GB2619915A

GB2619915A - A junction box for a vehicle wiring harness

Info

Publication number: GB2619915A
Application number: GB2208697.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Randles Thomas
Original assignee: Jcb Research
Current assignee: Jcb Research
Priority date: 2022-06-14
Filing date: 2022-06-14
Publication date: 2023-12-27
Also published as: GB202208697D0

Abstract

A wiring harness 400 comprises a junction box 410. The junction box 410 comprises a plurality of walls 418 426 and a lid 420 defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits 412a,b. The box 410 comprises a conduit receiving aperture (figure 7, 454) remote from the lid 420 comprising a conduit 412b located therein. A support structure 428 is provided to which the junction box 410 is mounted. The conduit 412b is at least partially retained in the conduit receiving aperture (figure 7, 454) by the support structure 428. The conduit receiving aperture (figure 7, 454) may be fully circumferentially enclosed within a wall of the junction box 410. A conduit insertion portion (figure 7, 454I) and a conduit retention portion (figure 7, 454R) may be provided such that a conduit 412a,b may be inserted into the insertion portion (figure 7, 454I) along an insertion axis (figure 8A, 456). The axis extends away from a wall in which the conduit receiving aperture (figure 7, 454) is located and the conduit 412b may be subsequently moved laterally into the retention portion ((figure 7, 454R).

Description

A Junction Box for a Vehicle Wiring Harness

FIELD

The present invention relates to a junction box for a vehicle wiring harness.

BACKGROUND

Work machines may be used in various industries to excavate material and/or transport or move loads over a surface. Such machines may include, construction and agricultural vehicles such as, for example, backhoe loaders, slew excavators, material handlers, telescopic handlers, wheeled loader shovels, forklifts, skid-steer loaders, etc. Work machines may be predominantly configured for off-highway use but may be suitable for road use to allow for moving between worksites, for example.

Work machines typically have a body supported by a ground-engaging propulsion structure such as front and rear wheels or a pair of endless tracks and a drive arrangement. The drive arrangement may include, for example, a transmission and a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor to provide motive power. Work machines often have some form of working arm pivotally mounted to the body of the machine, and a working implement, such as a bucket or forks, operatively attached to the end of the arm via a coupling device to allow various work tasks to be carried out.

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a material handling vehicle in the form of a back hoe loader 10 having a chassis 12 supported by a ground engaging structure in the form of wheels 14. Mounted on the chassis on the front of the vehicle is a loading arm 16 to which is mounted an implement, in this case a loading shovel 18.

Mounted on the back of the vehicle is a back hoe 20 having a boom 21, a dipper arm 22, and a bucket 23. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine 25 which provides power to drive the vehicle over the ground. The internal combustion engine 25 may be hydrogen or diesel powered, for example. The engine 25 also provides power to operate a hydraulic pump which can selectively provide pressurised hydraulic fluid to the various rams 27 of the vehicle to operate the loading arm, loading shovel, boom, dipper, bucket etc so as to enable material to be handled. The vehicle includes an operator cab 30 including an operator seat 31 and operator controls such as a steering wheel 32, a foot brake 33, a foot throttle 34, a hand throttle and back hoe control lever 36. The operator seat 31 may be rotatable so as to face forwards for manoeuvring the vehicle and operation of the front bucket, and rearwards to enable operation of the back hoe 20.

Typically, wiring harnesses (or wiring looms as they may be referred to) in a conventional working machine include cables which extend between various points or nodes distributed about the vehicle, engine and/or hydraulic systems. The detail of the nodes is not important to this disclosure but may typically include various transducers, sensors, actuators, input devices, output devices, user interfaces, connection points and controllers which are distributed around the machine. Some of these nodes require single cables or wires, such as a simple sensor, with others having large numbers of incoming and outgoing wires or cables, such as an electronic control unit, ECU.

In order to protect the wiring harness, cables are typically housed within conduits which are routed about the machine and which terminate either in a junction box, which provides an interconnection between various conduits to allow suitable routing of cables between the various nodes, or an end-point, such as a sensor, actuator, or controller, for example.

With the increase of more sophisticated control and automation systems, the number of electrical systems within a working vehicle is typically increasing leading to a greater number of nodes and more complex wiring harnesses. As such, there is an increased need to provide wiring harnesses which with greater flexibility and adaptability.

Figures 2 and 3 show a known junction box 210 in which a plurality of conduits 212 are received. The junction box 210 is arranged such that cables 214 can enter from a first conduit 212a and exit via a second conduit 212b, as required.

