Heat-resistant electrical connector assembly

Abstract

A heat-resistant electrical connector assembly 100 has an electrical connector arrangement 106 for facilitating, at a connection end 101 of the connector assembly, electrical connection to and electrical heating of the electrically heated high temperature component 102. The electrical connector arrangement has a fastenable connection element 114. The assembly also has a heat-resistant sealable enclosure 108, having an aperture 112 for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element, and an aperture sealing arrangement 116a configured to establish a seal for the aperture. A further assembly sealing arrangement such as a gasket may be provided to establish a seal at the connection end of the connector assembly. The aperture sealing arrangement may comprise a mechanical sealing component connected to a threaded fastener 116b. A method of sealably connecting the connector assembly to an electrically heated high temperature component, such as a vehicle exhaust catalyst, is also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to: heat-resistant electrical connector assemblies, for sealably connecting to an electrically heated high temperature component of a vehicle; electrically heated high temperature component systems for a vehicle, the component systems having such an assembly and an electrically heated high temperature vehicle component; vehicles having these assemblies and / or systems; and, methods for connecting such assemblies to such high temperature components. BACKGROUND It is known to provide water- and / or dust-proofing for certain elements in vehicles, such as automotive vehicles, for example to prevent entry of moisture or dust from a road surface into important vehicle components. However, certain vehicle elements or components reach temperatures which may be too high for previously considered water / dust-proofing arrangements to retain sufficient integrity to maintain their protective function. Such previously considered arrangements may also in any case be insufficiently robust, or on the other hand too cumbersome, for the development of more demanding vehicle applications, conditions and environments. Further, certain previously considered solutions are fixed or (semi-)permanent, removing the ability to maintain or access the component being protected. In addition, certain vehicle components when connected together may require functional connection or access between the components to be arranged or secured before or during application of water / dust-proofing. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly, an electrically heated high temperature component system for a vehicle, a vehicle and a method for sealably connecting a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly to an electrically heated high temperature component of a vehicle, as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrically heated high temperature component of a vehicle, comprising: an electrical connector arrangement for facilitating, at a connection end of the connector assembly, electrical connection to and electrical heating of the electrically heated high temperature component, the electrical connector arrangement comprising a fastenable connection element; and a heat-resistant sealable enclosure, comprising: an aperture for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element; and an aperture sealing arrangement configured to establish a seal for the aperture. This allows for connection of electrical supply to an electrical component, and then protective sealing of the electrical connection, in an arrangement which is also able to cope with high temperatures. The high temperature component may (instead or in addition) be a component having an operating temperature of at least 200 or 300 or 400 degrees centigrade. The component may be a vehicle exhaust. In embodiments, the seal may be established or establishable after or on fastening of the connection element. Optionally, the connector assembly further comprises an assembly sealing arrangement, configured to establish a seal for the connector assembly at the connection end of the connector assembly. This allows the interface between the assembly and the component to also be protectively sealed, preventing moisture / dust ingress. In embodiments, the assembly sealing arrangement is configured to, on abutment of the connector assembly to a housing component for the electrically heated high temperature component, establish a seal between the housing component and the connector assembly. This facilitates the seal for the interface. The housing component may: be a separate component or element, which may be supplied separately or with the assembly; or be incorporated into a housing of the vehicle component. In embodiments, the assembly sealing arrangement is configured to seal against a gasket. The assembly sealing arrangement may comprise a gasket. A gasket may allow a particularly robust sealing arrangement. In embodiments, the assembly sealing arrangement is configured to compress the gasket between the connector assembly and the housing component. This allows the seal for the interface to be actuated. In embodiments, the aperture sealing arrangement comprises a mechanical sealing component. This provides a particularly secure and robust seal for the aperture. In embodiments, the assembly sealing arrangement comprises a mechanical sealing component. Similarly this provides a particularly secure and robust seal for the interface between the assembly and the vehicle component. Optionally, the mechanical sealing component is couplable to an outer portion of the heat-resistant sealable enclosure. This allows easy access for facilitating the seal. In such embodiments, the mechanical sealing component may be a threaded fastener. In embodiments, the fastenable connection element is configured to be fastenable using a threaded fastener. This provides a secure and robust fastening arrangement for the connection element. In embodiments, the connector assembly comprises an electrically insulating element disposed between the heat-resistant sealable enclosure and the electrical connector arrangement. This provides electrical isolation of the electrical components, avoiding shorting between these and the enclosure. In embodiments, the heat-resistant sealable enclosure is of metallic composition. This provides a robust and readily workable enclosure that is nevertheless heat-resistant. In embodiments, the enclosure may be composed of a composite heat-resistant material. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrically heated high temperature component system for a vehicle, comprising the heat-resistant electrical connector assembly of any of the above aspects and embodiments and an electrically heated high temperature vehicle component. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the electrically heated high temperature component system of the above aspect, or the heat-resistant electrical connector assembly of any of the above aspects or embodiments. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for sealably connecting the heat-resistant electrical connector assembly of any of the above aspects or embodiments to an electrically heated high temperature component of a vehicle, comprising: coupling the electrical connector arrangement to an electrical connector for the electrically heated high temperature component; fastening the fastenable connection element; and using the aperture sealing arrangement to establish a seal for the aperture. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrical high temperature component of a vehicle, comprising: an electrical connector arrangement for facilitating, at a connection end of the connector assembly, electrical connection to the electrical high temperature component, the electrical connector arrangement comprising a fastenable connection element; and a heat-resistant sealable enclosure, comprising: an aperture for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element; and an aperture sealing arrangement configured to establish a seal for the aperture. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrically heated component of a vehicle, comprising: an electrical connector arrangement for facilitating, at a connection end of the connector assembly, electrical connection to and electrical heating of the electrically heated component, the electrical connector arrangement comprising a fastenable connection element; and a heat-resistant sealable enclosure, comprising: an aperture for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element; and an aperture sealing arrangement configured to establish a seal for the aperture. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrical high temperature component of a vehicle, comprising: an electrical connector arrangement for facilitating electrical connection to the electrical high temperature component, the electrical connector arrangement comprising a fastenable connection element; and a sealable enclosure, comprising: an aperture for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element; and an aperture sealing arrangement. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1a and 1b show a schematic representation of a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly forsealably connecting to an electrically heated component of a vehicle; Figure 2 shows a flow chart with steps of a method for sealably connecting a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly to an electrically heated component of a vehicle; Figure 3a shows a partially transparent schematic representation of a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrically heated component of a vehicle; Figure 3b shows an exploded representation of the assembly of Figure 3a; Figure 3c shows a partially transparent schematic representation of the assembly of Figure 3a with sealing components; Figure 3d shows an assembled representation of the assembly of Figure 3c; Figures 4a and 4b show cutaway representations of a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrically heated component of a vehicle; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an electrically heated component system for a vehicle; and, Figure 6 shows a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In general, embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and systems which provide waterproofing and / or dust / debris protection for electrical connectors in high temperature environments in vehicles, while still allowing simple access and installation for connection. Components or regions of a vehicle where temperatures are too high for simple composite covers can thus be addressed. Versatility of vehicles otherwise unobtainable or impractical (for example, providing waterproofing up to IP6K8K standard) can be achieved. Previously considered systems using complex or cumbersome solutions can be addressed. In general, these embodiments are suitable for any type of vehicle, such as automotive vehicles (cars, transit or cargo vehicles, electric moped bike or the like), aircraft or UAVs, marine vehicles, or the like. Embodiments of the invention are described in relation to automotive vehicles. One such vehicle 601 is described with reference to Figure 6. Figures 1 a and 1 b show schematic representations of a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1 a shows a disconnected or standby configuration, and Figure 1 b a connected configuration. A vehicle component 102 has an electrical connector 104. In embodiments of the invention, the vehicle component may be an electrically heated component. In embodiments, the vehicle component may be a high temperature vehicle component; the high temperature vehicle component may be any such component that requires an electrical supply in spite of the high temperatures involved; components of drive systems, for example. In embodiments of the invention, components which are electrically heated (using the electrical connection provided) are particularly considered. These may include a variety of such components, and in embodiments of the invention include for example heated catalysts used in automotive vehicle exhaust systems; a representation of a wider such system is described later with reference to Figure 5. As an example, such a catalyst may have working temperatures over 400 degrees centigrade. A heat-resistant electrical connector assembly 100 provides water and / or dust protection for the interface between the electrical supply and the high temperature component 102, by sealably connecting the assembly to the component. Water and / or dust protection is particularly important for automotive vehicles, in order to prevent damage to or corrosion of vehicle components exposed to external environments. Certain components are particularly important to protect; high temperature components and the interfaces between these and other vehicle elements (such as electrical supply) are examples. An example of a vehicle 601 having a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly is