Connector assemblies and related methods

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a connector body and a seal. The connector body defines a cavity and a terminal slot in fluid communication with the cavity. A seal is removably disposed within the cavity. The seal includes a body defining a terminal aperture, first and second ribs extending from the body, and a wing extending from the body. In the assembled configuration, the first rib and the second rib are engaged with a plurality of portions of the connector body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly, to a connector assembly that can be used in conjunction with a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on electrical wiring and electrical connections to facilitate communication between various electronic components within the vehicle. Connection systems (e.g., connectors and terminals) play an important role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections and the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Some connector assemblies use connector bodies and seals to prevent environmental conditions from degrading the electrical connections between corresponding connectors. In view of the above, although known connector bodies with seals for vehicle connection systems have been proven to be useful for their intended purposes, there is still a need for continuous improvement in the related art to meet the rigorous testing requirements of vehicle connection systems.

[0003] The background technology provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. It is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted that the work of the presently designated inventors to the extent described in this background technology section and aspects of the specification that were not otherwise considered prior art at the time the application was filed are prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector body and a seal. The connector body defines a cavity and a terminal slot in fluid communication with the cavity. The seal is removably disposed within the cavity. The seal includes a body defining a terminal aperture, first and second ribs extending from the body, and wings extending from the body. In an assembled configuration, the first and second ribs engage portions of the connector body.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a seal for a connector assembly having a connector body. The seal includes a body, a first rib, a second rib, a first wing, and a second wing. The body defines a terminal aperture and has a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a third sidewall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a fourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall and extending between the first sidewall and the second wall. The first rib extends from the first sidewall and is configured to engage an inner portion of the connector body. The second rib extends from the first sidewall and is configured to engage an inner portion of the connector body. The first wing extends from the third sidewall and is configured to engage an outer portion of the connector body. The second wing extends from the fourth sidewall and is configured to engage an outer portion of the connector body.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method. The method includes positioning a seal within a cavity of a connector body, engaging first and second ribs of the seal with portions of the connector body, and engaging first and second wings of the seal with other portions of the connector body. The method includes positioning a terminal within a terminal slot of the connector body and a terminal aperture of the seal. The method includes inhibiting contaminants from contacting the terminal via the first rib.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the connector assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a seal of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a side view of a seal of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a front view of a seal of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 is a rear view of a seal of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure in an assembled configuration.

[0017] Figure 10 is a flow chart depicting an example method for assembling a connector assembly and operating the connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION introduction

[0019] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 9 , an example connector assembly 10 is shown. As will be explained in more detail below, the connector assembly 10 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to facilitate electrical transmission between various electronic components within the vehicle. For example, the connector assembly 10 can be removably coupled to a mating connector assembly (not shown) such that electricity is transmitted between the connector assemblies and to various electronic components within the vehicle during operation of the vehicle.

[0020] In various embodiments, the connector assembly 10 may include, among other things, a connector body 20, a seal 30, and a plurality of terminals 40. In various embodiments, the connector body 20 may define a cavity 50 and a plurality of terminal slots 52. The terminal slots 52 may be in fluid communication with the cavity 50. In various embodiments, the seal 30 may be removably disposed within the cavity 50. The seal 30 may include a body 60 defining a plurality of terminal apertures 62. In an assembled configuration, the seal 30 may be disposed in the cavity 50 such that the terminal slots 52 are aligned with the terminal apertures 62. Each terminal 40 may be disposed in a corresponding terminal slot 52 and a corresponding terminal aperture 62. As will be explained in more detail below, the seal 30 prevents contaminants from contacting the terminals 40. Connector body

[0021] In various embodiments, the connector body 20 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. In various embodiments, the connector body 20 is coupled to the seal 30 and the terminals 40. For example, the cavity 50 of the connector body can receive the seal 30, and each terminal slot 52 can receive a terminal 40. The connector body 20 is shown as including one cavity and eight terminal slots; however, the connector body 20 can include more than one cavity and more or fewer than eight terminal slots. seals

[0022] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , shows an example seal 30. In various embodiments, the seal 30 may include a body 60, a first rib 64A, a second rib 64B, a third rib 64C, a fourth rib 64D, a first wing (flap-like overhang) 66A, a second wing (flap-like overhang) 66B, a first recess 68A, and a second recess 68B. In various embodiments, the body 60 may include a first sidewall 70A, a second sidewall 70B spaced apart from the first sidewall 70A, a third sidewall 70C disposed between the first sidewall 90A and the second sidewall 70B, and a fourth sidewall 70D spaced apart from the third sidewall 70C.

