Plastic sealing internal sheath for a conductor connection, connection part, cover nut and sealed connection between two conductors

The invention initially relates to a plastic sealing internal sheath (13) for a conductor connection between a first conductor (1) and a second conductor (11), wherein, in the connected state, the first conductor (1) is joined with the second conductor (11) by means of a mandrel (12) that yields a conductive connection, wherein the mandrel (12) passes through a push-through area (8) of the first conductor (1). In order to further improve such a sealing internal sheath, it is proposed that the sealing internal sheath (13) that can be slipped over the first conductor (1) exhibits a receiving area (15) for the first conductor (1) completely enveloped transverse to a push-through direction (r) at its end allocated to the push-through area (8) of the first conductor (1), and a passage opening (17) in the push-through direction (r), wherein the passage opening (17) exhibits a first and second opening edge in the push-through direction (r), and has a closed, continuous sealing lip (18) at least on the second opening edge, and the end of the sealing internal sheath (13) facing away from the connection area is designed to interact with the first conductor (1) so as to form a seal. The invention also relates to a connection part for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors. The invention further relates to a casing for sealing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The invention first relates to a plastic sealing internal sheath for a conductor connection between a first conductor and a second conductor, wherein, in the connected state, the first conductor is joined with the second conductor by means of a mandrel that yields a conductive connection, wherein the mandrel passes through a push-through area of the first conductor.

Plastic sealing internal sheaths of the kind in question are known in the art. The latter are used in particular as a moisture-proof cover for an electrical connection, for example in motor vehicles. Known in this conjunction is such a plastic sealing internal sheath for a connection between a first conductor and a starter battery of a motor vehicle.

When in use, the plastic sealing internal sheath covers the connection area, and is intended in particular to prevent moisture from being able to penetrate into the conductor insulated at the end for purposes of the electrical connection.

With respect to the known prior art, one technical problem facing the invention is regarded as further improving a plastic sealing internal sheath of the kind in question.

One possible solution to the object is provided by a first inventive idea for a plastic sealing internal sheath, in which the aim is for the sealing internal sheath that can be slipped over the first conductor to exhibit a receiving area for the first conductor completely enveloped transverse to a push-through direction at its end allocated to the push-through area of the first conductor, and a passage opening in the push-through direction, wherein the passage opening exhibits a first and second opening edge in the push-through direction, and has a closed, continuous sealing lip at least on the second opening edge, and for the end of the sealing internal sheath facing away from the connection area to be designed to interact with the first conductor so as to form a seal.

The end of the first conductor, which is usually insulated for purposes of the electrical connection, can be completely enveloped by the proposed sealing internal sheath, except for an area exhibiting the passage opening for establishing the electrical connection. The receiving area on the sleeve side can here envelop the area of the first conductor exhibiting the passage opening of the first conductor, and possibly so as to completely enclose the latter, as is also preferred. Acting in conjunction with the continuous sealing lip, which envelops the passage opening, in particular the second opening edge, a reliable insulation can be achieved to prevent moisture from penetrating into the electrical conductor from outside. The sealing lip preferably exerts its effect only during the usual process of fixing the first conductor to the second conductor by means of the mandrel.

A separate seal can be provided in the area of the additional (first) opening edge of the passage opening. This opening edge can be overlapped by a lid, for example. Such a lid, e.g., a hinged lid, can preferably be brought to the sealing internal sheath in a position that seals the conductor connection.

The area of the additional, in particular first opening edge can also be separately sealed in a different manner, e.g., by spraying an electrically insulating compound onto the opening, for example a fat or adhesive, in particular a hot-melt adhesive or 2-component adhesive.

In any event, an area encapsulated on both sides can be present, as is also preferred.

In another possible embodiment, this can be achieved by forming two continuously closed sealing lips allocated to a respective opening edge.

The sealing internal sheath can be designed in such a way that, once the electrical connection has been established between the first and second conductors, it can be assembled and correspondingly preferably also disassembled without destroying the latter.

Another sealing area is provided in the end area of the sealing internal sheath facing away from the connection area, and also interacts with the first conductor. This sealing interaction is preferably independent of an electrical connection between the first conductor and second conductor, for example established by a screw connection.

The sealing internal sheath is preferably made out of an elastic, resilient material, e.g., in particular a thermoplastic material or also rubber, and further silicone rubber, for example. The sealing internal sheath or the material used for the latter can further preferably exhibit a modulus of elasticity that is less than 5 kN/mm2, further preferably less than 3.3 kN/mm2.

In order to interact with the first conductor at the end facing away from the connection area so as to establish a seal, the latter can exhibit a tapering section. Proceeding from a connection area or starting a distance away from the latter, this section can have a conically tapering design, with a smallest diameter at the end side that is equal to or less than the diameter of the first conductor in the contact surface of the tapering section.

This end of the sealing internal sheath can also be enveloped by a shrinking tube, for example, which simultaneously extends over the allocated section of the first conductor, and thereby provides a seal between the first conductor and sealing internal sheath.

In addition, the seal in this area can also be achieved via a cable gland with PG thread (so-called PG threaded screw connection), or alternatively via a clamp ring in the form of a hose clamp, which is pulled over the end area of the sealing internal sheath. In this regard, it is further possible to insert a sealing ring, for example an O-ring, or a stuffing box on the end side between the sealing internal sheath and first conductor.

The upper and/or lower sealing lip can also be overtopped by a contour of the area adjoining the sealing lips in a front view, at least in its central area, in a longitudinal direction of the sealing internal sheath or the first conductor with the sealing internal sheath applied. The design of this adjoining area can be adjusted to the configuration provided in the corresponding area of the first conductor.

The receiving area with the sealing lips can extend in offset planes relative to a parallel running plane that essentially centrally passes through the first conductor.

