CN118693559A

CN118693559A - Waterproof cable connector

Info

Publication number: CN118693559A
Application number: CN202311515144.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·M·斯托弗兹; J·M·比姆
Original assignee: Neptune Technology Group Co ltd
Current assignee: Neptune Technology Group Co ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-21
Filing date: 2023-11-14
Publication date: 2024-09-24

Abstract

A connector assembly for connecting a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable includes a first component assembly including a first component main housing, a first conductor assembly, and a first seal; and a second component assembly including a second component main housing, a second conductor assembly, and a second seal. The first component main housing is configured to receive the second component main housing therein when the second component is coupled with the first component. The first seal provides an axial seal between the first component main housing and the second component main housing when the second component main housing is installed within the first component main housing, and the second seal provides a radial seal between the first component main housing and the second component main housing.

Description

Waterproof cable connector

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/491,327, filed on day 21 of 3, 2023, and U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 18/496,322, filed on day 27 of 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly to weather-resistant connectors for electrical cables.

Background

Electrical cable connections are widely used to conduct radio frequency signals between electrical devices. In order to protect these devices from damage in outdoor or high humidity environments, it is important to prevent moisture intrusion into any cable connection interfaces. Moisture can corrode cable components and also close or short circuits the electrical circuit between the inner connector and the conductive shield. Attempts have been made to develop waterproof connectors. However, such connectors typically require assembly of multiple components and the use of special tools to establish a reliable and waterproof connection.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure proposes a connector assembly for connecting a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable, the connector assembly comprising: a first component assembly, the first component assembly comprising: a first component main housing; a first conductor assembly; a first seal; a second component assembly, the second component assembly comprising: a second component main housing; a second conductor assembly; and a second seal, wherein the first component main housing includes a first cavity therethrough configured to receive the first conductor assembly, wherein the second component main housing includes a second cavity therethrough configured to receive the second conductor assembly, wherein the first cavity includes a cavity for receiving the second component main housing therein when the second component is coupled with the first component, wherein the first seal provides an axial seal between the first component main housing and the second component main housing when the second component main housing is installed within the first component main housing, and wherein the second seal provides a radial seal between the first component main housing and the second component main housing when the second component main housing is installed within the first component main housing.

Drawings

FIG. 1A illustrates a side plan view of an example of a disconnected connector assembly consistent with embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate first and second perspective views of the connector assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side plan view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1A in a connected configuration;

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate first and second perspective views of the connected connector assembly of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a first plan view of an explosion of the plug member assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an explosion of the plug member assembly of FIG. 3A taken along line A-A in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C illustrates a second plan view (90 from the first plan view of FIG. 3A) of the explosion of the plug member assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D illustrates a second cross-sectional view of an explosion of the plug member assembly of FIG. 3A taken along line B-B in FIG. 3C;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view and corresponding detail view of the plug member assembly of FIG. 3A in a pre-coupling configuration;

5A, 5B and 5C are exploded, assembled and isometric views, respectively, of the plug member assembly of FIG. 3A and an associated dust plug consistent with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6A illustrates a first plan view of an explosion of the receptacle component assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6B illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an explosion of the receptacle component assembly of FIG. 6A taken along line A-A in FIG. 6A;

fig. 6C illustrates a second plan view (90 ° from the first plan view of fig. 6A) of the explosion of the receptacle component assembly of fig. 6A;

FIG. 6D illustrates a second cross-sectional view of an explosion of the receptacle component assembly of FIG. 6A taken along line B-B in FIG. 6C;

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receptacle component assembly of FIG. 6A in a pre-coupling configuration; and

Fig. 8A, 8B and 8C are exploded, assembled and isometric views, respectively, of the receptacle component assembly of fig. 6A and associated dust cap consistent with embodiments described herein.