[0023] In various embodiments, the first rib 64A and / or the third rib 64C can extend from the first side wall 70A. The second rib 64B and / or the fourth rib 64D can extend from the second side wall 70B. In various embodiments, the first wing 66A can extend from the third side wall 70C and / or the second wing 66B can extend from the fourth side wall 70D.

[0024] In various embodiments, the first rib 64A and / or the third rib 64C can extend continuously and uninterruptedly along or around the first side wall 70A (e.g., along the periphery of the first side wall 90A). In some examples, the third rib 64C can be offset relative to the first rib 64A. The third rib 64C can be disposed inwardly relative to the first rib 64A. In various embodiments, the second rib 64B and / or the fourth rib 64D can extend continuously and uninterruptedly along or around the second side wall 70B (e.g., along the periphery of the second side wall 70B). In some examples, the fourth rib 64D can be offset relative to the second rib 64B. The fourth rib 64D can be disposed inwardly relative to the second rib 64B.

[0025] In some example configurations, the ribs (e.g., first rib 64A, second rib 64B, third rib 64C, and / or fourth rib 64D) can define a polygonal configuration. Alternatively, the ribs can define a circular configuration, an oval configuration, and / or a rectangular configuration, etc. The seal 30 is shown and generally described herein as including four ribs, however, the seal 30 can include more or fewer than four ribs.

[0026] refer to Figure 5 In various embodiments, the first wing 66A can extend from the third sidewall 70C in a first direction 72A, and the second wing 66B can extend from the fourth sidewall 70D in a second direction 72B that is different from the first direction 72B. In some examples, the second direction 72B can be opposite to the first direction 72A. Alternatively, the seal 30 can include a single wing extending from the first sidewall 70A, the second sidewall 70B, the third sidewall 70C, and / or the fourth sidewall 70D. The seal is shown and generally described herein as including two wings, however, the seal may include more or fewer than two wings.

[0027] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 In various embodiments, the first recess 68A and / or the second recess 68B can extend through the body 60, for example, from the first sidewall 70A to the second sidewall 70B. In some examples, thermal expansion of the seal 30 can be reduced via the first recess 68A and / or the second recess 68B. The seal is shown and generally described herein as including two recesses, however, the seal may include more or fewer than two recesses.

[0028] In various embodiments, the seal 30 can include one or more of a variety of materials. In some examples, the seal 30 can include a polymer material, such as rubber and / or plastic. In various embodiments, the seal 30 can be manufactured by a molding process. In various embodiments, the seal 30 can include one or more error-proofing features that can facilitate alignment of the seal 30 in the cavity 50 (e.g., centering, etc.). For example, referring to Figure 9 , the seal 30 may include at least one protrusion 74 extending from the body 60. The protrusion 74 may engage a portion of the connector body 20 (e.g., the inner surface 80B, etc.) to align (e.g., center) the seal 30 within the cavity 50. For example, the protrusion 74 may engage the inner surface 80B and center the seal 30 along the insertion direction within the cavity 50. The connector assembly 10 is shown and generally described herein as including one seal, however, the connector assembly 10 may include multiple seals. terminal

[0029] refer to Figure 9 Each terminal 40 can be connected to the connector body 20 and the seal 30. Each terminal 40 can be received by the terminal groove 52 of the connector body 20 and the terminal aperture 62 of the seal 30. Each terminal 40 can be connected to one or more wires (not shown). Each terminal 40 can be connected to a corresponding terminal of a mating connector (not shown). Assembly structure

[0030] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , shows the connector assembly 10 in an assembled configuration. As shown, the seal 30 is disposed within the cavity 50 of the connector body 20. Figure 9 At least one terminal 40 is disposed in a terminal groove 52 of the connector body 20 and a terminal aperture 62 of the seal 30. In some exemplary configurations, each terminal groove 52 may include a corrugated configuration. The seal 30 prevents various contaminants from contacting the terminal 40.

[0031] In various embodiments, contaminants may include fluids (e.g., water), substances, reagents, chemicals, and / or solids. Due to the contaminants contacting the terminals 40, the electrical connection of the connector assembly 10 may be negatively affected. For example, the electrical connection may malfunction or fail (e.g., short circuit), may be susceptible to damage (e.g., corrosion), and / or may pose a safety hazard.