To provide access to the interior of the junction box 210, conduits 212 are typically received within apertures 216 provided in the sidewalls 218 of the junction box 210. In the example shown, the apertures 216 are semi-enclosed with an open end which faces a detachable lid 220. The apertures 216 may include a restriction 222 which is smaller than the outer diameter of the conduits 212 so as to provide a friction fit into the apertures 216 from above (as viewed) and retained in place when the lid 220 is attached. The lid 220 may include retention portions 252 which are shaped and sized to correspond to the conduits 212 they engage and prevent movement of the conduits 212 out of the apertures 216 in an upwards direction (as viewed). The lid 220 may be secured using a number of latches 224 which prevents in-service removal via vibration or other movements, thereby ensuring that the conduits 212 do not become dislodged. Thus, there is provided a straightforward way of installing and retaining conduits 212 within a junction box 210 The present invention seeks to provide an improved junction box for a wiring harness. In particular, the invention seeks to provide an improved junction box and wiring harness for a work machine.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a wiring harness, a junction box and a method of installing a wiring harness according to the appended claims.

The present disclosure provides a wiring harness comprising a junction box. The junction box may comprise at least one conduit received within a conduit receiving aperture provided in a wall of the junction box. The junction box may be mounted to a support structure. The support structure may be positioned adjacent to the conduit receiving aperture and restrict movement of the at least one conduit in at least one direction.

The present disclosure provides a wiring harness comprising: a junction box comprising: a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits; a conduit receiving aperture remote from the lid comprising a conduit located therein; and, a support structure to which the junction box is mounted, wherein the conduit is at least partially retained in the aperture by the support structure.

The present disclosure provides a wiring harness comprising: a junction box comprising: a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits; a conduit receiving aperture fully circumferentially enclosed within one of the walls and having a conduit located therein; and, a support structure to which the junction box is mounted, wherein the conduit is at least partially retained in the conduit receiving aperture by the support structure.

Using a support structure of a junction box to prevent movement of a conduit received within an aperture of the junction box can provide a convenient way of retaining a conduit in a junction box and allow additional surfaces of the junction box to be utilised.

The junction box may comprise a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit may be received within a first conduit receiving aperture. The first conduit receiving aperture may be partly defined by a wall of the junction box and partly defined by the lid. The lid may be located adjacent to or against the first conduit to prevent movement in at least one direction.

A further aspect of the present disclosure may provide a wiring harness comprising a junction box. The junction box may comprise: a main body comprising a plurality of walls and a base, and a lid which collectively define a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits. A first conduit receiving aperture may be located in a sidewall of the plurality of walls and may comprise a first conduit located therein. The first conduit may be at least partially retained in the first aperture by the lid. The junction box may comprise a second conduit receiving aperture which may be remote from the lid. The second conduit receiving aperture may comprise a second conduit located therein. The wiring harness may comprise a support structure to which the junction box is mounted. The second conduit may be at least partly retained in the second aperture by the support structure.

The wiring harness may be provided for use with a work machine. The work machine may include be a material handling vehicle for the excavation (e.g. quarrying or mining), construction and/or agricultural sectors and may include, for example, backhoe loaders, slew excavators, material handlers, telescopic handlers, wheeled loader shovels, forklifts, skid-steer loaders, etc. The work machine vehicle may be predominantly configured for off-highway use but may be suitable for road use to allow for moving between worksites, for example. In some embodiments, the work machine may comprise an engine. The engine may be used in any suitable application such as a material handling vehicle or as a prime mover for a piece of equipment such as am electrical generator, pump, vessel or aircraft, for example.

A main body of the junction box may comprise a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls may comprise a sidewall and a base (which may be referred to as a base wall). The sidewalls may define an open side of the junction box and may be configured to mate with the lid of the box at a free end thereof. The base may be located on an opposing side from the lid and may extend between the sidewalls. The base may be defined as the wall which is mounted to the supporting structure or which is not directly engaged with the lid. The base may be directly attached to the supporting structure by one or more attachments such as a mechanical fixing. The base may be provided as the lowermost surface of the junction box when located in the work machine.

The conduit receiving aperture may be located in a central region of one of the plurality of walls. Hence, the conduit receiving aperture may be located in central region of a sidewall or the base. When located within a central region of a sidewall or base, the conduit receiving aperture may be fully circumferentially defined by the wall (as opposed to being defined partly by the wall and partly by the lid). As such, the conduit receiving aperture may be located remote from the lid such that no part of the lid defines the aperture or acts to retain a conduit retaining aperture. Further, the conduit may not directly contact the lid. In some embodiments a wall of the junction box may include a first conduit retaining aperture which is partly defined by the lid, and a second conduit retaining aperture which is not defined by the lid. In some embodiments there may be only conduits which are directly retained by the support structure and these conduits may be in a wall which does or does not engage directly with the lid.