Detailed Description

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

An electrical connector assembly is disclosed that provides a watertight seal between plug and socket housings (also referred to as male and female housings, respectively) and associated electrical cables. As described below, the connector assembly provides a watertight connection in a single assembly by using a series of elastomers between the respective plug and receptacle housings and potting material within the respective housings that seals the electrical cables. The connector assembly can prevent moisture from penetrating, does not need special tools, and can be assembled in one step. The terms "watertight" and "waterproof" as used herein refer to the ability to remove water at approximately atmospheric pressure. Certain embodiments of the connector may provide a watertight seal at higher pressures, such as those in an immersed environment. Such higher pressures may include, but are not limited to, 1 kilopascal (kPa), 3kPa, 10kPa, 100kPa, 1 megapascal (MPa), 10MPa, 30MPa, 60MPa, 100MPa, 1000MPa, approximately (±10%) any of the above pressures, any range between the above pressures, and at least any of the above pressures.

Figures 1A-2C provide various views of an embodiment of a connector assembly 100 consistent with the embodiments described below. As generally shown in fig. 1A-2C, the connector assembly 100 includes a plug member assembly 102 and a receptacle member assembly 104 that are configured to mate together in a sealed, watertight manner. Specifically, fig. 1A-1C illustrate the disconnected connector assembly 100 in a first isometric view, a second isometric view, and a plan view, respectively. Fig. 2A-2C illustrate the connected connector assembly 100 in a first isometric view, a second isometric view, and a plan view, respectively.

Figures 3A-3D illustrate plug member assembly 102 in a first plan view of an explosion, a first cross-sectional view of an explosion taken along line A-A in figure 3A, a second plan view of an explosion (90 deg. from the first plan view), and a second cross-sectional view of an explosion taken along line B-B in figure 3C, respectively. Fig. 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view and corresponding detailed view of the plug member assembly 102 in a pre-coupled configuration.

As shown in the figures, and in particular in fig. 3A-3D, the plug member assembly 102 includes a main housing 106, a base housing 108, a plug assembly 110, and a seal 112. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 3A-3D, the plug member main housing 106 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body 114, the body 114 having a central lumen (lumen) 116 extending therethrough. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the main housing 106 may be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable material or combination of materials. In a particular embodiment, the main housing 106 is made of a glass fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) material, although other suitable materials and manufacturing techniques may be used. The main housing 106 includes: a forward end 118 for engagement with a corresponding forward end of the receptacle component assembly 104 during coupling of the plug component assembly 102 to the receptacle component assembly 104 (described below); an intermediate portion 120; and a rearward end 122 configured to engage with the base housing 108. As best shown in fig. 1B, 2B and 3B, the forward end 118 may include a locking security tab 124 extending radially from the body 114, the locking security tab 124 being configured to align with a similar security tab 125 on the receptacle component assembly 104 when the connector assembly 100 is assembled in a sealed, watertight manner (as described below). In certain embodiments, the locking security sheet 124 includes an aperture 126 extending therethrough, the aperture 126 similarly configured to align with an aperture 127 in the security sheet 125. If desired, a lock wire (not shown) may be inserted into the holes 126 and 127 and secured to prevent disconnection of the plug member assembly 102 from the receptacle member 104 when connected.

As shown in fig. 3B, the rearward end 122 of the main housing 106 includes a reduced outer diameter relative to the main body 114 and includes a threaded outer surface 128, the threaded outer surface 128 for engagement with a corresponding threaded inner surface 130 in a forward end 132 of the base housing 108 (described below). During assembly of the plug member assembly 102, the main housing 106 may be coupled with the base housing 108 via the threaded surfaces 128 and 130.

As shown, the central cavity 116 of the main housing 106 includes a forward portion 132, a middle portion 134, and a rearward portion 136. The forward portion 132 has an inner diameter that forms a cavity 133, the cavity 133 being configured to receive a portion of the receptacle component assembly 104 (described below).

Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the forward portion 132 of the main housing 106 includes one or more locking features for engaging corresponding features in the receptacle component assembly 104. In particular, as shown in fig. 1A and 3B, the forward portion 132 may include one or more L-shaped notches 138, the L-shaped notches 138 configured to receive corresponding bayonet features (described below) in the socket component assembly 104 in a twist-lock manner. The L-shaped recess 138 includes an open end for receiving a bayonet feature. In one embodiment, the inner portion of the L-shaped recess 138 may have an increased width (as shown by dimension d1 in detail 1 of FIG. 4) to form a lip 139, which lip 139 serves to capture the bayonet feature and prevent or minimize accidental unlocking of the connector. As shown in fig. 3C, the outer surface of the forward end 118 may further include indicia corresponding to the open end position of each L-shaped recess 138 to assist a user in locating the recess when connecting the plug member assembly 102 to the receptacle member assembly 104. In some embodiments, the inner portion of the L-shaped recess 138 may further include a rearwardly sloped configuration such that rotation of the bayonet feature of the socket member assembly 104 causes the socket member assembly 104 to advance within the cavity 133 to compressively engage the seal 112.

The inner diameter of the intermediate portion 134 is reduced as compared to the inner diameter of the forward portion 132, and the intermediate portion 134 is configured to seat with a portion of the plug assembly 110 (as described below). As shown in fig. 3B and 3D, a shoulder portion 135 is formed at the interface of the forward portion 132 and the intermediate portion 134. The rearward portion 136 has a reduced inner diameter compared to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 134, and the rearward portion 136 is configured to receive the plug assembly 110 (described below).

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 3A-3D, the plug member base housing 108 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body 140, the body 140 having a central cavity 141 extending therethrough. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the base housing 108 may be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable material or combination of materials. In a particular embodiment, the main housing 106 is molded from a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, although other suitable materials and manufacturing techniques may be used.

As shown, the plug member base housing 108 includes a forward end 142 for engagement with the rearward end 122 of the plug member main housing 106 and a rearward end 144 configured to receive an electrical cable 146 extending therethrough. As best shown in fig. 3B and 3D, the inner surface of forward end 142 includes a threaded inner surface 130, which threaded inner surface 130 is configured to engage a corresponding threaded outer surface 128 in rearward end 122 of main housing 106 (described below). During assembly of the plug member assembly 102, the main housing 106 may be coupled with the base housing 108 via the threaded surfaces 128 and 130.

As shown, the rearward end 144 of the base housing 108 may have a reduced inner and outer diameter relative to the forward end 142, thereby forming a potting chamber 148 within the central cavity 141. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the rearward end 144 may be sized larger than the outer diameter of the cable 146 to form a gap 149 for injecting a potting or sealing material, such as a polyurethane adhesive/potting material, within the potting chamber 148, as shown in fig. 1B and 2B. In such embodiments, during assembly of the plug member assembly 102, as described below, after the plug assembly 110 is inserted/installed into the main housing 106, and after the base housing 108 is threadably coupled with the main housing 106, potting material may be injected into the potting chamber 148 via the gap 149.

Plug assembly 110 includes a plug housing 150 and a conductor assembly 152. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the plug housing 150 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a forward end 154, a middle portion 156, and a rearward end 158. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, plug housing 150 may be molded around conductor assembly 152 during manufacturing. In other embodiments, the plug housing 150 may be generally tubular and may be configured to receive the conductor assembly 152 and the forward end of the electrical cable 146 therein. In any event, the plug housing 150 may be made of a suitable material (such as a plastic, polymeric material, or rubber material) or a combination of materials.

As shown in fig. 3B, 3D and 4, the forward end 154 of the plug housing 150 generally includes a first portion 160, the outer diameter of the first portion 160 being configured to correspond to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 134 of the plug member main housing 106 generally described above. The forward end 154 also includes a second portion 162 extending forward from the first portion 160. As shown, the second portion 162 includes a lip portion 164 at its forward edge. The lip portion 164 is configured to extend beyond the outer diameter of the second portion 162, for example beyond a distance d2 (as shown in detail 2 of fig. 4), to capture and retain the seal 112 in abutting relationship with the shoulder portion 135. This arrangement provides an axial seal between the plug member main housing 106 and the receptacle member main housing 166 when the plug member assembly 102 is coupled with the receptacle member assembly 104.

In one exemplary embodiment, the seal 112 comprises an elastomeric O-ring formed of, for example, nitrile rubber, neoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone, or polytetrafluoroethylene. The seal 112 may be sized to have an inner diameter substantially similar to an outer diameter of the second portion 162 that is substantially similar to an inner diameter of the cavity 133 in the forward portion 132 of the plug member main housing 106.

