GB2478904A

GB2478904A - Enclosure for electrical connectors

Info

Publication number: GB2478904A
Application number: GB201003405A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Josephs
Original assignee: LEWDEN METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: LEWDEN METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-01
Filing date: 2010-03-01
Publication date: 2011-09-28
Also published as: GB2478904A8; GB201003405D0; WO2011107790A3; WO2011107790A2; EP2543122A2

Abstract

An enclosure 10 for electrical connectors comprises; a housing 12 with at least one latch 20, a lid 14, and a seal located between the housing 12 and the lid. The lid 14 includes a catch that engages with the housing 12 when the lid 14 and catch are in their closed positions to encourage engagement of the seal with the housing 12 and lid 14. A biasing means may be incorporated to bias the catch towards its closed position. The catch may engage with a latch 20 such that movement of the catch opens and closes the latch 20. In a separate embodiment, the housing 12 has an overhanging lip that engages the lid 14. The lid 14 further comprises a hinge with a portion that moves relative to the housing 12 and lid 14 when the lid 14 is opened and closed. In a further separate embodiment, a light source is arranged on the lip and the lid 14 has a recess that defines a light guide for the light source when the lid 14 is closed. The lid recess may define a void when the lid 14 is open which forms a light path between the light source and housing 12 to illuminate the housing interior.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING USER INPUT

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to enclosures for electrical connectors which incorporate a seal.

BACKGROUND

Weather and water proof enclosures for electrical connectors are known, but suffer from the disadvantage that where a lid and a housing are provided so that access to the housing (where the electrical connectors are kept) is provided through movement of the lid, the seal between the housing and the lid can be difficult to maintain.

Furthermore, such enclosures are often installed outdoors and in other poorly lit environments.

Further enclosures for electrical connectors which incorporate a seal between a housing and a lid suffer from the disadvantage that the hinge between the lid and the housing affects the profile, which can affect the sealing between the lid and the housing.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention extends to an enclosure for use with electrical connectors, said enclosure comprising: a housing for housing said electrical connectors, said housing further comprising at least one latch; a lid moveably between an open position and a closed position so that, in said closed position said lid cooperates with said housing; a seal between said housing and said lid which engages with said housing and said lid when said lid is in a closed position; said lid further comprising a catch moveable between an open position and a closed position wherein said catch engages with said housing when said lid and said catch are in their closed positions to thereby encourage the engagement of the housing and lid with said seal.

The catch may be manually moveable between said open position and said closed position.

The enclosure may further comprise biasing means to bias said catch towards said closed position.

The catch may be comprised of a resilient material.

The catch may engage with a latch wherein movement of the catch moves the latch between open and closed positions.

The latch may be inoveable between said open position and said closed position against the bias of the catch.

The lid may close with an audible effect.

The catch may disengage from the housing when said latch is in said open position.

The housing may be formed with an overhanging lip and, this cause, the lid may be formed to engage with the overhanging lip of the housing; said lid further comprising a hinge which cooperates with said housing in a region near said lip of said housing, said hinge having a portion arranged for movement relative to said housing and said lid when said lid is moved between its open and closed positions.

A further embodiment of the invention extends to an enclosure for use with electrical connectors, said enclosure comprising: a housing for housing said electrical connectors, said housing being formed with an overhanging lip; a lid moveable between an open position and a closed position so that, in said closed position said lid cooperates with said housing, said lid being formed and arranged to engage with the overhanging lip of the housing; a seal between said housing and said lid which engages with said housing and said lid when said lid is in a closed position; said lid further comprising a hinge which cooperates with said housing in a region near said lip of said housing, said hinge having a portion arranged for movement relative to said housing and said lid when said lid is moved between its open and closed positions.

The hinge may be U-shaped and the U-shaped portion of the hinge may move relative to said housing when said lid moves between said open and closed positions.

The hinge may be a concealed hinge which is not visible when the lid is closed.

The lid may comprise a hinged end where said hinge cooperates with the lid and a moveable end which moves when the lid moves between said open and closed positions and wherein said hinged end of said lid and said housing define a flat profile when the lid is in the closed position.

A further embodiment of the invention extends to an enclosure for use with electrical connectors, said enclosure comprising: a housing for housing said electrical connectors, said housing being formed with an overhanging lip and a light source arranged on said lip; a lid moveably between an open position and a closed position so that, in said closed position said lid cooperates with said housing, said lid being formed to engage with the overhanging lip of the housing; a seal between said housing and said lid which engages with said housing and said lid when said lid is in a closed position; said lid being formed with a recess arranged so that when said lid is in said closed position said recess defines a light guide for said light source.

