Telescopic sealing shield

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The second connector includes a housing and a sealing shield. The housing includes a seal positioned along an outer surface of the housing. A sealing shield surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism. The sealing shield is movable between a first position and a second position when the first locking mechanism is mated with the second locking mechanism. The shroud seals the seal at least partially covering the housing in the first position and the sealing shroud exposes the seal to the inwardly facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Application No. 17 / 969,319, filed on October 19, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] This application generally relates to wire electrical connector assemblies, and more particularly to a seal shroud for an insulating seal on a connector assembly.

[0004] Automobiles can include a plurality of seals disposed around the outer surface of electrical components. Such seals can surround (or partially surround) the junction or connection between two electrical components, thereby protecting the junction or insulating the junction from external elements such as rain or water, particles, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some seals for electrical components can include a seal shroud. For example, the seal can be protected by a seal shroud axially disposed around the seal. The seal shroud can be formed within the housing of the electrical component, where the seal shroud can be fixed relative to the seal. Thus, the housing and the seal shroud can define a larger structure than desired, which may be difficult to package or install in the compact space of an automobile.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The second connector includes a housing and a seal shroud. The housing includes a seal disposed along the outer surface of the housing. The seal shroud surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the first locking mechanism. The seal shroud is movable between a first position and a second position when the first locking mechanism cooperates with the second locking mechanism. The seal shroud at least partially covers the seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposes the seal to the inward - facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism includes a tab extending along the outer surface of the first connector. The second locking mechanism includes a protrusion extending along the inner surface of the seal shroud. In some embodiments, the seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are disengaged. In some embodiments, the housing includes a track having an inclined portion to push the seal shroud into the second position. A notch is configured to fix the seal shroud in the second position to cover the seal when the second connector is disengaged from the first connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second connector further includes a track disposed along at least a portion of the housing. The seal shroud is repositionable along the track between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing. The housing defines a length extending from an end of the second connector and the notch. The seal shroud is repositionable along the length of the housing between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, a seal is circumferentially disposed around the second connector. The seal shroud is slidably repositionable along a longitudinal axis between a forward position and a rearward position. In some embodiments, the housing includes a second seal positioned along an inward-facing surface of the housing. The second seal is configured to engage an electrical wire.

[0009] In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch extending along the outer surface of the housing. The notch is configured to abut the seal shroud to axially reposition to cover the seal when the second connector is positioned from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first alignment port, and the second connector includes a second alignment port. When the first connector is mated to the second connector, the first alignment port and the second alignment port are axially aligned. The first alignment port and the second alignment port are configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a second connector configured to mate with a first connector. The first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The second connector includes a housing and a seal shroud. The housing includes a seal positioned along an outer surface of the housing. The seal shroud surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism. The seal shroud is movable between a first position and a second position when the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are mated. The seal shroud at least partially covers the seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposes the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sealing shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are disengaged. In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism includes tabs extending along the outer surface of the first connector. The second locking mechanism includes protrusions extending along the inner surface of the sealing shroud. In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first alignment port and the second connector includes a second alignment port. When the first connector mates with the second connector, the first alignment port and the second alignment port are axially aligned. The first alignment port and the second alignment port are configured to receive a fastener therethrough. In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch extending along the outer surface of the housing. The notch is configured to abut the sealing shroud to axially reposition to cover the seal when the second connector is positioned from a second position to a first position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the seal is circumferentially disposed around the second connector. The sealing shroud is slidably repositionable between a forward position and a rearward position along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the housing includes a track having an inclined portion to push the sealing shroud into the second position. The notch is configured to hold the sealing shroud in the second position to cover the seal when the second connector is disengaged from the first connector. In some embodiments, the second connector further includes a track disposed along at least a portion of the housing. The sealing shroud is repositionable along the track between a first position and a second position.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector includes a housing and a movable member. The housing includes a seal positioned along the outer surface of the housing. The movable member at least partially surrounds the housing. The movable member is positionable between a first position and a second position. The movable member is configured to at least partially cover the seal when the movable member is in the second position. The first position is a position where the movable member is away from the first connector, and the second position is a position where the movable member is close to the first connector.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The movable member is configured to engage the first locking mechanism when the first connector mates with the second connector to maintain the position of the movable member above the seal.

