Hermetically sealed connector

Abstract

A hermetically sealed high voltage electrical connector is provided which includes a metal support member having one or more apertures therein for receiving one or more electrical contacts. The contacts are mounted within the apertures by plastic contact-retention means which supports the contacts within the apertures and provides a hermetic seal between the contacts and the support member. The plastic contact-retention means includes plastic plug portions in the apertures; and the contacts, preferably, include one or a spaced pair of flange portions to increase the area of the bonding surface at the interface between the plastic plugs and the contacts. A metal-to-plastic adhesive may be applied at the interface between the plugs and the side walls of the apertures for enhanced bonding therebetween. According to a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises an interface connector; and the plastic contact-retention means also includes a covering portion covering substantially the entire connector except for an annular flange portion extending outwardly and adapted to be connected to an external housing. The present invention provides a reliable hermetically sealed connector that does not require ceramic sealing plugs, resulting in a lower cost connector that can be manufactured at substantially reduced temperatures.