The area overtopping the sealing lip can here exhibit a height going beyond the sealing lip as viewed in the push-through direction, which corresponds to a multiple, for example of 5 to 50, further for example of 10 to 30, times the free sealing lip height. The free sealing lip height is here preferably measured from a plane in which the sealing lip continuously transitions into the receiving area up until the free end of the sealing lip relative to a vertical section through the sealing lip, e.g., up until the zenith of the latter.

In the unattached state of the sealing internal sheath, the latter can exhibit an opening in the area of the tapering section, wherein this opening exhibits a given diameter dimension that is smaller in each direction than a largest dimension of the first conductor in the push-through section. The largest dimension of the first conductor in the push-through section can correspond to a multiple, in particular 1.2 to 2 times, for example 1.5 times, the opening diameter dimension in the tapering section of the sealing internal sheath.

The sealing internal sheath is preferably attached to the end of the first conductor to be sealed in such a way that the push-through section of the first conductor is initially guided through the opening in the area of the potentially provided tapering section of the sealing internal sheath. Due to the elastically resilient configuration of the entire sealing internal sheath, any tapering section provided can expand while placing the sealing internal sheath onto the first conductor as the push-through section penetrates through the tapering section, so that it can subsequently interact with the corresponding section of the first conductor so as to form a seal owing to the resetting. The edge enveloping the opening comes to automatically abut against the allocated area of the first conductor.

The sealing internal sheath can exhibit a length corresponding to two or several times, preferably up to 10 times, the free diameter of a push-through opening of the first conductor. With the sealing internal sheath attached, the push-through opening of the first conductor is enveloped by the receiving area and exposed for electrical connection in the area of the sleeve-side passage opening. The mandrel can be used to establish the electrical connection with the second conductor via the push-through opening.

The sleeve-side passage opening can exhibit a diameter measure corresponding to a multiple of the diameter measure of the conductor-side push-through opening. The measure of the sleeve-side passage opening can correspond to 2 to 5 times the diameter measure of the conductor-side passage opening, for example.

Allocated to the receiving area, the sealing internal sheath can in any event exhibit the outer contour of a cable lug. The end side of the electrical conductor is preferably provided with a cable lug, in particular with a cable lug made out of a pipe section. This cable lug establishes an electrical connection with the electrically conductive, insulation-encased wires of the first conductor. For example, the connection between the cable lug and wires of the electrical conductor is established by compression or crimping.

In a preferred configuration, the sealing internal sheath assumes the overall outer contour of the cable lug of the first conductor.

The sealing internal sheath is preferably configured in such a way that its sleeve interior abuts at least largely on the allocated surface of the cable lug and/or insulating sleeve of the electrical conductor. In the connected state, the sealing internal sheath can also envelop the first conductor partially at a distance transverse to its longitudinal extension, e.g., in the area of the cable compression or crimping. A radial distance measure between the sealing internal sheath and cable lug ranging from 1 to 10 mm can arise in relation to a longitudinal axis of the first conductor.

The first conductor exhibits an insulating jacket. In the connected state, the tapering section of the sealing internal sheath or the lip-like edge enveloping the relevant opening interact with an outer surface of the jacket so as to form a seal. By shortening the tapering section, the diameter of the resultant opening in the area of the tapering section can be adjusted to the outer diameter of the jacket, so that a sufficient seal can be achieved in the area of the jacket in the connected state, even given varying cross sectional dimensions for the conductor. This can be achieved by a preferred conical configuration of the tapering section.

The sealing lip can exhibit a free height of 0.5 to 3 mm, and a thickness transverse to the push-through direction of 0.5 to 3 mm.

The sealing lip can also transition radially inwardly directly into the passage opening of the receiving area on the sealing internal sheath side.

In another configuration, the sealing can transition into a flat region in a cross section. This flat area extends outside of the sealing internal sheath wall, correspondingly facing away from the first conductor or cable lug, and proceeding from the sealing lip, at least directed radially outwardly and/or in the longitudinal direction of the sealing internal sheath.

The flat area can extend beyond the sealing lip by at least the measure of the thickness of the sealing lip, as much as by 10 times or more, as much as by 50 times the thickness of the sealing lip without any elevations or depressions.

The invention further relates to a connection part for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors, with a metallic electrical conductor element that is enveloped at least in one connection area with an elastically resilient plastic, and a sealing lip that envelops the connection area, wherein the connection area exhibits an opening that can be penetrated in the push-through direction by a connection means, such as a screw or bolt.

Connection parts of the kind in question are known. The latter are used for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors, wherein the connection part is situated on one of the electrical conductors. The conductor element provided in the connection part and sheathed with plastic is connected in an electrically conductive manner with a connection section of a first conductor.

The plastic sheathing is used for electrically insulating the connection area. An elastically resilient sealing lip can be used in particular for fabricating an electrical connection that is outwardly sealed against penetration by moisture.

As concerns known prior art, the invention views one technical problem as further developing a connection part of the kind in question in an advantageous manner.

According to a first inventive idea, one potential solution to this task involves a connection part in which the goal is to have the conductor element, in a cross section in which the push-through direction appears as a line, exhibit a first area on a first height level and a second area on a second height level, wherein the first area is farther away from the opening than the second area (viewed in the direction of longitudinal extension of the conductor element and/or the connected conductor), the first area comes before the second area in the push-through direction, and the sealing lip is designed to envelop the second area, wherein another connecting section formed on one or more height levels can adjoin the area on the higher height level further away from the opening, and be able to force back the sealing lip in the push-through direction over the second area of the conductor element otherwise exposed on the sealing lip side in the non-deformed state, but through deformation until into a plane that forms the lower side of the second area.

The first area of the conductor element is used in particular for establishing an electrical connection with the allocated conductor. This connection area between the first area of the conductor element and conductor or its connection area is preferably also encased by the plastic of the connection part.