shown in Figure 6. The electrical connector 106 (of the assembly) itself may be of any type that facilitates engagement, fastening or otherwise coupling to the electrical connector 104 of the high temperature component, as shown in Figure 1b. In embodiments, the connector comprises a fastenable connection element 114, such as a threaded fastener or other such coupling device, which is configured to couple the connector 106 of the connector assembly to the connector 104 of the vehicle component 102. Once the connectors 104 and 106 are connected, electrical power can be supplied to the component 102 via the cable core 110 attached or coupled to the assembly connector 106. A heat-resistant sealable enclosure 108 protects the interface between the connectors. As schematically shown in Figure 1a and 1b, the enclosure surrounds the connector 106 to protect it. An aperture 112 is provided in the enclosure, in order to allow access to the fastener 114, when the connectors are brought together, to secure the fastener and securely couple the connectors. In order to complete the protective containment of the connector junction, an aperture sealing arrangement 116a / 116b, can be used as schematically shown in Figure 1 b to establish a seal for the aperture in the enclosure, thus completing the seal of the enclosure and protection of the connectors’ interface. The aperture sealing arrangement can be a single component or multiple components. In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the aperture sealing arrangement comprises a first aperture sealing element 116a, formed as part of or mounted on the enclosure 108, and a second aperture sealing element 116b, formed as a separate element and shown in Figure 1b to cooperate with the first aperture sealing element 116a to form the seal. In embodiments, the enclosure may comprise a / the single aperture sealing arrangement; for example, the sealing arrangement may be a single movable enclosure element configured to be moved into place and / or attached and detached to form / break the seal. In alternative embodiments, the aperture sealing arrangement may only be a separate sealing element, such as a plug or bung, which is used seal the aperture. There may be a plurality of apertures and associated sealing arrangements. The aperture sealing arrangement(s) may comprise a mechanical sealing element, in order to provide a secure seal. This mechanical seal may comprise threaded elements on the sealing element or on the enclosure, or cooperating threaded elements on both. The aperture sealing arrangement, or a cooperative element or arrangement on the enclosure, may comprise a gasket or other compressible or packing element. The aperture sealing arrangement may be a separate component, or may be attached or coupled to the enclosure or to the assembly; for example, the aperture sealing arrangement may comprise an element hingedly mounted onto the enclosure, which can be moved into place to seal the enclosure after fastening the connection element. One example of such an aperture sealing arrangement is described below with reference to Figures 3a to 3d. These kinds of aperture sealing arrangements can provide the security of protective seal which other enclosure options cannot, such as simple latching or push-fit fixtures. When the connector assembly is brought towards the vehicle component, so that the connectors are moved together, coupled or engaged as shown in Figure 1b, the enclosure 108 abuts the housing of the vehicle component, preventing water and / or dust ingress at that junction. In embodiments, a seal is provided at the junction of the enclosure with the vehicle component; a sealing arrangement (not shown) may be provided at, on or incorporated into the housing 102, to cooperate with the enclosure to form a seal. For example, in embodiments, the sealing arrangement may comprise a gasket against which the connector assembly forms a seal. In embodiments, this secondary seal arrangement, between the enclosure 108 and the vehicle component 102 housing, takes different forms. An assembly seal element may be mounted on the high temperature component 102, or may be composed as part of the connector assembly 100, for example engaging a housing component, or a (e.g. integrated) feature of the housing of the component 102, to complete the seal. In embodiments, the seal comprises at least two components or sub-elements, which combine to form the seal; in embodiments, one part of the seal is provided by or on the connector assembly 100, and another on or as part of the housing of the high temperature component, or the connector 104 (or its housing) of the high temperature component. A variety of options for effecting the seal are contemplated; in embodiments, these must be sufficient to provide a high quality or highly robust seal, in order to provide a high standard of water and / or dust proofing. In embodiments, the seal has a mechanical sealing element, in order to provide this security of seal; in embodiments, the seal comprises a gasket or other compressible or packing element. One example of such a seal arrangement is described below with reference to Figures 3a to 3d. In other embodiments the seal is provided by other components providing a suitably robust seal, but which may not later be detachable from the assembly, or from the component 102 (housing), or both. The seal may comprise a fixture permanently attaching the sleeve 108 to the component 102. In embodiments, the enclosure may be provided in different configurations. For example, the enclosure may form a generally cylindrical sleeve, or generally spherical bulb, or combinations of these. The enclosure may comprise several elements, for example a sleeve portion for the connector 106 and cable core 110, with a wider or more accessible portion at the connection end, having the access aperture 112. The shape of the enclosure may be generally provided to accommodate the shape(s) of the cable, connector and vehicle component housing. In particular embodiments, the enclosure is formed of a heat-resistant or heat-tolerant material; this is important in high temperature environments which will nevertheless require water or dust proofing. In embodiments, the enclosure is formed of stainless steel; in others it may be of a temperature resistant composite material. The enclosure can thus be used to provide the protective sealing function, without being damaged or degraded by the high temperatures present at the high temperature component 102. In embodiments in which the enclosure is composed