Connector with Perimeter Seal Protection

Abstract

To provide a more robust connector.SOLUTION: The present invention provides an electrical connector 100 for connecting to a mating electrical connector in a mating direction. The electrical connector 100 comprises: a housing 110 having a circumferential sealing surface 117, the sealing surface 117 having a peripheral seal 130 facing in the mating direction; and a lever 120 having at least one arm 128 on an outer surface 118 of the housing 110, the at least one arm 128 being movable from a first position to a second position. The electrical connector 100 is characterized in that the at least one arm 128 covers the peripheral seal 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention refers to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector having a lever for connecting and disconnecting the electrical connector to a mating component, i.e., a mating electrical connector (header), and a peripheral seal for sealing a gap between the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector when mated. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, connectors for electrical connections are known. For example, connectors are primarily used to connect or disconnect wires, pre-assembled components, or devices to a given wiring harness. In particular, two mating connectors can be mated to form an assembly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Electrical connectors can be damaged if roughly handled when mating with a mating connector. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a more robust connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present invention provides an electrical connector for connection to a mating electrical connector in a mating direction, the electrical connector comprising: a housing having a circumferential sealing surface with a peripheral seal facing the mating direction; and a lever having at least one arm disposed on an outer surface of the housing, the at least one arm being movable from a first position to a second position, the at least one arm covering the peripheral seal.

[0005] The connector thus provided is more robust and not easily damaged, in particular the vulnerable seals are protected.

[0006] The at least one arm may be positioned alongside the perimeter seal in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction when the arm is in a first position. The first position of the at least one arm may be an initial position of the lever when the electrical connector is in an unmated state. The unmated state is a state in which the electrical connector is not mated with the mating electrical connector. The second position of the at least one arm may be a final position of the lever when the electrical connector is in a mated state. The mated state is a state in which the electrical connector is mated with the mating electrical connector. The final position of the lever may indicate that the mated electrical connectors are in a closed connection, and the closed connection indicates that the connection between the mated electrical connectors cannot be unintentionally released.

[0007] When the electrical connector is not mated with a mating electrical connector, the perimeter seal protects it from direct hand contact. No modification of the existing mating electrical connector is required. Thus, the electrical connector is more robust against wear while maintaining compatibility with existing standard mating electrical connectors.

[0008] In one embodiment, the lever may have two arms movable from a first position to a second position, the two arms being provided on opposite outer surfaces of the housing, the peripheral seal being positioned between the two arms at least in the first position, and the two arms being positioned side-by-side with the peripheral seal in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction when the arms are in the first position.

[0009] The two arms of the lever may be arranged in mirror symmetry on opposite outer surfaces of the housing, and in particular, the two arms may be movable together synchronously from a first position to a second position.

[0010] According to a further aspect, the two arms may be connected by a handle, and in the first position, the handle may cover the perimeter seal. The handle may cover the perimeter seal in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the perimeter seal may include a first portion and a second portion, and when at least one arm is in a first position, the respective first portion of the perimeter seal may be disposed between the housing and the respective arm of the lever. The respective arms may extend along the respective first portion of the perimeter seal, which is disposed between the second portion of the perimeter seal that is completely covered by the housing. The respective arms may completely shield the entire respective first portion of the perimeter seal from the outside. The perimeter seal may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion.

[0012] According to a further aspect, in the first position, the lever may form a seal shield that at least partially surrounds an outer surface of the perimeter seal in a plane extending perpendicular to the mating direction. A gap may be provided between the perimeter seal and the lever.

[0013] Each portion of the perimeter seal may be protected by either the housing or at least one arm of the lever. The housing and the at least one arm of the lever together may form a shield for the entire perimeter seal. Each of the housing and the at least one arm of the lever may shield a respective portion of the perimeter seal without shielding or leaking any portion of the perimeter seal.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing may include at least one outer wall protrusion on an outer surface of the housing extending in the mating direction and covering an outer surface of the perimeter seal. In the first position, the handle may cover the outer wall protrusion.

[0015] According to a further aspect, a second portion of the perimeter seal may be disposed between the at least one outer wall projection and the housing.