As shown in fig. 4, the intermediate portion 156 of the plug housing 150 includes a reduced outer diameter relative to the forward end 154 and is configured to engage the rearward end 122 of the main housing 106 (as shown in fig. 4). A rearward end 158 of the plug housing 150 extends from the intermediate portion 156. During assembly, rearward end 158 is configured to extend into potting chamber 148, causing potting material to flow around rearward end 158, effectively securing and sealing plug housing 150 to main housing 106 and base housing 108.

Consistent with the embodiments described herein, conductor assembly 152 includes a conductor plug 165, conductor plug 165 for mating with a corresponding receptacle (or jack) in socket component assembly 104 (described below). In certain embodiments, conductor plug 165 comprises a three conductor plug configuration, such as a 3.5 millimeter (mm) tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS) configuration, sometimes referred to as an auxiliary plug or audio plug. In other embodiments, different plug configurations (e.g., four conductor, tip, ring and sleeve (TRRS) configurations), pogo pin connectors, etc.) may be used. As briefly described above, the conductor assembly 152 may be received within the plug housing 150 during manufacture of the plug member assembly 102, or the plug housing 150 may be molded around the conductor assembly 152.

Fig. 5A, 5B and 5C are exploded, assembled and isometric views, respectively, of the plug member assembly 102 and the associated dust plug 500. As shown, the dust plug 500 includes a generally tubular plug body 502, the plug body 502 having an open rearward portion 504 and a closed forward portion 506. The rearward portion 504 is generally sized to mate within the forward portion 132 of the central cavity 116 in the main housing 106. Consistent with embodiments described herein, the outer surface of the rearward portion 504 includes a recess or annular groove 508 for receiving a seal 510 therein. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the seal 510 may comprise an O-ring or similar seal.

The outer diameter of the forward portion 506 is substantially similar to the outer diameter of the main housing 106, such that when the dust plug 500 is installed within the main housing 106, the forward portion 506 mates with the forward end 118 of the plug member main housing 106. The forward portion 506 may include a gripping tab 512 extending forward from the forward portion 506 to aid in the installation and removal of the dust plug 500.

Fig. 6A-6D illustrate the receptacle component assembly 104 in a first plan view of an explosion, a first cross-sectional view of an explosion, a second plan view of an explosion (90 deg. from the first plan view), and a second cross-sectional view of an explosion, respectively. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the socket component assembly 104 in a pre-coupled configuration.

As shown in the figures, and in particular in fig. 6A-6D, the receptacle assembly 104 includes a main housing 166, a base housing 108, a jack assembly 168, and a seal 170. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6A-6D, the receptacle component main housing 166 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body 172, the body 172 having a central cavity 174 extending therethrough. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the main housing 166 may be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable material or combination of materials. In one particular embodiment, the main housing 166 is made of a glass fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) material, although other suitable materials and manufacturing techniques may be used. The main housing 166 includes a forward end 176 for engagement with a corresponding forward end of the plug member assembly 102 (described below) during coupling of the plug member assembly 102 with the receptacle member assembly 104; a middle portion 178; and a rearward end 180, the rearward end 180 configured to engage with the base housing 108. As best shown in fig. 1B, 2B, 6B and 6C, the forward end 176 may include a locking security tab 125 that extends radially from the body 172, the locking security tab 125 being configured to align with a similar security tab 124 on the plug member assembly 104 when the connector assembly is assembled in a sealed, watertight manner (as briefly described below).

As shown in fig. 6A-6D, the outer surface of the intermediate portion 178 includes an annular recess or groove 182 for receiving the seal 170 therein. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the seal 170 may comprise an O-ring or similar seal. In one exemplary embodiment, the seal 170 comprises an elastomeric O-ring formed of a material such as nitrile rubber, neoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone, or polytetrafluoroethylene. As shown in fig. 7, the seal 170 may be sized to have an inner diameter substantially similar to the outer diameter of the recess 182, which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the forward portion 176 of the receptacle component main housing 166. The seal 170 may form a radial seal between the socket member main housing 166 and the plug member main housing 106 during coupling of the plug member assembly 102 with the socket member assembly 104. More specifically, the seal 170 positioned within the groove 182 may sealingly engage the forward portion 132 of the central cavity 116 in the plug member main housing 106 in a radially compressed manner.