[0032] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9In various embodiments, one or more interior surfaces (e.g., 80A to 80E) of the connector body 20 can define the cavity 50. In the assembled configuration, the first rib 64A and the third rib 64C can engage one or more portions of the connector body 20 (e.g., interior surfaces 80A, 80D, etc.). The second rib 64B and the fourth rib 64D can engage one or more other portions of the connector body 20 (e.g., interior surfaces 80C, 80E, etc.). In some examples, the first rib 64A, the second rib 64B, the third rib 64C, and / or the fourth rib 64D can inhibit contaminants from contacting the terminals 40. In various embodiments, the first rib 64A and / or the second rib 64B can prevent the seal 30 from moving away from the cavity 50.

[0033] In various embodiments, the first rib 64A can serve as the primary component for inhibiting contaminants from contacting the terminal 40. The second rib 64B can serve as the primary component for inhibiting the seal 30 from being removed from the cavity 50. In some examples, the third rib 64C and / or the fourth rib 64D can operate as a redundant and / or secondary component to the first rib 64A and / or the first rib 64B.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 In various embodiments, the first wing 66A and the second wing 66B can engage portions of the connector body 20 (e.g., at least the inner surfaces 80D and 80E) to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity 50. In various embodiments, the first wing 66A and / or the second wing 66B can extend in the Z direction beyond (i) the first, second, third, and / or fourth ribs 64A to 64D and (ii) the engagement locations with the first, second, third, and fourth inner surfaces 80A to 80D, respectively, to protect the engagement locations from contaminants (e.g., momentum forces of contaminants). For example, the first wing 66A and the second wing 66B can shield the engagement locations from projectile contaminants. In some example configurations, the first wing 66A and / or the second wing 66B can extend from the body 60 (e.g., in the Z direction) further than the ribs (e.g., ribs 64A to 64D) extend from the body 60 (e.g., in the Z direction). In various embodiments, the first rib 64A, the second rib 64B, the third rib 64C, the fourth rib 64D, the first wing 66A and / or the second wing 66B enable the connector assembly 10 to pass various severe tests required of connector assemblies in vehicle applications (e.g., salt spray testing, etc.).

[0035] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9In various embodiments, the seal 30 is disposed within the cavity 50 via a clearance fit. For example, a gap 90 can be provided between a portion of the seal 30 and a portion of the connector body 20 (e.g., at least the inner surface 80B). As the seal 30 experiences thermal expansion (e.g., exposure to high temperatures, etc.), the seal 30 is allowed to expand into the gap 90. The clearance fit, such as the gap 90 between the seal 30 and the connector body 20, enables the connector assembly 10 to pass various rigorous tests (e.g., temperature cycling tests, etc.) required of connector assemblies in vehicle applications. flow chart

[0036] Figure 10 is a flow chart of an example method 200 for assembling and operating the connector assembly 10. The method 200 may begin at 204. At 204, a user or a machine (e.g., a robot, etc.) may position the seal 30 within the cavity 50 of the connector body 20. In some examples, positioning the seal 30 within the cavity 50 includes engaging the first rib 64A, the second rib 64B, the third rib 64C, the fourth rib 64D, the first wing 66A, and / or the second wing 66B of the seal 30 with portions of the connector body 20 (e.g., at least the inner surfaces 80A to 80E of the connector body 20). The method 200 may proceed to 208.

[0037] At 208, a user or machine may connect the plurality of terminals 40 to the connector body 20 and / or the seal 30. For example, the user or machine may position each terminal 40 in a terminal slot 52 of the connector body 20 and a corresponding terminal aperture 62 of the seal 30. The method 200 may proceed to 212.

[0038] At 212, during operation of the connector assembly 10, the first rib 64A (i.e., the primary sealing rib) can prevent contaminants from contacting the terminal 40. In some examples, the first rib 64A, the second rib 64B, the third rib 64C, the fourth rib 64D, the first wing 66A, and / or the second wing 66B can prevent contaminants from contacting the terminal 40. The method 200 can proceed to 216.

[0039] At 216, during operation of the connector assembly 10, the second rib 64B (i.e., the main assembly rib) can prevent the seal 30 from being removed from the cavity 50. In some examples, the first rib 64A, the second rib 64B, the third rib 64C, and / or the fourth rib 64D can prevent the seal 30 from being removed from the cavity 50. The method 200 can proceed to 220.

[0040] At 220, during operation of the connector assembly 10, the first wing 66A and the second wing 66B may prevent contaminants from entering the cavity 50. The method 200 may then end.

[0041] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, the specification and the following claims. In the written description and the claims, one or more steps in the method can be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium can be executed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other markings of instructions or method steps are for convenience of reference and are not intended to indicate a fixed order.