[0016] The housing may include two outer wall protrusions. The outer wall protrusions may be arranged on side walls of the housing that are opposite each other. The two arms of the lever may be provided on outer surfaces of the housing that are opposite each other along side walls different from the side walls on which the outer wall protrusions may be arranged in the first position. The two arms may be connected by a handle. When the electrical connector is not mated with a mating electrical connector, the outer wall protrusions of the housing and the two arms of the lever may cover and protect the peripheral seal in at least the first position.

[0017] In view of the above, when the electrical connector is not mated with the mating electrical connector, the peripheral seal is protected from direct hand contact. The outer wall protrusion and the shape of the lever together form the peripheral seal protection portion. No modification of the existing mating electrical connector is required. Therefore, the electrical connector is more robust against wear while maintaining compatibility with existing standard mating electrical connectors.

[0018] In one embodiment, the at least one outer wall projection may be at least partially disposed in a portion of the housing not covered by the at least one arm in the first position.

[0019] The at least one outer wall projection may be at least partially disposed in a portion of the housing not covered by the lever in the first position.

[0020] According to a further aspect, two outer wall projections may be provided on opposite sides of the housing, and the perimeter seal may be disposed between the two outer wall projections.

[0021] In one embodiment, the at least one outer wall projection and the at least one arm may at least partially surround the perimeter seal.

[0022] At least one of the outer wall projection and the lever may at least partially surround the perimeter seal.

[0023] According to a further aspect, the lever may include a base extending about an axis of rotation of the lever and may include a drive member configured to engage a mating drive member of the mating electrical connector to mechanically drive mating of the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector, and at least one arm may extend away from the base.

[0024] The base may have a shaft portion that extends into the housing. Alternatively, the housing may have a shaft portion that extends into the base.

[0025] In one embodiment, the base may be a plate-like portion having a width greater than the width of at least one arm.

[0026] The width may be measured in a plane extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the lever.

[0027] At least one outer wall projection may include a stiffening element that may be configured to attach the outer wall projection to the housing.

[0028] According to a further aspect, the electrical connector may further include a cable cover configured to be assembled to the housing and a front cavity including a plurality of electrical contact elements configured to mate with electrical contact elements of a mating electrical connector.

[0029] In one embodiment, a latching device may be provided to lock the lever in the first position.

[0030] The latch device may lock the at least one arm in the first position.

[0031] Therefore, unintentional movement of the lever or arm that exposes the peripheral seal can be avoided. When the electrical connector is not mated with the mating electrical connector, the peripheral seal is protected from direct hand contact. The outer wall protrusion and the lever together shield the peripheral seal from direct hand contact. There is no need to adapt a standard mating electrical connector to the electrical connector. Therefore, the electrical connector is more robust against wear while maintaining compatibility with existing standard mating electrical connectors.

[0032] According to a further aspect, the latch device may include a friction member disposed on one of the housing and the lever, the friction member frictionally engaging the other of the housing and the lever in the first position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the electrical connector may further include a family seal disposed within the housing and configured to seal at least one cable, and a family seal cover disposed within the housing above the family seal and configured to hold the family seal in place.

[0034] The present invention further provides an electrical connector assembly comprising an electrical connector and a mating electrical connector for mating with the electrical connector, the mating connector comprising a wall covering a perimeter seal.

[0035] When the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector are mated, a perimeter seal may be disposed between the housing of the electrical connector and the housing of the mating electrical connector.

[0036] Furthermore, the housing of the electrical connector may be provided with two opposing longitudinal sidewalls, two opposing lateral sidewalls, and longitudinal and lateral sidewall edges connecting the longitudinal sidewalls to the lateral sidewalls. The lengths of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls may extend along the x-direction. The lengths of the opposing lateral sidewalls may extend along the y-direction. The heights of the longitudinal and lateral sidewalls may extend along the z-direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the peripheral seal of the electrical connector may be shaped as a rectangular ring assembled to the outer periphery of the housing to surround the housing, and the lever may have two arms, each connected to one of the longitudinal side walls of the housing, and the lever may be movable from a first position to a second position. The housing may further have two outer wall protrusions, each attached to one of the two lateral side walls and configured to cover the peripheral seal on the respective lateral side wall. Each arm of the lever may extend along a respective longitudinal side wall of the housing from at least one edge to at least another edge of the respective longitudinal side wall in the first position of the lever.

