Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly adapted to fit through a central through-hole on a panel is described herein. The connector assembly includes: a housing including a base housing and a plug housing respectively extending at least partially through the central through hole to fit in place, the plug housing and the base housing together defining an inner space for receiving a terminal; and a gasket seal, the gasket seal comprising: a flat body pressed between the panel and the base housing in a normal direction of the panel; and the first skirt edge part is constructed to protrude outwards in an inclined manner from the periphery, facing the first side of the panel, of the main body, and is configured to abut against the panel through the free end of the first skirt edge part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly capable of being mounted in place, for example, through an opening of a panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a refrigeration apparatus such as a refrigerator or a freezer, a connector assembly can be disposed in a space filled with a foaming member for thermal insulation. Generally, the foaming member hardens after being injected in a liquid form. Thus, when the space is filled with the foaming member, the foaming member can penetrate into the connector assembly disposed in the space. Thereby, a connector assembly having a good sealing performance is generally used to prevent a foaming agent, water, or other contaminants from entering the connector assembly, avoiding a short circuit or an open circuit in the connector assembly. To form a good seal, it is conventionally used in the art, for example, to employ a sealing structure, typically, for example, a flattened gasket, or a straight-walled ring gasket, for example, employing a gasket seal having a circumferential flange at the edge, which is held against between the panel and a housing of the connector, which is composed of two partial housings respectively pushed toward the panel from both sides of the panel, for example, to press the seal against the panel when the housing of the connector assembly partially passes through the panel through an opening on the panel, thereby forming a seal between the panel and the circumferential flange to prevent the foaming agent, water, or other contaminants from entering the connector assembly at the joint interface between the flange and the panel.

[0003] However, in the case where the panel has a small thickness, typically, for example, 1.0 mm, and the panel material has a low hardness and is easily deformed, during the fitting of the housing of the connector assembly to the panel, the insertion force applied by the gasket seal to the panel (according to the interaction of forces, i.e., also equivalent to the reaction force applied by the panel to the gasket seal) is too large, and considering that the panel is thin and has a low stiffness, which causes the panel to be easily deformed, the housing of the connector assembly is difficult to firmly and effectively fit with the panel.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the art to develop an improved connector assembly for preventing the penetration of foaming material into the connector assembly, which is capable of, for example, specifically reducing the vertical force component (normal component) acting on the gasket by specially designing the local structure of the gasket seal for contacting and abutting against the panel, thereby achieving a firm and effective fit between the housing of the connector assembly and the panel even in the case of a thin and low-rigidity panel that is prone to deformation, while still being able to effectively ensure the sealing requirements of the anti-foaming and waterproof seal to maintain the internal dryness for the proper operation of the internal circuitry, thereby aiming to achieve an optimized structural solution. At the same time, due to the minimal modification of the structure in this structure, the complexity and cost of structural design and manufacturing are reduced. And, due to the addition of no new parts, the assembly sequence remains unchanged, only the local modification of the structure, thereby optimizing the assembly; and being able to be compatible with different panel material hardness and panel thickness with a single gasket seal structure. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure aims to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects existing in the prior art by providing a connector assembly with simple structure and capable of effectively blocking the entry of foaming material.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present disclosure is implemented by the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a connector assembly is provided, which is adapted to fit through a central through-hole on a panel. The connector assembly comprises: a housing comprising a base housing and a plug housing extending at least partially through the central through-hole to fit in place respectively, the plug housing and the base housing collectively defining an inner space for accommodating terminals; and a gasket seal, the gasket seal comprising: a flat main body pressed against the panel and the base housing along a normal direction of the panel; and a first skirt portion configured to be obliquely outwardly protruding from a peripheral edge of a first side of the main body facing the panel, and arranged to abut against the panel with a free end thereof.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the first skirt portion is a horn-shaped flange obliquely outwardly expanding relative to the main body and continuously arranged circumferentially.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the first skirt portion protrudes substantially in elevation relative to the main body circumferentially.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, with the main body pressed against the panel and the base housing along the normal direction, an inner side wall surface of the first skirt portion at the free end is at a first angle relative to the panel as an acute angle.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the first skirt portion is tapered in a longitudinal cross-section toward the free end.