The lid may be free of conduit receiving apertures. The lid may be comprise continuous unbroken surface. The lid may be shallower in depth than the main body of the junction box which comprises the conduit receiving apertures. The lid may engage with or be attached to the sidewalls. Thus, the lid may be configured to mate with a free end of the sidewalls and may comprise one or more attachment features which engage with the sidewalls to prevent in-use or accidental removal of the lid.

Each of the plurality of walls may be planar and comprise a continuous unbroken surface save for the conduit receiving apertures and, optionally, one or more mounting apertures.

A first conduit receiving aperture may be a semi-enclosed aperture when the lid is not attached. The first conduit receiving aperture may be elongate and comprise a conduit insertion portion at an open end thereof and a conduit retention portion at a closed end thereof. The first conduit receiving aperture may slidingly receive the first conduit in a direction along the plane of the wall and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit from the open end. The conduit retention portion may be a continuation of the conduit insertion portion such that continued insertion of the conduit along the in-plane insertion direction moves the conduit into the conduit retention portion.

The conduit receiving aperture may be elongate. The conduit receiving aperture which engages with the support structure may be fully enclosed and comprise a peripheral edge which encircles and defines the aperture within a wall of the junction box. As such, the aperture may not be open ended and may not be closed by the lid.

A second conduit receiving aperture may comprise an insertion portion and a retention portion. The insertion portion may be configured to receive the second conduit along an insertion axis which extends towards the wall, e.g. perpendicularly or along the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The insertion axis may be coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the conduit. Once inserted into the insertion portion, the conduit may be moved laterally into the retention portion.

The retention portion of either the first or second conduit receiving aperture may comprise a restriction configured to receive and retain the conduit. The retention portion may be narrower than the insertion portion such that the peripheral edges or walls of the aperture which flank the conduit are closer than the corresponding peripheral edges of the insertion portion. The peripheral walls of the retention portion may comprise one or more restriction features such as one or more ribs, flanges, teeth or other projections.

The retention portion may comprise a rib which at partially encircles the conduit and configured to laterally compress the conduit. There may be a first rib and a second rib which may be axially displaced along the insertion axis of the aperture. The retention feature may act to prevent axial withdrawal of the conduit along the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

Any of the conduit receiving apertures may comprise a flange which extends outwardly from the wall. The flange may provide structural support for the conduit at the entry point and may provide a portion of the peripheral wall which surrounds the conduit. The flange may extend around the retention portion of the aperture and may comprise one or more retention features.

The support structure may be configured to reside adjacent to the conduit in either contacting or non-contacting proximity. The support structure may be urged into the conduit thereby compressing it and minimising any lateral in-service movement in relation to the junction box.

The support structure may comprise a retention edge which is positioned adjacent to the conduit thereby restricting movement of the second conduit in at least one direction. The retention edge may partially surround a wall of the conduit and may urge the conduit into the retention portion of the aperture. The retention edge may be shaped to correspond to the external shape of the conduit, e.g. arcuate and/or semi-circular. The retention edge may be provided by an edge of a plate, such as a mounting plate, and may have a thickness which corresponds to the plate. In some embodiments, the retention edge may comprise a flange which extends along the length of the conduit. The retention edge may comprise one or more retention features such as a rib which extends circumferentially around the conduit in use.

The conduit receiving aperture may be elongate. An elongate conduit receiving aperture allows the conduit to be inserted axially in an insertion portion prior to being moved into a retention portion. The insertion portion and retention portion may partially overlap such that the conduit partially extends into the retention portion when being axially inserted. The insertion portion may be partly covered by the support structure when the junction box is mounted to the support structure. As such, the conduit is prevented from moving back into the insertion portion once the junction box is mounted to the support structure.

The support structure may comprise a mounting plate onto which the junction box is mounted. The support structure may comprise a side support comprising one or more fixing points for attaching the support structure to the work machine. The mounting plate may be the side support. Hence, the junction box may be attached to the mounting plate and side support.

The side support may be configured to prevent lateral movement of the junction box. The side support may extend at right angles to the mounting plate. The side support may comprise one or more fixing points for attaching the support structure to the vehicle. The fixing points may comprise any mechanical fixing, e.g. bolts, studs, screws, fasteners, clips, clamps, rivets or welding, which can be used to attach the support structure to the machine.