The second area of the conductor element runs offset to the first area as viewed in the push-through direction, and further preferably is used to establish an electrical connection with the additional conductor, and beyond that to correspondingly establish a mechanical connection with the additional conductor, e.g., by way of a screwed connection.

The offset viewed in the push-through direction from the second area to the first area of the conductor element preferably corresponds to at least the material thickness of the conductor element, preferably to a multiple of the conductor element thickness, up to a multiple of 10.

The plastic sheathing can be obtained by insert molding the conductor element and connection section of the allocated electrical conductor with plastic, in particular elastically resilient plastic. The sheathing can also be present as a separately fabricated component, which can be assembled in the connection area, if necessary even after establishing the electrical connection. Such a sheathing can also be preferably non-destructively disassembled.

The continuous sealing lip is used to form an outward seal against penetrating moisture in the connected setting from outside. A section of a screw or bolt, e.g., the flat side of a screwed nut or screw head, acts against the sealing lip in the connected setting, and further potentially also against the flat side of a washer.

It can also be provided that the connection part exhibit two continuous sealing lips in a cross sectional view, which are situated opposite to each other relative to the push-through direction. In such an embodiment, a continuous sealing lip is provided on either side of the push-through opening as viewed in the push-through direction.

Apart from that, a sealing lip can lie opposite the area of the plastic sheathing enveloping the sealing lips due to a material superelevation in the push-through direction. A continuous sealing lip can thus have a bulging shape, and can be elastically deformed through exposure to a screw head or screwed nut.

The transition between the first and second height level of the conductor element can have a stepped cross section. A resultant lowering can thus be designed to be rotationally symmetrical to an axis passing through the push-through opening of the conductor element in the second area. The lowering can be shaped like a pot overall, with in particular an exposed pot floor for purposes of electrical connection and a pot wall preferably running perpendicular to the pot floor plane. The conductor element is preferably exposed in the area of the pot floor on either side for purposes of electrical contacting. In a further development, the inner wall of the pot can also be exposed, i.e., not covered by plastic.

The enveloping plastic can continue in an exposed collar opposite the lowering provided by the conductor element on the second height level. The collar can here be ring-shaped overall, with a preferred inner diameter that can correspond to the free inner diameter of the pot-shaped lowering.

The collar can exhibit a latching lip that is continuous or also partially continuous in a circumferential direction. In a preferred embodiment, the latter faces radially outward.

The latching lip can be used for establishing a latched connection with a cap. A screw head or the like nestled in the lowering can thereby be covered by the cap so as to form a seal. The elastically resilient configuration of the plastic allows the user to fixedly latch the cap to the collar, as well as to remove the cap from the collar, preferably without any tools.

The cap can be present as a loose part. In a preferred embodiment, the cap is formed as a single piece with the plastic sheathing by way of a bendable extension. The bendable extension can take the form of a strip material, which enables placement on or removal from the collar while retaining the connection between the cap and plastic sheathing.

In another embodiment, the conductor element can be part of a cable lug.

One possible embodiment provides that the sealing lip be part of a foldable or pluggable casing that can be placed on the conductor element. Preferably after the electrical plug connector has been fabricated, the casing can be secured so as to envelop the connection area. The casing exhibits one or more sealing lips so as to form a seal against at least one of the conductors, if necessary against both conductors.

The casing can be a plastic casing, in particular a hard plastic casing, and can have a hinge system giving it a foldable design. For example, the hinge system can be a film hinge joint. When folded open, the casing is placed around the connection location, and then moved into a closed position, in which the one or several seals tightly abut against one or both electrical conductors. The closed casing position is preferably secured, for example with a latch.

A pluggable casing can also be provided, e.g., consisting of two casing parts that are initially separated from each other, for example casing halves. The latter can be plugged together to encase the electrical plug connector. This closed casing position is also preferably secured.

The secured casing closure can be reversible.

Additionally or alternatively to the sealing lip(s) that act(s) axially in the push-through direction, several, in particular two, radially acting sealing lips can also be provided.

The invention further relates to a casing for sealing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors.

In order to further improve a casing of the kind in question, it is proposed that the casing be designed as a foldable or pluggable casing, and exhibit a molded-on or inlaid sealing lip, such that the sealing lip protrudes over an area of the casing without a sealing lip with the casing placed on a conductor.

In the push-through direction of the conductor or electrical connection area, the sealing lip acts by way of the casing in an axial direction and/or radial direction against one or both conductors of the electrical connection. The abutment by the sealing lip against the electrical conductor is secured in the closed state of the casing.

In this regard, a foldable casing can be involved, for example consisting of two housing halves, which are joined together by a hinge, further for example by a hinged joint. The casing parts, for example casing halves, can also be present as single parts used to form a pluggable casing.

The closed folded or plugged position of the casing is preferably secured, for example by latching.

If the casing is configured as a foldable casing, the latter is preferably designed as a single part, if necessary except for the sealing lip, which can be allocated to the foldable casing as a loose part.

The casing preferably consists of a hard plastic, further preferably fabricated in a plastic injection molding process, while the sealing lip consists of a soft plastic or rubber material. Given a single-piece configuration for the casing and sealing lip, the casing can be manufactured in a two-component injection molding process, for example.

In addition, the invention relates to a cover nut for an electrical conductor connection, wherein the cover nut is closed in cross section opposite a screw-in opening, and forms a lower contact surface that runs perpendicular to a placement direction.

Cover nuts of the kind in question are known. The latter are used in particular while establishing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors, further in particular in conjunction with a screw or a bolt.

With regard to known prior art, a technical problem of the invention is regarded as further developing and improving a cover nut of the kind in question so that the latter becomes outwardly electrically insulated in design.