[0012] In an example embodiment, an outer side wall surface of the first skirt portion at the free end makes a second angle with the panel as an acute angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle.

[0013] In an example embodiment, a groove is formed between the first skirt portion and the main body, the groove being recessed toward the main body.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the base housing has a circumferential flange protruding outward from an outer side surface thereof in a transverse plane normal to the normal and being circumferentially continuous.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the circumferential flange includes a substantially planar annular portion disposed about the outer side surface, and a pair of protruding portions disposed on a surface of the annular portion facing away from the panel and extending in the normal at edges of the annular portion opposite two transverse sides of the base housing.

[0016] In an example embodiment, with the base housing and the plug housing mated in place, the gasket seal is held pressed between the annular portion and the panel by the first skirt portion with the free end abutting against the panel and the main body contacting against the annular portion.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the gasket seal further includes a second skirt portion disposed at a periphery of a second side of the main body opposite the first side and configured to at least partially enclose the base housing.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the second skirt portion is a vertical flange protruding from the periphery of the second side of the main body and disposed circumferentially continuously and configured to at least partially circumscribe an outer side of the pair of protruding portions.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the second skirt portion has a stepped inner side wall.

[0020] In an example embodiment, the main body of the gasket seal has a through-going central opening, the central opening having a shape and size substantially conforming to a shape and size of the central through-hole.

[0021] In an example embodiment, with the base housing at least partially extending through both the central opening and the central through-hole, the central opening of the main body is aligned with the central through-hole of the panel.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the base housing further has a pair of resilient arms respectively bently protruding from opposite lateral sides at a top thereof towards the faceplate.

[0023] In an example embodiment, an end of each resilient arm has a sawtooth or step-shaped end face.

[0024] In an example embodiment, a normal distance between the pair of resilient arms and the surround is greater than a thickness of the main body.

[0025] In an example embodiment, a normal distance between the pair of resilient arms and the surround is greater than a normal distance between the second side of the main body and the free end of the first skirt portion.

[0026] In an example embodiment, the pair of resilient arms are partially offset from the central opening and the central through-hole in the lateral direction when the base housing has at least partially extended through the central opening and the central through-hole but has not yet cooperated with the plug housing.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the pair of resilient arms are configured to at least partially abut against edges of the central through-hole of the faceplate to act as stoppers of the housings by means of respective ends being deformed by being outwardly deflected from respective arm bases under a pushing action of the plug housing when the plug housing at least partially extends through the central through-hole and is pushed towards the base housing to prevent the plug housing and the base housing from continuing to move towards each other once the base housing and the plug housing are in place. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings,

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic exploded view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrate schematic perspective views of a gasket seal in a connector assembly as shown in Figure 1 FIG. 1, and Figure 3c illustrate a front view of a gasket seal in a connector assembly as shown in Figure 1 FIG. 2;