The recess may provide a light guide to an exterior of the enclosure when said lid is in a closed position.

The recess of the lid may define a void when said lid is in said open position, said void forming a light path between said light source and said housing so that when said lid is in said open position an interior of the housing may be illuminated by said light source.

The lip of the housing may extend substantially across an entire width of the enclosure.

The light source may be located centrally on said lip The lid may be translucent The light source may comprise a lens or a diffuser.

The recess of the lid may comprise a reflector.

The enclosure may further comprise a photovoltaic energy source connected to the light source.

The enclosure may further comprise a proximity sensor connected to the light source.

The enclosure may further comprise an infra-red control for controlling the light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the invention are hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying diagrams which are not to scale and where: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of an enclosure according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the lid of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the lid of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the latch of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the housing of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a back perspective view of the lid and lid seal of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a portion of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a catch of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the latch of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a portion of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a portion of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an enclosure according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Figure 13 is a side view of a portion of the enclosure of Figure 12.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the invention are described by way of example only.

Changes and modifications to the described embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims are possible.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an enclosure 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The enclosure 10 comprises a housing 12 and a lid 14 which engages with the housing 12. The housing 12 further comprises a mounting box 18 and a front frame 16.

The mounting box 18 is, in this embodiment, a box known in the art used for mounting two gang plug sockets. However, in further embodiments, the box may be formed to other shapes or sizes and the invention is not limited in this respect.

The enclosure 10 further comprises a latch 20 engaged with the lid 14 in a manner described below.

Figure 2 illustrates the lid 14 of the enclosure of Figure 1. The lid 14 is shaped to define two recesses: 22 and 24. Recess 22 is located in a portion of the lid 14 which abuts the front frame 16 (Figure 1) when the lid is closed. The latter recess 24 is formed at an opposite end of lid 14 to the recess 22. The latter recess 24 is formed so that the latch 20 may be located therein when the enclosure 10 has been assembled. The lid 14 further comprises a plurality of studs 26 of which three are visible in Figure 2.

Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2, but illustrates the reverse side of the lid 14 to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. The remaining three studs 26 are visible in this Figure.

As illustrated in Figure 2, but shown more clearly in Figure 3, the lid 14 comprises two hinges 28 attached to the same side of the lid 14 at which the recess 22 is formed. Each of the hinges 28 is formed in a U-shape. Each hinge 28 comprises a protuberance 30 (only one of which is shown in Figure 3). When the enclosure 10 is assembled, each of the protuberances 30 cooperate with corresponding holes formed in the front frame 16. The lid 14 moves between open and closed positions by pivoting about the protuberances 30.

The hinge 28 is formed from two arm portions 32 and 36 joined by a base portion 34 to form the aforementioned U-shape. In the embodiment illustrated the portions 32, 34 and 36 are integral and the hinges 28 are cast as a single member. The U-shape of the hinges 28 ensure that the hinge is concealed when the lid is closed and the enclosure 10 is fully assembled, as shown in Figure 1. Referring back to Figure 1, the front frame 16 includes a front face 32 and lid 14 includes a front face 34. Due to the fact that the hinges 28 are hidden, the front face 32 of front frame 16 lies flush with the front face 34 of lid 14.

A concealed hinge such as the hinges 28 provide a particular advantage for enclosures of electrical connectors. In particular, where the enclosure 10 is installed in a floor, it is desirable to have the front face of the enclosure uninterrupted by protuberances which would be caused by other hinges. Such protuberances would collect dust and liquid which could interfere with the workings of the enclosure. In the embodiment illustrated, the hinges 28 have a U-shape. The invention is not limited to this particular shape and, in further embodiments, the hinges may be shaped in any appropriate manner such as, for example, quadrants, arc segments and the like. Furthermore, such concealed hinges have a number of advantages in that they provide for a flush join, and help to contribute to the ease of maintaining and cleaning the enclosure in which they are incorporated.

Figure 4 illustrates the latch 20 of the enclosure 10 in further detail. The latch 20 is formed with three rounded shoulders 42. Each rounded shoulder defines a leading edge 44.

