GB2474931A - Watertight electrical connector casing - Google Patents

Watertight electrical connector casing Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2474931A
GB2474931A GB1017044A GB201017044A GB2474931A GB 2474931 A GB2474931 A GB 2474931A GB 1017044 A GB1017044 A GB 1017044A GB 201017044 A GB201017044 A GB 201017044A GB 2474931 A GB2474931 A GB 2474931A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
lid
connector assembly
casing
back box
insert
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1017044A
Other versions
GB2474931B (en
GB201017044D0 (en
Inventor
Phillip Andrew Gooch
Jason Chen Mun Mak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Scolmore International Ltd
Original Assignee
Scolmore International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scolmore International Ltd filed Critical Scolmore International Ltd
Publication of GB201017044D0 publication Critical patent/GB201017044D0/en
Publication of GB2474931A publication Critical patent/GB2474931A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2474931B publication Critical patent/GB2474931B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5202—Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/088—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/14—Fastening of cover or lid to box
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/06—Hermetically-sealed casings
    • H05K5/061—Hermetically-sealed casings sealed by a gasket held between a removable cover and a body, e.g. O-ring, packing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5213—Covers

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

A watertight casing (e.g. for garden use) for a connector assembly (e.g. electrical connector) comprises: a back-box 1; an insert 3 (e.g. electrical socket) fitted in the back-box 1 to hold at least part of the connector assembly; a lid 4 which moves between an open position, to allow access to the connector assembly, and a closed position; and a main seal 5 of resilient deformable material positioned so that it forms a watertight seal between the insert 3 and the back-box 1 and between the lid 4 and the back-box 1 when the lid 4 is closed. The lid 4 and back-box 1 cooperate to form at least one opening to accommodate at least one cable such that, when the lid 4 is closed, the casing is watertight, with or without a cable being received in the opening. In another embodiment, the main seal 5 is positioned such that, when in use, it is not exposed to outside elements (e.g. sunlight, rain, etc.). The lid and back-box are provided with respective partial housings 10, 12 that fit together to form a housing to allow the cable(s) to pass through. Complementary elastomeric brushes 7 are located within the housing and the cable(s) pass through the opening between them.

