High voltage connector assembly with internal oil expansion chamber

Claim 1

A high voltage connector assembly comprising a female connector and a male connector, said female connector comprising: a generally cylindrical support member having an inwardly extending lip; a generally cylindrical container closed at one end and having an outwardly extending flange at the opposite end, at least one part of said container being located within said support member, at least part of said lip and flange being coextensive; an annulus positioned in said member for urging said flange and lip toward one another, said annulus having a hollowed out annular cavity on one planar surface thereof, said one planar surface and cavity being covered by an elastomeric material, said elastomeric material being held in place between said planar surface and said flange; said male connector comprising: a generally cylindrical member of diameter smaller than and adopted for insertion in said female generally cylindrical container such that there is a gap between said male and female cylindrical members which extends to said elastomeric material, means to engage said support member for creating a liquid-tight seal between said male and female connectors; and a liquid dielectric in said gap which when expanded depresses said elastomeric material into said cavity.