The object is initially and essentially achieved by completely enveloping the cover nut with plastic, but up to a plane of the contact surface relative to a cross section in the area of the screw-in opening. The cover nut is outwardly electrically insulated by the enveloping plastic in the use position. Preferably all surfaces of the cover nut that face outwardly in the use position are covered by the plastic.

In the area of the screw-in opening for the bolt or screw, the surface of the cover nut enveloping the screw-in opening can be exposed and electrically conductive, and accordingly not be covered by the plastic.

The plastic can be applied by insert molding the otherwise metal cover nut. Further preferred in this regard is a positive connection between the plastic and cover nut, so that the plastic cover is fixed against displacement in the direction of a cover nut axis, and also joined with the cover nut so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction.

The plastic can be a hard plastic, correspondingly preferably not elastically resilient in design.

The plastic enveloping the cover nut can also form wrench surfaces, in particular for actuating the cover nut, e.g., by means of a wrench. In conventional threaded nuts, six wrench surfaces are formed over the circumference, wherein opposing wrench surfaces running parallel to each other exhibit a distance corresponding to a conventional wrench width.

In addition, the cover nut can exhibit a sealing bead that protrudes over the contact surface in the insertion direction in a cross section relative to the contact surface. In a connection position, the sealing bead preferably serves to form a seal against a facing surface of one of the conductors to be connected.

The sealing bead can consist of rubber or an elastically resilient plastic (elastomer plastic). In addition, the sealing bead can initially be present as a separate component, e.g., in the form of an annular seal, which is placed in a correspondingly designed annular groove in the area of the contact surface prior to using the cover nut.

In a preferred configuration, the sealing bead is partially covered in cross section by the plastic that otherwise envelops the cover nut. The enveloping plastic can exhibit a corresponding groove for accommodating the sealing bead. In addition, an elastic resilient sealing bead can be insert molded with the hard plastic, or further, for example during a two-component injection molding process, be fabricated simultaneously with the plastic enveloping the cover nut.

The invention also relates to a sealed connection between two electrical conductors, wherein the one electrical conductor exhibits a connection part with a metal electrical conductor element, which is enveloped at least on one terminal area by an elastically resilient plastic, wherein the terminal area exhibits an opening that is penetrated by a connection means, such as a screw or bolt, in a push-through direction, wherein a plastic-sheathed cover nut is further screwed onto the bolt, or the screw exhibits a plastic-sheathed screw head.

Sealed connections of the kind in question are known.

In order to have such a connection be outwardly electrically insulated and protected against moisture penetrating from outside, a first inventive idea provides that the plastic sheathing of the cover nut or screw head be sealed away from the conductor element by a sealing lip consisting of plastic or rubber, and that the side of the connection part of the electrical conductor element facing away from the cover nut or screw head exhibit a sealing lip that interacts with the second conductor.

In a corresponding connection in which the second conductor is further penetrated by the screw or bolt, wherein the screw or bolt is provided on the side of the second conductor lying opposite the conductor element with a cover nut for mounting the second conductor to the conductor element, it is provided that the cover nut be enveloped by plastic, and exhibit a sealing bead made out of plastic or rubber, which seals the cover nut away from the second conductor, and that the side of the connection part of the electrical conductor element facing away from the facing cover nut or the facing screw head exhibit a sealing lip that interacts with the conductor element.

With regard to the configuration of the plastic-sheathed connection part or the cover and/or connecting nut, reference is made to the explanations pertaining thereto in the specification.

An electrically insulated connection protected against moisture penetrating from outside is created. In particular the electrically conductive conductor element of the connection part is sealed on both sides as viewed in the push-through direction.

The features in the independent claims described above are essential both taken in isolation and in any combination with each other, wherein features in an independent claim are further combined with the features of another independent claim or with features of several independent claims, but also with only individual features of one or more of the other independent claims.

In terms of disclosure, the ranges or value ranges or multiple ranges indicated above and below also encompass all intermediate values, in particular in 1/10 increments of the respective dimension, potentially dimensionless as well. For example, the indication 0.5 to 3 mm also includes the disclosure 0.6 to 3 mm, 0.5 to 2.9 mm, 0.6 to 2.9 mm, 0.9 to 1.8 mm, etc., and the disclosure 2 or multiple also includes 2.1 or multiple, 2.2 or multiple, etc. This disclosure can serve on the one hand to limit a specified range limit from below and/or above, but alternatively or additionally to also disclose one or more singular values from a respectively indicated range.

Initially depicted and described with reference toFIG. 1is a first electrical conductor1, which essentially consists of a cable4and a cable lug5.

The cable4exhibits a jacket2for electrically conductive wires3. The cross section of the cable4is preferably circular.

The free end of the cable4laid bare of the jacket2is connected with the cable lug5. To this end, the wires3extend into a tubular crimping section6of the cable lug5. In this section, compression is provided to generate electrical conductivity and fix the cable lug5in place. The corresponding pressing area7may here be gleaned from the sectional view onFIG. 10.

Facing away from the cable4, the cable lug5is molded into a flat push-through area8. The latter exhibits an at least approximately square layout. As the result of deformation, the push-through area8is molded from the original tubular shape to yield the cable lug5.

The push-through area8extends in a plane, which runs offset to a parallel plane that centrally penetrates the cable4and crimping section6. In this way, an ascending stepped section9inclined at an angle of about 45° can be obtained between the push-through area8and crimping section6.

The angle here relates to a perpendicular to the push-through area8.

The push-through area8is further provided with a push-through opening10that preferably has a circular layout. The latter passes through the push-through area8in the area of its broadside surfaces with a diameter d, which corresponds to roughly half a largest dimension a of the push-through area8.

The first conductor1can be allocated to a second electrical conductor11. The conducting connection is obtained by way of an electrically conductive mandrel12, for example a screw, as depicted, wherein the mandrel12engages through the push-through opening10of the first conductor1.