The plurality of walls of the junction box may comprise a central portion and an edge portion. The side support may be located towards an edge portion of at least one wall such that one or more first conduits can be located in the central region. The junction box may comprise one or more corner regions. The side support may be provided at the corner regions. The side support may comprise one or more elongate members, which may be referred to as arms, which extend along a sidewall at a corner region. The side support may comprise one or more planar members which lie parallel to a sidewall of the junction box.

The support structure and junction box may be connected by one or more attachments to prevent relative movement of the support structure and the junction box. The attachments may be located adjacent to a conduit receiving aperture. The attachments may comprise any suitable mechanical fixing. The attachment may comprise, for example, bolts, studs, screws, fasteners, clips, clamps, rivets or welding. The attachments may fixedly connect the mounting plate and the base of the junction box.

A conduit receiving aperture may comprise a conduit insertion portion and a conduit retention portion, such that the second conduit may be inserted into the insertion portion along an insertion axis which extends away from a wall in which the second aperture is located and moved laterally into the retention portion. The support structure may cover at least part of the insertion portion to prevent the conduit returning to the insertion portion, thereby retaining the conduit.

The plurality of walls may comprise a sidewall and a base, wherein a conduit receiving aperture is located in the base.

The wiring harness may be that of a work machine. The junction box may be mounted within an engine housing. The support structure may be attached to an engine or chassis of the work machine.

The first or second conduit may be attached to the support structure upstream of the conduit aperture. Hence, the conduit may be attached to the junction box at the insertion aperture, and also at a location adjacent to the insertion aperture. The additional attachment of the conduit may help reduce movement of the conduit in the conduit receiving aperture.

The support structure may comprise a web. The web may extend between the mounting plate and side support so as to help reduce relative movement between the two parts as may be experienced due to in-use vibration. The first or second conduit may be attached to the web. The web may comprise an aperture through which the conduit or a connector attached to the conduit passes.

The conduit receiving apertures may comprise a restriction which is smaller than the outer diameter of the respective first and second conduit. The restriction may act to compress the conduit or a wall thereof upon insertion.

The present disclosure provides a junction box for a wiring harness. The junction box may be any junction box disclosed herein. The junction box may comprise a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from at least one conduit and a conduit receiving aperture located in one of the plurality of walls.

The conduit receiving aperture may be elongate and comprise a conduit insertion portion adjacent to a conduit retention portion. The elongate aperture may comprise a peripheral edge which is fully defined by the wall. A conduit may be inserted into the insertion portion along an insertion axis which extends away from a wall in which the conduit receiving aperture is located and moved laterally into the retention portion.

The junction box may comprise: a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits; a first conduit receiving aperture located in a sidewall of the plurality of walls and comprising a peripheral edge defined partly by the sidewall of the plurality of walls and partly by the lid; and, a second conduit receiving aperture remote from the lid and comprising a conduit insertion portion and a conduit retention portion, such that a conduit may be inserted into the insertion portion along an insertion axis which extends away from a wall in which the second aperture is located and moved laterally into the retention portion.

The second aperture may be located in a central region of a wall of the plurality of walls. The wall may be a base.

The lid may be detachably attached to the junction box via one or more interlocks which are configured to retain the lid on the plurality of walls. The interlocks may comprise one or more of a latch, a clip, a clamp, strap, tie or a threaded engagement, for example.

The present disclosure provides a method installing a wiring harness, comprising: providing a junction box having a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits; inserting a conduit into a conduit receiving aperture located in one of the plurality of walls; mounting the junction box to a support structure of the working vehicle wherein in mounting the junction box comprises: locating a portion of the supporting structure adjacent to the conduit to restrict the movement of the conduit in at least one direction; and attaching the junction box to the supporting structure to prevent relative movement thereof and prevent lateral movement of the conduit.

Inserting the conduit may comprise: inserting the second conduit into the aperture along an insertion axis along the longitudinal axis of the second conduit; and, subsequently moving the conduit transversely with respect to the insertion axis.

The method may further comprise attaching a lid to the junction box. The lid may be configured to engage with a further conduit to prevent movement of the first conduit relative to the aperture in at least one direction. The lid may be urged into the conduit when being attached.

The method may further comprise inserting one or more wires into the conduits once the junction box is mounted to the support structure.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects, embodiments or examples described herein may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect, embodiment or example. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is shows a side view of a work machine; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a known wiring harness junction box; Figure 3 shows the junction box of Figure 2 with the lid removed; Figure 4 shows a junction box according to the present disclosure.

Figures 5 to 7 show various views of the junction box of Figure 4; Figures 8a and 8b show the installation of a conduit in a base of the junction box of Figures 4 to 7; Figure 9 shows some ancillary features for a wiring harness which may include the junction box of the present disclosure; and, Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an engine which may include the junction box of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments and the inventive concept. However, those skilled in the art will understand that: the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with known equivalents of these specific details; that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments; and, that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. It will also be appreciated that well known methods, procedures, components, and systems may not have been described in detail.

