Electrical connector assembly with improved water seal

Claim 1

In a quick disconnect electrical connector including a plug assembly comprising a plug base, a plug insert having a plurality of male connecting elements and a plug housing integrally molded of elastomeric material to the exterior of said plug base, and a connector assembly comprising a connector base, connector insert having a plurality of receptacle connecting elements for electrically coupling with corresponding ones of said male connecting elements and a connector housing integrally molded of elastomeric material to the exterior of said connector base, an improved liquid seal comprising: one of said housings forming a circumferential tongue at the leading portion thereof, said tongue having an inner and an outer sealing surface, said sealing surfaces being tapered toward each other when viewed in axial section such that the leading edge of the tongue has a lesser thickness than the base of the tongue, a peripheral rim integrally molded on the outer surface of said one housing adjacent the base of said tongue and defining a circumferential flat annular surface; and the other of said housings having a peripheral skirt forming an annular groove defining a first and a second sealing surface constructed and arranged to engage and seal with said inner and outer sealing surfaces of said tongue respectively in an interference fit, the foremost leading edge of said skirt defining a corresponding circumferential flat annular surface for engaging said circumferential flat annular surface of said tongue and the leading edge of said tongue being spaced slightly from the innermost depth of said groove in said skirt whereby a labyrinth seal of three pairs of continuously engaging surfaces is formed when said plug assembly is assembled to said connector assembly.