connector socket 27 of the connector housing 20. A plurality of sealing grooves 7' of the inner radial sealing faces 7 can be seen there. A contact carrier 38 used to receive corresponding mating contact elements of the mating connector by means of a plurality of contact bushes 37 projects from the mating connector socket 27. In order to prevent an incorrect plugging together of the connector to the mating connector, the contact carrier 38 has a coding element 39.

The connector housing 20 has a peripheral frame 34 for stabilisation. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged detail of Fig. 2. An anti-release device 35 in the form of a securing rib 35a prevents an unintentional release, for example by movements occurring during transportation or handling. The latching element 9 formed as a tongue 10 is latched to the mating latching element 22 of the seal in the region of the slot 1 1 . The latching element 9 would have to be deflected in the release direction L2 to release the latching. However, the anti-release device 35 with the stop 36 is at least partially located in front of the latching element 9 in the release direction L2, so that a release is made more difficult. The anti-release device 35 is formed as a projection 51 running in a transverse direction Q, which runs transverse to the release direction projecting from a strut 33, 33'. This securing rib 35a being used as an anti-release device 35 extends in the plugging direction S and in the transverse direction Q transverse to the plugging direction S. In order to be able to release the latching element 9 despite the blocking, at least one part 9c has to be compressed in the transverse direction Q. For example, the part 9c can be squeezed and/or rotated in such a way that it fits through the constriction 52 between the projection 51 and the mating latching element 22. An expansion of the latching element 9, for example by a pull counter to the plugging direction S at the rear end 9b, can lead to the cross- section being reduced and the part 9c fitting through the constriction 52.

The latching in takes place analogously to the release of the latching element 9. The part 9c may, for example, be brought manually through the constriction 52, in that a mechanical pressure is applied. An expansion counter to the plugging direction S can also contribute here to the fact that the cross-section of the part 9c is reduced to such an extent that it fits through the constriction 52. The main part may, however, take place, in particular, owing to a resilient deformation of the rubber-like silicone material.

As an alternative to the configuration shown here as a projection 51 on a strut 33', a stop 36 can also be arranged on other elements. For example, a stop may be arranged projecting on the frame 34. Also, it does not need to be an additional element, but may also simply be part of another element.

A connector 20' according to the invention comprises, for example, the connector housing 20 shown in Figs. 1 to 5 and/or the seal 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 5. Furthermore, a connector 20' of this type may also comprise cables, contact elements or further elements. The nonessential parts of the connector 20' and the mating connector 40' are only not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. A connector/mating connector combination 50 according to the invention comprises at least one seal 1 according to the invention and/or a connector housing 20 according to the invention. The connector/mating connector combination 50 may, in particular, be formed in such a way that the mating connector 40' is held by the connector 20' or the connector 20' is held by the mating connector 40'.

List of reference numerals

1 seal

2 sealing flange

3 socket

4 front axial sealing face

4' sealing groove

5 rear axial sealing face

6 sealing collar

7 inner radial sealing face

7 sealing grooves

8 outer radial sealing face

9 latching element

9b rear end of the latching element

9c part of the latching element

10 tongue

1 1 slot

12 connecting point

20 connector housing

20' connector

21 holding opening

22 mating latching element

23 slopes

24 latching faces

25 end face

26 support flange

27 mating connector socket

28 connector wall

29 through-opening

30 slot-like through-opening

31 rear wall

32 cable feedthrough

33 struts

34 frame

35 anti-release device

36 stop

37 contact bushes 38 contact carrier

39 coding element

40 mating connector housing

40' mating connector

50 connector/mating connector combination

51 projection

52 constriction

60 screen

61 nut

62 metal rings

63 opening

64 region

64' connector side

65 region

65' mating connector side

66 plugging region

S plugging direction

F flange plane

H side of the sealing flange facing the sealing collar L release direction

L1 first release direction

L2 second release direction

NF normal vector of the flange plane

NR normal vector of the radial sealing faces

V end of the seal situated in the plugging direction

Claims

1 . Seal (1 ) for a connector (20'), in particular electric connector, which can be plugged together with a mating connector (40') in a plugging direction (S), with a socket (3), which is open on both sides and passes through the seal (1 ) in the plugging direction (S), on the end (V) of which situated in the plugging direction (S) a sealing flange (2) surrounding the socket (3) and forming axial sealing faces (4, 5) pointing parallel to the plugging direction (S) is arranged, wherein the socket (3), transverse to the plugging direction (S), is surrounded by a sealing collar (6), which extends counter to the plugging direction (S) away from the sealing flange (2) and forms radial sealing faces (7, 8) pointing transverse to the plugging direction (S), and wherein at least one latching element (9) for latching to the connector (20') is arranged on the sealing flange (2).

2. Seal (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one latching element (9) is located on a side (H) of the sealing flange (2) facing the sealing collar (6).

3. Seal (1 ) according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one latching element (9) extends along the plugging direction (S) away from the sealing flange (2).

4. Seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one latching element (9) is formed as a tongue (10) extending parallel and transverse to the plugging direction (S) and spaced apart from the sealing collar (2).

5. Seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one latching element (9) is resiliency expandable at least in the plugging direction (S).

6. Seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one latching element (9) is in one piece with the remainder of the seal (1 ).

7. Seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one latching element (9) has a latching opening (1 1 a).

8. Connector housing (20) for connection to a seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 with a mating connector socket (27), on the one end of which situated in the plugging direction (S) a support flange (26), which surrounds the mating connector socket (27) and forms an end face (25) pointing in the plugging direction (S) to support the sealing flange (2), is arranged, wherein the mating connector socket (27) is surrounded by a connector wall (28) running transverse to the plugging direction (S) and extending counter to the plugging direction (S) away from the support flange (26), and wherein the connector housing (20) has a mating latching element (22) for latching to the latching element (9) of the seal (1 ).

9. Connector housing (20) according to claim 8, wherein the mating latching element (22) is arranged on the connector wall (28).

10. Connector housing (20) according to either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the support flange (26) has a through-opening (29) for the latching element (22) of the seal (1 ).

1 1 . Connector housing (20) according to claim 10, wherein the mating latching element (22) and the through-opening (29) are arranged one behind the other in the plugging direction (S).

12. Connector housing (20) according to any one of claims 8 to 1 1 , wherein the connector housing (20) has an anti-release device (35), which prevents a release of the latching element (9) from a securing position.

13. Connector housing (20) according to claim 12, wherein the anti-release device (35) comprises a stop (36), which is arranged at least partly in front of the latching element (9) in a release direction (L) in the securing position of the latching element (9).

14. Connector (20'), which can be plugged together with a mating connector (40') in a plugging direction (S), wherein the connector (20') has at least one seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and/or at least one connector housing (20) according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. Connector/mating connector combination (50) comprising at least one seal (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and/or at least one connector housing (20) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the mating connector (40') is mechanically held in the mating connector socket (27).