An issue with the junction box 210 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is that its dimensions are largely determined by the number and size of conduits 212 which are required. That is, due to the installation of the conduits 212 along a sidewall 218 which is adjacent to the lid, there must be sufficient space on each of the sidewalls 218 to accommodate the required number and size of conduits 212. As such, for example, if the number of conduits 212 increases, the length or width of the junction box 210 needs to be increased. Hence, the size of the junction box 210 is at least determined in part by the number of nodes it connects to rather than, for example, the packing factor of the cables 214 housed within the junction box 210 or conduits. Further, the mounting of the junction box 210 to a structural element of the work machine may be restricted due to the positions of the conduits 212 in the sidewalls 218 (or vice versa). The junction box 210 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is mounted to a support structure 228 in the form of a bracket via a base 226 which is free from conduits 212.

Figure 4 shows a wiring harness 400 according to the present disclosure. The wiring harness 400 includes a junction box 410 comprising: a main body and a lid 420 which collectively define a space into which a plurality of cables (not shown) can be received from a plurality of conduits 412a,b. The plurality of conduits 412a,b terminate in at least one sidewall 418 and a base 426 (which may be referred to as a base wall) of the junction box 410 such that cables can be received from a first conduit 412a and re-routed into a second (or multiple) conduits 412b. The junction box 410 is mounted on a support structure 428 which may be attached to an engine, chassis or some other suitable component at a suitable location.

The junction box 410 of the present disclosure differs from the prior art junction boxes 210 at least in that it includes at least one conduit 412b which is retained by the support structure 428 on which the junction box 410 is mounted, rather than by relying on the lid 420 or some other separate clamping or retention mechanism. Hence, in using the support 428 to retain the conduits 412b, it is possible to use faces of the junction box 410 which are not adjacent to or engaged by the lid 420. As such, it is possible to utilise more surface area of the junction box 410.

A further advantage is that the junction box 410 enables a conduit receiving portion or area to be used to mount the junction box 410. Hence, the mounting options for the junction box 410 increase. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the junction box 410 is mounted on the base 426, but this is not a limitation and a sidewall 418 could be used.

Further, a portion of sidewall 418 which is not adjacent to a lid receiving edge may be utilised for receiving a conduit which is retained by the support structure 428.

A yet further advantage is that the retention of the conduits 412b can be realised when mounting the junction box 410 thereby allowing the conduits 412b to be retained with ease as part of the installation.

A yet further advantage is that the conduits 412b may be robustly retained in the box walls during the installation of the cables and prior to the attachment of the lid 420. This not only provides further support for the conduits 412b during the insertion of the cables, which may unseat unrestrained conduits (i.e. those retained by the attachment of the lid 420), but also means that conduits 412b can be located in horizontally disposed walls or walls which are not readily accessible once the junction box 410 has been mounted.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the support structure 428 may be comprise a plate which includes a conduit retaining edge 430. The conduit retaining edge 430 is located adjacent to the conduit 412b and may contact it so as to urge the conduit 412b into the opposing end when the junction box 410 is mounted. As such, the support structure 428 retains the conduit 412b in situ and prevents movement in at least one direction. Thus, as with the prior art junction box 210, the conduit 412b may be retained partially by a retention feature provided by the wall 426 with the support structure 428 effectively replacing the functional role of retaining the lid 420.

In order to prevent the junction box 410 and support structure 428 becoming separated, the two may be attached together using any suitable attachment mechanism. In the example shown, the junction box 410 and support structure 428 comprise a number of corresponding bolt receiving apertures 432, but this is not a limitation and any form of attachment such as clamps, clips, straps, rivets, ties, screws, studs or any other mechanical fixings or fasteners may be used.

The embodiment shown in Figure 4 includes two conduits 412b located in the base 426 but this is not a limitation and other numbers and positions of conduit 412b are possible.

The support structure 428 to which the junction box 410 is mounted may be any suitable form. It may comprise a bracket or other member which appends from a surrounding structure, such as an engine, engine housing, or chassis of a work machine, for example. In the embodiment shown, the support structure 428 comprises a bracket which includes a mounting plate 434 and an optional side support 436. The mounting plate 434 provides a flat surface onto which the junction box 410 may be mounted and attached. The side support 436 may be used to locate the junction box 410 laterally thereby providing a greater degree of support and aid the location of the junction box 410 during installation.

