Environmentally sealed electrical connector

Abstract

A backshell sealing arrangement adapted to make an environmental seal with a variety of frontshell configurations is provided. The backshell includes a generally cylindrical rigid outer shell having a coupling portion with internal threads adapted to engage external threads adjacent the cable end of a plug and receptcle-type connector frontshell. A shoulder is provided in the backshell radially inward of the internal threads and adjacent the coupling portion having a surface which faces the frontshell cable end. A recess is provided radially between the shoulder and an external wall of the backshell. A ring-like resilient gasket of rectangular cross-section elongated in a radial direction is disposed in the backshell such that the outer radial portions of the gasket are received in the recess and the inner axial portions of the gasket are supported on the surface of the shoulder. In mated condition, the arrangement provides an environmental seal with frontshells having smooth or serrated, thin walled or thick walled cable ends, regardless of whether inserts carried in the frontshell are flush or recessed at the cable entry end.