US 10,770,816 B2 · Connector assembly and seal

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a first-housing, a second-housing, and a seal. The second-housing is configured to mate with the first-housing. The second-housing has a seal-support surface having a first-surface and a second-surface perpendicular to the first-surface and generally forming an L-shape. The seal-support surface includes a plurality of seal-hangers projecting laterally from the first-surface. The seal is in direct contact with the seal-support surface. The seal defines a wall and a lip extending laterally from the wall. The wall defines an inner-surface that engages the first-surface and an outer-surface that engages the first-housing. The wall further defines a plurality of apertures configured to receive the plurality of seal-hangers. The lip defines a base that engages the second-surface and a top that engages a leading-edge of the first-housing. The plurality of seal-hangers are configured to inhibit bunching or rolling of the wall when the first-housing is mated with the second-housing.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

mating a first-housing of a connector assembly to a second-housing of the connector assembly;
the second-housing configured to mate with the first-housing along a mating-axis and includes an outer-perimeter disposed within the first-housing;
the second-housing including a seal configured to inhibit a contaminant from entering the connector assembly;
the seal defining a plurality of apertures;
the plurality of apertures extending through a wall of the seal from an inner-surface to an outer-surface of the seal;
the outer-surface of the seal defining a plurality of horizontal-ribs extending beyond the outer-surface of the seal in a lateral-direction
the second-housing further including a plurality of seal-hangers configured to inhibit a deformation of the seal along the mating-axis when the first-housing is mated with the second-housing;
the plurality of seal-hangers extending through the plurality of apertures;
wherein
the plurality of seal-hangers support the wall of the seal and engage a portion of the outer-surface of at least one of the plurality of horizontal-ribs.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Connector assembly and seal

Life of this patent

Connector assembly and seal

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19