The side support 436 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 includes two arms which extend upwardly form the mounting plate 434 towards the corner regions of the junction box 410.

The arms extend from a first end which is proximal to the mounting plate 434 at right angles to the mounting plate and terminate at a second distal end which provide additional fixing points 438 (best seen in Figure 9) for the support structure 428.

The provision of peripheral side support arms in this way is advantageous as it provides a useful lateral support whilst leaving the central portion of the associated sidewall unrestricted such that it can received conduits which are subsequently retained by the lid.

The support structure 428 may include a lower plate 440 which extends downwardly from the mounting plate 440. The lower plate 440 may provide further fixing points 442, as shown.

In the embodiment shown, a web 444 is provided between the lower plate 440 and the underside of the mounting plate 434. This may provide additional support for the mounting plate 434 to avoid in use movement due to vibration or the like. In addition, as shown, the web 444 may provide a convenient location to provide further support for the conduit 412b, and, in some embodiments, an ancillary part of the wiring harness such as a socket 446.

The retention edges 430 of the mounting plate 434 are configured to be in close proximity or urged into the conduits 412b as the junction box 410 is installed and the fixing apertures 432 of the mounting plate 434 and the base 426 are brought into alignment. The retention edges 430 may be provided simply by the edge of the plate as shown, or may incorporate one or more ancillary features which aid the engagement with the conduit 412b, such as one or more ribs for example. As shown, the retention edges 430 may correspond to the shape of the conduit 412b and are thus arcuate in this embodiment.

The embodiment of Figure 4 includes a plurality of conduits 412b retained by the mounting plate 434 on a base 426 of the junction box 410. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more of the conduit receiving apertures may be provided in a sidewall 418 instead of or as well as the base 426. Hence, the side support 436 may comprise one or more conduit retaining feature such as a retention edge.

It will be appreciated that, in embodiments in which a mounting plate 434 provides multiple retention edges 430 for a plurality of conduits 412b, the edges will face in a common direction to allow engagement with the respective conduits 412b in a single movement of the junction box 410 and conduits 412b towards the mounting plate 434.

Reference to mounting plate 434 in the present disclosure may refer to a portion of the supporting structure 428 which engages the conduits to prevent movement and, optionally, to which the junction box 410 is attached. The mounting plate 434 may comprise one or more attachments for attaching the junction box 410 to the mounting plate 434.

The support structure 428 may be a single piece structure in which the mounting plate 434 and side support 436 are formed from a piece of sheet material, typically steel, with the mounting plate 434 being bent at 90 degrees relative to the side support 436. In the embodiment shown, the mounting plate 434 is formed between two cut-outs 448 prior to being manipulated to lie at right angles to the side support 436. As such, the mounting plate 434 and side support 436 may be readily formed from a single sheet of material.

Figures 5 to 7 shows the junction box 410 of Figure 4 in more detail. The junction box 410 comprises a main body having a plurality of walls including a base 426, and sidewalls 418 extending upwardly from the base 426. A lid 420 is received on the sidewalls 418 to enclose the space therein. The base 426 may be provided as the lowest part of the junction box 410 in use and provide a surface on which the junction box 410 is mounted to the mounting plate 434, but this is not a limitation.

As with the prior art arrangement previously described, the junction box 410 may include a plurality of first apertures 416 which are in the form of notches or cut-outs which extend into the sidewalls 418 from the free edge which receives the lid 420. As such, there is a plurality of conduit receiving apertures 416 which are semi-enclosed when the lid 420 is not attached to the sidewalls 418 such that the conduits 412a can be slid from the open end in a direction aligned with a plane of the wall and into a retention portion 416R at the closed end of the aperture 416.

The retention portion 416R of the aperture 416 may comprise one or more retention features which prevent the respective conduit 412a being withdrawn axially out of the aperture 416 when in service. The retention features may comprise a restriction which deforms, e.g. compresses, the conduit 412a or a wall of the conduit 412a once inserted to provide a local constriction and help prevent withdrawal. In the embodiment shown, the restriction is provided by a pair of axially separated ribs 422 which extend around the periphery of the aperture to encircle approximately half of the conduit 412a circumference when fully inserted.

The retention features may be located on a flange 450 which extends outwardly from the apertures. The flange 450 may define the aperture 416 and may provide some support to the conduits 412a at the respective entry points.

As can be seen from Figure 6, the lid 420 is attached to the main body via a plurality of interlocking features 424, optionally shown in the form of resiliently deformable latches which extend from the edges of the lid 420 and attach to corresponding ramped or barbed keeps which project from the walls of the sidewalls. Hence, as the lid 420 is received on the upper edges of the sidewalls 418, the latches deflect outwardly and over the keeps prior to latching inwardly to provide an interlock. Once locked, the latches may be deflected outwardly by hand to release remove the lid 420, at which point the conduits 412a may be moved upwardly along the apertures for removal.

