Gasket retention system for connector assemblies or housings

Abstract

A gasket assembly (80) includes a substrate (90). The substrate includes a mating surface (96) configured to seal relative to another surface, an orifice (93) formed in the mating surface, and a protrusion (94) extending from the mating surface. A sealing gasket (84) is removably attached to the substrate and disposed substantially on the mating surface, and includes a through-hole (83) coaxially aligned with an opening in the substrate, a recess (86) surrounding the through-hole, and an orifice (87) formed through a bottom surface of the recess and receiving the protrusion of the substrate. A fastener (70) is arranged to pass through the through-hole of the gasket and into the orifice in the substrate to secure the gasket to the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to gaskets, and more particularly to an improved system for securing gaskets to a substrate (e.g., an electronic connector or part of a housing of an electronic device). Background Technology

[0002] Electronic components (including packaged or encapsulated devices and associated electrical connectors) may be required to operate in harsh environments, including environments that expose these components to dust and / or moisture. As a result, these assemblies typically include one or more primary sealing elements arranged between their adjacent parts to prevent sensitive components from being exposed to environmental factors. Furthermore, despite sufficient sealing between critical components, areas where dust and / or moisture can accumulate can still form in spaces or gaps, such as between mounted components and mounting surfaces. Over time, this can lead to undesirable corrosion of parts of the assembly. Therefore, in addition to the primary sealing elements used to seal critical components, assemblies typically require secondary seals or gaskets to prevent corrosion in undesirable areas (by way of example only). To ensure reliable sealing in these secondary areas, gaskets or seals must be accurately placed and maintained in the desired position during the manufacturing process and subsequent use.

[0003] Existing solutions for accurately forming and retaining gaskets or peripheral seals on the surface of a device or substrate typically involve overmolding gasket material onto another part or dispensing material (e.g., liquefied elastomeric gasket material) onto a part to form a sealing bead bonded to the part. Each of these methods adds additional or secondary steps to the manufacturing process, increasing the cost and complexity of the final product. Furthermore, these operations often require additional capital equipment to perform the overmolding or dispensing tasks. Therefore, the problem to be solved is to provide more cost-effective systems and methods for implementing gaskets or seals in the production of various components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The aforementioned problem is solved by an electrical connector including a substrate portion thereon where a seal needs to be formed. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the substrate may include, for example, a mounting flange of the connector, and generally defines a mating surface on which a gasket or gasket seal is to be mechanically secured. The gasket defines at least one recess or other mounting feature thereon to engage with complementary features of the substrate to secure the gasket to the substrate. For example, according to an embodiment, the gasket defines a sealing face or sealing wall opposite and / or adjacent to the mating surface of the substrate, and sidewalls extending from the sealing wall around its periphery. The sealing wall and sidewalls of the gasket define a circumferential recess configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate to secure the gasket to the substrate and substantially around at least one side of the substrate. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an assembly including a gasket or gasket seal attached to a substrate or connector housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the prefabricated gasket shown in the component;

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the component;

[0009] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of a substrate or connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 5 According to embodiments of this disclosure, it includes a device equipped with a gasket. Figure 4 A partial perspective view of an assembly of a substrate or connector housing;

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the component;

[0012] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of a substrate or connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 9 It includes the assembly of Figure 8 The gasket Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the substrate or connector housing;

[0015] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a substrate or connector housing fitted with a gasket according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 11 This is a partial perspective view of an assembly including a substrate or connector housing fitted with gaskets, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The first sectional view of the component;

[0018] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The second sectional view of the component; and

