Patent Publication Number: US-9425540-B2

Title: Housing for a contact device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a housing for a contact device which can be fitted to a cable. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a housing, a contact device and a cable. 
     In order to connect cables to devices or appliances, contact devices are arranged at cable ends of the cables. The contact devices have contact elements which can be connected to lines or strands of the cables. A contact device is generally in the form of a so-called plug type connector which can be connected to a complementary mating connector. The contact elements of the plug type connector can thereby be brought into contact with corresponding contact elements of the mating connector. Possible constructions of plug type connectors are plugs and sockets or couplings. 
     In order to protect plug type connections from external influences such as in particular dust and fluids, housings provided with sealing systems are used to receive contact devices. This applies, for example, to plugs for data transmission cables used in the industrial sector. The sealing systems generally comprise two or more individual components. For example, an insertion side of a housing (“insertion face”) may be protected with a first seal and a cable inlet, via which a cable is guided into the housing, may be protected with a separate second seal. 
     The assembly of conventional housings on contact devices may be associated with a relatively high level of complexity. In particular, the use of special tools may be necessary in order to bring about the desired sealing function. 
     SUMMARY 
     The object of the invention is to provide a solution for an improved housing for receiving a contact device. 
     This object is achieved by a housing according to claim  1  and by an arrangement according to claim  12 . Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. 
     According to the invention, a housing is proposed for a contact device which can be fitted to a cable. The housing has a first housing portion for receiving the contact device and a second housing portion which can be arranged on the first housing portion. The first housing portion has an inlet portion for the cable having a cable seal. The inlet portion of the first housing portion has a recess which exposes an outer part-region of the cable seal. The second housing portion can be arranged on the first housing portion in such a manner that the second housing portion can be pressed onto the outer part-region of the cable seal via the recess of the inlet portion of the first housing portion. 
     The cable can be guided into the first housing portion via the inlet portion. In this instance, the cable may be surrounded or enclosed by the cable seal provided in this portion. A deformation, that is to say, a displacement and/or compression, of the cable seal can be brought about via the second housing portion which can be arranged on the first housing portion and which can be pressed onto the outer part-region of the cable seal exposed at that location via the recess of the inlet portion. It is thereby possible to have a reliable sealing of the inlet portion. The sealing function in the region of the cable inlet can be brought about in a relatively simple manner without the use of special tools in this instance. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first and second housing portions have corresponding engaging structures, by means of which the second housing portion can be fixed to the first housing portion. The second housing portion can thereby be secured to the first housing portion in a relatively simple manner without tools. The corresponding engaging structures may be, for example, engaging recesses or engaging indentations and associated engaging projections or engaging springs. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the second housing portion can be arranged on the first housing portion in different positions so that there can be brought about a different pressing action on the outer part-region of the cable seal and thereby a different deformation of the cable seal. The housing thereby affords the possibility of achieving a reliable sealing of the inlet portion even with relatively great component tolerances. It is further possible for the housing to be able to be used for different cable dimensions or cable diameters. Unlike conventional housings, which are generally configured only for cables having a specific cable diameter or having cable diameters which differ only slightly, a high level of flexibility of use can thereby be provided. 
     With regard to different positions, consideration may further be given to the provision of a starting or basic position for the second housing portion on the first housing portion, in which no pressure is yet applied to the cable seal. On this basis, the second housing portion can be displaced or pressed into an additional position (“end position”) in order to bring about the desired pressing action on the cable seal. 
     There is preferably provision, for the arrangement of the second housing portion on the first housing portion in different positions, for the second housing portion to have an engaging form and two engaging projections arranged opposite, and for the first housing portion to have at the outer side a plurality of engaging recesses for each engaging projection of the second housing portion. The engaging recesses may be constructed in particular so as to extend parallel with each other. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the second housing portion has a pressing structure for pressing on the outer part-region of the cable seal. A reliable pressing action, and thereby displacement or compression of the cable seal, can be brought about by means of the pressing structure which may have a form corresponding to the cable seal. The form of a hollow cylinder may particularly be considered for the cable seal. In this instance, the pressing structure may have a curved or part-circle-like contour. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the first and/or second housing portion has/have structural elements for pressing on the cable for tensile relief. The cable can thereby be securely retained on the housing. It is also possible to protect connections between lines of the cable and contact elements of the contact device from mechanical loading. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the first housing portion has an opening region for the contact device having an opening seal. The contact device received in the first housing portion may be accessible at the opening region or project out of the first housing portion. In the case of a plug type connection produced between the contact device and a complementary contact device, a sealing of the opening region of the housing can be brought about via the opening seal. 