[0038] The housing may provide an interior space for accommodating further elements of the electrical connector.

[0039] The perimeter seal may be configured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the housing of the electrical connector and the housing of the mating electrical connector. The outer wall projection may completely cover the perimeter seal along the lateral sidewall.

[0040] The first position of the lever may be its open position. To move or rotate the lever from the first position to the second position, the lever may be moved or rotated 90 degrees. The second position of the lever may be its closed position. Similarly, when the lever is in the second position, the lever is movable from the second position to the first position. Moving or rotating the lever from the first position to the second position can establish a closed connection between the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector. In the closed connection, the mated electrical connectors are locked together to prevent unintentional release. Moving or rotating the lever from the second position to the first position can release the closed connection between the two mated electrical connectors. In the first position, the arm of the lever may extend along a longitudinal sidewall of the housing.

[0041] A peripheral seal along the longitudinal sidewall may be disposed between the housing and each arm of the lever in the first position of the lever, and the arms of the lever may extend completely along the peripheral seal along the longitudinal sidewall.

[0042] The outer wall projections may be spaced apart from the respective lateral side walls to form gaps between the outer wall projections and the respective lateral side walls, and the outer wall projections may extend along the respective lateral side walls of the housing in the y direction from at least one edge to at least another edge of the respective lateral side walls. A perimeter seal may be received within the gaps. Each outer wall projection may completely cover the perimeter seal along the respective lateral side wall.

[0043] A peripheral seal along the lateral sidewall may be disposed in the gap between each outer wall projection and a respective lateral sidewall of the housing.

[0044] Each arm of the lever may be rotatably connected to a respective longitudinal side wall of the housing.

[0045] In view of the above, when the electrical connector is not mated with a mating electrical connector, the peripheral seal is protected from direct hand contact. The outer wall protrusion and the elongated shape of the lever together form the peripheral seal protection portion. No modification of the existing mating electrical connector is required. Therefore, the electrical connector is more robust against wear while maintaining compatibility with existing standard mating electrical connectors.

[0046] Further features and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which show merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. The illustrated and described features may be combined with one another as appropriate. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent elements having the same function and / or structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of elements of an electrical connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a partial plan view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a side view of an assembly according to one embodiment with a cross section showing an electrical connector mated with a mating electrical connector; [Figure 10] 1 is a side view of an assembly according to one embodiment, with the electrical connector mated with a mating electrical connector. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] An electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the elements of an electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment.

[0050] In FIG. 1 , the electrical connector 100 includes a housing 110 having a sidewall 115 extending in a plane defined by the z-axis and the x-axis, a sidewall 116 extending in a plane defined by the z-axis and the y-axis, an outer wall protrusion 111, an outer surface 118, a sealing surface 117, and a mounting portion 113. Hereinafter, the sidewall 115 will be referred to as a longitudinal sidewall 115, and the sidewall 116 will be referred to as a lateral sidewall 116. The mounting portion 113 may be provided on the outer surface of each longitudinal sidewall 115. In FIG. 1 , the housing 110 has a rectangular shape. However, the shape of the housing may also be square, oval, polygonal, elliptical, or circular. The outer wall protrusion 111 has a reinforcing element 112, and the outer wall protrusion 111 is attached to the lateral sidewall 116 by the reinforcing element 112. The reinforcing elements 112 may be in the form of bars which may be integrally formed with or adhered to the lateral sidewalls. The outer wall projection 111 attached to the housing 110 forms a gap 114 between the outer wall projection 111 and the housing 110. The electrical connector 100 further includes a lever 120 and a peripheral seal 130. The lever 120 includes two arms 128, a handle 122 connecting the two arms 128, a drive member 121, and a connecting portion 124. The connecting portion 124 may be in the form of a keyed hole in each arm 128. The lever 120 may be attached to the housing 110 by engaging the mounting portion 113 of the housing 110 with the connecting portion 124 of the lever 120. Each arm 128 of the lever 120 may be assembled to the outer surface 118 of a respective longitudinal sidewall 115 of the housing 110. The lever 120 may include a base 127, which may extend around an axis of rotation of the lever 120. The base 127 may include a drive member 121. The drive member 121 may be provided on each arm 128 of the lever 120 and may form a curved groove. The drive member 121 may include an opening. The drive member 121 may be configured to engage a corresponding mating drive member on a mating housing of a mating electrical connector. The arms 128 may extend away from the base 127. The two arms 128 of the lever 120 are formed with mirror symmetry. As shown in FIG. 1 , the perimeter seal 130 is in the form of a rectangular ring. However, the shape of the perimeter seal may be square, oval, polygonal, elliptical, or circular. The sealing surface receives the perimeter seal 130. The perimeter seal includes an outer surface 131.