The lid 420 may include retention portions 452 which are shaped and sized to correspond to the conduits 412a with which they engage. Hence, the underside of the lid may comprise one of more curved portions to engage with a corresponding opposing wall of a conduit 412a. The conduit engaging portion may comprise retention features similar to those described for the apertures 416 or may be an extension of the lid 420 having a corresponding wall thickness. As can be seen, the lid 420 may include blanks which close off unused apertures 416.

Turning to Figure 7, there is shown an underside of the junction box 410 and two conduit receiving apertures 454 which receive conduits 412b retained by the support structure 428. In the context of the described embodiment, these may be referred to as "second" conduit receiving apertures (or second apertures for brevity), but it will be appreciated that some embodiments may not include the "first" conduit receiving apertures which are closed by the lid 420.

The second conduit receiving apertures 454 are elongate and fully enclosed within the base 426. Hence, as can be seen, each of the apertures 454 comprises a peripheral edge 454' which is provided entirely within a portion of the base 420.

The second apertures 454 comprise an insertion portion 4541 into which the conduits 412b can be inserted and a retention portion 454R into which the conduit 412b is moved once inserted. Hence, as can be seen in Figures 8A and 8B, the conduit 412b may be inserted 458 into the insertion portion 4541 of the second apertures 454 along an insertion axis 456 (Figure SA), prior to being moved laterally 460 into the retention portion (Figure 8B).

The insertion axis 456 may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the conduit 412b and/or may extend in a perpendicular direction away from the base 420. The lateral movement 460 of the conduit 412b may be with respect to the insertion axis 456, that is, the conduit 412b may move sideways in line with the plane of the base 420.

The second apertures 454 may comprise a retention portion comprising one or more retention features which prevent the respective conduit 412b being withdrawn axially away out of the aperture 454 when in service. The retention features may comprise, for example, a restriction which deforms, e.g. compresses, the conduit or a wall of the conduit so as to provide a local constriction once inserted to help prevent withdrawal. As such, the retention portion of the aperture may have a reduced diameter comparted to the insertion portion. In the embodiment shown, the restriction is provided by a pair of axially separated ribs 422 which extend around the periphery of the aperture to enclose at least half of the conduit.

The retention features may be located on a flange 450' which extends outwardly from the second apertures 454. The flange 450' may define the retention portion 454R of the aperture and may provide support to the conduits 412b at the respective entry points and help maintain the alignment.

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the junction box 410 from which the fixing points 438 of the side support 436 are viewable next to the lid 420 with the first conduits 412a extending radially outwards from the end and broadside sidewalls 418. It can be seen that the wiring harness may also include one or more conduit restraints 462 which are distinct from the support structure to which the junction box is mounted. The additional remote restraints 462 may take any suitable form but are shown as plastic ties which attach to a secondary support structure.

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of the junction box 410 within an engine housing 1000. In other embodiments, the feature shown by reference numeral 1000 may comprise a vehicle, generator, aircraft or vessel or a component thereof, for example.

The present disclosure provides a junction box 410 for a wiring harness 400 which provides a way of conveniently restraining conduits in areas remote from the lid 420. This increases the number of conduits which can be received in a given size of junction box and allows greater flexibility in terms of the available routes for the conduits to take, and the mounting options.

It will be appreciated that although the present disclosure is predominantly aimed at a wiring harness for a work machine, typically a material handling vehicle, this is not a limitation and the wiring harness may be employed in any machine. The wiring harness is particularly applicable to engines, but this is not a limitation. Hence, the wiring harness may be used as part of an engine arrangement or elsewhere and may be used in any machinery or vehicles including aircraft and marine vessels.

Although the main embodiment comprises first and second conduits in which the first conduits are restrained by the lid, this is not a limitation. In some embodiments the junction box may not include conduits which are restrained by the lid and/or include conduits which are otherwise attached, that is, not using the lid or support structure.

The present disclosure contemplates a junction box which is mounted to a support structure via a base, in particular, a base which is the lowest portion of the junction box.

However, this is not a limitation, and the base may be vertically orientated and/or the junction box may be mounted to the support structure by a sidewall.

The present disclosure primarily contemplates a junction box as an intersecting node of a wiring harness. However, in some embodiments, the junction box may represent an end node at which cables are terminated and optionally connected to one or more components of an electrical system.