of a metallic material, an electrically insulating element can be provided between the enclosure and the connector 106, in order to electrically isolate these two elements. Other components of the assembly are similarly heat-resistant or heat-tolerant. For instance, the aperture sealing element 116 can be formed of metallic or composite heat-resistant material. Any secondary sealing elements, for example coupling the enclosure to the housing, may also be formed of such material. Any insulating element between the connector 106 and enclosure 108 may be formed of insulating heat-resistant material, such as glass fibre. In embodiments, the seal of the enclosure is be completed by a sealed junction between the enclosure 108 and a normal protective cable (not shown) for the cable core 110, at a suitable distance from the high temperature region no longer requiring heat resistant protection. In this manner the electrical core 110 and the connector 106 are protected throughout from the high temperature connection interface to another part of the vehicle supplying the electrical power (e.g. via the cable). In embodiments, the fastenable connection element may be fastened by manual interaction by a user, or an automated interaction by a separate device, which connects, affixes, or fastens the connectors together so that the electrical connection is secured, before the aperture is sealed. Figure 2 illustrates steps of a method for sealably connecting a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly to an electrically heated (high temperature) component of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle component may be at a temperature elevated compared to a surrounding region of the vehicle, or compared to an environmental condition. The component may be or have parts or regions in excess of at least 200 or 300 or 400 degrees centigrade. An initial pre-step (not shown) may be to provide the heat-resistant electrical connector assembly 100 of Figure 1 a / 1 b, which has an electrical connector 106 arrangement for facilitating, at a connection end of the connector assembly, electrical connection, for providing electrical power, to the electrically heated high temperature component 102; the electrical connector arrangement has a fastenable connection element 114, The assembly also has a heat-resistant sealable enclosure 108, which has (a) an aperture 112 for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element, and (b) an aperture sealing arrangement 116 configured to establish a seal for the enclosure aperture. A typical method using this assembly entails coupling 202 the electrical connector arrangement 106 to an electrical connector 104 of the electrically heated high temperature component 102. The fastenable connection element 114 is then fastened 204, and the aperture sealing arrangement 116 is used 206 to establish a seal for the aperture. In embodiments, the junction between the component 102 and the assembly 100 may also be sealed. In embodiments, a connector assembly 100 is supplied with the cable, connector and enclosure assembled, ready for connection; after connection, fastening of the fastenable connection element 114 can be done using a supplied fastener, or for example a line supplied fastener, and the aperture sealing arrangement 116a / 116b can be sealed using an integral sealing element, a supplied sealing element 116b, or a line supplied sealing element 116b. Figures 3a and 3b show partially transparent schematic and exploded representations respectively of a heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrically heated component of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3c shows a partially transparent schematic representation of the assembly of Figure 3a with sealing components; Figure 3d shows an assembled representation of the assembly of Figure 3c. As can be seen from Figure 3b, the separate components in the assembly 300 are the cable 323 (containing the electrical core as in Figure 1a 110), the electrical connector 306 to which the core of the cable is coupled in order to provide the electrical supply to the connector, the insulating or isolating sheath 322, and the enclosure, here in two parts 308a and 308b. The insulator 322 is to be disposed around the cable 323 and its core, so that at the end of the cable where the core is exposed (for mounting on the connector 306) is prevented from accidental contact with the enclosure, during installation or testing, or during movement of the vehicle after installation. The insulator here is formed of glass fibre - any heat isolating or insulating composite will be sufficient. The first part of the enclosure 308a has a generally sleeve-like shape, which is disposed around the cable 323 and core, thus enclosing them. The end of the first enclosure part 308a that is distal from the connection end of the assembly is in the assembled configuration coupled to the outside of the cable 323, in order to complete the seal of the enclosure. The sleeve 308a here is made of stainless steel - a heat-resistant and durable material. The cable is typically of a composite such as silicate - the sleeve covers enough of the cable that this material, having much lower heat tolerance, is only exposed to the environment at a sufficient distance from the high temperature vehicle component that it will not be damaged. In the assembled configuration of the assembly 300, the second part of the enclosure 308b is coupled to the sleeve 308a, so that the two form the sealable enclosure. This second part is also formed of stainless steel. Here, the second part or head of the enclosure has an internal volume for accommodating the connector 306, a trunk portion of similar diameter to the sleeve so that the two can be coupled to form the enclosure, a front face for addressing the vehicle component and which comprises a through-aperture 312, having a componentfacing opening and further opening at the end of an extended rear section, opposite the front face. The front face has an open circular section or bore in order to allow the connector pin of the vehicle component (similar to 104 in Figure 1a and 404 in Figure 4a) to enter the enclosure and be connected to the connector 306. In this embodiment, the enclosure head 308b also comprises outer fastening elements 315 which are arranged to provide the attachment and sealing to the vehicle component. Here, the fastening elements are formed as two apertures on either side of the head, for receiving fasteners which can be coupled to the vehicle component. Figures 3c and 