Adjustable sealable connector

• US 6,866,529 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2001
• Issued: 03/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Weber, Christian, Hobson, Michael, Ipsen, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TRUC T
• Application Number:
  US10/032,324
• Publication Number:
  US 20020102874A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,181 Days
• Field of Search: 439587-589, 439281-283, 439/271, 439/204
• US Class Current: 439/271
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/52 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5202 Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/521 Sealing between contact members and housing, e.g. sealing insert
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5216 characterised by the sealing material, e.g. gels or resins

Abstract

A sealable connector comprises a first connector portion, a second connector portion adapted to engage the first connector portion, a compliant material disposed between the first and second connector portions, and a fastening mechanism that secures the first connector portion to the second connector portion, such that a force applied upon the compliant material by the respective first and second connector portions can be adjusted. The fastening mechanism allows a single connector to be utilized for a variety of applications and allows the connector to be adequately sealed regardless of the manufacturing tolerances of the compliant material.

Claims

1. A sealable connector, comprising:

a first connector portion;

a second connector portion adapted to engage the first connector portion;

a compliant material disposed between the first and second connector portions; and

a fastening mechanism that secures the first connector portion to the second connector portion, such that a force is applied upon the compliant material by the respective first and second connector portions and said force can be adjusted in a plurality of incremental pre-set positions.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first connector portion comprises a cup shaped body that defines a cavity, the body having a bottom surface.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the second connector portion comprises a cap adapted to fit at least partially within the body cavity.

5. The connector of claim 4, further comprising a contact member extending from the body bottom surface, and a through hole in the cap, wherein the contact member aligns with the through hole when the cap engages the body.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a ratchet.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a latch, the latch comprising a tooth on one of the first or second connector portions, the fastening mechanism further comprising a groove on the other of the first or second connector portions, wherein the tooth is adapted to engage the groove.

8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a spring biased member.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second connector portions, when engaged, form a connection device adapted to mate with a complementary connector.

10. The connector of claim 1, wherein the compliant material forms an environmental seal between the first and second connector portions, when the respective connector portions are engaged.

2. A sealable connector, comprising:

a first connector portion;

a second connector portion adapted to engage the first connector portion;

a compliant material disposed between the first and second connector portions; and

an adjustable fastening mechanism that secures the first connector portion to the second connector portion, the fastening mechanism including means for applying a force to the compliant material and adjusting the force in a plurality of incremental pre-set positions when the force is applied upon the compliant material by the respective first and second connector portions.

11. A sealable connector, comprising:

a cup shaped body defining a cavity, the body having a bottom surface;

a cap adapted to engage the body cavity;

an aperture in the cap, the aperture adapted to receive a contact terminal;

a compliant material disposed between the body and the cap; and

a fastening mechanism that secures the body to the cap, such that a force is applied upon the compliant material by the body and the cap can be adjusted in a plurality of incremental pre-set positions.

12. The connector of claim 11, wherein the aperture and contact terminal form a female connection device.

13. A sealable connector, comprising:

a cup shaped body defining a cavity, the body having a bottom surface;

a cap adapted to engage the body cavity, the cap including an aperture;

a contact terminal adapted to extend from the body bottom surface, the contact terminal adapted to align with, and pass through, the aperture;

a compliant material disposed between the body and the cap; and

means for applying a force and maintaining a consistent pressure on the compliant material and for adjusting the pressure in a plurality of incremental pre-set positions, such that the compliant material maintains a substantial seal between the cap and the body.

14. A sealable connector, comprising:

a cup shaped body defining a cavity, the body having a bottom surface;

a cap adapted to engage the body cavity;

a plurality of apertures in the cap, the apertures adapted to receive a plurality of contact terminals;

a compliant material disposed between the body and the cap; and

a fastening mechanism that secures the body to the cap such that a force is applied upon the compliant material by the body and the cap can be adjusted in a plurality of incremental pre-set positions.

15. A sealable connector, comprising:

a first connector portion;

a second connector portion adapted to engage the first connector portion;

a compliant material disposed between the first and second connector portions; and

an adjustable fastening mechanism that secures the first connector portion to the second connector portion and exerts a force on the compliant material, the fastening mechanism including means for adjusting the force in a plurality of incremental pre-set positions.