Although not fully illustrated in Figure 4, each of the shoulders 42 is formed on either side with sockets 40 (six sockets 40 in total although only three are illustrated in Figure 4). The sockets 40 are shaped to engage with the studs 26 of the lid 14 (Figure 2). The engagement between the sockets 40 and the studs 26 is a snap-fit engagement and this allows the latch 20 to pivot about the sockets 40 when installed in the lid 14. In this manner, the latch is moveable between an open position when pivoted away from lid 14 and a closed position when pivoted toward lid 14.

Figure 5 illustrates the housing 12 comprising front frame 16 and mounting box 18.

As illustrated in Figure 5 (but also shown in Figure 1) the enclosure 10 includes a seal 52 located between the mounting box 18 and the front frame 16. The seal 52 provides waterproofing for the join between the mounting box 18 and the front frame 16. Also illustrated in Figure 5 is a lid seal 50 mounted in the front frame 16. The lid seal 50 engages with the lid 14 when it is in its closed position to provide a seal between the lid 14 and the front frame 16. Also as illustrated in Figure 5, the front frame 16 comprises a plurality of recesses 54 formed in the region thereof where the latch 20 is located when the lid 14 is closed.

Certain details of the lid 14 are illustrated in Figure 6. This Figure illustrates the position of the lid seal 50 relative to the lid 14 when the lid is in the closed position (although it is to be realised that the lid 14 moves relative to the lid seal 50 when moving between its open and closed positions). The locations of all six studs 26 are shown in Figure 6.

Figure 7 illustrates the enclosure 10 with the latch 20 removed. As illustrated in this Figure, the lid 14 includes three axels 55 which are located in the lid 14, as described with reference to Figure 9 below. Engaged with each axel 55 is a corresponding catch 56. In a further embodiment, each of the catches 56 engage with a single axel.

Figure 8 illustrates the catch 56 in greater detail. Catch 56 comprises a base 58, a shaft 60 and a hook 62. The catch 56 of this embodiment is formed as a single component made from metal which has been bent to form the base 58 and the hook 62. The base 58 engages with the axel 55 of the lid 14 as illustrated in Figure 7. The attachment between the base 58 of catch 56 and axel 55 is such that when the axel 55 rotates relative to the lid 14 the catch 56 is caused to pivot about a base 58. The metal of the catches 56 of this embodiment provide a bias in that the catches 56 tend to retain their shape. In further embodiments, the catches 56 are made of other resilient material such as plastic and may be provided with profiles differing from that illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 9 illustrates the reverse side of the latch 20. The axels 55 (only one of which is shown) are engaged with the latch 20 and the catches 56 engaged with the axels 55. As illustrated in Figure 9, the axels 55 are located in holes 64 formed in the shoulders 42. The axels 55 are mounted in the holes 64 so that they rotate relative thereto. Therefore, rotation of the axels 55 in the holes 64 causes the catches 56 to pivot.

Figure 10 illustrates the front frame 16 and the placement of the latches 56 relative to the front plate 16 when the lid 14 is closed and the latch 20 is closed. As mentioned, the front frame 16 is formed with recesses 54. The catches 56 are located within these recesses 54 and, in this closed position of latch 20, the hook 62 of each latch engages with an inner surface of the recess 54. Therefore, when the latch 20 and the lid 14 are in their closed positions, the engagement between the hook 62 of catch 56 with the inner surface of the recess 54 locks the lid 14 to the front face 16 by preventing movement therebetween. In further embodiments, more or fewer catches and corresponding recesses may be provided.

Referring back to Figure 9, as previously explained, the latch 20 is mounted for pivotal movement within sockets 40. When the latch 20 moves from the closed position to the open position, this occurs by pivoting in the direction of arrow 70 about an axis defined by sockets 40. As the latch 20 pivots in this manner, the leading edges 44 of shoulders 40 are brought into engagement with the catches 56. Continued rotation of latch 20 in the direction of arrow 70 causes the leading edges 44 of shoulders 42 to move the catches 56 and pivot them about axels 55. However, the engagement between the axels 55 and the holes 64 is such that only partial rotation of each catch 56 is permitted. This partial rotation is such that the latch 20 must be moved against the bias provided by the catches 56 to move the hooks 62 of the catches out of engagement with the inner surface of the recesses 54 of the front frame 16. This ensures that a positive action is required to disengage the lid 14 from the housing 12. This helps to ensure that the lid is not accidentally disengaged from the housing and that the seal between the lid of the housing remains intact when the lid is closed.