[0051] 1 , the electrical connector 100 further includes a front cavity 140. The front cavity 140 may include a plurality of electrical contact elements (not shown) configured to electrically connect with contact elements (not shown) of a mating electrical connector. The plurality of electrical contact elements may be electrical components such as terminals. A first secondary lock 180a and a second secondary lock 180b may be provided for further securing the front cavity 140. The electrical connector 100 further includes a family seal 160 configured to seal each of the plurality of electrical contact elements and a family seal cover 170 configured to cover the family seal 160 and hold the family seal 160 in place. The housing 110 may accommodate the family seal 160 and the family seal cover 170 in its interior space. As shown in FIG. 1 , the family seal 160 may have a plurality of through holes for receiving a single terminal in each through hole. In FIG. 1 , the electrical connector 100 further includes a cable cover 150. A rail track may be provided at an upper end of the longitudinal side wall 115 of the housing 110 opposite the mating direction 190 to engage with the cable cover 150 so that the cable cover 150 can be assembled to the housing 110 by sliding the cable cover 150 onto the rail track. The shape of the electrical connector 100 may be square, oval, polygonal, elliptical, or circular. The above-mentioned components forming the electrical connector 100 may have shapes that match the shape of the electrical connector 100.

[0052] 2, 3, and 4 show perspective views of an electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment. In FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the electrical connector 100 is shown with the lever 120 in a first position 125. In the first position 125 of the lever 120, the length of the arm 128 of the lever 120 extends along the longitudinal sidewall 115 of the housing 110 in the x-direction. The front cavity 140, the housing 110, the perimeter seal 130, the lever 120, and the cable cover 150 are assembled to form the electrical connector 100. The perimeter seal 130 may include a first portion and a second portion, and each first portion of the perimeter seal 130 may be disposed between the housing and each arm 128 of the lever 120. In the first position 125, the lever 120 may form a seal shield that at least partially surrounds the outer surface 131 of the perimeter seal 130 in a plane extending perpendicular to the mating direction 190.

[0053] In FIG. 2 , the cable cover 150 is disposed on the top of the housing 110. The front cavity 140 is assembled to the underside of the housing 110, opposite the top of the housing 110. The two arms 128 of the lever 120 are connected to each other by a handle 122 and attached to the outer surface 118 of the housing on opposite sides by a mounting portion 113. Furthermore, the arms 128 of the lever 120 extend from at least one edge to at least another edge along the longitudinal sidewalls of the housing. The perimeter seal 130 is disposed between the two arms 128. The two arms 128 are disposed side by side with the perimeter seal 130 in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction 190. The perimeter seal 130 along the longitudinal sidewalls is behind the arms 128 of the lever 120 such that the perimeter seal 130 is disposed between the arms 128 of the lever 120 and the housing 110. The handle 122 covers the perimeter seal 130 in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction 190. The drive member 121 allows the perimeter seal 130 to be viewed through its opening, which is small enough to prevent a user from touching the perimeter seal 130. The housing 110 includes an outer wall protrusion 111 and a reinforcing element 112. The outer wall protrusion 111 completely covers the perimeter seal 130 along the lateral sidewall of the housing 110. The outer wall protrusion 111 and the arm 128 of the lever 120 together completely surround the perimeter seal 130. The outer wall protrusion 111 and the arm 128 of the lever 120 together form a perimeter seal protection that prevents direct hand contact with the perimeter seal 130. The electrical connector 100 provides the perimeter seal protection without modifying the mating interface of a mating electrical connector.