Description

CONNECTOR CASING
This invention relates to a novel water-tight casing, particularly for use with electrical fittings although it could also be used for other media e.g. TV or telecom equipment or any other medium requiring moisture protection.
Casings for outside use, e.g. garden sockets, have been available for years and these aim to be water-tight, as moisture ingress causes damage to the socket and may result in injury to the user. Typically the known casings consist of: 1. A bottom box, closed on the back face, which holds the electric cables and the back of the switch module, 2. An open-faced top box that holds the switch plate, and sits on top of the bottom box, and 3. A hinged lid which covers and seals the front of the top box.
To try to prevent water ingress between the bottom and top boxes there is a seal between them, referred to here as the main seal. For the same reason there is a seal between the lid and the top box, herein referred to as the lid seal.
There are several disadvantages with the known design in that the main seal must be an exact fit, it is exposed to the elements so can deteriorate with time, and its very presence creates a potential leak point for water.
Furthermore, there are three main components to fit together so the product is time-consuming and expensive to make.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a casing for a connector assembly which comprises a back box, an insert fitted in the back box to hold at least a first part of the connector assembly, a lid moveable between an open position allowing access to the first part of the connector assembly and a closed position where the first part of the connector assembly is covered by the lid, and a main seal of resilient deformable material positioned so that it forms a water-tight seal between the insert and the back box and between the lid and the back box when the lid is closed, arranged so that the lid and the back box cooperate to form at least one opening to accommodate at least one cable such that when the lid is closed the casing is water-tight with or without a cable being received in the opening.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a casing for a connector assembly comprises a back box, an insert fitted in the back box to hold at least a first part of the connector assembly, a lid moveable between an open position allowing access to the first part of the connector assembly and a closed position where the first part of the connector assembly is covered by the lid, a main seal of resilient deformable material positioned so that it forms a water-tight seal between the insert and the back box, a lid seal positioned between the lid and the back box when the lid is closed, arranged so that the lid and the back box cooperate to form at least one opening to accommodate at least one cable such that when the lid is closed the casing is water-tight with or without a cable being received in the opening, characterised in that the main seal is positioned so that when in use it is not exposed to the outside elements. In a preferred embodiment, a single component constitutes the main seal and the lid seal.
The invention is particularly useful where the connector assembly comprises an electric socket into which at least one electric plug fits. The description is directed to that arrangement but it will be appreciated that the invention would be equally applicable to any connector assembly requiring water-resistance e.g. other types of electrical connections or telephone connections.
The invention allows a casing to be constructed having only 2 main casing parts which in use are exposed to the outside elements such as rain, sunlight etc, rather than the 3 main casing parts which are similarly exposed in previously known products. Because the main seal can be positioned so that it is not exposed to the outside elements (e.g. direct sunlight or rain) i.e. is shielded, it will not degrade as fast as it would if it were exposed to those elements. The seal is preferably made from a silicon rubber but there are many other suitable materials known in this technical field for this type of application. By a resilient deformable' material is meant one which will give' when pressed but will then regain its original shape when the source of pressure is removed. Thus in use when the lid presses against the seal it will give' to form a water-tight seal but upon release of the lid it will regain its original configuration.
The casing is preferably of self-supporting substantially rigid construction and of plastic, but may alternatively be made from metal or a composite material e.g. fibre reinforced plastic.
The back box preferably has a plurality of weakened areas which can be removed to allow cables to pass through, with suitable individual seals to prevent water ingress. The closed face of the back box, i.e. the rear-most face for surface-mounting is preferably fitted into a deformable base e.g. of elastomeric material by means of screws in order to provide a seal between the box and the mounting surface.
The insert is preferably in the form of an open frame which may be slid into position within the back box so that at least 50 %, more preferably at least 75% of the insert is contained within the back box. Suitable stops' (e.g. plastic lugs or other protrusions) may be provided in the back box to aid positioning of the insert which may be glued into position in the back box or held by clips or by a press-fit. The edge of the insert preferably protrudes above the back box and the edge which in use will be at the top of the casing preferably is sloped so that any water will be deflected away from the interior.
Attachment means may be provided in the back box and the insert to permit attachment of the connector assembly e.g. aligned screw or bolt holes.
The lid is usually pivotally mounted (e.g. by means of hinge or hinges) at what would be the top of the casing when in use, and may be provided with spring means to bias it to an open or closed position. The external surface of the lid is preferably not flat but curved/sloped to encourage any surface water to run away. Usually the curve or slope would extend at least 25% and more preferably at least 40% of the length of the lid. Additional seals (e.g. complementary rubber brushes) are preferably provided to seal the hinge position between lid and back box. Preferably when the lid is closed it will compress against the main seal. The inner surface of the lid which contacts the main seal when closed is preferably provided with a rib or ribs which will press against the main seal and improve the efficiency of it.
Fastening/latching means is usually provided to connect and release the lid from the bottom box. This is to ensure the lid remains fully in contact with the main seal when the lid is closed and to allow continuation of waterproofing when a cable is in position in the opening. Examples of ways of achieving the fastening/latching means are the use of a sprung catch mechanism, a magnetic catch, a ratchet or clips.
It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are for brevity described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective side view of a casing according to the present invention suitable for a single (1 gang) socket.
Figure 2 is the casing shown in Figure 1 but as a perspective bottom view.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of parts of the casing of Figures 1 and 2, namely the insert and back box.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the components of Figure 3 fitted together.
Figure 5 is a top view of the assembly in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a section through Figure 4 but with the lid fitted.
Figure 7 is a sectional view to illustrate the seal made between the lid, insert and back box.
Referring to the drawings, a plastic back box 1 fits on a base 2 by means of screws. A plastic insert 3 is sized so that it slides into the back box 1 until it is seated upon plastic stops in the back box 1 to which it is glued. The insert 3 and back box 1 are provided with corresponding screw holes and screw threads so that part of an electrical connector e.g. the front part of a socket can be screwed into place using screws inserted through thread inserts 8. A curved plastic lid 4 is hinged to the back box 1 by means of a pivot bar 6 held by means of a spring 9 in such a way that the lid is biased to a closed position. The lid 4 has a rib 11 extending around three sides. An elongate main seal 5 of resilient plastic fits between the insert 3 and back box 1 around three sides, so that when the lid 4 is closed the rib 11 corresponds in position to the seal 5. Lid 4 is provided with a partial housing 10 and back box 1 is provided with a partial housing 12 in corresponding positions such that when the lid 4 is closed onto the back box 1 the housings 1 0 and 1 2 fit together to form a housing to allow a cable or cables to pass through. Complementary elastomeric brushes 7 are located within the housing 10/1 2 and the cable passes through the opening between them.
In use, an electrical accessory such as a socket is connected to the electrical supply by removal of a small section of the back box 1-a knock-out'-and fitment of a suitable proprietary water tight connection such as a rubber washer. A knock-out' is a section that has been manufactured in such a way that it can be easily removed without affecting the strength of the back box 1.
Once connected to the supply, the socket is fitted inside the back box 1 by means of screws. A removable connection such as a plug may then be used to connect the socket to an external device by means of a length of cable. The cable is positioned to exit the back box 1 through the opening defined between the elastomeric brushes 7. The lid 4 is designed in such a way that a wide variety of common electrical plugs may be used whilst allowing the lid to be fully closed and hence, maintain the waterproof seal. When the lid 4 is in the closed position, the rib 11 presses and seals against the main seal 5, this provides excellent protection against water ingress. The external curvature of the lid 4 is designed to encourage water to run off rather than collect on the casing and possibly seep inside.
The edge of the insert 3 which in use will be uppermost is sloped so that water entering the casing will be deflected away from the interior and out of the back box 1 at the bottom. The brushes 7 define the opening through which the cable protrudes and are designed to prevent water ingress. Because the main seal 5 is protected from the weather, particularly sun and rain, it is more resistant to degradation and leakage than it would be if it were exposed.