Once the hooks 62 of the catches 56 have moved sufficiently far due to the action of the latch 20, the catches 56 may be disengaged from the recesses 54 of the front frame 16 which, in turn, allows the lid to open by pivoting about the protuberances 30 of hinges 28.

This provides access to the interior of the housing 12.

Embodiments of the invention utilise over-centre locking which provides a more secure locking mechanism. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, this is provided by locating the holes 64, and therefore the axels 55, at an offset to the sockets 40. Therefore, a force applied to lid 14 which tends to open the lid will cause the latch 20 to close, thereby securing the lid, unless the latch 20 has been sufficiently pivoted about the sockets 40 to disengage the catches 56. Such over-centre locking mechanisms help to ensure that the lid remains securely fastened even if the latch 20 has not been moved to its completely locked position.

In a further advantage to the latch 20, when the lid is in an open position and the latch in a closed position, the lid may be closed and this will cause the catches 56 to engage with the recesses 54, thereby securing the lid 14 to the frame 16 with a single movement.

Advantageously, the bias provided by the catches 56 ensures that the latch 20, when not being acted upon, is in a position so that it may be closed and secured with a single movement and any force applied thereafter will tend to close the latch 20, as described. Only by positively acting on the latch 20 to open it, may the lid 14 be opened.

Figure 11 shows the front frame 16 with a front plate 80 inserted therein. The front plate 80 has two plug sockets 82 and corresponding switches 84. In this embodiment the lid 14, by moving between the open and closed positions in the manner described above, provides access to, and sealing of, the plug sockets 82 and switches 84 and their electrical connection. In further embodiments of the invention electrical connectors other than plug sockets may be provided in the housing 12.

Figure 12 illustrates an enclosure 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In the description of this embodiment, where elements are the same as those described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 the same reference numerals are used. The enclosure 100 includes a lid 14, a latch 20 and a housing 102. The housing 102 comprises mounting box 18 and front frame 104. The front frame 104 differs from the front frame 16 of the embodiment of Figure 1 in that it includes two lights 106 mounted so that the light emitted thereby shines downwards when the enclosure 100 is installed. The lights 106 are orientated on the front frame 106 so that the recess 22 of the lid 14 defines a light guide for the lights 106.

As illustrated in Figure 12, the recess 22 is shaped and located relative to the light sources 106 so that, when the lid 14 is in the closed position, the light sources 106 are located outside of the enclosure 100. This ensures that the light from the light sources 106 is visible outside of the enclosure 100 when the lid is in the closed position. Furthermore, when the lid opens in the manner described above with reference to the enclosure 10, the lid pivots causing the recess 22 to pivot away from the light 106. When the lid is in its fully extended open position (at about 90° -120° to the vertical) when the enclosure 100 is installed the recess 22 defines a void in the junction between the lid and the housing which allows the light emanated by the lights 106 to illuminate the inside of the housing 102. In this manner, the shape of the recess 22 and the arrangement thereof relative to the lights 106 ensures that light from the light sources 106 illuminates an exterior of the enclosure 102 when the lid is closed and illuminates an interior of the enclosure 102 when the lid is open.

Figure 13 illustrates a side view of a portion of the enclosure 100 of Figure 12. As illustrated in Figure 13, the front frame 104 includes an overhanging lip 108. The lights 106 are located on an underside of the lip 108. This helps to ensure that the light from the light sources 106 is directed downwards (with reference to the orientation of Figure 13) which helps to ensures that this light illuminates the exterior and interior of the enclosure 100. The enclosure 100 includes a front plate 80 on which the electrical connectors are mounted. As illustrated in Figure 13, light from the light sources 106 would directly impact on the front plate 80 when the lid is open thereby illuminating the functional portion of the enclosure 100.

This helps to ensure that use of the enclosure in a dark environment is aided by the illumination of the electrical connectors contained therein.

The lights 106 include lenses to focus the light. This helps to ensure that the light is best distributed for illumination of the housing 100.

In a further embodiment, light sources are located inside the enclosure and the lid (or other suitable portion of the enclosure) includes a transparent or translucent element such as a window through which the light emitted by the light sources is transmitted.

In further embodiments the enclosure 100 includes a photovoltaic power source mounted on an upper surface of the front frame 104 (not illustrated) connected to the light sources 106. This helps to ensure that the light sources 106 have independent power and illumination of the enclosure 100 is not dependent upon power being provided from elsewhere. In such an embodiment, the enclosure 100 may further comprise rechargeable batteries to provide power to the lights 106 when no sunlight is available.