[0054] 3 and 4, the cable cover 150 is positioned on top of the housing 110. A handle 122 connects two arms 128 of the lever 120. To close the electrical connector 100 with a mating electrical connector, the handle 122 can be rotated 90 degrees in a direction opposite to the mating direction 190 so that the handle 122 rests on top of the cable cover 150 (see also FIGS. 9 and 10). When the lever 120 is rotated from the first position 125, i.e., the open position, to the second position 126, i.e., the closed position, the handle 122 can move upward and the end of the lever 120 opposite the handle 122 can move downward in the mating direction 190. Each arm 128 of the lever includes a drive member 121. The drive member 121 can engage with a respective mating drive member of the mating electrical connector. The perimeter seal 130 is completely covered by the outer wall protrusions 111 along the lateral sidewalls of the housing 110. The perimeter seal 130 along the longitudinal sidewalls is disposed rearward of the arms 128 of the lever 120. In other words, the perimeter seal 130 is disposed along the longitudinal sidewalls between each arm 128 of the lever 120 and the housing 110. The outer wall protrusions 111 and the arms 128 of the lever 120 together completely surround the perimeter seal 130.

[0055] 5 and 6, the electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment is shown without the cable cover 150. However, the cable cover 150 may be matable with the electrical connector 100.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a side view of an electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment. In FIG. 5, the electrical connector 100 includes a front cavity 140, a lever 120 having a drive member 121 and a handle 122, a housing 110, and a perimeter seal 130. The cable cover 150 is omitted. The housing 110 includes an outer wall protrusion 111 and a gap 114 between the outer wall protrusion 111 and the housing 110. The perimeter seal 130 along the lateral sidewalls of the housing 110 is disposed within the gap 114. In FIG. 5, the gap 114 may be present on each lateral sidewall of the housing 110. An opening in the drive member 121 allows the perimeter seal 130 to be viewed. However, the entire length of the perimeter seal 130 along the longitudinal sidewalls of the housing 110 is behind the lever 120, and the opening is smaller than a user's finger, thereby preventing unintentional contact with the perimeter seal 130 on the longitudinal sidewalls.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment. The cable cover 150 has been omitted from FIG. 6. The electrical connector 100 is shown in FIG. 6 with a family seal cover 170 disposed within the interior space of the housing 110. The housing 110 includes an outer wall projection 111 and a reinforcing element 112, and the outer wall projection 111 is attached to the housing 110 by the reinforcing element 112. A handle 122 connects two arms 128 of the lever 120. A front cavity 140 is attached to the bottom of the housing 110 opposite the top of the housing 110. A peripheral seal 130 is disposed entirely between the arm 128 of the lever 120 and the housing 110 along the longitudinal sidewalls and between the outer wall projection 111 and the housing 110 along the lateral sidewalls. The lever is in a first position 125. The portion of the perimeter seal 130 that extends along the lateral sidewall of the housing 110 is completely covered by the outer wall protrusion 111. The portion of the perimeter seal 130 that extends along the longitudinal sidewall of the housing 110 is completely disposed between the housing 110 and the arm 128 of the lever 120. The lever 120 is outside the perimeter seal 130 and extends along the entire longitudinal sidewall of the housing 110. The outer wall protrusion 111 and the arm 128 of the lever 120 together completely surround the perimeter seal 130. The perimeter seal 130 is visible through the arm 128 of the lever 120, but is protected from direct hand contact by the lever 120 and the outer wall protrusion 111 of the housing 110 when the electrical connector 100 is in use.