[0042] Furthermore, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of these features described for any embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and, therefore, specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations of these. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring execution in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0044] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., spatial and functional relationships between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "close to," "on," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when the above disclosure describes a relationship between a first element and a second element, the relationship encompasses both direct and indirect relationships, in which there are no other intermediate elements between the first element and the second element, and in indirect relationships, in which there are one or more intermediate elements between the first element and the second element. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "immediately adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] The term "set" does not necessarily exclude the empty set—in other words, in some cases, a "set" may have zero elements. The term "non-empty set" can be used to exclude the empty set—in other words, a non-empty set will always have one or more elements. The term "subset" does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a "subset" of a first set can have the same scope (be equal to) as the first set. Furthermore, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty set—in some cases, a "subset" may have zero elements.

[0046] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms used herein do not imply an order or sequence unless clearly indicated by the context. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example construction.

[0047] The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. Rather than meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C,” the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR.

[0048] The following technical solutions provide exemplary configurations of the connector assembly and related methods described above.

[0049] Technical Solution 1: A connector assembly comprises: a connector body defining a cavity and a terminal groove in fluid communication with the cavity; and a seal removably disposed in the cavity and comprising: a body defining a terminal opening; a first rib and a second rib extending from the body; and a wing extending from the body; wherein, in an assembled structure, the first rib and the second rib engage with multiple portions of the connector body.

[0050] Technical Solution 2: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 1, wherein: the body of the seal includes: a first side wall; a second side wall, which is spaced apart from the first side wall; and a third side wall, which is arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall; the first rib extends from the first side wall; the second rib extends from the first side wall or the second side wall; and the wing extends from the third side wall.

[0051] Technical Solution 3: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein: the first rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the first side wall of the body; and the second rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the second side wall of the body.

[0052] Technical Solution 4: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 3, wherein: the terminal aperture extends through the first side wall and the second side wall; and the wing extends from the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0053] Technical Solution 5: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 4, wherein: the first rib is configured to prevent contaminants from entering the terminal aperture; and the second rib is configured to prevent the seal from moving away from the cavity.

[0054] Technical Solution 6: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 5, wherein, in the assembled structure: the wing extends from the body of the seal farther than the first rib; the wing overlaps with the sealing joint between the first rib and the inner surface of the connector body; and the wing engages a portion of the connector body to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity.

[0055] Technical Solution 7: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 6, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the seal is disposed in the cavity of the connector body via a clearance fit.

[0056] Technical Solution 8: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 7, wherein: in the assembled structure, a gap is provided between the seal and at least one inner surface of the connector body; and when the seal expands thermally, the seal is allowed to expand into the gap.

[0057] Technical Solution 9: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 8, wherein: the seal includes at least one recess extending through the body; and thermal expansion of the seal is reduced via the recess.

[0058] Technical Solution 10: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 9, wherein: the connector body defines a plurality of terminal slots; the body of the seal defines a plurality of terminal openings; and in the assembled structure, the seal is arranged in the cavity so that the terminal slots are aligned with the terminal openings.

[0059] Technical Solution 11: A seal for a connector assembly having a connector body, the seal comprising: a body defining a terminal opening and having a first side wall, a second side wall opposite to the first side wall, a third side wall extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a fourth side wall opposite to the third side wall and extending between the first side wall and the second wall; a first rib extending from the first side wall and configured to engage an inner portion of the connector body; a second rib extending from the first side wall and configured to engage an inner portion of the connector body; a first wing extending from the third side wall and configured to engage an outer portion of the connector body; and a second wing extending from the fourth side wall and configured to engage an outer portion of the connector body.

[0060] Technical Solution 12: A seal according to Technical Solution 11, wherein: the first rib is configured to prevent contaminants from entering the terminal opening; and the seal includes a third rib extending from the body, the third rib being configured to engage the second inner portion of the connector body to prevent the seal from moving away from the connector body.

[0061] Technical Solution 13: A seal according to Technical Solution 12, wherein: the first rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the first side wall of the body; and the second rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the second side wall of the body.

[0062] Technical Solution 14: The seal according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the terminal aperture extends through the first side wall and the second side wall, and wherein the first wing extends from at least one of the first side wall or the second side wall.

[0063] Technical Solution 15: A seal according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 14, wherein: the first wing extends from the body along a first direction; the second wing extends from the body along a second direction transverse to the first direction; and in the assembled structure, the first wing and the second wing prevent contaminants from entering the connector body.

[0064] Technical Solution 16: A seal according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 15, wherein, in the assembled structure, the seal is arranged in the cavity of the connector body via a clearance fit.