3d show partially transparent exploded and assembled representations of the assembly 300. The front face of the enclosure head is configured to cooperate with and seal against a gasket 340, which in the assembled configuration is compressed between the front face of the enclosure head and a housing component 338. The housing component is arranged to be disposed on or next to the housing of the electrically heated high temperature vehicle component. It has a bore for accommodating the connector pin of the vehicle component, and, on either side of the bore, threaded fastening holes for receiving the fasteners for the fastening elements 334. The housing component is also formed of stainless steel. Fasteners 334 (stainless steel) on either side of the enclosure are inserted through the outer fastening elements 315 and into the fastening holes of the housing element 338, thus securing the enclosure head to the housing, and sealing the interface between the assembly and the component. Here the seal is effected by the gasket 340, and secured by the fasteners, which are mechanically attached to the housing component by means of cooperating threads on the fasteners and in the holes on the element 338. A fastening element 332 (also of stainless steel) is provided in order to fasten the connector 306 to the connector pin of the vehicle component. The connector 306 has an internal bore to accommodate the connector pin which has a threaded section to engage with a thread on the fastening element 332. Access with a tightening tool to fasten the fastening element is allowed by the aperture 312 on the rear section of the enclosure head. In a typical assembly, once the assembly has been attached and sealed to the vehicle component, and the connector has been fastened to the connector pin (via the aperture), the aperture can then be sealed. Here, the aperture sealing arrangement comprises a threaded fastener or plug 316b (also stainless steel), which cooperates with an internal thread of the rear section of the enclosure head at the aperture 312. The plug is inserted and screwed into place, sealing the aperture and completing the seal of the enclosure. The connector junction is now protected from water and / or dust. Certain components for this system may be supplied as an assembly for attachment to a vehicle component. In an embodiment, everything shown in Figure 3a-d, except the fastening element 332 and plug 316b are supplied with the assembly. These components can be supplied at the time of installation, for example as production line items. The housing component 338 can be supplied with the assembly, or with the housing. Indeed, it requires sealing to the housing, and may be assembled with the housing, for example by welding, before or during assembly of the component itself. Figures 4a and 4b show cutaway representations of an assembled heat-resistant electrical connector assembly 400 for sealably connecting to an electrically heated component of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4a shows a cutaway of the assembly at one angle, and 4b at 90 degrees to that, for ease of reference to the various components. The vehicle component 402, here a vehicle exhaust catalyst, has a connector pin 404 allowing electrical supply for electrically heating the catalyst. In similar fashion to as shown in Figures 1a and 1b and Figures 3a to 3d, the connector 406 of the electricity supply cable 410 has been mounted on the connector pin 404, using the fastening element 432. The head end of the enclosure 408b has been mounted onto the housing component 438 using fastening elements 434, compressing a gasket therebetween to effect the seal. Aperture sealing element 416b, a threaded plug fastener, has been used to seal the aperture, cooperating with threaded section 416a on the enclosure head. In an embodiment alternative to those shown in Figures 3a to 3d and Figures 4a and 4b, the housing component can be incorporated into the vehicle component, so that it is integral to the housing. The holes for receiving the fasteners will thus be on the housing itself, and the bore an opening in the housing through which the connector pin protrudes. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an electrically heated component system 501 for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention; a vehicle such as 601 illustrated in Figure 6 may have such a system. A vehicle exhaust system 558 has a vehicle exhaust catalyst element 506. A minimum temperature inside the vehicle exhaust is required in order for the catalyst to function optimally, therefore an electrical heating system is provided, resulting in a working temperature of the catalyst in embodiments of 400 to 800 degrees centigrade. An electrical connector 504 protrudes from the exhaust system 508 to allow connection of electrical supply. A sealing connector assembly 500 is provided as described above, to sealably protect the interface between the supply and the vehicle exhaust system 508. Figure 6 illustrates a vehicle 601 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 601 has an electrically heated and / or high temperature component 602, illustrated in Figure 1 as 102, which in this vehicle is at least partially exposed to the road surface under the vehicle. This would allow moisture and dust to attack a junction between the component 602 and an electrical supply cable 623, for example supplying power to an electrical heating function of the component. The sealing connector assembly 600, such as that illustrated (100, 300, 400) in Figures 1 a / 1 b, Figures 3a to 3d and Figures 4a and 4b, is therefore provided, to protect the interface between the electrical supply and the component 602 by providing a seal, which is nevertheless able to function in the high temperature environment. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without 5 departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat-resistant electrical connector assembly for sealably connecting to an electrically heated high temperature component of a vehicle, comprising:an electrical connector arrangement for facilitating, at a connection end of the connector assembly, electrical connection to and electrical heating of the electrically heated high temperature component, the electrical connector arrangement comprising a fastenable connection element; anda heat-resistant sealable enclosure, comprising:an aperture for facilitating access to the fastenable connection element; andan aperture sealing arrangement configured to establish a seal for the aperture.

