Retractable seal shroud

Abstract

The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The second connector includes a housing and a seal shroud. The housing includes a seal disposed along an outer surface of the housing. The seal shroud surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism. The seal shroud is movable between a first position and a second position while the first locking mechanism is mated with the second locking mechanism. The seal shroud at least partially covers a seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposes the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position. TIFF2025534886000002.tif104159

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 969,319, filed October 19, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] background FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates generally to wire electrical connector assemblies, and more particularly to a seal shroud for protecting a seal in a connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Automobiles may include several seals disposed around the exterior surfaces of electrical components. Such seals may surround (or partially surround) a joint or connection between two electrical components, thereby protecting or shielding the joint from external elements (such as rain or water, particulates, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0004] overview Some seals for electrical components include a seal shroud. For example, the seal may be protected by a seal shroud that is axially disposed around the seal. The seal shroud may be formed within the housing of the electrical component, in which case the seal shroud may be fixed relative to the seal. Thus, the housing and seal shroud may define a larger structure than necessary, which may be difficult to package or install in the tight space of an automobile.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The second connector includes a housing and a seal shroud. The housing includes a seal disposed along an outer surface of the housing. The seal shroud surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism. The seal shroud is movable between a first position and a second position while the first locking mechanism is mated with the second locking mechanism. The seal shroud at least partially covers a seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposes the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism includes a tab extending along an outer surface of the first connector. The second locking mechanism includes a protrusion extending along an inner surface of the seal shroud. In some embodiments, the seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism is disengaged from the second locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the housing includes a track having a sloped portion for biasing the seal shroud to the second position. A notch is configured to secure the seal shroud in the second position and cover the seal when the second connector is disengaged from the first connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second connector further includes a track disposed along at least a portion of the housing. The seal shroud is repositionable along the track between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing. The housing defines an end of the second connector and a length extending from the notch. The seal shroud is repositionable between the first position and the second position along the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the seal is disposed circumferentially around the second connector. The seal shroud is slidably repositionable along the longitudinal axis between a forward position and a rearward position. In some embodiments, the housing includes a second seal disposed along an inward-facing surface of the housing. The second seal is configured to engage the electrical wire.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing. The notch is configured to axially reposition to abut against the seal shroud and cover the seal when the second connector is disposed from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first alignment port and the second connector includes a second alignment port. The first alignment port is axially aligned with the second alignment port when the first connector is mated to the second connector. The first alignment port and the second alignment port are configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a second connector configured to mate with a first connector. The first connector includes a first locking mechanism. The second connector includes a housing and a seal shroud. The housing includes a seal disposed along an outer surface of the housing. The seal shroud surrounds the housing and includes a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism. The seal shroud is movable between a first position and a second position while the first locking mechanism is mated with the second locking mechanism. The seal shroud at least partially covers a seal of the housing in the first position, and the seal shroud exposes the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism is disengaged from the second locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism includes a tab extending along an outer surface of the first connector. The second locking mechanism includes a protrusion extending along an inner surface of the seal shroud. In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first alignment port and the second connector includes a second alignment port. The first alignment port is axially aligned with the second alignment port when the first connector is mated to the second connector. The first alignment port and the second alignment port are configured to receive a fastener therethrough. In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch extending along an outer surface of the housing. The notch is configured to abut against the seal shroud and reposition axially to cover the seal when the second connector is disposed from the second position to the first position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the seal is peripherally disposed about the second connector. The seal shroud is slidably repositionable along the longitudinal axis between a forward position and an aft position. In some embodiments, the housing includes a track having an inclined portion for biasing the seal shroud to the second position. A notch is configured to secure the seal shroud in the second position and cover the seal when the second connector is disengaged from the first connector. In some embodiments, the second connector further includes a track disposed along at least a portion of the housing. The seal shroud is repositionable along the track between the first position and the second position.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector includes a housing and a movable part. The housing includes a seal disposed along an outer surface of the housing. The movable part at least partially surrounds the housing. The movable part is displaceable between a first position and a second position. The movable part is configured to partially cover the seal when the movable part is in the second position. The first position is a position of the movable part distal to the first connector, and the second position is a position of the movable part proximal to the first connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first locking mechanism, and the movable part is configured to engage the first locking mechanism when the first connector is mated with the second connector to maintain the position of the movable part over the seal.