     The housing can be constructed to be fixed to a device provided with the complementary contact device by means of screws. In that regard, there is preferably provision for the first housing portion to have passage portions in which screws which can be used to fix the housing can be or are received. In this instance, screw seals are arranged inside the passage portions in order also to be able to bring about a sealing action at those locations. 
     In another preferred embodiment, there is provision for the cable seal and the opening seal or the cable seal, the opening seal and the (optionally provided) screw seals to be mutually connected part-portions of a sealing member which is integrated in the first housing portion. The construction of the housing with such an integrated multifunctional sealing component allows a simple structure of the housing, whereby a simple assembly of the housing on a contact device and a cable can be (further) promoted. The first housing portion provided with the integrated sealing member can particularly be produced in the form of a two-component injection moulding member. 
     The integrated sealing member is preferably constructed from a silica gel, whereby a relatively high compression degree is available. It is thereby possible to obtain a secure sealing at those locations even with high dimensional tolerances at the cable inlet and at the opening region of the housing. A so-called dry silica gel which has a compression degree in the order of 60% and which can be deformed in all directions in a manner independent of the shape is preferably used. That compression degree is substantially higher than in conventionally used sealing materials. The most flexible sealing materials used in known housings are silicone materials, with which compression levels of (only) from 20% to 30% can be achieved. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the contact device which can be received in the first housing portion is a connector insert which can be arranged on a data transmission cable. In this instance, these may particularly involve an RJ45 connector insert. In order to fix the connector insert on the first housing portion, there may be provision for the first housing portion to have engaging recesses and for the connector insert to be constructed with projecting engaging elements. 
     According to the invention, there is further proposed an arrangement comprising a housing, a contact device and a cable. The housing has the above-described structure or a structure according to one of the above-described embodiments. In this instance, the contact device may be fitted to the cable and be received in the first housing portion. The cable can be guided via the inlet portion of the first housing portion into the first housing portion. The second housing portion can be (readily) arranged on the first housing portion and be pressed on the cable seal via the recess of the inlet portion. It is thereby possible to deform the cable seal, whereby the inlet portion of the first housing portion is securely sealed. 
     The above-explained advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention and/or those set out in the dependent claims may be used—except, for example, in cases of clear dependencies or non-combinable alternatives—individually or in any combination with each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to the Figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of a housing for receiving a connector insert which is connected to a cable; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the housing with the connector insert received in the housing; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a base portion and an actuation portion of the housing in the disassembled state; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the base portion of the housing; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of an insertion side of the housing; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are different sectional views of the base portion of the housing; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional side view of the actuation portion of the housing; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are different sectional views of the base portion and the actuation portion of the housing, which actuation portion is arranged on the base portion; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a sealing member of the housing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One possible construction of a housing  100  for receiving a contact device  450  which can be connected to a cable  480  is described with reference to the following Figures. The housing  100  has a sealing system in the form of an integrated multifunctional sealing member  300  and can readily be mounted on the contact device  450  and the cable  480  without using a tool. The housing  100  provided with the sealing member  300  is distinguished in that relatively large component tolerances can be compensated for and a reliable flexible sealing can be allowed, in particular in the region of a cable inlet. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of the housing  100  and the contact device  450  connected to the cable  480 . The contact device  450  is in this instance an RJ45 connector (Registered Jack) which is in the form of a connector insert  450  and which has eight front-side contact elements  451 . The associated cable  480  is a data transmission cable, for example, a network cable, whose individual lines or strands (not illustrated) are connected in a suitable manner to the contact elements  451  of the connector insert  450 . The connector insert  450  is constructed to be inserted in a complementary contact device (RJ45 connector receptacle in the form of a socket or coupling) which can be provided on a corresponding device (not illustrated). The housing  100  serves in this instance to protect the produced plug type connection from external influences such as in particular dust and fluids. The housing  100  may comply with, for example, conditions according to the protection type IP 65  or IP 67  (Ingress Protection). 