2. The connector assembly according to Claim 1, further comprising an assembly sealing arrangement, configured to establish a seal for the connector assembly at the connection end of the connector assembly.

3. The connector assembly according to Claim 2, wherein the assembly sealing arrangement is configured to, on abutment of the connector assembly to a housing component for the electrically heated high temperature component, establish a seal between the housing component and the connector assembly.

4. The connector assembly according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the assembly sealing arrangement is a gasket.

5. The connector assembly according to Claim 4, when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the assembly sealing arrangement is configured to compress the gasket between the connector assembly and the housing component.

6. The connector assembly according to any of the Claims 2 to 5, wherein the aperture sealing arrangement comprises a mechanical sealing component.

7. The connector assembly according to any of the Claims 2 to 6, wherein the assembly sealing arrangement comprises a mechanical sealing component.

8. The connector assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the mechanical sealing component is couplable to an outer portion of the heat-resistant sealable enclosure.

9. The connector assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastenable connection element is a threaded fastener.

10. The connector assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising an electrically insulating element disposed between the heat-resistant sealable enclosure and the electrical connector arrangement.11, The connector assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat-resistant sealable enclosure is of metallic composition.

12. An electrically heated high temperature component system for a vehicle, comprising the heat-5 resistant electrical connector assembly of any preceding claim and an electrically heated high temperature vehicle component.

13. A vehicle comprising the electrically heated high temperature component system of Claim 12 or the heat-resistant electrical connector assembly of Claims 1 to 11.1014. A method for sealably connecting the heat-resistant electrical connector assembly of any of Claims1 to 11 to an electrically heated high temperature component of a vehicle, comprising:coupling the electrical connector arrangement to an electrical connector for the electrically heated high temperature component;15 fastening the fastenable connection element; andusing the aperture sealing arrangement to establish a seal for the aperture.14

Images