[0019] Figure 14 It has fasteners installed in it. Figure 11 A partial perspective view of the component. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The gasket seals (also interchangeably referred to herein as gaskets, sealing washers, or seals) and associated retaining systems according to embodiments of this disclosure eliminate many of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. As detailed herein, embodiments include various systems for at least mechanically retaining a sealing gasket on the surface of a substrate, such as an electrical plug or connector. In each embodiment, the sealing gasket defines one or more features, more specifically, recesses thereon for receiving a portion of the substrate to mechanically secure the gasket to the substrate. These systems and / or features include, but are not limited to: pre-formed gaskets configured to extend on the substrate; protrusions and associated orifices or recesses that engage with each other to retain the gasket in place; dovetail joints formed from the gasket and substrate; interlocking patterns of protrusions and grooves; and / or gasket and substrate features that utilize fasteners and compression limiters to retain the gasket or other sealing element. These methods reduce costs and required capital investment and increase production efficiency by eliminating the need for curing time. Unlike the molded arrangements of the prior art, the embodiments described herein also provide the additional advantage of easy replacement in case of wear or damage.

[0021] Overall reference Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary substrate or gasket assembly 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an electrical connector or plug including a first end 12 (e.g., a male or female connector end) projecting from a first side of the substrate, a connector body or flange 14, and a second end 13 projecting from a bottom side or mating surface 16 of the substrate 14. A sealing gasket 20 is provided and securely mounted to the substrate 14 via a retaining system according to the present disclosure. The gasket 20 may include a flexible or elastic polymer material and is prefabricated prior to its mounting to the substrate 14, for example by an injection molding process. The gasket 20 defines a sealing wall 22, which in... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The mounting position shown includes an outward-facing side and an inward-facing side opposite the mating surface 16 of the substrate 14. The gasket 20 also includes a sidewall 24 defined around the outer periphery of the sealing wall 22 and extending substantially perpendicularly from its inward-facing side. (See attached image) Figure 3As shown in detail, a circumferential retaining lip defined by the free end 26 of the sidewall 24 extends at an angle from a generally vertical portion of the sidewall (e.g., generally perpendicular to it). The free end 26, the sidewall 24, and the sealing wall 22 define a circumferential recess 29, which is sized to receive the peripheral edge of the substrate 14 in the mounting position. The gasket 20 may also include additional mating features, such as orifices, for receiving complementary features of the connector or substrate 14 after it is assembled with the connector or substrate 14. For example, an exemplary gasket 20 includes an orifice 28 formed therethrough for receiving a second end 13 of the connector when mounted onto the substrate 14 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 A raised sealing ring or rib 27 is also provided around the periphery of the orifice 28 to provide a primary seal with the corresponding object (e.g., device housing) on ​​the bottom side of the substrate 14 or the mating surface 16.

[0022] For more specific reference Figure 3 Mounting the gasket 20 onto the substrate 14 may include the step of elastically deforming the gasket to expand the opening defined by the sidewall 24. Once expanded, the substrate 14 can be inserted into the opening, thereby securing the substrate between the sealing wall 22 and the free end 26 of the sidewall 24, wherein the sidewall 15 of the substrate substantially abuts the sidewall of the gasket. The elastic tension exerted by the gasket 20 on the substrate 14 and the resulting friction therebetween hold the gasket 20 in place on the substrate 14 without the need for additional fasteners or materials, such as adhesives. Furthermore, unlike prior art embodiments, the gasket 20 can be easily removed for repair or replacement as needed.