As shown, the outer surface of the intermediate portion 178 may further include one or more bayonet features 184 extending radially from the body 172. As briefly described above, the bayonet features 184 may be sized and positioned to correspond with the L-shaped notches 138 in the plug member main housing 106. As shown, in one embodiment, the body portion 172 may include two bayonet features 184 positioned on opposite sides of the body portion 172. In certain embodiments, one or both of the bayonet features 184 may have a generally cylindrical configuration. In other embodiments, such as shown in fig. 6C, the bayonet feature 184 may comprise a cylindrical configuration with opposing wings.

As shown in fig. 6B, the rearward end 180 of the main housing 166 includes a reduced outer diameter relative to the main body 172 and includes a threaded outer surface 181, as described above, which threaded outer surface 181 is for engagement with the threaded inner surface 130 in the forward end 132 of the base housing 108 (as described above). During assembly of the socket component assembly 104, the main housing 166 may be coupled with the base housing 108 via the threaded surfaces 181 and 130.

As shown, the central cavity 174 of the receptacle component main housing 166 includes a forward portion 186 and a main portion 188. The inner diameter of the forward portion 186 forms a cavity 187, which cavity 187 is configured to receive a portion of the jack assembly 168 (described below). In particular, a shoulder portion 189 is formed at the interface of forward portion 186 and main portion 188. The inner diameter of the main portion 188 is reduced as compared to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 134, and the main portion 188 is configured to receive the receptacle assembly 168 (described below).

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6A-6B, the base housing 108 of the receptacle component assembly 104 is formed identical to the base housing of the plug component assembly 102. Thus, similar to the plug member assembly 102, the forward end 132 of the base housing 108 engages the rearward end 180 of the plug member main housing 106, and the rearward end 144 is configured to receive an electrical cable 190 extending therethrough. As best shown in fig. 6B and 6D, the threaded inner surface 130 in the forward end 132 of the base housing 108 is configured to engage the threaded outer surface 181 in the rearward end 180 of the main housing 166 (as described above). During assembly of the socket component assembly 104, the main housing 166 may be coupled with the base housing 108 via the threaded surfaces 181 and 130.

As with the plug member assembly 102 described above, the rearward end 144 of the socket member base housing 108 may also have a reduced inner and outer diameter relative to the inner and outer diameters of the forward end 132 to form a potting chamber 148. During assembly of the receptacle assembly 104, as described below, after inserting/loading the receptacle assembly 168 within the main housing 166 and threading the base housing 108 with the main housing 166, potting material may be injected into the potting chamber 148 via the gap 149.

The jack assembly 168 includes a jack housing 192 and a conductor assembly 195. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the jack housing 192 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a forward end 193 and a main portion 194. During manufacture, the jack housing 192 may be molded around the conductor assembly 195. In other embodiments, the jack housing 192 may be generally tubular and may be configured to receive the conductor assembly 195 therein. In any event, the jack housing 192 may be made of a suitable material (such as a plastic, polymeric material, or rubber material) or a combination of materials.

As shown in fig. 6B, 6D and 7, the forward end 193 of the jack housing 192 generally includes a cavity 187 configured to correspond to an inner diameter of the cavity 187 in the forward portion 186 of the receptacle component main housing 166 (generally as described above). As shown in fig. 7, the main portion 194 of the jack housing 192 includes a reduced outer diameter relative to the forward end 192 and is configured to engage the main portion 188 of the central cavity 174 in the receptacle component main housing 166.