Variations and alternatives to the above described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.A wiring harness comprising: a junction box comprising: a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits; a conduit receiving aperture remote from the lid comprising a conduit located therein; and, a support structure to which the junction box is mounted, wherein the conduit is at least partially retained in the conduit receiving aperture by the support structure.
The wiring harness of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a retention edge which is urged against the conduit thereby restricting movement of the conduit in at least one direction.
The wiring harness of claims 1 or 2, wherein the conduit receiving aperture is elongate and partially covered by the support structure.
The wiring harness of any preceding claim, wherein support structure comprises a mounting plate onto which the junction box is mounted and an edge of the mounting plate contacts the conduit.
The wiring harness of any preceding claim, wherein mounting plate is provided on a base wall of the junction box.
The wiring harness of either of claims 4 or 5, wherein the supporting structure further comprises a side support which extends at right angles to the mounting plate and restricts lateral movement of the junction box relative to the mounting plate in at least one direction.
The wiring harness of claim 6, wherein the side support comprises one or more fixing points for attaching the support structure to a work machine.
The wiring harness of either of claims 6 or 7, wherein each of the plurality of walls comprises a central portion and an edge portion, wherein the side support is located towards the edge portion of at least one wall to leave the respective central region exposed.
9. The wiring harness of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure and junction box are attached by one or more attachments to prevent relative movement of the support structure and the junction box, wherein the attachments are located adjacent to the conduit receiving aperture.
10.The wiring harness of any preceding claim, wherein the conduit receiving aperture comprises a conduit insertion portion and a conduit retention portion, such that the conduit may be inserted into the insertion portion along an insertion axis which extends perpendicularly away from the conduit receiving aperture and moved laterally into the conduit retention portion prior to the junction box being mounted to the support structure and, wherein the support structure covers at least part of the insertion portion thereby retaining the conduit once the junction box is mounted to the support structure.
11.The wiring harness of any of preceding claim, wherein the plurality of walls comprise a sidewall and a base wall, wherein the conduit receiving aperture is located in base wall.
12.The wiring harness of any preceding claim, wherein the support is attached to an engine or chassis of a work machine.
13.The wiring harness of any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the support structure comprises a web extending between the mounting plate and side support, and the conduit is attached to the web.
14. The wiring harness of claim 13, wherein the web comprises an aperture through which the conduit or a connector attached to the conduit passes.
15.The wiring harness of any preceding claim, comprising a first conduit receiving aperture located in a wall of the plurality of walls and comprising a first conduit located therein, the first conduit being at least partially retained in the first aperture by the lid; and, further comprising a second conduit retaining aperture comprising a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is retained by the support structure.
16.The wiring harness of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second apertures comprise a restriction which is smaller than the outer diameter of the respective first and second conduit such that inserting the first and/or second conduit into the respective aperture compresses the first and/or second conduit.
17.A junction box for a wiring harness, comprising: a plurality of walls and a lid defining a space into which a plurality of cables can be received from a plurality of conduits; a conduit receiving aperture fully circumferentially enclosed within a wall of the plurality of walls and comprising a conduit insertion portion and a conduit retention portion, such that a conduit may be inserted into the insertion portion along an insertion axis which extends away from a wall in which the conduit receiving aperture is located and subsequently moved laterally into the retention portion.
18.The junction box of claim 17, wherein the aperture comprises a retention feature in the conduit retention portion, the retention feature engaging with a conduit in use prevent withdrawal in the direction of the insertion axis.
19.The junction box of claims 17 or 18, wherein the wall is a base.
20.The junction box of any preceding claim, wherein the lid is detachably attached to the junction box via one or more interlocks which are configured to retain the lid on the plurality of walls.
21.The junction box of any preceding claim further comprising at least one attachment point for attaching the junction box to a support structure.
22.The junction box of claim 21, wherein the attachment point is located adjacent to the conduit receiving aperture.
23.A method of installing a wiring harness in a working vehicle, comprising: providing a junction box according to any preceding claim; inserting a conduit into the conduit receiving aperture; mounting the junction box to a support structure of the working vehicle wherein in mounting the junction box comprises: locating a portion of the supporting structure against the conduit to restrict the movement of the conduit in at least one direction; and, attaching the junction box to the supporting structure to prevent relative movement thereof and prevent lateral movement of the conduit.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein inserting the conduit comprises: inserting the conduit into the aperture along an insertion axis which extends away from a wall in which the conduit receiving aperture is located; and, subsequently moving the conduit transversely with respect to the insertion axis.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising attaching a lid to the junction box, whereby the lid engages with a further conduit to prevent movement of the further conduit relative to the aperture in at least one direction.