[0015] This summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the apparatus or process described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, which is to be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the Figure 1 connector assembly shown in a mated position according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first connector of the Figure 1 connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the Figure 2 connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second connector of the Figure 4 connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of a second connector of the Figure 4 connector assembly shown without a seal shroud according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a seal shroud of a second connector of the Figure 4 connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second connector of the Figure 4 connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before turning to the drawings that illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0026] Generally referring to the accompanying drawings, various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes an interface extending from an end of the first connector. The interface includes a protrusion extending outward from the interface. The second connector includes a housing formed around a body of the second connector. The housing may be positioned adjacent to an exterior of the second connector. A seal may be positioned around an exterior of the housing of the second connector. A seal shroud may be coupled to the second connector at an exterior portion relative to the housing. The seal shroud may be repositionable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position where the seal shroud is positioned away from the first connector. The second position may be a position where the seal shroud is positioned adjacent to the second connector. The seal shroud may be repositioned along a track. The track may extend along an outer surface of the housing, wherein the track extends substantially parallel to an axis defined through a midpoint of the second connector. The seal shroud may include an interface positioned at an end of the seal shroud. When the first connector mates with the second connector, the interface of the seal shroud may engage the protrusion of the first connector. When the first connector is repositioned from a mated position to an unmated position, the seal shroud may engage the interface of the first connector until the seal shroud is positioned at an end of the track. In this way, the seal may always be covered to prevent damage to the seal.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , a connector assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The connector assembly 100 may be used in vehicle applications, where the connector assembly 100 provides electrical energy therethrough. In some embodiments, the connector assembly 100 may be used in alternative applications and environments (e.g., industrial applications, home applications, or any other application or use case).

[0028] The connector assembly 100 may include a first connector 110 and a second connector 120. The first connector 110 may be selectively coupled to the second connector 120. In other embodiments, the first connector 110 may be fixedly coupled to the second connector 120 (e.g., the first connector 110 may be fixed to the second connector 120 via fasteners, etc.). The connector assembly 100 may be configurable or movable between an unmated position and a mated position. As Figure 1 shown, the connector assembly 100 is in an unmated position, where the first connector 110 is not coupled to the second connector 120. As Figure 2As shown, the connector assembly 100 is in a mating position where the first connector 110 is coupled to the second connector 120. When the connector assembly 100 is in the mating position, and as described in more detail below, electrical energy can flow through the connector assembly 100. Thus, when the connector assembly 100 is in the unmated position, electrical energy may not flow through the connector assembly. As will be discussed in more detail herein, to mate the first connector 110 with the second connector 120, the second connector 120 may be inserted into the first connector 110 along an axis. In other embodiments, the second connector 120 may rotate about the axis when engaging the second connector 120 into the first connector 110 to secure or lock the connector assembly 100.

[0029] The first connector 110 may be defined as a female connector, and the second connector 120 may be defined as a male connector. The female connector may include a bore into which the male connector may engage. When the male connector engages within the bore, electrical energy can flow through the connector assembly. In some embodiments, the first connector 110 may be defined as a male connector, and the second connector 120 may be defined as a female connector. In still other embodiments, both the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 may be male connectors housed within a sleeve or coupling. In still other embodiments, both the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 may be female connectors that receive a protrusion or corresponding male portion from an additional component.

[0030] Specifically referring to Figure 2 , the first connector 110 may include a device interface 210. The device interface 210 may be an external interface disposed at an end of the first connector 110 and adjacent to the second connector 120. The device interface 210 may include sidewalls that extend generally outwardly from the end of the first connector 110. The sidewalls may define a bore into which the second connector 120 may be received. In other embodiments, the device interface 210 may not include sidewalls, and instead, the bore may be recessed into the body of the first connector 110.