[0032] Figures 4a to 4f Fig. 1 shows a front view of a connector assembly as Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a front view of a connector assembly as DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described in detail by way of specific illustrative examples thereof. The drawings are schematic and schematic illustrations of the embodiments are intended to provide a generalized understanding of the structures and techniques utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. The drawings are solely for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to provide a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. In this regard, the sketches in the drawings are meant only to be illustrative - and can not be to scale - of the various objects set forth herein. In addition, it should be appreciated that the drawings are not meant to be a complete depiction of the present disclosure, but rather a few examples of the disclosure are shown. As such, the drawings should not be construed as placing limitations upon the present disclosure. Furthermore, describing the disclosure with either the detailed description or the drawings and the examples, it is the intent of the inventor that all combinations of features from the detailed description and the drawings and the examples be included. In other words, any feature of the disclosure is intended to be combinable with any other feature or combination of features unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. Moreover, in the following detailed description, all test and scientific terminology known to one of ordinary skill in the art over the world having the benefit of this disclosure, including those especially necessary to describe the present disclosure, are intended to have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions, uses of directions, such as top, bottom, right, left, front, back, or the like can be relative, but can change according to an object to which the present disclosure relates can be used, a position of the object, or the like. Terms such as "a" or "one" or "only one" need not exclude the existence of additional instances of the same object recited. Where only one of an object is intended, the specification will only reflect that intent. Similarly, the terms "first", "second", and / or the like do not necessarily imply that there are two or more of the denominated objects. Rather, these designations can be used interchangeably and / or solely to distinguish or identify a particular element. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and / or the like can be used merely as labels to avoid confusion with one another, but do not necessarily indicate a physical order or sequence unless clearly indicated by a reasonable person in the art. Moreover, the terms "front", "back", "rear", "upper", "lower", and / or the like can be used herein for ease of description to describe the aspects of the application as it is oriented in the figures. The application can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms can be interpreted as needing to modify a potentially opposite feature of the structure or element denoted regardless of the orientation of the figure illustrating the structure or element.

[0035] Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a front view of a connector assembly as Figure 2 Fig. 1 shows a front view of a connector assembly as

[0036] According to one general inventive concept, a connector assembly is provided, for example as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, there is provided a connector assembly 1 suitable for use in the field of refrigeration equipment, for example capable of being mounted in place through an opening of a panel 2, adapted to fit through a central through-hole 20 on a panel 2. As an exemplary embodiment, for example, the connector assembly 1 comprises: a housing 11 comprising a base housing 111 and a plug housing 112 respectively extending at least partially through the central through-hole 20 to fit in place, the plug housing 112 and the base housing 111 together defining an inner space for accommodating terminals; and a gasket seal 12 comprising: a flat main body 121 to be pressed against the panel 2 in a normal direction of the panel 2 between the panel 2 and the base housing 111; and a first skirt portion 122 configured to be obliquely protruded outwardly from a periphery of a first side of the main body 121 facing the panel 2, and arranged to abut against the panel 2 with a free end 1221 thereof.

[0037] With this arrangement, thereby, a connector assembly 1 for preventing the ingress of foaming substances, for example for use in refrigeration equipment, is achieved, with the structure of the gasket seal 12 specially designed, in particular with the partial structure of the gasket seal 12 for contacting and abutting against the panel 2, by decomposing the force in two directions, i.e. the vertical direction (e.g. the normal direction of the panel 2) and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction (e.g. the direction parallel to the panel 2), to reduce the vertical force component of the panel 2 acting on the gasket, thereby achieving a firm and effective fit of the housing of the connector assembly 1 with the panel 2 even in the case of a very thin and low-rigidity panel 2 which is prone to deformation, thereby aiming to achieve an optimized structural solution.

[0038] At the same time, this partial structural design of the gasket seal 12 only involves minimal modification to the structure, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of structural design and manufacturing. And, since there is no new part, the assembly sequence remains unchanged, only the partial modification of the structure, thereby optimizing the assembly; and, different panel 2 material hardness and panel 2 thickness can be compatible with a single gasket seal 12 structure.

[0039] And, the above-mentioned gasket seal 12 of the present disclosure can still effectively ensure to meet the sealing requirements of preventing foaming and water to keep the interior dry for the proper operation of the internal circuit, thereby aiming to achieve an optimized structural solution.

[0040] Figure 3a and Figure 3b respectively show a schematic perspective view of the gasket seal 12 in the connector assembly 1 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3c show a front view of the gasket seal 12 in the connector assembly 1 as shown in Figure 1

[0041] And as an example, typically, for example as​Figures 3a to 3c As shown, the first skirt portion 122 is a trumpet-shaped flange that is outwardly expanded obliquely relative to the main body 121 and is continuously arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0042] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown, more particularly as a preferred example, the first skirt portion 122 protrudes substantially in the same height relative to the main body 121 in the circumferential direction.