[0023] Overall reference Figures 4 to 6 The embodiments of this disclosure include those that can be related to the above regarding Figures 1 to 3The described features are combined with additional retaining features. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, washer 20 and substrate 14 include complementary locking features for mechanically securing the washer to the substrate. More specifically, washer 20 may define one or more apertures 39 (e.g., holes or slots) formed through opening 24. In one embodiment, at least one aperture is included for each sidewall portion (e.g., each side of the washer), or a plurality of apertures spaced apart around the periphery of the washer. Each aperture 39 is configured (e.g., sized and positioned) to receive a corresponding protrusion 30 extending from a corresponding sidewall 15 of substrate 14. Each protrusion 30 may be integrally formed with substrate 14, or may be fitted or secured to substrate 14 (e.g., tightened, pressed, or adhered). In an exemplary embodiment, protrusion 30 defines a head 32 formed at its end, which is larger in a lateral or radial dimension than the rod 34, thereby forming an undercut around the outer periphery of the rod. The orifice 39 of the washer 20 may be sized to correspond to the rod 34, wherein the protrusion 30 is fitted through the orifice via temporary elastic deformation (i.e., stretching) to accommodate the expanded head 32. Once inserted, the orifice 39 may elastically retract into the undercut, forming a strong, actively engaged connection between the washer 20 and the substrate 14 that cannot be easily moved or dislodged from the position shown in the figure. Although a circular orifice and protrusion are shown, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may include other shapes and configurations, such as configurations including a protrusion defining at least one undercut for receiving a complementary portion of the washer. Similarly, it should be understood that the relative positions of the protrusion and the orifice may be reversed (i.e., the protrusion is formed on the washer) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Now for reference Figures 7 to 9 Another embodiment of a substrate and / or gasket assembly 50 utilizing complementary mating or retaining features is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 40 and gasket 54 each define complementary portions of a "dovetail" type joint. Generally, refer to... Figure 7 and Figure 9The substrate 40 may include a plurality of recesses 44 formed therein and defined by at least three sidewalls 41, wherein two sidewalls are generally opposite each other and a third sidewall is arranged generally perpendicular thereto. Each sidewall 41 extends from a base wall or bottom wall 43 of the recess 44 and defines an undercut 42 and an associated overhang disposed thereon. In one embodiment, the undercut 42 is formed by the sidewalls 41 extending at an angle or in a curved direction toward the center of the recess 44, such that the area or width dimension of the top of the recess 44 leading to the mating surface 46 of the substrate 40 is smaller than that of the lower portion of the recess 44 near the bottom wall 43. The recess 44 also defines an opening side or opening arranged opposite a normally arranged opening 41 that opens onto or in the direction of the sidewall 45 of the substrate 40. In other embodiments, the recess 44 may be a four-sided recess, each side including a sidewall defining an undercut.

[0025] Similarly, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The washer 54 may define a plurality of protrusions 55 whose contours are complementary to the recess 44 of the substrate 40. In an exemplary embodiment, each protrusion 55 includes four sidewalls, at least three of which include angled or curved contours that match the contours of the sidewalls 41 of the recess 44. Specifically, diameters 58 extend generally vertically and may expand as they extend to define an enlarged head portion 57 that is wider or larger than its middle or base portion. In this way, an undercut 59 of a recess extending at least partially around the protrusion 55 is defined therein. The remaining sidewalls of the protrusion 55 (such as...) Figure 9 (As shown) can be substantially planar in nature, and therefore coplanar with the sidewall 45 of the substrate 40 at the mounting position.

[0026] Still refer to Figure 9 Each protrusion 55 of the washer 54 is sized to actively engage with a recess 44 formed in the substrate 40. In one embodiment, securing the washer 54 to the substrate 40 includes laterally stretching or otherwise deforming the washer 54 such that the washer and its protrusions 55 extend beyond the sidewall 45 of the substrate. In this way, the protrusions 55 can be introduced into the recesses 44 via openings defined in the sidewall 45. Under the elastic tension of the washer 54, and in conjunction with the dovetail-shaped arrangement of the annotated tapering sidewalls, the protrusions 55 are captured and retained within the recesses 44.

[0027] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of component 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Component 60 includes a sealing gasket 64 attached to a substrate 61 by an insert or fastener 70. The substrate 61 includes an aperture 63 (e.g., a circular through-hole or linear groove) extending at least partially through it. A recess 68 may be formed in the mating surface 62 of the substrate 61, for example, an annular recess in the case of a circular through-hole, and surrounds the aperture 63. The recess 68 and the aperture 63 may be separated in a transverse or radial direction by a protrusion or lip 69 (e.g., an annular lip) defined by the substrate 61, the top of the lip being arranged to be substantially coplanar with the mating surface 62 of the substrate.

