Waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture

Details Waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture Waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture

2001-07-10

2003-02-18

Feild, Lynn D. (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Bayonet coupling part movable about its axis

Reexamination Certificate

active

06520790

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Conventionally, some lighting fixtures used in motor vehicles constitute units having a plurality of bulbs. In these cases, electric wires form a circuit between the bulbs to allow the bulbs of the unit to be lit simultaneously. In the case where the lighting fixture needs to be waterproofed, each bulb socket housing a bulb must be provided with a separate waterproofing configuration.
One example of a waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture is described in JP-4-51784. In this example, as shown in
FIG. 11
of this specification, a sealing ring
31
is fitted to an outer circumference face of a bulb socket
30
which houses a bulb B. The sealing ring
31
is squeezed against a panel
32
when the bulb socket
30
is attached to this panel
32
, thereby forming a seal between the bulb socket
30
and the panel
32
. A plurality of terminal fittings
33
, which provide electricity to each bulb B, are housed within the bulb socket
30
. These terminal fittings
33
lead to the exterior and are connected to electric wires W. These electric wires are inserted collectively through a rubber stopper
34
fitted to the bulb socket
30
, thereby providing a seal between the electric wires W and the bulb socket
30
.
In the configuration described above, the electric wires W are first passed through the rubber stopper
34
, and the terminal fittings
33
are then joined to these electric wires W by means of crimping. That is, the following operations are required: the electric wires W are passed through the rubber stopper
34
, the terminal fittings
33
are crimped to the electric wires W, the terminal fittings
33
are attached to the bulb sockets
30
, and the rubber stoppers
34
are pushed onto the bulb sockets
30
. Consequently, many operations are required, and operability becomes a problem. This also presents an obstacle to automating these operations.
The present invention has taken the above problem into consideration, and aims to improve the operability of a waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bulb socket assembly comprising a bulb socket having insulation displacement terminals, insulated electrical wires connected to said terminals by insulation displacement, and a sealing member moulded over said assembly so as to encapsulate said terminals, portions of said wires connected thereto, and portions of said socket.
Such an arrangement provides easy connection by pressure contact, and assured waterproofing by over moulding. In the preferred embodiment the sealing member extends over a bayonet fitting bulb socket so as to cover the usual stop flange, thereby providing a panel seal for the socket. Overmoulding also provides a convenient method of sealing adjacent cut edges of wire.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of waterproofing a plurality of bulb socket assemblies, each having a bulb socket and an insulation displacement terminal electrically connected to a common insulated wire by insulation displacement, the method comprising moulding a sealing member over a portion of each socket so as to encapsulate respective terminals and portions of said wire connected thereto. This method ensures waterproofing of individual sockets, yet permits individual attachment of each socket to a mounting.
According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method of wiring a plurality of bulb sockets to an electrical connector, each socket having two insulation displacement terminals to be electrically connected to an insulated wire by insulation displacement, the method comprising the steps of using a single length of insulated wire to connect said connector to all of said terminals, cutting away portions of said wire to define separate electrical connections between said connector and sockets and moulding respective sealing member over portions of each socket so as to encapsulate respective terminals, portions of wires connected thereto and adjacent cut ends of said wires. This method does not require separate lengths of wire, and this assembly operation is facilitated whilst ensuring adequate sealing of cut-wire ends.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4804343 (1989-02-01), Reedy
patent: 4996636 (1991-02-01), Lovett
patent: 5087213 (1992-02-01), Drapcho et al.
patent: 5139433 (1992-08-01), Bhaty
patent: 2700074 (1994-07-01), None
patent: 2187048 (1987-08-01), None
patent: 4-51784 (1992-04-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Waterproofing configuration for a lighting fixture will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3177839