[0043] Figures 4a to 4f As shown, the first skirt portion 122 is a trumpet-shaped flange that is outwardly expanded obliquely relative to the main body 121 and is continuously arranged in the circumferential direction. Figure 1 The front view, rear view, left view, top view, bottom view and longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly 1 are shown.

[0044] In a further embodiment, as shown, in particular for example Figure 4f As shown, in the case where the main body 121 is pressed against the panel 2 and the base housing 111 along the normal direction, the inner side wall surface 1222 of the first skirt portion 122 at the free end 1221 forms a first angle A with the panel 2 as an acute angle.

[0045] Based on the principle of interaction of forces, at the contact position between the panel 2 and the gasket seal 12, the reaction force of the panel 2 on the gasket seal 12 is substantially applied, for example, perpendicular to the contact position, typically, for example, orthogonal to the tangential direction of the inner side wall surface 1222 of the first skirt portion 122 at the free end 1221 thereof. Thus, based on the principle of force decomposition, the vertical force component, i.e. the normal component, of the panel 2 acting on the gasket is reduced by the decomposition of the force in the vertical direction (e.g. the normal direction of the panel 2) and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction (e.g. the direction parallel to the panel 2), thereby effectively reducing the insertion force of interaction between the panel 2 and the gasket seal 12; while the force component parallel to the panel 2 does not cause the deformation of the panel 2 in the thickness direction, i.e. the normal direction, which is usually offset by the static friction force, and does not adversely affect the cooperation at the interface between the gasket seal 12 and the panel 2.

[0046] Further, according to the relevant mathematical knowledge of force decomposition, it is known that, in essence, the smaller the vertical force component, i.e. the normal force component, of the panel 2 acting on the gasket, the smaller the influence of the interaction force between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 on the deformation of the panel 2 which is relatively thin and low in rigidity, i.e. in practice the panel 2 is relatively soft and easy to deform. In other words, the larger the first angle, i.e. the steeper the slope, of the inner side wall surface 1222 of the first skirt portion 122 at the free end 1221 relative to the panel 2, the smaller the vertical interaction force, i.e. the normal force component, between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 obtained in the process of force decomposition, and the smaller the influence of the interaction force between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 on the deformation of the panel 2 which is relatively thin and low in rigidity.

[0047] On the contrary, the smaller the first angle, i.e. the gentler the slope, of the inner side wall surface 1222 of the first skirt portion 122 at the free end 1221 relative to the panel 2, the larger the vertical interaction force, i.e. the normal force component, between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 obtained in the process of force decomposition, and the stronger the deformation trend of the panel 2, i.e. the greater the influence on the deformation of the panel 2.

[0048] Therefore, by such a setting, i.e. specifically by the local structure of the first skirt portion 122 of the gasket seal 12 according to the present disclosure which is inclined (e.g. at a specific angle) relative to the panel 2, the vertical interaction force, i.e. the normal force component, between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 is reduced via force decomposition, so that the shell and the panel 2 of the connector assembly 1 are firmly and effectively matched even when the panel 2 is thin and low in rigidity and easy to deform, thereby realizing an optimized structural scheme.

[0049] In alternative embodiments, the first skirt portion 122 is additionally provided, for example, to protrude relative to the main body 121 in the circumferential direction at a non-uniform height, or even not continuously in the circumferential direction, e.g. only implemented as a local flared flange, or a flared flange of non-uniform height, but as long as the free end 1221 of the first skirt portion 122 is provided at an acute angle relative to the panel 2, the vertical interaction force, i.e. the normal force component, between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 based on force decomposition can be at least partially reduced.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, further, for example as shown in the drawings, the first skirt portion 122 is tapered towards the free end 1221 in the longitudinal cross-section.