[0058] An electrical connector according to a further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of the electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment. In FIG. 7, each arm 128 of the lever 120 includes a latching device 123 that locks the lever 120 in the first position 125. The latching device may properly hold each arm 128 of the lever 120 in the first position 125. Alternatively, the latching device 123 may be provided on a single arm 128 of the lever 120. Because the two arms 128 of the lever 120 are connected by the handle 122, the single latching device 123 may be configured to hold the lever 120 in the first position 125 when the electrical connector 100 is in the unmated state. In FIG. 7, each latching device 123 includes a friction member that frictionally engages with the housing 110 when the lever 120 is in the first position 125. Alternatively, the friction member may be disposed on the housing 110 and may frictionally engage with the lever 120 in the first position 125. The friction member of the latch device 123 may be disposed on a surface of the arm 128 of the lever 120 that faces the outer surface of the longitudinal sidewall of the housing when the lever 120 is in the first position 125. The latch device 123 may be disposed on a portion of the arm 128 of the lever 120 that is located between the handle 122 and the connecting portion 124. The latch device 123 may include a bar on which the friction member is disposed. Slit-shaped cutouts may be formed on the left and right sides of the bar. The latch device 123 may be configured to hold the lever 120 in the first position 125. When the electrical connector 100 is in an unmated state, the lever 120 may unintentionally move from the first position 125 to the second position 126, exposing the peripheral seal 130 and preventing direct contact with a hand.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a side view of an electrical connector 100 according to one embodiment. In FIG. 8, the electrical connector 100 includes a housing 110 having an outer wall projection 111 and a mounting portion 113, a peripheral seal 130, a front cavity 140, and a lever 120 having a connecting portion 124, a drive member 121, a handle 122, and a latching device 123. The latching device 123 may include slit-shaped cutouts on the left and right sides of the bar containing the friction member at a height in the z-direction corresponding to the height of the handle 122 in the first position 125 of the lever 120. The slit-shaped cutouts may allow the bar to bend when the handle 122 is operated by a user. The frictional contact of the friction member with the housing may be released by the user.

[0061] An assembly 300 comprising an electrical connector 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a side view of an assembly 300 according to one embodiment, with a cross section at the lower left portion of the figure. The electrical connector 100 is a first electrical connector that mates with a mating electrical connector 200 in a closed connection. The mating electrical connector 200 may be a mating electrical connector. The mating electrical connector 200 may be an existing standard mating electrical connector. For example, as long as the lever 120 is maintained in the first position 125, the mated electrical connectors 100 and 200 are in an open connection. The closed connection between the mated electrical connectors 100 and 200 can be established by moving the lever 120 from the first position 125 to the second position 126. For example, the lever 120 may be moved from the first position 125 to the second position 126 by a 90-degree rotation using the handle 122. 9 , the first electrical connector 100 includes a front cavity 140, a housing 110 having an outer wall projection 111 and a mounting portion 113, a peripheral seal 130 disposed on the housing 110, the lever 120 having a connecting portion 124, a handle 122, a latching device 123, and a drive member 121, and the cable cover 150. The mating electrical connector 200 includes a mating drive member 210. In FIG. 9 , the drive member 121 engages with the mating drive member 210 of the mating electrical connector 200. In FIG. 9 , the first electrical connector 100 and the mating electrical connector 200 are mated with each other in a closed connection with the lever 120 in the second position 126. The perimeter seal 130 seals the gap between the first electrical connector 100 and the mating electrical connector 200. The cross section in Figure 9 shows the front cavity 140 and the portion of the housing including the perimeter seal 130 disposed within the mating electrical connector 200 in the mated state. The perimeter seal 130 is located between the housing 110 of the first electrical connector 100 and the mating housing of the mating electrical connector 200. The perimeter seal 130 is protected by the housing of the mating electrical connector 200. The outer wall protrusion 111 is on the outside of the mating electrical connector 200.

[0063] 10 is a side view, without cross section, of one embodiment of the electrical connector 100 mated with the mating electrical connector 200 in a closed connection. When the first electrical connector 100 is mated with the mating electrical connector 200, the housing of the mating electrical connector 200 completely surrounds the perimeter seal 130.

[0064] When the first electrical connector 100 is not mated with the mating electrical connector 200, the housing 110 and the arm 128 of the lever 120 together form a peripheral seal protector in the first position 125 of the lever. Therefore, when the first electrical connector 100 is not mated with the mating electrical connector 200, the peripheral seal 130 is protected from direct hand contact. This prevents the peripheral seal 130 from being damaged by direct hand contact. The peripheral seal 130 can last for a longer period of time, saving resources and costs. Furthermore, the electrical connector according to one embodiment is compatible with existing mating electrical connectors. In other words, the first electrical connector 100 with the peripheral seal protector can still be mated with a standard mating electrical connector 200.