[0031] Specifically referring to Figures 2 to 4, the second connector 120 may include a housing 220. The housing 220 may be defined by the outer surface of the second connector 120. The housing 220 may define the body of the second connector 120. The housing 220 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the second connector 120. In some embodiments, the housing 220 extends along the entire length of the second connector 120. The housing 220 may include an internal passageway. The internal passageway may extend at least partially through the housing 220. For example, the internal passageway may extend through the entire length of the housing 220. The internal passageway may define a passage through which the wire 230 may be disposed. The wire 230 may be one or more wire components that extend through the second connector 120 and conduct an electrical current flow through the connector assembly 100.

[0032] The second connector 120 may further include a sealing shroud 240. The sealing shroud 240 may be coupled to the housing 220. In other embodiments, the sealing shroud 240 may be coupled to another component of the second connector 120 (e.g., the wire 230, etc.). As will be described in more detail herein, the sealing shroud 240 may be slidably repositionable along the housing 220 between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position where the sealing shroud 240 abuts the device interface 210. The second position may be a position where the sealing shroud 240 is not positioned against the device interface 210. For example, the second position may be any position where the sealing shroud 240 of the sealing shroud 240 is not positioned against the device interface 210.

[0033] Now referring to Figures 3 to 4 , the first connector 110 may include a first locking mechanism, shown as a protrusion 310. The protrusion 310 may be a tab, a bump, an extrusion, a ridge, etc. The protrusion 310 may be positioned on the outer wall of the device interface 210. In other embodiments, the protrusion 310 may be positioned on the inner wall of the device interface 210. In other embodiments, the protrusion 310 may be positioned on both the outer wall and the inner wall of the device interface 210. For example, the first connector 110 may include two protrusions 310. The two protrusions 310 may be positioned on opposite sides of the device interface 210. In another example, the two protrusions 310 may be positioned on adjacent sides of the device interface 210. It will be understood that the first connector 110 may include any number of protrusions 310 (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, etc.) sufficient to accommodate the sealing shroud 240. As will be described in more detail herein, the protrusion 310 may be configured to engage and / or receive one or more portions of the sealing shroud 240.

[0034] Specifically referring to Figure 4, the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 may each include a respective hole, shown as the first hole 410 and the second hole 420. The first hole 410 may be positioned on top of the device interface 210 and extend through the top of the device interface 210. Correspondingly, the second hole 420 may be positioned on top of the housing 220 and at least partially extend through the top of the housing 220. The first hole 410 may define a diameter that is substantially similar to the second hole 420. In some embodiments, the first hole 410 may define a diameter that is substantially different from the second hole 420 (e.g., the diameter of the first hole 410 may be greater than the diameter of the second hole 420, etc.). It will be appreciated that when the second connector 120 mates with the first connector 110, the first hole 410 and the second hole 420 may be coaxially aligned. When the holes 410, 420 are coaxially aligned, the connector assembly 100 may include a fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, pin, dowel, etc.) received within the holes 410, 420. The fastener may be configured to secure the second connector 120 within the first connector 110 to prevent the second connector 120 from being repositioned to a disengaged position.

[0035] The second connector 120 may include a first seal 430. The first seal 430 may be positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the housing 220. In one example, the first seal 430 may be positioned within a slot (e.g., a recess, cavity, groove, etc.) formed around the outer surface of the housing 220. In another example, the first seal 430 may be positioned around the outer surface of the housing 220, where the first seal 430 extends axially outward from the housing 220. As Figure 4 shown, when the connector assembly 100 is in the mated position, the first seal 430 may engage against the inner wall of the device interface 210. As will be described in more detail herein, when the connector assembly 100 is in both the disengaged position and the mated position, the first seal 430 may be axially covered to protect the first seal 430 from debris, particulate matter, external forces, elements, etc.