[0051] In a further embodiment, for example, as shown in the figure, the outer side wall surface 1223 of the first skirt portion 122 at the free end 1221 is arranged at a second angle B with respect to the panel 2, which is an acute angle, and the second angle is greater than the first angle A.

[0052] In view of the fact that the gasket seal 12 is conventionally made of rubber and configured in the form of a ring-shaped seal ring, thereby forming a seal along the entire circumference of the housing, in terms of the conventional processing technology of the rubber gasket seal ring, due to the fact that the uniform and inclined wall is more difficult to process than the non-uniform wall thickness arrangement of the first skirt portion 122 in the present disclosure, which is tapered (i.e., a convex flange of a tapered cross section) towards the free end 1221, it is only necessary to specially set the angle of the inner side wall surface 1222 of the first skirt portion 122 at the free end 1221 with respect to the panel 2, i.e., the first angle, to meet the requirements of the deformation of the panel 2, to facilitate the manufacture of the existing typical processing technology.

[0053] In addition, regarding the specific matching mode of the first skirt portion 122, considering the effect of the force component parallel to the panel 2 between the panel 2 and the first skirt portion 122 in the force decomposition, in an exemplary embodiment, for example, as shown in the figure, a groove 123 recessed towards the main body 121 is formed between the first skirt portion 122 and the main body 121. The groove 123 is designed to accommodate / allow the limited movement (particularly, for example, the limited range of lateral translation or torsion) of the gasket seal 12, for example, the first skirt portion 122, under the action of force (such as the force component parallel to the panel 2 generated by the force decomposition, i.e., the lateral force component), to improve the resistance of the overall structure of the gasket seal 12 to the lateral force component.

[0054] In addition, in another exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, for example, as shown in the figure, the base housing 111 is provided with a circumferential flange 1111 protruding outwardly from the outer side surface thereof in a transverse plane orthogonal to the normal direction and continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0055] Further, as a specific embodiment, for example, as shown in the figure, the circumferential flange 1111 includes: a substantially flat annular portion 1111a arranged around the outer side surface; and a pair of protruding portions 1111b provided on the surface of the annular portion 1111a facing away from the panel 2 and extending in the normal direction at the edges of the annular portion 1111a with respect to the opposite transverse sides of the base housing 111.

[0056] Also, as a specific example, for instance, as regards the matching of the base housing 111 and the plug housing 112 via the panel 2, in particular, said base housing 111 and said plug housing 112 are respectively urged towards the panel 2 from different sides of the panel 2, for instance typically, first said base housing 111 is sequentially partially passed through said central through hole 20 of said panel 2 and said central opening 1211 of the flat body 121 of said gasket seal 12, then said plug housing 112 is partially passed through said panel 2 in the opposite direction, finally both said base housing 111 and said plug housing 112 are brought into mutual mating position and sandwich said gasket seal 12 and said panel 2 therebetween. Thereby, correspondingly as an example, as shown, in the case of said base housing 111 and said plug housing 112 being brought into position, said gasket seal 12 is reliably held pressed between said annular portion 1111a and said panel 2 by said first skirt portion 122 with said free end 1221 abutting against said panel 2 and said body 121 contacting against said annular portion 1111a.

[0057] In still further exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, for instance as shown, said gasket seal 12 further comprises a second skirt portion 124 provided at a periphery of a second side of said body 121 opposite said first side and configured to at least partially enclose said base housing 111.

[0058] Still further, as a specific example, for instance as shown, said second skirt portion 124 is a vertical flange protruding from and continuously disposed circumferentially at the periphery of said second side of said body 121 and configured to at least partially circumscribe an outer side of said pair of protruding portions 1111b.

[0059] With such an arrangement, advantageously, limited circumferential constraint and retention of said gasket seal 12 on a side opposite said first skirt portion 122 with said second skirt portion 124 relative to said plug housing 112 (of the circumferential flange 1111) is facilitated, and also effective sealing relative to said base housing 111 and said plug housing 112 of the housings, and said panel 2, in the vicinity of the mutual interfaces thereof, on both sides of the gasket seal 12 is facilitated.