A plastic sealing internal sheath13can be allocated to the first conductor1, in particular in order to seal the free end of the first conductor1away from moisture penetrating in from outside in the use position.

The sealing internal sheath13is designed to be slipped over the free end of the first conductor1exhibiting the cable lug5, and to this end preferably consists of an elastically resilient material, in particular plastic material.

The sealing internal sheath13is initially and essentially configured like a hose, with a tubular cylinder section22whose end transitions from the first embodiment depicted onFIGS. 2 to 12into a tapered section14, and an essentially flat receiving area15.

The design of the sealing internal sheath13is further essentially adjusted to the outer contour of the cable lug5. To this end, the receiving area15preferably exhibits an at least approximately square layout, adjusted to the push-through area8of the cable lug5. A stepped transition (step section16) is also provided, which connects the receiving area15with the cylinder section22. The receiving area15extends in a plane running offset to a parallel plane that centrally penetrates the cylinder section22.

The receiving area15is configured in such a way that, in the connected state, i.e., when slipped onto the cable lug5, it almost completely envelops the push-through area8, this in particular as relates to the free peripheral edges along with the surface areas of the broadside surfaces that envelop the push-through opening10. The step section9on the cable lug side along with its crimping section6are completely enveloped by the sheath-side step section16and the cylinder section22.

The broadside surfaces of the receiving area15are broken through by passage openings17, whose free diameter d′ corresponds to roughly twice the diameter d of the push-through opening10.

In the connected state, the passage openings17of the receiving area15are preferably aligned at least approximately concentrically to the push-through opening10of the cable lug5.

The passage opening17is enveloped on each broadside surface by a continuous sealing lip18. The sealing lip18here preferably passes radially inward directly into the passage opening17.

Each sealing lip18can exhibit a free height h of roughly 1.5 to 2 mm, proceeding from the facing surface of the receiving area15and viewed in the push-through direction r. The thickness c of each such sealing lip18as viewed in the radial direction can measure about 2 to 3 mm.

In addition, the sealing lip can transition into a planar area as relates to a cross section (e.g., depicted onFIG. 10). This planar area can be the adjoining connection area, which extends without elevations and/or depressions over at least a length corresponding to at least 5 or 10 times the sealing lip thickness c.

The tapering section14tapers conically toward its free end, and forms an opening19at the end. In the connected state, the cable4passes through the latter.

The opening19exhibits a selected diameter measure b that is smaller than the largest dimension a in the push-through area8of the cable lug5.

In addition, the opening19is adjusted or adjustable to the outer diameter of the cable jacket2. By shortening the tapering section14along a longitudinal extension axis x of the cylinder section22, the opening19can be expanded in its diameter, and thus is adjustable to the jacket diameter.

The sealing internal sheath13exhibits a length e as viewed in the extension direction of the axis x that can correspond to roughly 8 to 10 times the diameter d of the push-through opening10.

In order to bring it into the connected state with the first conductor1, the opening19of the sealing internal sheath13is slipped over the cable lug15, correspondingly expanding against the elastic restoring force of the tapering section14, until it reaches a position in which the cable lug-side push-through area8preferably comes to abut in the receiving area15of the sealing internal sheath13. The sheath-side cylinder section22here envelops the crimping section6, and leaving a radial distance to the crimping section (compareFIG. 10).

The free end of the tapering section14continuously abuts the surface of the cable jacket2like a lip so as to form a seal.

The push-through area8of the first conductor1is exposed for purposes of establishing an electrical connection with the second conductor11in the passage opening17of the receiving area15.

The first conductor1provided with the sealing internal sheath13is allocated to the second conductor11in such a way that the mandrel12, for example in the form of a threaded mandrel of a screw, if necessary interspersing a washer20or the like, is guided through the passage openings17and the push-through opening10of the cable lug5in the push-through direction r, here possibly passing through an additional opening21in the second conductor11or establishing a screw connection therewith.

The sealing lips18hereafter annularly and tightly abut against the facing surfaces of the second conductor11and the first conductor1, if necessary against a screw head or against the washer20. Internally, i.e., facing away from the sealing lips18, the receiving area15of the sealing internal sheath13encompassing the push-through area8is braced against the facing surface of the push-through area8.

As shown onFIG. 22, another sealing lip49can be formed, if necessary coaxially to the sealing lip18and outwardly enveloping the latter. In a preferred embodiment, this sealing lip49is also formed out of a single piece with the sealing internal sheath13, and out of the same material.

The sealing lip49can be designed to extend beyond the contact plane of the sealing lip18, or alternatively end flush with the contact plane or be recessed relative to this plane.

In addition, the provided sealing lip49can be only allocated to an opening surface of the push-through opening10, as depicted. In this regard, an arrangement on both sides is also possible.

In this way, the electrical connection area between the first conductor1and second conductor11is outwardly sealed. The electrical connection area is thereby completely covered and sealed.

The plastic sealing internal sheath13is reusable after the electrical connection has been disengaged and reestablished.

In the connected state, the longitudinal extension axis x of the sealing internal sheath13preferably extends so as to incorporate the longitudinal axis of the cable4. Extending centrally between the sealing lips18in the push-through direction r, the plane of the receiving area15and of the push-through area8of the cable lug5runs spaced apart in the push-through direction r from a parallel plane that passes through the longitudinal extension axis x.

The longitudinal extension axis x can also be elongated so as to run through the receiving area15, if necessary passing through the central plane described above (seeFIG. 12).

In a further embodiment as depicted onFIG. 23, the transition between the tapering section14of the sealing internal sheath13and the jacket2(terminating) can be sealed by additional means. For example, a shrinking tube50can be provided, which through exposure to heat comes to circumferentially abut against the tapering section14and adjoining section of the jacket2so as to form a terminating seal. Such a shrinking tube50consists of polyethylene or polypropylene, for example.

