Electrical connector with gas exchange membrane
AssigneeThe Whitaker Corporation
InventorGalen Monroe Martin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electrical connector assembly includes a plug connector 2 and a mating connector or printed circuit board header 94 that are mated with the assistance of a cam slide 4. Peripheral seals 66 and 68 surround housing bodies 21 and 23 and engage the header shroud 96. Two pockets 116, 118 are formed in the header 94 and the housing bodies 21, 23 are inserted into these cavities. Pressure relief openings or holes 112 and 114 are formed in the header shroud 96 and a hydrophobic membrane 122, 124 covers corresponding openings. These membranes permit passage of air as the connectors are mated to prevent pressure buildup, but water or other liquids cannot penetrate into the sealed portion of the assembly.
Claims20
An electrical connector comprising a housing including a pocket into which a mating connector can be inserted, the housing including an opening communication with the pocket with a membrane attached to the housing covering the opening, the membrane permitting air to pass through the membrane, but preventing the passage of a liquid, so that air is not compressed as the electrical connector is mated with the mating connector.
A sealed electrical connector assembly comprising mating first and second electrical connectors, one of the connectors including a housing with a pressure relief opening covered by a membrane attached to the housing that is permeable to air and impermeable to water so that air can escape as the two connectors are mated and water cannot enter the sealed electrical connector assembly.
A sealed electrical connector assembly comprising a male connector with a male connector housing and a female connector with a female connector housing having a pocket into which the male connector housing is inserted as the male and female connectors are mated;
- a peripheral seal surrounding the male connector housing and engaging the female connector housing;
- a pressure relief opening in the female connector housing;
- and a membrane attached to the female connector housing covering the pressure relief opening, the membrane permitting the passage of a gas but preventing the passage of a liquid to reduce the mating force between the two connectors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.