[0036] Now refer to Figure 5, the second connector 120 may include a first end 510 and a second end 520. The first end 510 may be positioned close to the wire 230, and the second end 520 may be positioned close to the second hole 420, opposite to the first end 510. The first connector 110 may receive the second connector 120 close to the second end 520. The second connector 120 may include a track 530. The track 530 may be positioned close to the first end 510 along a portion of the outer surface of the housing 220. In other embodiments, the track 530 may be positioned close to the second end 520. In other embodiments, the track 530 may extend entirely along the length of the housing 220 between the first end 510 and the second end 520. The seal shroud 240 may be repositioned along the track 530. By engaging and disengaging a portion of the seal shroud 240 (e.g., Figure 7 the first portion 710) with an interface (e.g., Figure 8 the interface 810), the seal shroud 240 may be repositioned between a first position and a second position to lock or fix the seal shroud 240 in a particular position.

[0037] Now referring to Figures 6 to 7 , the track 530 may include a second groove 610. The second groove 610 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the track 530. The groove 620 and the second groove 610 may be orthogonal to each other. In other embodiments, the groove 620 and the second groove 610 may be angled or parallel to each other. The second groove 610 may extend along the midpoint of the track 530 such that the track 530 is divided into two substantially similar track members in which the seal shroud 240 may be repositioned along the track members.

[0038] The interface of the seal shroud 240 (e.g., Figure 8 the interface 810) may include a first portion 710 and a second portion 720. The first portion 710 may be disposed perpendicular to the second portion 720. In other embodiments, the first portion 710 may be disposed parallel to the second portion 720. As can be appreciated, when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position, the first portion 710 may not be positioned within the groove 620, and the second portion 720 may be positioned within the second groove. Additionally or alternatively, when the seal shroud 240 is in the second position, the first portion 710 may be positioned within the groove 620, and the second portion 720 may be positioned within the second groove 610. The track 530 may include one or more additional grooves such that the first portion 710 and the second portion 720 may be received therein to create additional positions or stops for the seal shroud 240.

[0039] Referring to Figure 7, the second tab 550 of the sealing shroud 240 may include one or more outer tabs (shown as outer tab 730) and an inner tab 740. The inner tab 740 may be centered between the outer tabs 730. In other embodiments, the second tab 550 may include one outer tab 730, where the inner tab 740 is positioned adjacent to the outer tab 730. The inner tab 740 may be spaced from the outer tab 730 by a space, where the inner tab 740 may flex relative to the outer tab 730. When the sealing shroud 240 is repositioned, the inner tab 740 may bend outward relative to the outer tab 730. More specifically, the inner tab 740 may include a tab, a protrusion, a tooth, etc., that is configured to engage a protrusion of the first connector 110 (e.g., Figure 3 protrusion 310). As an example, when the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are mated, the sealing shroud 240 may engage against the device interface 210 such that the protrusion of the inner tab 740 engages the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210. Thus, when the sealing shroud 240 is in the first position, the protrusion of the inner tab 740 may engage the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210. Additionally or alternatively, when the sealing shroud 240 is in the second position, the protrusion of the inner tab 740 may engage the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210. When the first connector 110 is disengaged from the second connector 120, the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210 may remain engaged with the protrusion of the inner tab 740 to reposition the sealing shroud 240 from the first position to the second position. When the sealing shroud 240 is repositioned to the second position, the first portion 710 of the interface 810 may be received within the groove 620 to disengage the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210 from the protrusion of the inner tab 740. Accordingly, the sealing shroud 240 may maintain a constant axial arrangement above the first seal 430 to provide a degree of protection for the first seal 430.

[0040] As described above, the sealing shroud 240 may move between a first position and a second position. As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the first position may be the position where the sealing shroud 240 abuts against the device interface 210. As Figure 5 shown, the second position may be the position where the sealing shroud 240 is not positioned against the device interface 210. More specifically, the sealing shroud 240 may include a first tab 540 that is axially positioned above the track 530. Now referring to Figure 6 and Figure 8, the first tab 540 can be engaged within the track 530, along which the seal shroud 240 slides. Additionally, when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position, the first tab 540 can be at least partially positioned within a notch defined within an outer portion of the housing 220, through which the track 530 is disposed. In some embodiments, when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position, the first tab 540 may not be positioned within the notch. In other embodiments, when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position, the seal shroud 240 can be positioned above an outer portion of the housing 220. By way of example, the seal shroud 240 can include two first tabs 540. The two first tabs 540 can be positioned on opposite sides of the seal shroud 240. In other embodiments, the two first tabs 540 can be positioned on adjacent sides of the seal shroud 240. It will be appreciated that when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position, each of the two first tabs 540 can be positioned within a corresponding notch defined within the housing 220.