Alternatively or additionally thereto, the sleeve space51arising between the sealing internal sheath13and jacket2can be filled with an injectable compound at least in the contact surface between the tapering section14and jacket2, for example with a fat or with an adhesive, e.g., a hot-melt adhesive or 2-component adhesive.

According to the depiction onFIG. 23a, the end section of the sealing internal sheath13that faces away from the connection area and encompasses the jacket2of the first conductor1can also be straight in design, at least approximately coaxially to the jacket2. If necessary, the seal in this area can be provided solely by a shrinking tube50that encompasses the end of the sealing internal sheath13and the adjoining section of the jacket2.

FIGS. 13 and 14present an embodiment showing a connection part23for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical conductors1and11.

The connection part23exhibits a metal electrical conductor element24, which is electrically connected with a connection section25of the first conductor1, for example through soldering.

The conductor element24further exhibits an opening26in a terminal area A. The latter penetrates through the conductor element24transversely to its surface extension.

The conductor element24is electrically connected with the connection section25in a first area27. Proceeding from the connection section25in relation to a vertical section according toFIG. 14, this first area27extends essentially perpendicular to the push-through direction r of a connection means28to be guided through the opening26, e.g., a screw or bolt. In the connection area A, the conductor element24transitions into a second area29, which in terms of the push-through direction r is formed on a second height level relative to the first area27. The second area29is thus lowered in the push-through direction r relative to the first area27, thereby resulting in a rotationally symmetrical, pot-shaped lowering30overall in the terminal area A. The height level difference as viewed in the push-through direction r between the first area27and second area29corresponds to about 2 to 3 times the material thickness of the conductor element24.

The inner diameter of the lowering30corresponds to about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diameter of the bore-like opening26.

For example, the lowering30can be fabricated by deep drawing the respective conductor element area. In order to realize the lowering30, a plane-offset section can alternatively be welded or adhesively bonded to the correspondingly released area of the conductor element24, and further alternatively be screwed to the conductor element.

The connection part23is enveloped by an elastically resilient plastic. The resultant plastic sheathing31is preferably achieved by insert molding the conductor element24, including the connection section25of the first conductor1. The plastic sheathing31is designed so as to also encompass the jacket2of the first conductor1on the end side, along with the connection section25adjoining the latter.

In relation to its flat sides, the conductor element24is covered by the plastic sheathing31from above and below, as well as on the sides, except for areas in the terminal area A.

In this terminal area, the lower surface of the pot floor facing a second conductor11is not covered by plastic so as to electrically contact the second conductor, as further preferably the case for the upper surface of the pot floor32facing away from the second conductor11, along with the continuous inner surface of the pot wall33.

A sealing lip34,35molded out of the plastic sheathing31is formed running concentrically to the opening26both on the pot opening side of the lowering30, and on the opposing surface. The latter is realized in the form of a continuous sealing bead that protrudes over the enveloping surface of the plastic sheathing31in or opposite the push-through direction r.

According to the depictions onFIGS. 13 and 14, the sealing lip34provided on the pot opening side can serve to interact with a surface of a connection means28inserted through the opening. The depiction provides a hexagon bolt, which abuts tightly against the sealing lip34with a flat side of the screw head aligned transverse to the push-through direction r. The threaded section of the connection means28penetrates through the opening26, while a collar section36with a larger diameter relative to the threaded section preferably dips into the lowering area of the conductor element24so as to fill space. The collar section36can here be conductively connected with the pot floor32and inside of the interior pot wall33.

In a connection position, the additional sealing lip exerts a sealing effect against the facing surface of the second conductor11, thereby protecting the terminal area A against moisture penetrating from outside.

FIGS. 15 to 21show further embodiments and exemplary applications based on a connection part23according to the exemplary embodiment onFIGS. 13 and 14.

According to the depiction onFIG. 15, for example, a bolt37can pass through the opening26, which is bolted to the pot opening side of the lowering with a cover nut38. The cover nut38is preferably a metal cap nut.

In the area of its wrench surfaces and cap section, the cover nut38is covered by a plastic39, in particular a hard plastic. As a result, the cover nut38is almost completely covered by plastic39, except for the contact surface40of the cover nut38facing the opening26. The front surface of the enveloping plastic39pointing in the placement direction, i.e., in the push-through direction r, preferably extends on a shared plane with the contact surface40.

On the outside of the wall, the plastic39forms wrench surfaces31in relation to an instantaneous axis that radially overlap the wrench surfaces of the cover nut38, for example to actuate the plastic-covered cover nut38with a wrench or the like.

With its contact surface40, or optionally with the continuous, in-plane front surface of the plastic39, the cover nut38abuts against the sealing lip34of the connection part23facing the latter so as to form a seal.

As illustrated, an annular insert32can be placed in the lowering30of the conductor element24, while resting on the pot floor32and loaded by the cover nut38in the push-through direction r.

FIGS. 16 to 17show an embodiment in which the metal cover nut38receives the bolts37and extends up to the base of the pot floor32. In this embodiment, an abutment against the sealing lip34is achieved solely via the abutment of the plastic39enveloping the cover nut38.

In this embodiment as well, the plastic39is provided with wrench surfaces41on the outer walls. The cured plastic39is joined with the cover nut38secured against rotation by insert molding the wrench surfaces on the nut side. A withdrawal safeguard can be achieved by having a radially inwardly protruding plastic rib engage into a continuous annular groove43of the cover nut38(seeFIG. 16).

Facing the pot opening of the lowering30and circumferentially to the latter, a freestanding, continuous collar44can be formed as a single piece and integrally with the plastic sheathing31. Its free inner diameter preferably corresponds to that of the pot-shaped lowering30.