Claims (15)

  1. CLAIMS1. A casing for a connector assembly which comprises a back box, an insert fitted in the back box to hold at least a first part of the connector assembly, a lid moveable between an open position allowing access to the first part of the connector assembly and a closed position where the first part of the connector assembly is covered by the lid, and a main seal of resilient deformable material positioned so that it forms a water-tight seal between the insert and the back box and between the lid and the back box when the lid is closed, arranged so that the lid and the back box cooperate to form at least one opening to accommodate at least one cable such that when the lid is closed the casing is water-tight with or without a cable being received in the opening.
  2. 2. A casing for a connector assembly according to claim 1 which comprises an electric socket into which at least one electric plug fits.
  3. 3. A casing for a connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2 in which the main seal is positioned so that when in use it is not exposed to the outside elements.
  4. 4. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the casing is of substantially self-supporting rigid construction.
  5. 5. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the insert is in the form of an open frame.
  6. 6. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the insert can be slid into position in the back box.
  7. 7. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which stops are provided in the back box to aid positioning of the insert.
  8. 8. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the insert is slid into position within the back box so that at least % of the insert is contained within the back box.
  9. 9. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the insert is slid into position within the back box so that at least 75% of the insert is contained within the back box.
  10. 1O.A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the edge of the insert which in use will be at the top of the casing is sloped so that water will be deflected away from the interior.
  11. 11.A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the external surface of the lid is curved or sloped to encourage surface water to run away.
  12. 1 2. A casing for a connector assembly according to any preceding claim in which the inner surface of the lid which contacts the main seal is provide with at least one rib which when the lid is closed will press against the main seal.
  13. 13. A casing for a connector assembly according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 7.
  14. 14. A casing for a connector assembly according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described
  15. 15. A casing for a connector assembly comprises a back box, an insert fitted in the back box to hold at least a first part of the connector assembly, a lid moveable between an open position allowing access to the first part of the connector assembly and a closed position where the first part of the connector assembly is covered by the lid, a main seal of resilient deformable material positioned so that it forms a water-tight seal between the insert and the back box, a sealing means positioned between the lid and the back box when the lid is closed, arranged so that the lid and the back box cooperate to form at least one opening to accommodate at least one cable such that when the lid is closed the casing is water-tight with or without a cable being received in the opening, characterised in that the main seal is positioned so that when in use it is not exposed to the outside elements. In a preferred embodiment, a single component constitutes the main seal and the sealing means.
GB1017044.7A 2009-10-12 2010-10-11 Connector casing Active GB2474931B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0917841.9A GB0917841D0 (en) 2009-10-12 2009-10-12 Connector casing