[0065] Technical Solution 17: A seal according to Technical Solution 16, wherein: in the assembled structure, a gap is provided between the seal and at least one inner surface of the connector body; and the seal is configured to expand into the gap when the seal expands thermally.

[0066] Technical Solution 18: The seal according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 17 further includes a protrusion extending from the body, the protrusion being configured to engage with the connector body to align the seal relative to the connector body.

[0067] Technical Solution 19: A method comprising: setting a seal in a cavity of a connector body, including; engaging a first rib and a second rib of the seal with multiple parts of the connector body; and engaging a first wing and a second wing of the seal with multiple other parts of the connector body; setting a terminal in a terminal groove of the connector body and a terminal opening of the seal; and inhibiting contaminants from contacting the terminal via the first rib.

[0068] Technical Solution 20: The method according to Technical Solution 19 further includes: preventing the seal from moving away from the cavity via the second rib; and inhibiting contaminants from entering the cavity via the first wing and the second wing.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: a connector body defining a cavity and a terminal slot in fluid communication with the cavity; as well as a seal removably disposed within the cavity and comprising: a body defining a terminal aperture; first and second ribs extending from the body; and wings extending from the body; Wherein, in an assembled configuration, the first rib and the second rib engage portions of the connector body.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The body of the seal comprises: a first side wall; a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall; and a third side wall, the third side wall being disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall; the first rib extending from the first sidewall; the second rib extending from the first side wall or the second side wall; and The wing extends from the third side wall.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the first side wall of the body; and The second rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the second side wall of the body.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein: a terminal aperture extending through the first side wall and the second side wall; and The wings extend from the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the first rib being configured to prevent contaminants from entering the terminal aperture; and The second rib is configured to inhibit removal of the seal from the cavity.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In the assembly configuration: the wing extending from the body of the seal further than the first rib; the wing overlapping a sealing joint between the first rib and the inner surface of the connector body; as well as The wing engages a portion of the connector body to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In the assembled configuration, the seal is disposed within the cavity of the connector body via a clearance fit.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein: In the assembled configuration, a gap is provided between the seal and at least one inner surface of the connector body; and When the seal thermally expands, the seal is allowed to expand into the void.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seal includes at least one recess extending through the body; and Thermal expansion of the seal is reduced via the recess.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector body defines a plurality of terminal slots; The body of the seal defines a plurality of terminal apertures; and In the assembled configuration, the seal is disposed in the cavity such that the terminal slots are aligned with the terminal apertures.

11. A seal for a connector assembly having a connector body, the seal comprising: a body defining a terminal aperture and having a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a third sidewall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a fourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall and extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; a first rib extending from the first sidewall and configured to engage an inner portion of the connector body; a second rib extending from the second side wall and configured to engage an inner portion of the connector body; a first wing extending from the third sidewall and configured to engage an outer portion of the connector body; as well as A second wing extends from the fourth side wall and is configured to engage an outer portion of the connector body.

12. The seal according to claim 11, characterized in that: the first rib being configured to prevent contaminants from entering the terminal aperture; and The seal includes a third rib extending from the body, the third rib being configured to engage the second inner portion of the connector body to prevent removal of the seal from the connector body.

13. The seal according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the periphery of the first side wall of the body; and The second rib extends continuously and uninterruptedly along a periphery of the second side wall of the body.

14. The seal according to claim 13, wherein: The terminal aperture extends through the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first wing extends from at least one of the first side wall or the second side wall.

15. The seal according to claim 11, wherein: The first wing portion extends from the body along a first direction; the second wing extending from the body in a second direction transverse to the first direction; as well as In an assembled configuration, the first wing and the second wing prevent contaminants from entering the connector body.

16. The seal according to claim 11, wherein In an assembled configuration, the seal is disposed within the cavity of the connector body via a clearance fit.

17. The seal according to claim 16, characterized in that: In the assembled configuration, a gap is provided between the seal and at least one inner surface of the connector body; and The seal is configured to expand into the void when the seal thermally expands.

18. The seal according to claim 11, wherein Also included is a protrusion extending from the body, the protrusion configured to engage the connector body to align the seal relative to the connector body.

19. A method comprising: Disposing a seal in the cavity of the connector body, including; engaging first and second ribs of a seal with portions of the connector body; as well as engaging the first and second wings of the seal with a plurality of other portions of the connector body; placing terminals in the terminal grooves of the connector body and the terminal apertures of the seal; as well as Contaminants are inhibited from contacting the terminals via the first ribs.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Also includes: preventing the seal from moving away from the cavity via the second rib; as well as Contaminants are inhibited from entering the cavity via the first wing and the second wing.

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