Consistent with the embodiments described herein, conductor assembly 195 includes conductor receptacles 196 for mating with corresponding plugs 165 in plug member assembly 102 (as described above). In certain embodiments, conductor jack 196 comprises a three conductor jack configuration, such as a 3.5 millimeter TRS jack configuration. In other embodiments, different plug configurations (e.g., four conductor TRRS, pogo pin connectors, etc.) may be used. As briefly described above, the conductor assembly 195 may be received within the jack housing 192 during manufacture of the socket component assembly 104, or the jack housing 192 may be molded around the conductor assembly 195.

Fig. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the receptacle component assembly 104 and associated dust cap 800, respectively, in an exploded and assembled configuration. Fig. 8C is an isometric view of the receptacle component assembly 104 with the dust cap 800 installed. As shown, the dust cap 800 includes a generally tubular plug body 802, the plug body 802 having an open rearward portion 804 and a closed forward portion 806. The rearward portion 804 is generally sized to closely fit over the outer surface of the main housing 166.

Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the rearward portion 804 of the dust cap 800 includes one or more locking features for engagement with the bayonet features 184 in the receptacle component assembly 104. In particular, the rearward portion 804 may include one or more L-shaped notches 808 configured to receive corresponding bayonet features 184 in a manner similar to that described above. The L-shaped notches 808 each include an open end for receiving the bayonet feature 184. In one embodiment, the inner portion of each L-shaped notch 808 may have a lip formed thereon for capturing the bayonet feature and preventing or minimizing accidental unlocking of the connector.

Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the closed forward portion 806 includes a closed end 810 and a tubular second portion 812 extending rearward from the closed end 810. As shown, the second portion 812 includes a lip portion 814 at its rearward edge. The lip portion 814 is configured to extend slightly beyond the outer diameter of the second portion 812, e.g., beyond a distance d2, as shown in detail 2 above in relation to the plug housing 150 in fig. 4. In this way, the lip portion 814 is configured to capture the seal 816 and maintain the seal 816 in abutting relationship with the closed end 810.

Seal 816 includes an elastomeric O-ring formed of a material such as nitrile rubber, neoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone, or polytetrafluoroethylene. As shown, the seal 816 may be sized to have an inner diameter substantially similar to an outer diameter of the second portion 812 that is substantially similar to an inner diameter of the open rearward portion 804.

The waterproof connector assembly is provided for connecting a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable. The connector assembly includes a plug member coupled with a first electrical cable and a receptacle member coupled with a second electrical cable. The plug member includes a plug member main housing, and the socket member includes a socket member main housing. The plug member main housing includes a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the receptacle member main housing. The plug member includes a first seal for providing an axial seal between the plug member main housing and the receptacle member main housing when in the coupled configuration. The socket member includes a second seal for providing a radially compressive seal between the plug member main housing and the socket member main housing when in the coupled configuration.

In certain embodiments, the connector assembly further comprises one or more locking mechanisms for facilitating secure connection of the plug member of the connector with the receptacle member of the connector. In one embodiment, the main housing of the respective plug and receptacle members is provided with locking tabs that align and are securable together when connected. In other embodiments, the connector may be provided with a twist lock mechanism for facilitating a secure sealing coupling between the plug and socket members. In this manner, the watertight connector assembly provides a simplified connector that eliminates the alignment challenges of threaded connectors and the complexity of certain three-piece watertight designs. The waterproof connector assembly may be used to connect an outdoor device such as a water meter to an antenna or transmitter.

The foregoing description of embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention.

Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, the temporal order in which instructions are performed, etc., but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. Similarly, the use of directional terms such as "rearward", "forward", and the like, does not imply any absolute directionality, but is merely used to describe relative positions or positioning with respect to other components.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the application unless explicitly described as such. Furthermore, as used herein, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include one or more items. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the phrase "based on" means "based, at least in part, on". The term "and/or" is intended to be interpreted to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated items. The term "exemplary" as used herein refers to "by way of example". Any embodiment or implementation described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations.

References to "an exemplary embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., as set forth in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with one or more embodiments. However, the use of the phrases or terms "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to all embodiments described, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the terms "one embodiment", "an embodiment", etc.

As used in connection with the foregoing description and/or the following claims, the terms "comprises" or "comprising" or "includes," unless the context requires otherwise, are used on a basis and with a clear understanding that the terms are to be construed as an inclusive rather than an exclusive interpretation, and that each of the terms is to be so interpreted in interpreting both the foregoing description and the following claims.