     The housing  100  comprises, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a first and a second housing portion  101 ,  201  which are referred to below as the base portion  101  and actuation portion  201 . The base portion  101  is constructed to receive the connector insert  450  fitted to the cable  480 . The base portion  101  further has a cable inlet, via which the cable  480  is guided into the base portion  101 . A reliable sealing action in the region of the cable inlet may—in conjunction with the integrated sealing member  300 —be permitted by means of the actuation portion  201  which can be arranged on the base portion  101 . 
     The sealing member  300 , of which  FIG. 11  is a perspective individual view, is directly integrated in the base portion  101  of the housing  100 . The sealing member  300  has a plurality of mutually connected sealing portions  320 ,  330 ,  350 ,  370  which may bring about a sealing action at different locations of the base portion  101  as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The base portion  101  with the integrated sealing member  300  may particularly be constructed in the form of a two-component injection moulding member. In this instance, the sealing member  300  may be constructed from a resilient sealing material and the (remaining) base portion  101  may be constructed from a different, more dimensionally stable material or plastics material. A silica gel, in particular a dry silica gel, may preferably be considered as the material for the sealing member  300 . Such a material has a degree of compression in the order of 60% and can be deformed in all directions in a manner independent of the form. In such a construction, the sealing member  300  may be deformed at locations to be sealed, in particular at the cable inlet, in a relatively broad range by displacement and/or compression. It is thereby possible to overcome relatively great component tolerances and to provide a reliable seal. 
     The base portion  101  comprises, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a front-side receiving portion  110  for receiving the connector insert  450  and a rear-side inlet portion  150  which acts as a cable inlet. The receiving portion  110  surrounds a receiving space  115  and has, at the front side or insertion side of the base portion  101 , an opening region  120  having an access opening for the receiving space  115 . This is also shown in the sectional illustrations of the base portion  101  in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , which relate to the lines of section A-A and B-B indicated in  FIG. 4 . The receiving space  115  of the receiving portion  110  and the connector insert  450  have dimensions which correspond to each other so that the connector insert  450  can be (partially) inserted in the receiving space  115 . In the assembled state of the housing  100  which is shown in  FIG. 2 , the connector insert  450  which is received in the receiving space  115  projects out of the base portion  101  at the opening region  120 . 
     With reference to the sectional illustration of the base portion  101  of  FIG. 7 , it is further apparent that the receiving space  115  of the receiving portion  110  is constructed at opposing inner wall regions so as to have recesses  116 . In a corresponding manner, the connector insert  450  has engaging elements or engaging springs  456  which project at two opposing side regions (cf.  FIG. 1 , here only visible for one side). The receiving space  115  is further constructed, as shown at  7 , at one end so as to have step-like shoulders  117 , which the connector insert  450  can abut in the inserted state. In this state, the engaging elements  456  of the connector insert  450  can further engage in the recesses  116  of the receiving space  115 , whereby the connector insert  450  can be securely locked on the base portion  101 . 
     The receiving portion  110  of the base portion  101  further has passage portions  130  for receiving screws  400  in a front part-region, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , at two opposing sides. The passage portions  130  are constructed so as to have through-channels  131 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , in which the screws  400  can be guided (introduced). The channels  131  extend (substantially) parallel with the receiving space  115  and have at the front side of the base portion  101  corresponding outlet openings which are arranged inside the opening region  120  (or an outer contour thereof). This is also apparent with reference to the front side or insertion side of the base portion  101  shown in  FIG. 5 . In the embodiment of the housing  100  illustrated in this instance, the opening region  120  has a substantially rectangular contour, the corners being rounded and two curved protrusions being provided in the region of the passage portions  130  arranged laterally at the receiving portion  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the two screws  400  each comprise a head  401  (for example, having a cross-recessed structure) at one end and a thread  402  (for example, M 2  thread) at an opposite end. A screw portion therebetween comprises two part-portions having different diameters so that a step-like shoulder  405  is provided. The channels  131  of the passage portions  130  having channel portions having different diameters are also adapted thereto and are therefore constructed so as to have a step-like shoulder  135  (cf.  FIG. 7 ). The channels  131  are sealed in this region by means of the integrated sealing member  300 , as will be described in greater detail below. When the screws  400  are in the state assembled on the base portion  101 , the screws  400  project out of the base portion  101  with the thread  402 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , at the opening region  120 . In this instance, the heads  401  are located at an end of the passage portions  130  opposite the opening region  120 . 