[0041] The seal shroud 240 can accommodate second tabs 550 that extend outwardly from the body of the seal shroud 240 along the housing 220. The second tabs 550 can be coupled to the seal shroud 240 at an end opposite the first tabs 540. In other embodiments, the second tabs 550 can be coupled to the seal shroud 240 adjacent the first tabs 540. The second tabs 550 can include three elongate members (e.g., tabs, fingers, etc.) that extend from the body of the seal shroud 240. As will be discussed in more detail herein, at least one of the three elongate members can be configured to engage the protrusion 310. By way of example, the seal shroud 240 can include two second tabs 550. The two second tabs 550 can be positioned on opposite sides of the seal shroud 240. In other embodiments, the two second tabs 550 can be positioned on adjacent sides of the seal shroud 240. As can be appreciated, each of the two second tabs 550 can be configured to engage a corresponding protrusion 310 when the connector assembly is in the mating position.

[0042] Now referring to Figure 8, the sealing shroud 240 may include a second locking mechanism, shown as interface 810. Interface 810 may be one of a tab, a protrusion, a tooth, etc. Interface 810 may be positioned near the end of the first tab 540 of the sealing shroud 240. That is, interface 810 may be positioned at the end of the first tab 540 of the sealing shroud 240 that is away from the second hole 420. In other embodiments, interface 810 may be positioned near the second hole 420 or near the central portion of the sealing shroud 240. Interface 810 may project from the inner surface of the sealing shroud 240 to engage a component axially positioned inside the sealing shroud 240. In other embodiments, interface 810 may project outward to engage a component positioned axially outside the sealing shroud 240. Interface 810 may project inward from the sealing shroud 240 to engage at least a portion of the track 530. The track 530 may include a groove 620 that extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the track 530. The groove 620 may be configured to receive the interface 810 to substantially fix the sealing shroud 240 in a second position. The track 530 may include an inclined portion that is inclined toward the groove 620. The inclined portion may be configured to bias and / or otherwise push the sealing shroud 240 into the second position via the interface 810. The end of the track 530 opposite the inclined portion may project substantially outward at an angle (e.g., 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.) relative to the housing 220. The interface 810 may abut against the end of the track 530 to prevent the sealing shroud 240 from being repositioned past the track 530.

[0043] The second connector 120 may further include a second seal 830. The second seal 830 may be positioned inside the outer edge of the housing 220. In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may be positioned near the outer edge of the housing 220. The second seal 830 may be configured to engage the wire 230. In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may engage another component of the second connector 120. The second seal 830 may be positioned axially inside the first seal 430 relative to the connector axis 840 (e.g., longitudinal axis). In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may be positioned axially outside the first seal 430. In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may be axially aligned with the first seal 430. The connector axis 840 may extend along the midpoint of the wire 230. In other examples, the connector axis 840 may extend along the midpoint of the second connector 120.

[0044] The connector axis 840 can define an axis along which the seal shroud 240 can be repositioned. The seal shroud 240 can be repositioned along the connector axis 840 between a first position and a second position. It will be appreciated that the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 can mate along the connector axis 840 to cause the seal shroud 240 to move between the first position and the second position.

[0045] Although this description may discuss a particular order of method steps, the order of the steps can be different from the order outlined. Additionally, two or more steps can be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations will depend on the software and hardware systems selected and the designer's choice. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, software implementations can be achieved using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to implement various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "approximately", "about", "substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the ordinary and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art reading the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to permit the description and claim of certain features without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantive or immaterial modifications or variations of the subject matter being described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0047] It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "exemplary" used to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or the best examples).