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201017044D0 GB201017044D0 (en) 2010-11-24
GB2474931A true GB2474931A (en) 2011-05-04
GB2474931B GB2474931B (en) 2013-07-10

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB0917841.9A Ceased GB0917841D0 (en) 2009-10-12 2009-10-12 Connector casing
GB1017044.7A Active GB2474931B (en) 2009-10-12 2010-10-11 Connector casing

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB0917841.9A Ceased GB0917841D0 (en) 2009-10-12 2009-10-12 Connector casing

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110574249A (en) * 2017-05-05 2019-12-13 西门子瑞士有限公司 Device housing for an electrical device, system comprising such a device housing, and method for using such a device housing
USD894146S1 (en) 2017-11-06 2020-08-25 Primex Manufacturing Ltd. Networking enclosure assembly

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2269485A (en) * 1992-07-20 1994-02-09 Mk Electric Ltd Sealed electrical connector
US6133531A (en) * 1998-11-03 2000-10-17 Pass & Seymour, Inc. Weatherproof outlet cover
WO2001057980A1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2001-08-09 Pressac Communications Limited Waterproof enclosures
EP1432080A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2004-06-23 Timeguard Limited Electrical connectors
GB2435554A (en) * 2006-02-27 2007-08-29 Chih-Lung Lin Watertight electric socket

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2269485A (en) * 1992-07-20 1994-02-09 Mk Electric Ltd Sealed electrical connector
US6133531A (en) * 1998-11-03 2000-10-17 Pass & Seymour, Inc. Weatherproof outlet cover
WO2001057980A1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2001-08-09 Pressac Communications Limited Waterproof enclosures
EP1432080A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2004-06-23 Timeguard Limited Electrical connectors
GB2435554A (en) * 2006-02-27 2007-08-29 Chih-Lung Lin Watertight electric socket

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110574249A (en) * 2017-05-05 2019-12-13 西门子瑞士有限公司 Device housing for an electrical device, system comprising such a device housing, and method for using such a device housing
CN110574249B (en) * 2017-05-05 2021-01-22 西门子瑞士有限公司 Device housing for an electrical device, system comprising such a device housing, and method for using such a device housing
US10938146B2 (en) 2017-05-05 2021-03-02 Siemens Schweiz Ag Device housing for an electrical device
EP3619780B1 (en) * 2017-05-05 2023-08-23 Siemens Schweiz AG Device housing for an electrical device, system comprising such a device housing and method for using such a device housing
USD894146S1 (en) 2017-11-06 2020-08-25 Primex Manufacturing Ltd. Networking enclosure assembly
US11114830B2 (en) 2017-11-06 2021-09-07 Primex Manufacturing Ltd. Networking enclosure assembly with magnetic alignment and interlocking, adaptable to be installed in different locations and positions

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2474931B (en) 2013-07-10
GB201017044D0 (en) 2010-11-24
GB0917841D0 (en) 2009-11-25

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