It is to be understood that any given element of the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Likewise, a given element of the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in various structures, steps, materials, or the like.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects set forth in the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. The claim elements of the claims shall not be construed as being in accordance with the american code book 35, volume 112 (f) unless the claim elements explicitly include "means for..once again," or "steps for..once again.

In the foregoing specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for connecting a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable, the connector assembly comprising:

A first component assembly, the first component assembly comprising:

a first component main housing;

a first conductor assembly; and

A first seal;

a second component assembly, the second component assembly comprising:

a second component main housing;

a second conductor assembly; and

The second sealing member is provided with a second sealing member,

Wherein the first component main housing includes a first cavity therethrough configured to receive the first conductor assembly,

Wherein the second component main housing includes a second cavity therethrough configured to receive the second conductor assembly,

Wherein the first cavity comprises a cavity for receiving the second component main housing therein when the second component is coupled with the first component,

Wherein the first seal provides an axial seal between the first and second component main housings when the second component main housing is installed within the first component main housing, and

Wherein the second seal provides a radial seal between the first and second component main housings when the second component main housing is installed within the first component main housing.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1,

Wherein the first conductor assembly comprises a plug assembly, and

Wherein the second conductor assembly includes a jack assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the plug assembly therein when the second component main housing is loaded into the first component main housing.

3. The connector assembly of claim 2,

Wherein the plug assembly comprises a tip, ring and sleeve (TRS) plug, and

Wherein the jack assembly comprises a TRS jack.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1,

Wherein the cavity in the first main housing comprises a first inner diameter,

Wherein the first cavity includes a middle portion adjacent the cavity,

Wherein the intermediate portion comprises a reduced diameter relative to the first inner diameter of the cavity to form a shoulder portion;

Wherein the first seal provides an axial seal between the shoulder portion and the second component main housing when the second component main housing is installed into the cavity of the first component main housing.

5. The connector assembly of claim 4,

Wherein the first conductor assembly includes a plug housing having a forward end portion and a middle portion,

Wherein a first portion of the forward end is configured to be received within the intermediate portion of the first cavity, and

Wherein the second portion of the forward end is configured to extend beyond the shoulder portion and into the cavity.

6. The connector assembly of claim 5,

Wherein the first seal comprises a first O-ring,

Wherein the second portion of the forward end of the plug housing includes a forward edge having a lip portion formed therein,

Wherein the lip portion is configured to retain the first O-ring within the cavity adjacent the shoulder portion.

7. The connector assembly of claim 1,

Wherein the first component main housing includes a rearward portion adjacent the intermediate portion;

wherein the first component assembly further comprises:

A base housing having a second cavity therethrough,

Wherein, the base shell includes: a forward end configured to couple with a rearward portion of the first component main housing; and a rearward end configured to receive an electrical cable coupled to the first conductor assembly.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7,

Wherein the rearward portion of the first component main housing includes a first threaded surface, an

Wherein the forward end of the base housing includes a second threaded surface configured to engage with the first threaded surface.

9. The connector assembly of claim 7,

Wherein the second cavity comprises a potting chamber for receiving potting material therein,

Wherein the potting material is configured to engage and secure at least part of: a rearward portion of the first main housing; the first conductor assembly; and the electrical cable.

10. The connector assembly of claim 1,

Wherein the cavity in the first component main housing includes a first locking feature for engagement with a corresponding second locking feature in the second component main housing.

11. The connector assembly of claim 10,

Wherein the first locking feature comprises one or more L-shaped notches formed in an inner surface of the cavity,

Wherein the second locking feature comprises one or more bayonet features extending outwardly from the second component main housing,

Wherein the one or more L-shaped notches each include an open end for receiving the one or more bayonet features when the second component main housing is received within the cavity of the first component main housing,

Wherein the one or more bayonet features are caused to travel within the one or more L-shaped notches by pressing and rotating the second component main housing relative to the first component main housing, thereby locking the second component main housing to the first component main housing.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11,

Wherein an inner portion of at least one of the L-shaped recesses includes a lip for capturing the bayonet feature when the bayonet feature is fully seated within the at least one L-shaped recess.