[0014] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which:

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 shown in a mated position, according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG. 2, according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 4, according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 4 shown without a sealing shroud, according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of a seal shroud of the second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 4, according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 4, according to one exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Detailed Description Before turning to the figures showing exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0018] Referring generally to the figures, various exemplary aspects disclosed herein relate to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a mating portion extending from an end of the first connector. The mating portion includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the mating portion. The second connector includes a housing formed around a body of the second connector. The housing may be disposed proximate to an exterior of the second connector. A seal may be disposed around the exterior of the housing of the second connector. A seal shroud may be coupled to the second connector at an outer portion relative to the housing. The seal shroud may be repositionable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position where the seal shroud is disposed distal to the first connector. The second position may be a position where the seal shroud is disposed proximate to the second connector. The seal shroud may be repositionable along a track. The raceway may extend along an outer surface of the housing, the raceway extending substantially parallel to an axis defined through a midpoint of the second connector. The seal shroud may include a joint disposed at an end of the seal shroud. When the first connector is mated with the second connector, the joint of the seal shroud may engage with a protrusion of the first connector. When the first connector is repositioned from the mated position to the disengaged position, the seal shroud may engage with the joint of the first connector until the seal shroud is disposed at the end of the raceway. Thus, the seal may be constantly covered to prevent the seal from being damaged.

[0019] 1-3, a connector assembly 100 according to one exemplary embodiment is shown. The connector assembly 100 may be used in a vehicle application, where the connector assembly 100 supplies electrical energy therethrough. In some embodiments, the connector assembly 100 may be used in alternative applications and environments (e.g., industrial applications, domestic applications, or any other application or use case).

[0020] The connector assembly 100 may include a first connector 110 and a second connector 120. The first connector 110 may be selectively mated with the second connector 120. In other aspects, the first connector 110 may be fixedly coupled with the second connector 120 (e.g., the first connector 110 may be secured to the second connector 120 via fasteners or the like). The connector assembly 100 may be configurable or movable between a disengaged position and a mated position. As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector assembly 100 is in a disengaged position in which the first connector 110 is not coupled to the second connector 120. As shown in FIG. 2 , the connector assembly 100 is in a mated position in which the first connector 110 is coupled to the second connector 120. When the connector assembly 100 is in the mated position, electrical energy can flow through the connector assembly 100, as described in more detail below. Thus, when the connector assembly 100 is in the disengaged position, electrical energy cannot flow through the connector assembly. As discussed in more detail herein, to mate the first connector 110 with the second connector 120, the second connector 120 may be inserted into the first connector 110 along an axis. In other aspects, the second connector 120 may be rotatable about an axis when engaging the second connector 120 with the first connector 110 to secure or lock the connector assembly 100.

[0021] The first connector 110 may be defined as a female connector, and the second connector 120 may be defined as a male connector. The female connector may include an opening into which a male connector may be engaged. When the male connector is engaged within the opening, electrical energy may flow through the connector assembly. In some embodiments, the first connector 110 may be defined as a male connector, and the second connector 120 may be defined as a female connector. In some further embodiments, both the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 may be male connectors that are received in a sleeve or coupling. In some further embodiments, both the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 may be female connectors that receive a protrusion or corresponding male portion from an additional component.

[0022] 2 , the first connector 110 may include a device interface 210. The device interface 210 may be an external interface provided at an end of the first connector 110 proximate the second connector 120. The device interface 210 may include a sidewall extending substantially outward from the end of the first connector 110. The sidewall may define an opening within which the second connector 120 may be received. In other embodiments, the device interface 210 may not include a sidewall; instead, the opening is recessed within the body of the first connector 110.

[0023] 2-4 , the second connector 120 may include a housing 220. The housing 220 may be defined by an outer surface of the second connector 120. The housing 220 may define a body of the second connector 120. The housing 220 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the second connector 120. In some embodiments, the housing 220 extends along the entire length of the second connector 120. The housing 220 may include an internal passageway. The internal passageway may extend at least partially through the housing 220. By way of example, the internal passageway may extend through the entire length of the housing 220. The internal passageway may define a passageway through which an electrical wire 230 may be provided. The electrical wire 230 may be one or more wire components that extend through the second connector 120 and transmit the flow of electrical energy through the connector assembly 100.

[0024] The second connector 120 may further include a seal shroud 240. The seal shroud 240 may be coupled to the housing 220. In other aspects, the seal shroud 240 may be coupled to another component of the second connector 120 (e.g., the electrical wires 230, etc.). As described in more detail herein, the seal shroud 240 may be slidably repositionable along the housing 220 between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position in which the seal shroud 240 abuts the device interface 210. The second position may be a position in which the seal shroud 240 is not positioned relative to the device interface 210. By way of example, the second position may be any position of the seal shroud 240 in which the seal shroud 240 is not positioned relative to the device interface 210.