[0048] As used herein, the terms "coupled", "connected", etc. mean that two members are joined to each other either directly or indirectly. Such a joining can be fixed (e.g., permanent, etc.) or movable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such a joining can be achieved by forming the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members integrally into a single unitary body, or by attaching the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members to each other.

[0049] References herein to the position of elements (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "between", etc.) are for purposes of describing the orientation of the various elements in the figures only. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements can be different according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0050] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the connector assembly shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who have read the present disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, the values of parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the parts described herein may be constructed of any of a variety of materials, which provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising: a first connector, the first connector including a first locking mechanism; and a second connector, the second connector including: a housing, the housing including a seal positioned along an outer surface of the housing; and a seal shroud that surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the first locking mechanism, the seal shroud being movable between a first position and a second position when the first locking mechanism cooperates with the second locking mechanism, the seal shroud at least partially covering the seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposing the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the first locking mechanism includes a tab extending along an outer surface of the first connector, and wherein the second locking mechanism includes a protrusion extending along an inner surface of the seal shroud.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are disengaged.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a track having an inclined portion to push the seal shroud into the second position, and wherein a notch is configured to fix the seal shroud in the second position to cover the seal when the second connector is disengaged from the first connector.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the second connector further includes a track provided along at least a portion of the housing, and the seal shroud is repositionable between the first position and the second position along the track.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing, and wherein the housing defines a length extending from an end of the second connector and the notch, and the seal shroud is repositionable between the first position and the second position along the length of the housing.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, the seal being circumferentially disposed around the second connector, and wherein, the seal shroud is slidably repositionable between a forward position and a rearward position along a longitudinal axis.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a second seal positioned along an inward-facing surface of the housing, the second seal being configured to engage a wire.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing, the notch being configured to abut the seal shroud to axially reposition to cover the seal when the second connector is positioned from the second position to the first position.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector includes a first alignment port, and the second connector includes a second alignment port. When the first connector is mated to the second connector, the first alignment port is axially aligned with the second alignment port, and the first alignment port and the second alignment port are configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

11. A connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising: A second connector configured to mate with a first connector, the first connector including a first locking mechanism, the second connector including: A housing including a seal located along an outer surface of the housing; and A seal shroud surrounding the housing and including a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism. The seal shroud is movable between a first position and a second position when the first locking mechanism mates with the second locking mechanism. The seal shroud should at least partially cover the seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposes the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are disengaged.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The first locking mechanism includes a tab extending along an outer surface of the first connector, and wherein the second locking mechanism includes a protrusion extending along an inner surface of the seal shroud.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The first connector includes a first alignment port, and the second connector assembly includes a second alignment port. When the first connector is mated to the second connector, the first alignment port is axially aligned with the second alignment port, and the first alignment port and the second alignment port are configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing, the notch being configured to abut the seal shroud when the second connector is positioned from the second position to the first position to axially reposition to cover the seal.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 11, the seal is circumferentially disposed around the second connector, and wherein, The seal shroud is slidably repositionable between a forward position and a rearward position along a longitudinal axis.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The housing includes a track having an inclined portion to push the seal shroud into the second position, and wherein the notch is configured to fix the seal shroud in the second position to cover the seal when the second connector is disengaged from the first connector.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The second connector further includes a track disposed along at least a portion of the housing, and the seal shroud is repositionable along the track between the first position and the second position.

19. A connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising: a first connector; and a second connector, the second connector including: a housing including a seal positioned along an outer surface of the housing; and a movable member at least partially surrounding the housing, the movable member being positionable between a first position and a second position and configured to at least partially cover the seal when the movable member is in the second position; wherein the first position is a position where the movable member is away from the first connector, and the second position is a position where the movable member is close to the first connector.

20. The connector assembly according to claim 19, wherein the first connector includes a first locking mechanism, and the movable member is configured to engage the first locking mechanism when the first connector and the second connector are mated to maintain the position of the movable member above the seal.

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