In a further embodiment, the enclosure 100 includes a proximity sensor which senses the proximity of a person and activation the lights 106 when such a proximity is detected.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An enclosure for use with electrical connectors, said enclosure comprising: a housing for housing said electrical connectors, said housing further comprising at least one latch; a lid moveable between an open position and a closed position so that, in said closed position said lid cooperates with said housing; a seal between said housing and said lid which engages with said housing and said lid when said lid is in a closed position; said lid further comprising a catch moveable between an open position and a closed position wherein said catch engages with said housing when said lid and said catch are in their closed positions to thereby encourage the engagement of the housing and lid with said seal.
2. The enclosure according to claim 1 wherein said catch is manually moveable between said open position and said closed position.
3. The enclosure according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising biasing means to bias said catch towards said closed position.
4. The enclosure according to claim 3 wherein said catch is comprised of a resilient material.
5. The enclosure of any preceding claim wherein said catch engages with a latch wherein movement of the catch moves the latch between open and closed positions.
6. The enclosure according to claim 5 wherein said latch is moveable between said open position and said closed position against the bias of the catch.
7. The enclosure according to claim 6 wherein said lid closes with an audible effect.
8. The enclosure according to any preceding claim wherein said catch disengages from the housing when said latch is in said open position.
9. The enclosure according to any preceding claim wherein said housing is formed with an overhanging lip and said lid is formed to engage with the overhanging lip of the housing; said lid further comprising a hinge which cooperates with said housing in a region near said lip of said housing, said hinge having a portion arranged for movement relative to said housing and said lid when said lid is moved between its open and closed positions.
10. An enclosure for use with electrical connectors, said enclosure comprising: a housing for housing said electrical connectors, said housing being formed with an overhanging lip; a lid moveable between an open position and a closed position so that, in said closed position said lid cooperates with said housing, said lid being formed and arranged to engage with the overhanging lip of the housing; a seal between said housing and said lid which engages with said housing and said lid when said lid is in a closed position; said lid further comprising a hinge which cooperates with said housing in a region near said lip of said housing, said hinge having a portion arranged for movement relative to said housing and said lid when said lid is moved between its open and closed positions.
II. The enclosure according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the hinge is U-shaped and the U-shaped portion of the hinge moves relative to said housing when said lid moves between said open and closed positions.
12. The enclosure according to any of claims 9, 10 or 11 wherein the hinge is a concealed hinge which is not visible when the lid is closed.
13. The enclosure according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein said lid comprises a hinged end where said hinge cooperates with the lid and a moveable end which moves when the lid moves between said open and closed positions and wherein said hinged end of said lid and said housing define a flat profile when the lid is in the closed position.
14. An enclosure for use with electrical connectors, said enclosure comprising: a housing for housing said electrical connectors, said housing being formed with an overhanging lip and a light source arranged on said lip; a lid moveable between an open position and a closed position so that, in said closed position said lid cooperates with said housing, said lid being formed to engage with the overhanging lip of the housing; a seal between said housing and said lid which engages with said housing and said lid when said lid is in a closed position; said lid being formed with a recess arranged so that when said lid is in said closed position said recess defines a light guide for said light source.
15. The enclosure according to claim 14 wherein said recess provides a light guide to an exterior of the enclosure when said lid is in a closed position.
16. The enclosure according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the recess of the lid defines a void when said lid is in said open position, said void forming a light path between said light source and said housing so that when said lid is in said open position an interior of the housing may be illuminated by said light source.
17. The enclosure according to any of claims 10, or 14 to 16 wherein said lip of said housing extends substantially across an entire width of the enclosure.
18. The enclosure according to any of claims 14 and 15 to 17, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the light source is located centrally on said lip
19. The enclosure according to any preceding claim wherein the lid is translucent
20. The enclosure according to any of claims 14 and 15 to 19, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the light source comprises a lens or a diffuser.
21. The enclosure according to any of claims 14 and 15 to 20, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the recess of the lid comprises a reflector.
22. The enclosure according to any of claims 14 and 15 to 21, when dependent on claim 14, further comprising a photovoltaic energy source connected to the light source.
23. The enclosure according to any of claims 14 and 15 to 22, when dependent on claim 14 further comprising a proximity sensor connected to the light source.
24. The enclosure according to any of claims 14 and 15 to 23, when dependent on claim 14 further comprising an infra-red control for controlling the light source.