Modularized universal pin and sleeve electrical connector

Abstract

A modularized pin and sleeve type electrical connector for both portable and stationary industrial applications, the connector having an interfitting plug shell and receptacle shell, male and female inserts which can be interchangeably used therewith, and assorted backshell components. Diaphragms formed across the terminal cavities carried by the inserts act to seal off the cavities, both before and after being pierced by terminals inserted therein. The inserts are multipiece and have conical locking structure formed about the terminal cavities which provide low insertion and high withdrawal forces to the terminals inserted therein. Both the interchangeable inserts as well as the plug and receptacle shells have keying components which permit the inserts to be rotatably positioned in the shells as the connector is assembled in the field, to result in a desired angular mating orientation for the connector. Each of the various backshell components operates to compress the associated insert into its mating shell thereby effecting a proper environmental seal of the insert and terminals. The backshell components for either portable or stationary applications will fit both the plug shell and the receptacle shell.