Connector assembly

摘要

An improved connector assembly is disclosed wherein end segment portions of a male plug have increasing cylindrical wall cylindrical wall diameter from the outer-most segment to an intermediate segment to an inner segment. The female receptacle has its female receptacle dimensions arranged to accept the male plug such that increasing cylindrical wall diameters exist from its outer-most segment to an intermediate segment to an inner-most segment. The increased diameters enhance the sealing with a strong and sustainable sealing pressure wherein coupling forces between the male plug and female receptacle are minor until the end of the insertion of the male plug into the female receptacle.

主权项

1. A connector pair comprising:
a male connector defining a plug with an outer end surface and an outer side surface, said male connector including a first communication path terminating generally at said male plug, said male plug comprising:
a first sealing groove disposed about said outer side surface at a first longitudinal distance from said outer end surface of said male connector;a first compliant sealing element protruding about said outer side surface at a second longitudinal distance from said outer end surface, said second longitudinal distance being greater than said first longitudinal distance;a first male segment of said outer side surface having a first cylindrical diameter (D10) extending a first length from said outer end surface to said first sealing groove;a second male segment of said outer side surface having a second cylindrical diameter (D20) extending a second length from said first sealing groove to said first compliant sealing element; anda third male segment of said outer side surface having a third cylindrical diameter (D30) extending a third length; and a female connector defining a receptacle with an inner end surface and an inner side surface, said female connector including a second communication path terminating generally at said receptacle, said receptacle comprising:
a second compliant sealing element protruding about said inner side surface approximately at said first longitudinal distance from said inner end surface; anda second sealing groove disposed about said inner side surface approximately at said second longitudinal distance from said inner end surface; wherein, said second cylindrical diameter (D20) of said second male segment is substantially greater than said first cylindrical diameter (D10) of said first male segment of said male plug, and said third cylindrical diameter (D30) of said third male segment is substantially greater than said second cylindrical diameter (D20) of said second male segment of said male plug, whereby a coupling force to join said male plug with said female receptacle is negligible until said outer side surface of said male plug contacts said second compliant sealing element of said receptacle.