[0025] 3-4, the first connector 110 may include a first locking feature, shown as a protrusion 310. The protrusion 310 may be a tab, bump, extrusion, ridge, or the like. The protrusion 310 may be disposed on an outer wall of the device interface 210. In other embodiments, the protrusion 310 may be disposed on an inner wall of the device interface 210. In yet other embodiments, the protrusion 310 may be disposed on both the outer and inner walls of the device interface 210. By way of example, the first connector 110 may include two protrusions 310. The two protrusions 310 may be disposed on opposite sides of the device interface 210. In another example, the two protrusions 310 may be disposed on adjacent sides of the device interface 210. As can be appreciated, the first connector 110 may include any number of protrusions 310 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) sufficient to receive the seal shroud 240. As described in more detail herein, the protrusion(s) 310 may be configured to engage with and / or receive one or more portions of the seal shroud 240.

[0026] With specific reference to FIG. 4 , the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 may include respective openings, shown as first opening 410 and second opening 420. The first opening 410 may be disposed at and extend through the top of the device interface 210. Accordingly, the second opening 420 may be disposed at and extend at least partially through the top of the housing 220. The first opening 410 may define a diameter substantially similar to that of the second opening 420. In some embodiments, the first opening 410 may define a diameter substantially different from that of the second opening 420 (e.g., the diameter of the first opening 410 may be larger than the diameter of the second opening 420, etc.). As can be appreciated, when the second connector 120 is mated with the first connector 110, the first opening 410 and the second opening 420 may be coaxially aligned. Connector assembly 100 may include fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, pins, dowels, etc.) that are received within openings 410, 420 when openings 410, 420 are coaxially aligned. The fasteners may be configured to secure second connector 120 within first connector 110 to prevent second connector 120 from being repositioned in a disengaged position.

[0027] The second connector 120 may include a first seal 430. The first seal 430 may be disposed proximate an outer surface of the housing 220. In one example, the first seal 430 may be disposed within a slot (e.g., a recess, cavity, groove, etc.) formed around the outer surface of the housing 220. In another example, the first seal 430 may be disposed around the outer surface of the housing 220, where the first seal 430 extends axially outward from the housing 220. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first seal 430 may be engaged against an inner wall of the device interface 210 when the connector assembly 100 is in the mated position. As described in more detail herein, the first seal 430 may be axially shrouded when the connector assembly 100 is in both the disengaged and mated positions to protect the first seal 430 from debris, particulates, external forces, external elements, and the like.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5 , the second connector 120 may include a first end 510 and a second end 520. The first end 510 may be positioned proximate the wire 230, and the second end 520 may be positioned opposite the first end 510 and proximate the second opening 420. The first connector 110 may receive the second connector 120 proximate the second end 520. The second connector 120 may include a track 530. The track 530 may be positioned along a portion of the exterior surface of the housing 220 proximate the first end 510. In other aspects, the track 530 may be positioned proximate the second end 520. In still other aspects, the track 530 may extend entirely along the length of the housing 220 between the first end 510 and the second end 520. The seal shroud 240 may be repositionable along the track 530. The seal shroud 240 may be repositionable between a first position and a second position by engaging and disengaging a portion of the seal shroud 240 (e.g., first portion 710 in FIG. 7 ) with a joint (e.g., joint 810 in FIG. 8 ) to lock or secure the seal shroud 240 in a particular position.

[0029] 6-7, the track 530 may include a second groove 610. The second groove 610 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the track 530. The groove 620 and the second groove 610 may be perpendicular to one another. In other embodiments, the groove 620 and the second groove 610 may be angled or parallel to one another. The second groove 610 may extend along the midpoint of the track 530 such that the track 530 is separated into two substantially similar track members along which the seal shroud 240 may be repositioned.