[0065] The described embodiments are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Any component of the electrical connector 100 described in one embodiment may be combined with other components of the electrical connector 100 described in other embodiments. The full scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Prior art connector housing 2. Lever of the prior art connector 3 Perimeter Seal of Prior Art Connectors 4 Front cavity of prior art connector 5 Prior art connector cover 100 Electrical Connector 110 Housing 111 External wall protrusion 112 Reinforcing Elements 113 Mounting part 114 Gap 115 Longitudinal sidewall 116 Lateral sidewall 117 Sealing surface 118 Outer surface of housing 120 Lever 121 Driving member 122 Handle 123 Latch Device 124 Connection 125 1st position 126 Second Position 127 Base 128 Arm 130 Perimeter Seal 131 outer surface of perimeter seal 140 Front Cavity 150 Cable Cover 160 Family Seal 170 Family Seal Cover 180a 1st secondary lock 180b Secondary Lock 190 Mating direction 200 Mating electrical connector 210 Counterpart driving member 300 Electrical Connector Assembly

Claims

1. An electrical connector (100) for connection to a mating electrical connector (200) in a mating direction (190), comprising: A housing (110) having a circumferential sealing surface (117), wherein a peripheral seal (130) facing the mating direction (190) is provided on the sealing surface (117); A housing (110); A lever (120) having two arms (128) provided on an outer surface (118) of the housing (110), the two arms (128) being movable from a first position (125) to a second position (126); Comprising: The two arms (128) cover the peripheral seal (130); The two arms (128) are provided on the outer surface (118) of the housing (110) on opposite sides of each other; The peripheral seal (130) is disposed between the two arms (128) at the first position (125); The two arms (128) are arranged side by side with the peripheral seal (130) in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction (190) when the two arms (128) are in the first position (125); The two arms (128) are connected by a handle (122); At the first position (125), the handle (122) covers the peripheral seal (130); The peripheral seal (130) comprises a first part and a second part; With the two arms (128) in the first position (125), each first part of the peripheral seal (130) is disposed between the housing (110) and each arm (128) of the lever (120); The housing (110) extends in the mating direction (190) and comprises at least one outer wall protrusion (111) provided on the outer surface (118) of the housing (110) that covers an outer surface (131) of the peripheral seal (130); The second part of the peripheral seal (130) is disposed between the at least one outer wall protrusion (111) and the outer surface (118) of the housing (110); An electrical connector (100).

2. At the first position (125), the lever at least partially covers the outer surface (131) of the peripheral seal (130) in a plane extending perpendicular to the mating direction (190). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The electrical connector (100) of claim 1, forming a sealing shield surrounding the

3. The at least one outer wall projection (111) is At least one of the portions of the housing (110) not covered by the two arms (128) is The electrical connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is partially disposed.

4. The at least one outer wall protrusion (111) is composed of two outer wall protrusions (111), The two outer wall protrusions (111) are provided on both sides of the housing (110); The peripheral seal (130) is disposed between the two outer wall projections (111). The electrical connector (100) of claim 1.

5. The at least one outer wall protrusion (111) and the two arms (128) are The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal (130) at least partially surrounds the electrical connector. １００）。

6. The lever comprises a base (127); The base (127) extends around the axis of rotation of the lever (120) and The mating operation of the electrical connector (100) and the mating electrical connector (200) is mechanically driven. The mating drive member (210) of the mating electrical connector (200) is adapted to engage with the mating drive member (210) of the mating electrical connector (200). a drive member (121) formed thereon, The two arms (128) extend away from the base (127); The electrical connector (100) of claim 1.

7. The base (127) has a width greater than the width of each of the two arms (128).

7. The electrical connector (100) of claim 6, wherein the plate-like portion has:

8. A cable cover (110) configured to be assembled to the housing (110) 50) and a front cavity (140) with a plurality of electrical contact elements; The electrical connector (100) of claim 1 further comprising:

9. A latch device (12) for locking said lever (120) in said first position (125).

2. The electrical connector (100) of claim 1, further comprising:

10. The latch device (123) is connected to the housing (110) and the lever (12 0) and at the first position (125) the housing (11 0) and a friction member that frictionally engages the other of the lever (120).

10. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 9.

11. A cable is disposed within the housing (110) and adapted to seal at least one cable. a family seal (160) comprising: Located within the housing (110) above the family seal (160) and configured to hold said family seal (160) in place. Lee seal cover (170) and The electrical connector (100) of claim 1 further comprising:

12. The electrical connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The mating electrical connector (200) that mates with the electrical connector (100), Equipped with The mating electrical connector (200) is connected to the outer surface (131) of the perimeter seal (130). ) a wall portion covering the An electrical connector assembly (300).

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