     The housing  100  or the base portion  101  thereof can be fixed by means of the screws  400  to a device which has the above-mentioned complementary contact device for the connector insert  450  and corresponding fixing structures or inner threads for the outer threads  402  of the screws  400  (not illustrated). Owing to the fixing action by means of the screws  400 , it is possible to prevent the housing  100  from becoming detached in an undesirable manner from the device and thereby the plug type connection between the connector insert  450  and the complementary contact device from becoming separated in an undesirable manner. 
     In order to seal the housing  100  or base portion  101  in the inserted state between the connector insert  450  and the complementary contact device at the insertion side, the opening region  120  is provided with a sealing portion  320  of the integrated sealing member  300  which is referred to below as an opening seal  320 . The opening seal  320  arranged at the edge of the opening region  120  has, as is apparent in particular with reference to  FIGS. 4, 5 and 11 , a peripheral form. 
     The opening seal  320  has an outer part-portion which comprises a plurality of sealing lips  321 , in this instance three sealing lips (cf.  FIG. 11 ). The outer part-portion of the opening seal  320  follows the contour of the opening region  120  or has the same contour (that is to say, rectangle with rounded corners and protrusions in the region of the passage portions  130 , cf.  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The outer part-portion or the sealing lips  321  thereof project further (slightly) at the opening region  120  of the base portion  101  (cf.  FIGS. 3, 6 and 7 ). The opening seal  320  further has an inner part-portion which is surrounded by the outer part-portion and a smaller thickness than the outer part-portion. The inner part-portion delimits a rectangular recess (having rounded corners) which corresponds to the through-opening of the receiving space  115  and is further constructed in the region of the passage portions  130  so as to have openings  322  corresponding to the channels  131  (cf.  FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 11 ). When the housing  100  is in the assembled state, therefore, the screws  400  received in the channels  131  of the passage portions  130  can extend through the openings  322  of the opening seal  320  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). 
     In the context of the housing  100  being mounted by means of the screws  400  on a device having a complementary contact device, the opening seal  320  which is arranged at the opening region  120  and which has the sealing lips  321  can be pressed and correspondingly deformed on the device, for example, on a pressing region provided at that location or on a sealing face. The base portion  101  of the housing  100  can thereby be sealed at that location. The sealing relates to an axial direction (that is to say, relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing  100 ) and to a direction which is radial or perpendicular thereto. The above-described construction of the sealing member  300  and therefore the opening seal  320  comprising a silica gel, in particular dry silica gel, makes it possible for the opening seal  320  to be able to be flexibly deformed both on a planar sealing face but also on a different sealing contour such as, for example, a rough sealing face. In that manner, reliable sealing of the opening region  120  is possible and component tolerances can further be reliably compensated for. The achievement of a secure sealing action can further be promoted by the construction of the opening seal  320  so as to have the three sealing lips  321 . 
     In the base portion  101  of the housing  100 , the channels  131  provided for the introduction of the screws  400  adjoin the opening region  120  which can be sealed by means of the cable seal  320 . So that this region can be protected from the introduction of dust and fluids via the channels  131 , there are arranged in the channels  131  of the passage portions  130  additional sealing portions  330  of the sealing member  300  which are referred to below as screw type seals  330 . The screw type seals  330 , which are constructed in an annular or hollow-cylindrical manner, as shown in  FIG. 11 , are arranged in each of the two channels  131  inside the wider channel portion and so as to adjoin the step-like shoulder  135  (cf.  FIG. 7 ). 