In the area of the free end, the collar44is provided with a radially outwardly facing continuous latching lip45.

The collar44with this latching lip45is used to fix a sealing cap46in place. A bendable, strip-like extension47secures the latter to the plastic sheathing31, wherein the extension47extends on the area of the terminal area A lying opposite the connection section25according to the depiction onFIG. 20. The plastic sheathing31, extension and sealing cap46can be designed as an integral, single piece, as is also preferred.

The lowering can have placed into it a screw head of a connection means38, e.g., a screw, the threaded section of which passes through the opening26. The screw head is optionally supported directly on the pot floor32, and is entirely incorporated in the lowering30.

By swiveling the sealing cap46over the extension47, the sealing cap46can be moved into a position that covers the opening of the lowering30, in which the sealing cap46can be latched by means of the latching lip45. This covers the area of the lowering30in terminal area A so as to form a seal.

The second conductor11is penetrated by the threaded section of the screw, and presses against the sealing lip35of the connection part23so as to form a seal.

The screwed fixation of the second conductor11on the first conductor1or on the conductor element24of the connection part3is brought about with a cover nut38. The cover nut38is essentially encased by plastic39according to the embodiments onFIGS. 15 to 18. The plastic39exhibits wrench surfaces41here as well.

Provided in the area of the contact surface40of the cover nut38or plastic39is a sealing bead48. Preferably involved here is a sealing bead48made out of an elastically resilient material, such as rubber.

In relation to a cross section according toFIG. 20, the sealing bead38is partially covered by the plastic39that further envelops the cover nut38, and a partial area thereof here freely extends beyond the contact surface40in the unloaded position.

In the connection position shown, the terminal area A is outwardly sealed against moisture by means of the sealing bead48on the one hand and the sealing lip35of the connection part23acting against the second conductor on the other, and furthermore after the lowering30has been covered by the sealing cap46.

FIG. 21shows a sealed connection between two conductors1and11that uses a prescribed connection part23and a plastic-sheathed cover nut38according to the embodiment onFIG. 15, wherein the second conductor11is braced against the conductor element24of the first conductor1by a cover nut38according to the embodiment onFIG. 20.

Three sealing planes are provided in this connection position, firstly by the sealing lip34acting with the contact surface40of the one cover nut38, and further by the sealing lip35that interacts with the second conductor11, and by the sealing bead48of the additional cover nut that also interacts with the second conductor. Furthermore, both cover nuts38are sheathed by plastic39.

According to the depictions onFIGS. 24 and 25, sealing lips52acting in a radial direction can be provided on the top and bottom sides, if necessary in addition to the sealing lips18acting in an axial direction, for example to interact with a conically tapering pole53of a battery so as to form a seal, with the pole53comprising the second conductor11.

One side of the sealing internal sheath13can also be axially provided with a cover54, for example one that overlays the pole53.

FIGS. 26 and 27each show a plug assembly comprised of a flat plug55that forms the second conductor11and a blade receptacle56that forms the first conductor1. As depicted onFIG. 26, the blade receptacle56can be provided with a sealing sleeve57that envelops the latter.

A casing58can be provided in particular to protect such a plug connection in particular against penetrating moisture. The latter envelops the plug-in area.

The casing58is provided with at least one sealing lip59. In the exemplary embodiments shown, two sealing lips59are provided, of which one forms a seal directly against the first conductor1according to the depiction onFIG. 27, or against the sealing sleeve57of the first conductor1according to the depiction onFIG. 26. For example, the additional sealing lip59forms a seal against a socket60that carries the flat plug55.

With regard to the extension direction of the plug connection, the sealing lips49essentially act radially inwardly.

Additionally or alternatively, in particular with respect to the radially acting sealing lip59in the area of the socket60, an axially acting sealing lip61can also be provided (see dash-dot depiction onFIG. 27).

The casing58can be present as a foldable or pluggable casing.FIGS. 28 and 29show a respective foldable casing.

Two casing halves62and63are present, which are hinged together by means of a hinge64. Given a preferred single-piece configuration of the casing58, the hinge64is designed as a film hinge, for example.

The walls of the casing58aligned transverse to the separating plane each incorporate through holes65, in the area of which the sealing lip59is positioned.

The sealing lip59can be molded onto the casing58, for example while manufacturing the casing58in a two-component injection molding process (seeFIGS. 26 and 27).

Alternatively, the sealing lip59can also be allocated to the casing58as a loose part, for example in the form of an O-ring (seeFIG. 28).

With regard to a cross section according toFIG. 29, the sealing lip59can also be an essentially open O-ring seal, which in the closed position of the casing58is enhanced into a continuously closed seal. For example, such a sealing lip59can exhibit overlapping sections66in the area of free ends that face each other.

The casing58provided with the splashed sealing lip59or with an inlaid sealing lip59open in the circumferential direction is guided around the electrical plug connection, and finally brought into a closed position by folding the casing halves62and63around the hinge64, with the sealing lips59abutting against the first conductor1and/or second conductor11so as to form a seal in this closed position.

The closed casing position is preferably secured, for example secured by a latch. To this end, the outside of the casing can be provided with a latching hook67, which in the closed position establishes a lock by engaging behind a catch mechanism68of the other casing half.

The exemplary embodiments described above for sealing an electrical connection can also exhibit such a casing, in particular a foldable or pluggable casing.