[0060] Further, regarding the specific manner of cooperation between the second skirt portion 124 and the circumferential flange 1111 of the base housing 111, in yet further exemplary embodiments, for example as shown, the second skirt portion 124 is provided with a stepped inner side wall. Thereby, when the base housing 111 is pushed towards the gasket seal 12 and the faceplate 2, the stepped inner side wall of the second skirt portion 124 can conveniently surround and abut against the outer side of the circumferential flange 1111 of the base housing 111, thereby not only facilitating the lateral constraint and delimitation of the circumferential flange 1111 of the base housing 111, but also helping to at least partially mitigate or even eliminate excessive pushing of the base housing 111 towards the gasket seal 12 and the faceplate 2, improving the reliability of the connector assembly 1.

[0061] In yet further exemplary specific embodiments according to the present disclosure, for example as shown, the main body 121 of the gasket seal is provided with a through-going central opening 1211, the shape and size of which substantially coincide with those of the central through-hole 20.

[0062] Still further, as a specific embodiment, for example as shown, considering that in the mating process of the base housing 111 and the plug housing 112 via the faceplate 2, typically first the base housing 111 is sequentially partially passed through the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2 and the central opening 1211 of the flat main body 121 of the gasket seal 12, and then the plug housing 112 is partially passed through the faceplate 2 in the opposite direction. Thereby, with the base housing 111 at least partially extended through both the central opening 1211 and the central through-hole 20, thanks to the insertion of the base housing 111, the alignment of the central opening 1211 of the main body 121 with the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2 is achieved, since the smooth insertion requires the hole or opening structure to be passed through to conform to the external profile of the base housing 111.

[0063] Typically, after the base housing 111 has been sequentially partially passed through the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2 and the central opening 1211 of the flat main body 121 of the gasket seal 12, then the action of partially passing the plug housing 112 through the faceplate 2 in the opposite direction is to be implemented. To this end, as an example, in yet further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, for example as shown, the base housing 111 is further provided with a pair of elastic arms 1112 respectively bently protruding from opposite two lateral sides at the top thereof towards the faceplate 2. In more specific embodiments, for example, a sawtooth or stepped end face 1112c is provided at the end 1112b of each elastic arm 1112.

[0064] Thus, by virtue of this arrangement, as the plug housing 112 is moved towards the central through-hole 20 of the panel 2 to be inserted therein in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the base housing 111, the jagged or stepped end face 1112c at the end 1112b of each resilient arm 1112 is able to contribute to a firm and reliable abutment against the edge of at least one of the central through-hole 20 in the panel 2 and the central opening 1211 of the gasket, thereby further avoiding the accidental pushing of the resilient arms 1112 by the plug housing 112 through the opening in the panel 2 to continue further, resulting in a corresponding separation between the base housing 111 (e.g. the circumferential flange 1111) and the gasket, improving the reliability of the connector assembly 1.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in the base housing 111, the spacing between the pair of resilient arms 1112 and the circumferential flange 1111 is fixed, e.g. typically, the normal distance between the pair of resilient arms 1112 and the circumferential flange 1111 is greater than the thickness of the main body 121, to ensure that there is sufficient space in the base housing 111 between the pair of resilient arms 1112 and the circumferential flange 1111 for accommodating the insertion of the main body 121 of the gasket and being fixedly abutted between the panel 2 and the circumferential flange 1111 of the base housing 111.

[0066] In more specific embodiments, as an example, as shown, the normal distance between the pair of resilient arms 1112 and the circumferential flange 1111 is greater than the normal distance between the second side of the main body 121 and the free end 1221 of the first skirt portion 122.

[0067] Thus, by virtue of the above-mentioned dimensional arrangement, it is effectively ensured that there is sufficient space in the base housing 111 between the pair of resilient arms 1112 and the circumferential flange 1111 for additionally accommodating the insertion of the inclined first skirt portion 122 of the gasket, and abutment on the surface of the panel 2.