     In the case of the screws  400  received in the channels  131 , the screws  400  are surrounded by the screw type seals  330  ( FIG. 11 ), whereby the base portion  101  of the housing  100  can be sealed at those locations. The screw type seals  330  are between the shoulders  135  of the channels  131  and the shoulders  405  of the screws  400 . When the housing  100  is in the state mounted on a device, therefore, the screw type seals  330  can be pressed together by means of the screws  400 . In this instance, the construction of the sealing member  300  from silica gel or dry silica gel may also promote a reliable sealing action. In addition to the sealing function, the screw type seals  330  may further bring about a configuration in which the screws  400  are able to be retained on the base portion  101  (in the non-assembled state). 
     It can be seen with reference to  FIG. 11  that the screw type seals  330  are connected to the opening seal  320  via connection webs  335 . In a corresponding manner, the base portion  101  has a corresponding shape having through-regions for the connection webs  335  (not illustrated). 
     As already set out above, the base portion  101  of the housing  100  has an inlet portion  150  which acts as a cable inlet in a manner adjoining the receiving portion  110  (cf.  FIGS. 1 to 4 ). The inlet portion  150  surrounds a passage region connected to the receiving space  115  of the receiving portion  110  so that the cable  480  can be guided into the base portion  101  and thereby to the connector insert  450 . 
     In order to seal the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  at that location, an additional sealing portion  350  of the integrated sealing member  300  is provided at the passage region of the inlet portion  150  in a state adjoining the receiving space  115  and is referred to below as the cable seal  350  (cf.  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the cable seal  350  has a hollow-cylindrical form. An outer side of the cable seal  350  is smooth in this instance and an inner side is constructed so as to have radially extending ribs or protrusions  351 . 
     The cable  480  guided into the base portion  101  via the inlet portion  150  extends through the cable seal  350  (not illustrated). The cable  480 , that is to say, an outer side or a covering of the cable  480  is therefore surrounded by the cable seal  350 . For a reliable sealing of the inlet portion  150 , the actuation portion  201  can be arranged on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  in such a manner that the actuation portion  201  is pressed from the outer side on the cable seal  350  and compression and deformation of the cable seal  350  are thereby brought about. The actuation portion  201  can further be arranged in different positions on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101 , whereby deformation of the cable seal  350  to different degrees can be brought about. 
     For such operation, the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  is, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 , constructed at an upper side of the base portion  101  with a recess  160  in the region of the cable seal  350 . The actuation portion  201  can be pressed on the cable seal  350  by means of the recess  160  which exposes a partial region of the (radial) outer face or outer side of the cable seal  350 . The recess  160  is located between two curved part-portions  165 ,  166  of the inlet portion  150 . The curved part-portions  165 ,  166  extend from two side portions  155  which are arranged at opposing sides of the inlet portion  150  or connect the side portions  155  to each other. The side portions  155  which are constructed, as described below, in order to fix the actuation portion  201  are further connected to a lower-side base portion  170  of the inlet portion  150  or merge into the base portion  170  (cf.  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). At a rear end, the base portion  170  projects beyond the side portions  155  (cf.  FIG. 3 ). The curved shape of the part-portions  165 ,  166  corresponds to the cylindrical form of the cable seal  350 . A correspondingly curved inner contour may also be provided in the region of the side portions  155  and the base portion  170 . 
     The actuation portion  201  which can be arranged on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  and which can be constructed from a dimensionally stable plastics material has, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a structure which corresponds to the inlet portion  150  and which has a surrounding shape. The actuation portion  201  has two lateral wall portions  255 , a central portion  210  which connects the wall portions  255 , and an end portion  258  at a rear end (cf.  FIG. 3 ). In a lower part-region, the two lateral wall portions  255  have, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , at the inner sides two hook-like engaging projections  256  which are arranged opposite. This is also apparent with reference to the sectioned illustration of  FIG. 9 , in which the actuation portion  201  mounted on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  is illustrated. 
     In a manner corresponding to the engaging projections  256  of the actuation portion  201 , the side portions  155  of the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  have at the outer side a plurality of engaging recesses  156  which are arranged at different heights or which extend parallel with each other, and in which the engaging projections  256  can engage (cf.  FIGS. 4 and 9 ). In the present embodiment of the housing  100 , three engaging recesses  156  arranged one above the other are provided per side portion  155 . It is thereby possible to fix the actuation portion  201  to the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  in three different engaging positions. 