13. The connector assembly of claim 11,

Wherein the inner portion of at least one L-shaped recess has an angled configuration such that movement of the bayonet feature along the at least one L-shaped recess causes the second component main housing to advance within a cavity in the first component main housing to compressively engage the first seal.

14. The connector assembly of claim 1,

Wherein the second component main housing includes a forward end portion, a middle portion, and a rearward portion,

Wherein the intermediate portion includes an annular groove formed around its periphery,

Wherein the second seal is disposed within the annular groove.

15. The connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the second seal comprises a second O-ring.

16. The connector assembly of claim 14,

Wherein the intermediate portion includes a second locking feature for engagement with a corresponding first locking feature in the first component main housing.

17. The connector assembly of claim 16,

Wherein the second locking feature comprises one or more bayonet features extending outwardly from a central portion of the second component main housing,

Wherein the first locking feature comprises one or more L-shaped notches formed in an inner surface of a cavity in the first component main housing,

18. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or more bayonet features comprise two bayonet features positioned on opposite surfaces of the second component main housing.

19. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or more bayonet features are positioned rearward of the annular groove.

20. The connector assembly of claim 1,

Wherein the second main housing includes a rearward portion;

wherein the second component assembly further comprises:

A base housing having a second cavity therethrough,

Wherein, the base shell includes: a forward end configured to couple with a rearward portion of the second main housing; and a rearward end configured to receive an end of a first electrical cable coupled to the first conductor assembly,

Wherein the potting material is configured to engage and secure at least part of: a rearward portion of the first main housing; the first conductor assembly; and the first electrical cable.

21. A connector assembly for connecting a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable, the connector assembly comprising:

A first component assembly, the first component assembly comprising:

a first component main housing configured to receive a first conductor assembly; and

A first seal; and

A second component assembly, the second component assembly comprising:

A second component main housing configured to receive a second conductor assembly; and

The second sealing member is provided with a second sealing member,

Wherein the first component main housing includes a cavity for receiving the second component main housing therein when the second component assembly is coupled with the first component assembly,

Wherein the first seal provides an axial seal between the first and second component main housings when the second component main housing is received within the cavity, and the second seal provides a radial seal between the first and second component main housings.

22. The connector assembly of claim 21,

Wherein the first component main housing includes a first cavity extending therethrough, wherein a forward portion of the first cavity includes the cavity,

Wherein the cavity in the first main housing comprises a first inner diameter,

Wherein the first cavity includes a middle portion adjacent the cavity,

Wherein the intermediate portion includes a diameter that is reduced relative to the first inner diameter of the cavity to form a shoulder portion, an

Wherein the first seal provides an axial seal between the shoulder portion and the second component main housing when the second component main housing is received within the cavity of the first component main housing.

23. The connector assembly of claim 22,

Wherein said first conductor assembly is received within said intermediate portion of said first cavity and includes a forward end portion extending into said cavity,

Wherein the first seal includes a first O-ring engaged with the shoulder portion and a forward end of the first conductor assembly.

24. The connector assembly of claim 23,

Wherein the forward end of the first conductor assembly includes a forward edge having a lip portion formed therein,

25. The connector assembly of claim 21,

26. The connector assembly of claim 25,

27. The connector assembly of claim 26,

Wherein an inner portion of at least one of the L-shaped recesses includes a lip for capturing the bayonet feature when the bayonet feature is installed into the at least one L-shaped recess.

28. The connector assembly of claim 26,

29. The connector assembly of claim 21,

Wherein the second seal is disposed within the annular groove.

30. The connector assembly of claim 29, wherein the second seal comprises a second O-ring.

31. The connector assembly of claim 29,

32. The connector assembly of claim 31,

33. The connector assembly of claim 32, wherein the one or more bayonet features comprise two bayonet features positioned on opposite surfaces of the second component main housing.

34. The connector assembly of claim 32, wherein the one or more bayonet features are positioned rearward of the annular groove.