[0068] In addition, with regard to the specific manner of insertion of the pair of resilient arms 1112 relative to the central opening 1211 of the main body 121 and the central through-hole 20 of the panel 2, in yet further exemplary embodiments, as an example, correspondingly, in the case where the base housing 111 has been at least partially extended through the central opening 1211 and the central through-hole 20, but has not yet cooperated with the plug housing 112, the pair of resilient arms 1112 are partially offset from the central opening 1211 and the central through-hole 20 in the transverse direction.

[0069] Correspondingly, in the course of the base housing 111 sequentially partially passing through the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2 and the central opening 1211 of the flat main body 121 of the gasket seal 12, first, the base housing 111 is moved towards the gasket seal the faceplate 2, then the pair of elastic arms 1112, partially offset from the central opening 1211 and the central through-hole 20 in the transverse direction, gradually contract inward from their base by the extrusion of the central opening 1211 of the main body 121 and the edge of the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2 and at the same time continue to move forward, and then, for example, as shown in the drawings, until the base housing 111 has at least partially extended through the central opening 1211 and the central through-hole 20, the pair of elastic arms 1112 attempt to recover towards the initial unloaded state.

[0070] In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, as shown in the drawings, the pair of elastic arms 1112 are configured to, in the event that the plug housing 112 at least partially extends through the central through-hole 20 and is pushed towards the base housing 111, at least partially abut against the edge of the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2 to act as a stopper for the housing by means of the respective tip 1112b deforming outwards with the respective arm base 1112a being pushed by the plug housing 112.

[0071] Thus, the pair of elastic arms 1112 as stoppers, once in place with the base housing 111 and the plug housing 112 mated, are forced to extend outwards from the initial offset state and at least abut against at least part of the edge of the central through-hole 20 of the faceplate 2, thereby effectively preventing the plug housing 112 and the base housing 111 from continuing to move towards each other.

[0072] Based on the above setting, a connector assembly 1 with a gasket seal 12 in a flared configuration for a refrigeration device such as a refrigerator, a freezer, etc. can achieve the following superior technical effects over the prior art solutions (e.g. flat gaskets or straight-walled ring gaskets, etc.): by the specially designed partial structure of the gasket seal 12 for contacting and abutting against the panel 2, the vertical force component (normal component) acting on the gasket is reduced, thereby achieving a firm and effective fit between the housing of the connector assembly 1 and the panel 2 even when the panel 2 is thin and has low rigidity and is prone to deformation; while still effectively ensuring the sealing requirements of anti-foaming and waterproofing to meet the requirement of keeping the interior dry for the proper operation of the internal circuit, thereby aiming to achieve an optimized structural solution. At the same time, since only minimal modifications to the structure are expected in this structure, the complexity and cost of structural design and manufacturing are reduced. And since there are no new parts, the assembly sequence remains unchanged, only the partial modification of the structure, thereby optimizing the assembly; and the single gasket seal 12 structure can be compatible with different panel 2 material hardness and panel 2 thickness.

[0073] The connector assembly 1 in the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to achieve an anti-foaming sealing effect in a refrigeration device such as a refrigerator. The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Although the present disclosure is illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0074] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and can be improved by those skilled in the art, and the structures described in various embodiments can be modified and freely combined without structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0075] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should only be limited in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0076] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "one" do not exclude a plurality. In addition, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (1) adapted to fit through a central through hole (20) in a panel (2), characterized in that, The connector assembly (1) includes: a housing (11) including a base housing (111) and a plug housing (112) fitted in place respectively at least partially extending through the central through-hole (20), the plug housing (112) and the base housing (111) jointly defining an inner space for accommodating terminals; and a gasket seal (12) including: a flat main body (121) pressed against the panel (2) and the base housing (111) along a normal direction of the panel (2); and a first skirt portion (122) configured to be obliquely outwardly protruded from a peripheral edge of a first side of the main body (121) facing the panel (2) and arranged to abut against the panel (2) with a free end (1221) thereof.

2. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first skirt portion (122) is a horn-shaped flange obliquely outwardly expanded relative to the main body (121) and disposed continuously in a circumferential direction.

3. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first skirt portion (122) is isometrically protruded relative to the main body (121) in a circumferential direction.

4. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that With the main body (121) pressed against the panel (2) and the base housing (111) along the normal direction, an inner side wall surface (1222) of the first skirt portion (122) at the free end (1221) is at a first angle (A) as an acute angle relative to the panel (2).

5. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The first skirt portion (122) is tapered toward the free end (1221) in a longitudinal cross section.

6. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that An outer side wall surface (1223) of the first skirt portion (122) at the free end (1221) is at a second angle (B) as an acute angle relative to the panel (2), the second angle (B) being greater than the first angle (A).

7. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A groove (123) recessed toward the main body (121) is formed between the first skirt portion (122) and the main body (121).

8. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The base housing (111) is provided with a circumferential flange (1111) outwardly protruded from an outer side surface thereof in a transverse plane orthogonal to the normal direction and continuously in a circumferential direction.

9. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The circumferential flange (1111) includes: a flat annular portion (1111a) arranged around the outer side surface; and a pair of protruding portions (1111b) disposed on a surface of the annular portion (1111a) facing away from the panel (2) and extending along the normal direction at edges of opposite transverse sides of the annular portion (1111a) relative to the base housing (111).

10. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that With the base housing (111) and the plug housing (112) fitted in place, the gasket seal (12) is held pressed between the annular portion (1111a) and the panel (2) by the first skirt portion (122) abutting against the panel (2) with the free end (1221) and the main body (121) contacting against the annular portion (1111a).

11. Connector assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The gasket seal (12) further comprises a second skirt portion (124) provided at a periphery of a second side of the main body (121) opposite the first side and configured to at least partially enclose the base housing (111).

12. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The second skirt portion (124) is a vertical flange protruding from and circumferentially continuous with the periphery of the second side of the main body (121) and configured to at least partially circumscribe the outer side of the pair of protrusions (1111b).

13. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The second skirt portion (124) has a stepped inner side wall.

14. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The main body (121) of the gasket seal has a through-going central opening (1211) shaped and sized to conform to the central through-hole (20).

15. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that In the case where the base housing (111) extends at least partially through both the central opening (1211) and the central through-hole (20), the central opening (1211) of the main body (121) is aligned with the central through-hole (20) of the faceplate (2).

16. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The base housing (111) further has a pair of resilient arms (1112) bent from opposite lateral sides at a top thereof towards the faceplate (2), respectively.

17. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The end (1112b) of each resilient arm (1112) has a saw-toothed or stepped end face (1112c).

18. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The normal distance between the pair of resilient arms (1112) and the annular portion is greater than the thickness of the main body (121).

19. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that The normal distance between the pair of resilient arms (1112) and the annular portion is greater than the normal distance between the second side of the main body (121) and the free end (1221) of the first skirt portion (122).

20. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that In the case where the base housing (111) has extended at least partially through both the central opening (1211) and the central through-hole (20) but has not yet cooperated with the plug housing (112), the pair of resilient arms (1112) are partially offset from the central opening (1211) and the central through-hole (20) in the lateral direction.

21. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The pair of resilient arms (1112) are configured to, in the case where the plug housing (112) extends at least partially through the central through-hole (20) and is urged towards the base housing (111), at least partially abut the edge of the central through-hole (20) of the faceplate (2) to act as a stop for the housing by virtue of each end (1112b) being deformed by being displaced outwards with each arm base (1112a) under the urging of the plug housing (112), such that the plug housing (112) and the base housing (111) are prevented from continuing to move towards each other in response to the base housing (111) and the plug housing (112) being cooperated into place.

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