     The actuation portion  201  which can be locked on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  further has, as shown in the sectional side view of  FIG. 8 , a pressing structure  261 , by means of which the pressing on the (partially exposed) cable seal  350  from the outer side can be brought about. The web-like or plate-like pressing structure  261  is arranged at the inner side of the surrounding actuation portion  201  and can extend between the central portion  210  and the lateral wall portions  255 . The pressing structure  261  further has a contour which is curved in the manner of a part-circle (cf.  FIG. 9 ). 
     The actuation portion  201  can be arranged at the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  in such a manner that the pressing structure  261  is pressed on the outer-side part-region of the cable seal  350  exposed at that location via the recess  160  of the inlet portion  150 , and is thereby pressed into the cable seal  350 . In that manner, a corresponding displacement and/or compression of the cable seal  350  can be brought about, whereby the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  can be sealed with the cable  480  which is received here. The sectioned illustration of  FIG. 9  illustrates an associated (semicircular or part-circle-like) pressing region and therefore compression region  390  during pressing of the cable seal  350 . For reasons of clarity, the cable seal  350  in  FIG. 9 —and also in the corresponding sectioned side view of  FIG. 10 —is shown only in a non-compressed state. 
     As described above, the actuation portion  201  can be arranged in (three) different engaging positions or heights at the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101 . The actuation portion  201  can initially be moved into a first engaging position, in which the engaging projections  256  engage in the engaging recesses  156  which are located in the uppermost position. Taking that as a basis, the actuation portion  201  can be pressed (gradually) into a lower position, in which the engaging projections  256  engage in engaging recesses  156  located in a lower position. When the actuation portion  201  is positioned on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  and when the actuation portion  201  is “displaced” from one engaging position to the next, the actuation portion  201  is bent apart or the lateral wall portions  255  thereof are bent apart. In order to facilitate this operation, the hook-like engaging projections  256  of the actuation portion  201  and the engaging recesses  156  of the inlet portion  150  are, as shown in  FIG. 9 , constructed so as to have contours which extend in a (partially) inclined manner. 
     By different engaging positions being provided for the actuation portion  201 , it is possible to bring about a different compression depending on the position of the actuation portion  201  and therefore displacement or compression of the cable seal  350 . In that manner, a reliable sealing of the inlet portion  150  can be achieved even with relatively great component tolerances. It is further possible to use cables  480  having different cable dimensions or diameters, a reliable sealing action being able to be produced by arranging the actuation portion  201  in an associated engaging position. A high level of flexibility of use of the housing  100  results. 
     With regard to the different engaging positions of the actuation portion  201  on the base portion  101 , there may be provision for the first engaging position, in which the engaging projections  256  engage in the engaging recesses  156  which are located in the uppermost position, to constitute an initial or basic position, in which compression of the cable seal  350  by the pressing structure  261  does not (yet) take place. Taking that as a basis, the actuation portion  201  can be pressed into a lower position in order to bring about a pressing action on the cable seal  350  and thereby a deformation thereof. 
     In the embodiment of the housing  100  shown here, the actuation portion  201  can be moved from the basic position by being pressed into a first “deformation position”, with resultant deformation of the cable seal  350  and—where possible—by being further pressed into a second “deformation position” with a correspondingly larger or maximum deformation of the cable seal  350 . In  FIG. 9 , but also in  FIGS. 2 and 10 , the second “deformation position” is illustrated with a positioning of the actuation portion  201  on the lower-most engaging recesses  156  of the inlet portion  150 , whereby the maximum deformation of the cable seal  350  can be brought about. 
     It is further indicated in  FIG. 7  that each side portion  155  of the inlet portion  150  can be constructed so as to have an additional recess  157  at the inner side or adjoining the cable seal  350 . By means of the recess  157 , whose length (in relation to the longitudinal axis of the housing  100 ) is smaller than the length of the cable seal  350 , an additional (radial) free space can be provided in order to receive a portion of the (deformed) cable seal  350 , whereby the sealing action may optionally be improved. In place of separate recesses  157  at the side portions  155 , there may also be provision for one common recess  157  which extends partially round the cable seal  350  and which extends at the inner side of the side portions  155  and the base portion  170  which is arranged therebetween. 
