Electrical connector assembly with terminal retaining seal

• US 9,153,899 B2
• Filed: 10/08/2013
• Issued: 10/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited (Aptiv PLC)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Aptiv PLC)
• Inventors: Morello, John R., Rainey, James M.
• Primary Examiner(s): VU, HIEN D
• Application Number:
  US14/048,214
• Publication Number:
  US 20150099384A1
• Time in Patent Office: 728 Days
• Field of Search: 439/271, 439/595
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/426 Securing by a separate resilient retaining piece supported by base or case, e.g. collar or metal contact-retention clip
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/432 by stamped-out resilient tongue snapping behind shoulder in base or case
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/521 Sealing between contact members and housing, e.g. sealing insert

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly is provided. The assembly includes a terminal, a housing, and a seal. The seal is configured to create a moisture barrier between the housing and a mating connector. The seal defines a retainer portion that cooperates with the housing to retain the terminal to the housing.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly configured to engage with a mating connector, said assembly comprising:

a terminal configured to make an electrical contact with a mating contact of the mating connector;

a housing configured to hold the terminal; and

a seal configured to create a moisture barrier between the housing and the mating connector when the assembly engages the mating connector;

wherein the seal defines a retainer portion having an upper projecting portion and a lower projecting portion extended into the seal that cooperate with an inner portion of the housing to engage with the terminal for retaining the terminal to the housing, wherein the retainer portion is made of a different material than the remaining portion of the seal; and

wherein the seal is a singular element.

2. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminal defines a tang portion that cooperates with the housing to retain the terminal to the housing.

3. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a shroud portion that protects the seal when the assembly is not engaged with the mating connector.