[0028] Still referencing Figure 10 A sealing gasket 64 is configured to be disposed and secured on a mating surface 62 of a substrate 61. As shown, the gasket 64 defines one or more orifices 65 formed therein. The end of the gasket 64 surrounding each orifice 65 may be defined by a step 67 (e.g., an annular step), which includes a first portion extending perpendicularly from a planar surface of the sealing gasket and a second portion extending inwardly from the first portion in a direction toward the axial center of the orifice 65. The step 67 is dimensioned to be received within a recess 68 of the substrate 61. In one embodiment, the thickness of the step 67 is at least equal to or slightly greater than the depth of the recess 68.

[0029] To secure the sealing gasket 64 to the substrate 61, an insert or fastener 70 is introduced through orifice 65 and into orifice 63. By way of example only, the fastener 70 is held therein via a press-fit or threaded connection with orifice 63 of the substrate 61. The lip or head 72 of the fastener 70 is configured to compress the step 67 of the gasket 64 into a recess 68 to form a sealing joint. As shown, the recess 68 may be too large compared to the step 67, thus creating a free space 66 in which the step 67 can elastically expand or deform under compressive force via the fastener 70. The protrusion 69 of the substrate 61 can act as a compression limiter, restricting the insertion depth of the fastener 70, thereby limiting the pressure applied to the gasket 64 and / or the deformation of the gasket 64. Although one fastening arrangement is shown, it should be understood that a given connector or substrate may include multiple such fastening arrangements on its surface (e.g., in each of the four corners of a rectangular substrate) to more evenly secure the gaskets, as referenced. Figure 1 The substrate 14 is shown.

[0030] Now for reference Figures 11 to 14 Another embodiment of component 80 is provided, which uses inserts or fasteners to secure the gasket to the substrate. Figure 11An assembly 80 without inserts or fasteners is shown, wherein a generally planar washer 84 includes one or more annular recesses 85 or countersunk holes (e.g., one of each corner of a generally rectangular washer) formed therein. The recess 85 includes an annular base or annular step 86 projecting radially inward from the remainder of the washer and defines an orifice or through-hole 83 formed therein. The through-hole 83 is coaxially aligned with a corresponding orifice 93 on a substrate 90 to which the washer 84 will be attached. Arc-shaped grooves 87 are defined by the annular bases 86, each groove following an arc defined about a common axis of curvature (e.g., the central axis of the through-hole 83). Sections of the annular bases 86 extend between adjacent grooves 87 and define a continuous inner annular ring for defining the through-hole 83. When the washer 84 is mounted onto a mating surface 96 of the substrate 90, the grooves 87 are configured to receive corresponding arc-shaped protrusions 94 extending from the mating surface 96 of the substrate 90.

[0031] exist Figures 12 to 14 In the assembled state shown, component 80 includes an insert or fastener 70 that is inserted through coaxial apertures 83, 93 of washer 84 and substrate 90 to retain the washer relative to the substrate. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the cross-sectional view, with the fastener 70 in the installed position, a portion of the annular base 86 of the washer 84 is trapped within a space formed between the surface 95 of the protrusion 94, the opposing surface 71 of the fastener 70, the mating surface 96, and the bottom surface 73 of the head of the fastener 70. Figure 14 As shown, in the assembled state, the exposed side of the head of the fastener 70 can be recessed into or below the generally parallel planar upper surface or exposed surface of the washer 84 to ensure that the fastener does not interfere with the subsequent mating of any other component with that surface of the washer 84.