     In particular in the cable seal  350 , the construction of the sealing member  300  from silica gel or dry silica gel has been found to be advantageous. Owing to the high degree of compression of this material (approximately 60%), an extensive deformation of the cable seal  350  can be brought about by means of the actuation portion  201 , whereby a secure sealing of the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  is possible. The construction of the cable seal  350  with the inner-side ribs or projections  351  may further promote the sealing action. 
     It is apparent with reference to  FIG. 11  that the cable seal  350  provided in the region of the inlet portion  150  is connected to the opening seal  320  via a (an additional) connection web  355 . In a corresponding manner, the base portion  101  has a form which corresponds thereto and which has a passage region for the connection web  355  (cf.  FIGS. 6, 10 ). 
     In order to facilitate the arrangement of the actuation portion  201  used to deform the cable seal  350  on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101 , the two side portions  155  of the inlet portion  150  are, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , constructed so as to have a projecting guiding structure or guiding wall  159  at one end of the engaging recesses  156 . At an end opposite it or at the transition between the inlet portion  150  and the receiving portion  110  of the base portion  101 , there is a step-like shoulder  152  (cf.  FIG. 7 ). The actuation portion  201  has recesses  259  which correspond to the guiding walls  159  in a region between the lateral wall portions  255  and the end portion  258 , in which the guiding walls  159  can be received (cf.  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). It is thereby possible to predetermine an orientation for the positioning of the actuation portion  201  on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  and to guide the actuation portion  201  accordingly during downward pressing or movement into the engaging positions on the inlet portion  150 . An additional guiding action can also be obtained via the shoulders  152  of the inlet portion  150  which may act as a delimitation for the wall portions  255  of the actuation portion  201  (or the edges thereof in the region of the shoulders  152 ). 
     As indicated in  FIG. 3 , the end portion  258  of the actuation portion  201  has at an upper side a part-region which is offset in a step-like manner relative to the central portion  210  and which has a curved or bent shape. When the actuation portion  201  is in the state mounted on the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101 , the cable  480  may be surrounded in this region (substantially) by the end portion  258  and the base portion  170  which is also of curved form (cf.  FIG. 4 ). 
     The actuation portion  201  is further constructed, together with the inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101 , to allow tensile relief for the cable  480 . For this purpose, the actuation portion  201  has at the inner side a plurality of projecting structural elements  271  (three in this instance), as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 . One of the structural elements  271  is provided in the region of the end portion  258  of the actuation portion  201 . The inlet portion  150  of the base portion  101  has, in a manner corresponding thereto, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 7 and 10 , a plurality of projecting structural elements  171  (also three in this instance). The structural elements  171  are constructed on the base portion  170  which is connected to the side portions  155 . When the actuation portion  201  is in the state mounted on the base portion  101 , the cable  480  (or the covering thereof) can be clamped by means of the mutually opposing structural elements  171 ,  271 , whereby tensile relief is brought about. The cable  480  can thereby be securely retained on the housing  100  and connections between the lines or strands of the cable  480  and the connector insert  450  can be protected from mechanical loading. 
     The sealing member  300  shown in  FIG. 11  has, in addition to the sealing portions  320 ,  330 ,  350  already described, additional sealing portions  370  which are also connected to the opening seal  320  via connection webs  375 . As indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the receiving portion  110  of the base portion  101  is constructed in the region of the upper side so as to have recesses  125  in which the additional sealing portions  370  are arranged. The recesses  125  which extend as far as the receiving space  115  are provided on the base portion  101  for technical production reasons. A tool used in the context of the injection moulding of the base portion  101  can be guided through the recesses  125  in this instance in order to fix the form of the recesses  116  of the receiving space  115  (cf.  FIG. 7 ). The recesses  125  can reliably be sealed by means of the sealing portions  370 . The base portion  101  also has corresponding passage regions (not illustrated) for the associated connection webs  375 . 
     The components of the housing  100  are constructed so as to have additional structures in order to allow simple handling after assembly has been completed. For example, the central portion  210  of the actuation portion  201  is constructed at the upper side so as to have ribs  229 . The base portion  101  is also constructed at the upper side and at an opposing lower side so as to have ribs  129  (cf.  FIGS. 1 to 3 ). 
