Electricity: conductors and insulators – Conduits – cables or conductors – Accessories
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-19
2001-10-02
Sterrett, Jeffrey (Department: 2838)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Conduits, cables or conductors
Accessories
C174S068300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297456
ABSTRACT:
This Application claims the priority of Japanese Application 10-232835, filed Aug. 19, 1998.
The present Invention relates to an improvement in electrical connection boxes used to hold various automotive electronic devices and which serves as a connection junction point for wire harnesses related thereto. More specifically, it is a structure for supporting the connection section of the harness in the connection box reliably and in a waterproof manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In Japanese OPI 9-22743, a device of this general type is described. As shown in
FIG. 6
hereof, covered cylindrical projection
103
is formed on wall
102
of connection box
101
. One end of projection
103
is open to receive connection section
105
of wire harness trunk
104
. To support connection section
105
, support hook
106
, through which wire harness trunk
104
passes, is provided.
However, since connection section
105
of wire harness trunk
104
is supported only by support hook
106
, the support is not stable and can permit connection section
105
to slip out of projection
103
. This tendency is enhanced by vibration and, since these devices are primarily intended for use in the engine compartment of an automobile, the risk is substantial. It is an object of the present Invention to provide a structure which will reliably retain the connection section of the wire harness in the connection box and also will assist in preventing the ingress of water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The support structure in accordance with the present Invention comprises a hollow support member on a wall of the electrical connection box. The support member is open at one end and an insulative cap, adapted to surround and grip the connection section of the wire harness is inserted therein. The cap preferably has an outer diameter which is somewhat greater than the inner diameter of the support member. As a result, the insulative cap, which is made of elastic or resilient material, can be pressed into the support member against the frictional resistance it provides. Once in, it is secure and retains the connection section within the support member.
In the preferred form of the device, the support member is cylindrical and the insulative cap is provided with a plurality of alternating shelves and grooves. The outer diameter of the shelves is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the support member and the diameter of the grooves is substantially less than the inner diameter of the support grooves. The grooves provide added resilience to the insulative cap and permit substantial distortion of the shelves on insertion and increase the resistance to withdrawal.
The support structure of the present Invention comprises a support mounted on the wall of the connection box and fixing tape wrapped around the support and a portion of the wire harness. This assists in retaining the connection section within the support member and may be used with or without the alternating shelves and grooves.
A further feature of the present Invention is at least one projection on the open end of the support member which extends radially inwardly thereof to provide a ledge. Preferably, the ledge should be small enough so that the insulative cap can be pressed into the support member, but large enough so that, after the insulative cap is within the support member, it will rest on the ledge and be retained thereby. This can be used in conjunction with the tape and/or the shelves and ledges.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3033913 (1962-05-01), Dietze
patent: 3564486 (1971-02-01), Price
patent: 3610810 (1971-10-01), Fribley
patent: 4864078 (1989-09-01), Bowman
patent: 5936200 (1999-08-01), Park
patent: 5939673 (1999-08-01), Rentmore
patent: 5986210 (1999-11-01), Kummle
patent: 6027367 (2000-02-01), Woertz et al.
patent: 6172300 (2001-01-01), Kawaguchi
patent: 922743 (1997-01-01), None
Bierman, Muserlian and Lucas
Sterrett Jeffrey
Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd.
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