[0032] Refer again Figure 12 and Figure 13In the exemplary embodiment shown, the washer 84 is held without any compressive force acting on it via the fastener 70. More specifically, at least one of the arcuate protrusions 94 of the substrate 90 has a greater vertical height than the annular base 86 of the washer 84, such that the insertion depth of the fastener 70 is limited by the protrusions. In this way, the protrusions 94 act as mechanical stops for the fastener 70 in the insertion direction to limit or eliminate compression on the washer 84 in the fastener's installed state. As a result, damage or deformation of the washer 84 due to undesirable pressure applied to it by the fastener 70 can be prevented. Similarly, in other embodiments, the vertical height of the protrusions 94 can be reduced from the height shown in the figure, thereby allowing the fastener 70 to engage with and compress the washer 84 by the amount required, potentially improving sealing properties and / or increasing washer retention force. The height of the protrusions 94 can be selectively changed by application to control the desired compressive force allowed to act on the washer 84 via the fastener 70.

[0033] Cross-references to related applications

[0034] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 988,094, filed March 11, 2020, based on 35U.SC §119.

Claims

1. A gasket assembly for an electronic device, comprising: A substrate defining a mating surface configured to seal relative to another surface; as well as A sealing gasket, removably attached to the substrate and defining a circumferential recess that engages with the substrate, is provided for substantially mechanically securing the gasket to a mating surface of the substrate. The gasket includes a sealing wall abutting the mating surface of the substrate, and sidewalls extending from the periphery of the sealing wall and defining the circumferential recess, the circumferential recess being configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate to attach the gasket to the substrate. The first recess is formed in the mating surface of the substrate, and the gasket defines a protrusion on the side of the sealing wall adjacent to the mating surface of the substrate. The protrusion is received within the first recess of the substrate to secure the gasket to the substrate. A first recess of the substrate defines an undercut portion, and a portion of a convex portion of the gasket is received within the undercut portion, wherein the convex portion of the gasket defines an expansion end, the width of which is greater than another portion of the convex portion, and wherein a second recess of the gasket is defined between the expansion end of the convex portion and a sealing wall of the gasket.

2. The gasket assembly of claim 1, wherein the expanded end of the protrusion is received within the undercut portion of the first recess of the substrate.

3. The gasket assembly of claim 2, wherein the undercut extends around a plurality of sides of the first recess of the substrate.

4. A gasket assembly for an electronic device, comprising: A substrate defining a mating surface configured to seal relative to another surface; as well as A sealing gasket, removably attached to the substrate and defining a circumferential recess that engages with the substrate, is provided for substantially mechanically securing the gasket to a mating surface of the substrate. The gasket includes a sealing wall abutting the mating surface of the substrate, and sidewalls extending from the periphery of the sealing wall and defining the circumferential recess, the circumferential recess being configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate to attach the gasket to the substrate. The substrate defines an orifice therein and the washer defines a through-hole, wherein a fastener is arranged to pass through the through-hole of the washer and into the orifice of the substrate to secure the washer to the substrate, and wherein an annular recess formed in a mating surface of the substrate surrounds the orifice, and wherein the washer includes an annular step that defines the through-hole and is received within the annular recess of the substrate. The substrate defines an annular protrusion that extends from the mating surface and generally between the annular recess and the orifice, wherein the head of the fastener inserted into the orifice abuts the annular protrusion and the annular recess holds the annular step of the washer.

5. A gasket assembly for an electronic device, comprising: A substrate defining a mating surface configured to seal relative to another surface; as well as A sealing gasket, removably attached to the substrate and defining a circumferential recess that engages with the substrate, is provided for substantially mechanically securing the gasket to a mating surface of the substrate. The gasket includes a sealing wall abutting the mating surface of the substrate, and sidewalls extending from the periphery of the sealing wall and defining the circumferential recess, the circumferential recess being configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate to attach the gasket to the substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions that extend from the mating surface and are arranged radially around the orifice. The washer includes an annular recess surrounding the through hole, wherein the bottom surface of the annular recess defines a plurality of arcuate grooves for receiving arcuate protrusions of the substrate.

6. The washer assembly of claim 5, wherein the head of the fastener inserted into the orifice abuts the arcuate protrusion to limit the insertion depth of the fastener within the orifice.

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