     The assembly of the housing  100  on the connector insert  450  and the cable  480  can be carried out without tools and in a relatively simple manner. This becomes evident from an exemplary assembly of those components described below. 
     During assembly, the cable  480  is introduced into the base portion  101  via the inlet portion  150  (and the cable seal  350  provided at that location) and directed out of the base portion  101  again via the opening region  120  so that an end portion of the cable  480  projects out of the base portion  101 . The actuation portion  201  may in this instance already be preassembled on the base portion  101  in a basic position in which the cable seal  350  is not compressed. The screws  400  may also already be arranged on the base portion  101 . 
     Afterwards, the lines or strands of the cable  480  are exposed at the cable end, which can be brought about by removing a portion of the cable covering (and optionally a portion of other cable components, for example, a shielding). The strands of the cable  480 , which can be surrounded by individual insulation members, are subsequently connected to the connector insert  450  or the contact elements  451  thereof. 
     For this purpose, the connector insert  450  may have, for example, two part-portions, apart-portion being constructed with the contact elements  451  and cutting clamps connected thereto. By the strands being positioned in the cutting clamps and the part-portions of the connector insert  450  being joined, the insulation members of the strands can be separated and electrical connections can be produced. This operation may also be carried out without tools. The part-portions of the connector insert  450  can be connected to each other, for example, via a hinge or articulation and be joined together by being folded together. A shielding of the cable  480  which may be present is further connected to the connector insert  450  in a suitable manner. 
     Subsequently, the connector insert  450  arranged at the cable end is pushed via the opening region  120  into the receiving space  115  of the base portion  101  until the connector insert  450  adjoins the shoulders  117  of the receiving space  115  and the engaging elements  456  engage in the recesses  116  of the receiving space  115 . Subsequently, the actuation portion  201  can be moved into one of the two different “deformation positions” by being pressed manually, whereby the housing  100  is sealed at that location. 
     The components explained with reference to the Figures are preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention. Besides the embodiments described and illustrated, it is also possible to envisage other embodiments which may comprise other developments or combinations of features. In particular, a base portion  101  and an actuation portion  201  which can be arranged thereon can be constructed so as to have other forms and structures. 
     For example, a different number or greater number of engaging recesses  156  can be provided on a base portion  101  so that a different number or greater number of fixing positions are provided for an actuation portion  201  having engaging projections  256  on the base portion  101 . It is also possible to construct a base portion  101  so as to have engaging projections  256  and an (a surrounding) actuation portion  201  so as to have engaging recesses. It is further possible to provide other engaging structures, for example, flexible engaging springs in place of engaging projections  256 . 
     Another possible modification involves the provision of not only one guiding wall  159  and one recess  259  but instead a plurality of guiding walls  159  and recesses  259 , for example two, in order to guide an actuation portion  201  on a base portion  101  (per side). Furthermore, other guiding structures can also be constructed for guiding. 
     Other forms can further be considered, for example, for a pressing structure  261  of an actuation portion  201 . It is further possible to provide structural elements  171 ,  271  for tensile relief only on a base portion  101  or alternatively only on an actuation portion  201 . Another variant involves a base portion  101 , on which no screws  400  are provided and which is therefore also constructed without passage portions  130  and cable seals  330 . 
     A multifunctional integrated sealing element or such a sealing member  300  may also have a structure other than the structure shown and described. It is further possible to provide a plurality of separate sealing members or sealing portions in place of a single multifunctional sealing member. These sealing portions may also be constructed so as to be integrated on a base portion  101 , the base portion  101  again being able to be a two-component injection moulding member. A silica gel, in particular a dry silica gel, can also be used as a sealing material in this instance, respectively. This particularly relates to a (separate) cable seal  350  arranged on an inlet portion  150  of a base portion  101 . 
     It is further conceivable for a housing  100  constructed according to the above principles to be usable or to be able to be constructed not only to receive an RJ45 connector insert  450  but also to receive other contact devices  450 . This may include contact devices having a different structure and/or from different technical fields (that is to say, other than the field of data transmission or telecommunications).