[0030] A joint of seal shroud 240 (e.g., joint 810 in FIG. 8 ) may include a first portion 710 and a second portion 720. First portion 710 may be disposed perpendicular to second portion 720. In other embodiments, first portion 710 may be disposed parallel to second portion 720. As can be appreciated, when seal shroud 240 is in the first position, first portion 710 may not be disposed within groove 620, and second portion 720 may be disposed within the second groove. Additionally or alternatively, when seal shroud 240 is in the second position, first portion 710 may be disposed within groove 620, and second portion 720 may be disposed within second groove 610. Track 530 may include one or more additional grooves into which first portion 710 and second portion 720 may be received to form additional positions or stops for seal shroud 240.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 7 , the second tab 550 of the seal shroud 240 may include one or more outer tabs, shown as outer tabs 730, and an inner tab 740. The inner tab 740 may be centrally located between the outer tabs 730. In other aspects, the second tab 550 may include one outer tab 730, with the inner tab 740 disposed adjacent to the outer tab 730. The inner tab 740 may be spaced from the outer tab 730 by a space, and the inner tab 740 may flex relative to the outer tab 730. The inner tab 740 may flex outward relative to the outer tab 730 when the seal shroud 240 is repositioned. More specifically, the inner tab 740 may include a tab, protrusion, tooth, or the like configured to engage with a protrusion (e.g., protrusion 310 of FIG. 3 ) of the first connector 110. As an example, when the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are mated, the seal shroud 240 may be engaged with the device interface 210 such that the protrusion of the inner tab 740 is engaged with the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210. Thus, the protrusion of the inner tab 740 may be engaged with the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210 when the seal shroud 240 is in a first position. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion of the inner tab 740 may be engaged with the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210 when the seal shroud 240 is in a second position. When the first connector 110 is disengaged from the second connector 120, the protrusion 310 of the device interface 210 may maintain engagement with the protrusion of the inner tab 740 to reposition the seal shroud 240 from the first position to the second position. When seal shroud 240 is repositioned to the second position, first portion 710 of interface 810 may be received within groove 620 to disengage protrusion 310 of device interface 210 from protrusion of inner tab 740. Thus, seal shroud 240 may maintain a constant axial position over first seal 430 to provide some degree of protection to first seal 430.

[0032] As described above, the seal shroud 240 may be movable between a first position and a second position. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first position may be a position in which the seal shroud 240 abuts the equipment interface 210. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second position may be a position in which the seal shroud 240 is not positioned relative to the equipment interface 210. More specifically, the seal shroud 240 may include a first tab 540 disposed axially above the track 530. Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8 , the first tab 540 may be engaged within the track 530 along which the seal shroud 240 slides. Additionally, when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position, the first tab 540 may be at least partially disposed within a slot defined in an outer portion of the housing 220 through which the track 530 is disposed. In some embodiments, the first tabs 540 may not be disposed in a slot when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position. In other embodiments, the seal shroud 240 may be disposed over an outer portion of the housing 220 when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position. By way of example, the seal shroud 240 may include two first tabs 540. The two first tabs 540 may be disposed on opposite sides of the seal shroud 240. In other embodiments, the two first tabs 540 may be disposed on adjacent sides of the seal shroud 240. As can be appreciated, each of the two first tabs 540 may be disposed in a respective slot defined in the housing 220 when the seal shroud 240 is in the first position.

[0033] The seal shroud 240 may receive a second tab 550 extending outward from the body of the seal shroud 240 along the housing 220. The second tab 550 may be coupled to the seal shroud 240 at an end opposite the first tab 540. In other embodiments, the second tab 550 may be coupled to the seal shroud 240 adjacent to the first tab 540. The second tab 550 may include three elongated members (e.g., tabs, fingers, etc.) extending from the body of the seal shroud 240. As discussed in more detail herein, at least one of the three elongated members may be configured to mate with the protrusion 310. By way of example, the seal shroud 240 may include two second tabs 550. The two second tabs 550 may be located on opposite sides of the seal shroud 240. In other embodiments, the two second tabs 550 may be located on adjacent sides of the seal shroud 240. As can be seen, each of the two second tabs 550 can be configured to mate with a respective protrusion 310 when the connector assembly is in the mated position.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 8 , the seal shroud 240 may include a second locking mechanism, shown as a joint 810. The joint 810 may be one of a tab, a protrusion, a tooth, or the like. The joint 810 may be disposed proximate an end of the first tab 540 of the seal shroud 240. That is, the joint 810 may be disposed at an end of the first tab 540 of the seal shroud 240 distal to the second opening 420. In other embodiments, the joint 810 may be disposed proximate the second opening 420 or proximate a central portion of the seal shroud 240. The joint 810 may protrude from an inner surface of the seal shroud 240 to engage with a component disposed axially inward of the seal shroud 240. In other embodiments, the joint 810 may protrude outward to engage with a component disposed axially outward of the seal shroud 240. The interface 810 may protrude inward from the seal shroud 240 to engage at least a portion of the track 530. The track 530 may include a groove 620 extending substantially perpendicular to the length of the track 530. The groove 620 may be configured to receive the interface 810 and substantially secure the seal shroud 240 in the second position. The track 530 may include a sloped portion sloped toward the groove 620. The sloped portion may be configured to bias and / or otherwise urge the seal shroud 240 into the second position with the interface 810. An end of the track 530 opposite the sloped portion may protrude substantially outward at an angle (e.g., 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, etc.) relative to the housing 220. The interface 810 may abut the end of the track 530 to prevent the seal shroud 240 from being repositioned beyond the track 530.