The above statements serve to explain the inventions encompassed by the application in their totality, which further develop prior art at least with the following features, whether taken in combination or separately, specifically:

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that, on its end allocated to the push-through area8of the first conductor1, the sealing internal sheath13that can be slipped over the first conductor1exhibits a receiving area15for the first conductor1that is completely enclosed transverse to a push-through direction r, and a passage opening17in the push-through direction r, wherein the passage opening17in the push-through direction r exhibits a first and a second opening edge, and has a closed, continuous sealing lip18at least on the second opening edge, and that the end of the sealing internal sheath13facing away from the connection area is designed to interact with the first conductor1so as to form a seal.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that the passage opening17has sealing lips at both opening edges.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that the end of the sealing internal sheath13facing away from the connection area exhibits a tapering section14for interacting with the first conductor1so as to form a seal.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that a shrinking tube50is provided for purposes of sealing interaction, and encompasses the end of the sealing internal sheath13facing away from the connection area and the first conductor1.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that a contour of the area adjoining the sealing lips18protrudes over at least the central area of the upper and/or lower sealing lip in a longitudinal direction of the sealing internal sheath13or of the first conductor1with the sealing internal sheath13slipped on.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that, with the sealing internal sheath13not slipped on, the tapering section14exhibits an opening19with a diameter measure b that is smaller in every direction than a largest dimension a of the first conductor1in the push-through area8.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that the sealing internal sheath13exhibits a length e corresponding to two or more times the free diameter d of a push-through opening10of the first conductor1.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that the sealing internal sheath13exhibits the outer contour of a cable lug5at least as allocated to the receiving area15.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that, in the connected state, the sealing internal sheath13envelops the first conductor1partially at a distance transverse to its longitudinal extension.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that the first conductor1exhibits a sheathing2, and that, in the connected state, the tapering section14of the sealing internal sheath13interacts with an outer surface of the sheathing2so as to form a seal.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that the sealing lip18exhibits a free height h of 0.5 to 3 mm, and a thickness c transverse to the push-through direction of 0.5 to 3 mm.

A plastic sealing internal sheath, characterized in that a cross section of the sealing lip18transitions into a planar area that extends at least over the sealing lip18by the measure of thickness c of the sealing lip18up to 10 times or more than the thickness c of the sealing lip18without any elevations and/or depressions.

A connection part, characterized in that, in a cross section where the push-through direction r resembles a line, the conductor element24exhibits a first area27on a first height level and a second area29on a second height level, wherein the first area27is farther away from the opening26than the second area29, the first area comes before the second area29in the push-through direction r, and the sealing lip34,35is designed to envelop the second area29, wherein another connection section25formed on one or more additional height levels can adjoin the area27on the first height level further away from the opening26, and that the sealing lip34,35in the non-deformed state protrudes over the second area of the conductor element24that is otherwise exposed on the sealing lip side in the push-through direction r, but can through deformation be forced back until into a plane that forms the lower side of the second area.

A connection part, characterized in that the connection part23exhibits two continuous sealing lips34,35in a cross sectional view, which are situated opposite to each other relative to the push-through direction4.

A connection part, characterized in that the transition between the first and second height level has a stepped design in cross section.

A connection part, characterized in that the enveloping plastic continues in an exposed collar44opposite the lowering30provided by the conductor element24on the second height level.

A connection part, characterized in that the collar44exhibits a continuous latching lip45for establishing a latched connection with a cap45.

A connection part, characterized in that the cap46is designed as a single piece with the plastic sheathing31by way of a bendable extension47.

A connection part, characterized in that the plastic sheathing31is obtained by insert molding the conductor element24.

A connection part, characterized in that the conductor element24is part of a cable lug.

A connection part, characterized in that the sealing lip is part of a foldable or pluggable casing48that can be placed on the conductor element.

A casing, characterized in that the casing58is designed as a foldable or pluggable casing, and exhibits a molded-on or inlaid sealing lip59, such that the sealing lip59protrudes over an area of the casing58without a sealing lip with the casing58placed on a conductor1,11.

A casing, characterized in that, if configured as a foldable casing, the casing58is designed as a single part, if necessary except for the sealing lip59.

A casing, characterized in that the casing58consists of a hard plastic, and the sealing lip59consists of a soft plastic.

A cover nut38for an electrical conductor connection, wherein the cover nut38is closed in cross section opposite a screw-in opening, and forms a lower contact surface4that runs perpendicular to a placement direction, which is characterized in that the cover nut38is completely enveloped by plastic39, but only up to a plane of the contact surface40relative to a cross section in the area of the screw-in opening.

A cover nut, characterized in that the plastic39is a hard plastic.

A cover nut, characterized in that the plastic39forms wrench surfaces41for actuating the cover nut38by means of a wrench.

A cover nut, characterized in that the cover nut38exhibits a sealing bead48that protrudes over the contact surface40in the insertion direction in a cross section relative to the contact surface40.

A cover nut, characterized in that the sealing bead48consists of rubber or an elastically resilient plastic.

A cover nut, characterized in that the sealing bead48is partially covered in cross section by the plastic39that otherwise envelops the cover nut38.

A connection, characterized in that the plastic jacket of the cover nut38or screw head is sealed away from the conductor element24by a sealing lip34,35consisting of plastic or rubber, and that the side of the connection part23of the electrical conductor element24facing away from the cover nut38or screw head exhibits a sealing lip35that interacts with the second conductor11.

A connection, characterized in that the additional cover nut38is enveloped by plastic39, and exhibits a sealing bead48consisting of plastic or rubber, which seals the additional cover nut38away from the second conductor11, and that the side of the connection part23of the electrical conductor element24that faces away from the facing cover nut38or the facing screw head exhibits a sealing lip35that interacts with the second conductor11.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention (either taken in isolation or combined with each other). The disclosure of the application hereby also includes the disclosure content of the accompanying/attached priority documents (copy of advance notification) in its entirety, further with the purpose of also incorporating features of these documents into the claims of the present application. The features in the subclaims characterize independent inventive further developments of prior art, in particular so as to introduce partial applications based upon these claims.

REFERENCE LIST

a Dimension

b Diameter

c Thickness

d Diameter

e Length

h Height

r Push-through direction

x Longitudinal extension axis

A Terminal area