[0035] The second connector 120 may further include a second seal 830. The second seal 830 may be disposed inside the outer edge of the housing 220. In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may be disposed proximate the outer edge of the housing 220. The second seal 830 may be configured to engage with the wire 230. In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may engage with another component of the second connector 120. The second seal 830 may be disposed axially inward of the first seal 430 relative to a connector axis 840 (e.g., the longitudinal axis). In other embodiments, the second seal 830 may be disposed axially outward of the first seal 430. In yet other embodiments, the second seal 830 may be axially aligned with the first seal 430. The connector axis 840 may extend along a midpoint of the wire 230. In other examples, the connector axis 840 may extend along the midpoint of the second connector 120.

[0036] Connector axis 840 may define an axis along which seal shroud 240 may be repositioned. Seal shroud 240 may be repositionable between a first position and a second position along connector axis 840. As can be appreciated, first connector 110 and second connector 120 may be matable along connector axis 840 to facilitate movement of seal shroud 240 between the first position and the second position.

[0037] While this description may discuss a particular order of method steps, the order of steps may differ from that outlined. Also, two or more steps may occur simultaneously or with partial concurrence. Such variations depend on the software and hardware systems selected and the designer's preferences. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, software implementations may be implemented using standard programming techniques using rule-based logic and other logic to implement the various connecting, processing, comparing, and determining steps.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of particular features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0039] It should be noted that the term "exemplary," as used herein to describe various embodiments, is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (nor is such term intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily exceptional or best examples).

[0040] The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent, etc.) or movable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being integrally formed with one another as a single, unitary entity, or by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being attached to one another.

[0041] References to the location of elements herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "between," etc.) are used merely to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0042] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the connector assemblies shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. While only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that numerous modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, attachment methods, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the described subject matter. For example, elements illustrated as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the components and / or assemblies described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred exemplary embodiment and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a first connector including a first locking mechanism; and a housing including a seal disposed along an exterior surface of the housing; a seal shroud surrounding the housing and including a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism, the seal shroud being movable between a first position and a second position while the first locking mechanism is mated with the second locking mechanism, the seal shroud at least partially covering the seal of the housing in the first position and exposing the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position; a second connector, 2. A connector assembly comprising:

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

3. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism is disengaged from the second locking mechanism.

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

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

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

7. 10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is peripherally disposed about the second connector, and the seal shroud is slidably repositionable along a longitudinal axis between a forward position and a rearward position.

8. 10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a second seal disposed along an inwardly facing surface of the housing, the second seal configured to engage an electrical wire.

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

10. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a first alignment port and the second connector includes a second alignment port, the first alignment port being axially aligned with the second alignment port when the first connector is mated to the second connector, and the first alignment port and the second alignment port being configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

11. configured to mate with a first connector including a first locking mechanism; a housing including a seal disposed along an exterior surface of the housing; a seal shroud surrounding the housing and including a second locking mechanism configured to mate with the first locking mechanism, the seal shroud being movable between a first position and a second position while the first locking mechanism is mated with the second locking mechanism, the seal shroud at least partially covering the seal of the housing in the first position and exposing the seal to an inward-facing surface of the first connector in the second position; a second connector, 2. A connector assembly comprising:

12. 12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal shroud covers the seal when the first locking mechanism is disengaged from the second locking mechanism.

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

14. 12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the first connector includes a first alignment port and the second connector assembly includes a second alignment port, the first alignment port being axially aligned with the second alignment port when the first connector is mated to the second connector, and the first alignment port and the second alignment port being configured to receive a fastener therethrough.

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

16. 12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal is peripherally disposed about the second connector, and the seal shroud is slidably repositionable along a longitudinal axis between a forward position and a rearward position.

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

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

19. a first connector; and a housing including a seal disposed along an exterior surface of the housing; a movable part at least partially surrounding the housing, the movable part being positionable between a first position and a second position and configured to partially cover the seal when the movable part is in the second position; and a second connector, Including, the first position is a position of the movable part distal to the first connector, and the second position is a position of the movable part proximal to the first connector; Connector assembly.

20. 20. The connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the first connector includes a first locking mechanism, the movable part configured to engage with the first locking mechanism when the first connector is mated with the second connector to maintain the position of the movable part covering the seal.

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