Protective junction box

• US 6,362,421 B1
• Filed: 04/27/1999
• Issued: 03/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited (Trimble Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited (Trimble Inc.)
• Inventors: Layton, Russell K. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Reichard, Dean A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nino, Adolfo
• Application Number:
  US09/300,295
• Time in Patent Office: 1,064 Days
• Field of Search: 174/50, 174/50.52, 174/50.53, 174/65.R, 174/59, 174/60, 174/135, 174/52.2, 220/66, 220/67, 220/174, 220/241, 220/242, 439/76.1, 361/641, 361/752, 361/826, 361/827, 361/828
• US Class Current: 174/50
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/081 Bases, casings or covers

Abstract

The junction box of the present invention allows a user to couple multiple electronic devices to a primary electronic device. The junction box includes a housing assembly made up of an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing fits over the lower housing so as to form an enclosure. A seal assembly forms a seal between the upper housing and the lower housing. The upper housing extends outward on one side so as to form an overhanging portion and an opening. The overhanging portion, along with the seal assembly prevents fluids, dust and foreign particles from entering the enclosure. A circuit board is disposed in the enclosure that is coupled to a primary electrical cable. The primary electrical cable connects to the back of a primary electronic device. Electronic devices that are to be coupled to the primary electronic device are coupled to the junction box via cables that connect to each electrical device and connect to the circuit board. These electrical cables extend through the opening and under the overhanging portion of the upper housing.

Claims

1. A junction box comprising:

a housing assembly including an upper housing and a lower housing, said upper housing coupled to said lower housing so as to form an enclosure therebetween and so as to form a first opening therebetween, said upper housing extending outward on one side so as to form an overhanging portion that includes a downward extending lip, said overhanging portion forming a channel that extends from said first opening and that is open to the bottom side of said junction box, said overhanging portion at least partially shielding said first opening from entry of contaminants;

a primary electrical cable for coupling said junction box with a primary electronic device; and

a circuit board disposed within said enclosure and coupled to said primary electrical cable, said circuit board adapted to be coupled to electrical cables that extend through said first opening.

2. The junction box of claim 1 further comprising a seal assembly disposed between said lower housing and said upper housing so as to form a seal therebetween.

3. The junction box of claim 2 wherein said seal assembly further comprises a first seal and a second seal.

4. The junction box of claim 3 wherein said upper housing includes a second opening adapted to receive said primary electrical cable.

5. The junction box of claim 3 wherein said upper housing and said lower housing are comprised of plastic.

6. The junction box of claim 1 wherein said lower housing includes a slot adapted to receive said circuit board.

7. A junction box comprising:

a housing assembly including an upper housing and a lower housing, said upper housing coupled to said lower housing so as to form an enclosure therebetween and so as to form a first opening therebetween, said upper housing extending outward on one side so as to form an overhanging portion that includes a downward extending lip, said overhanging portion forming a channel that extends from said first opening and that is open to the bottom side of said junction box, said overhanging portion at least partially shielding said first opening from entry of contaminants;

a circuit board disposed within said enclosure;

a primary electrical cable coupled to said circuit board and extending through a second opening in said housing assembly for coupling said junction box with a primary electronic device;

a seal assembly disposed between said lower housing and said upper housing so as to form a seal therebetween; and

a plurality of electrical cables extending through said first opening and into said enclosure, said plurality of electrical cables coupled to said circuit board so as to provide electrical connection to other electronic devices.

8. The junction box of claim 7 wherein said seal assembly further comprises a first seal and a second seal.

9. The junction box of claim 7 wherein said lower housing includes a slot adapted to receive said circuit board.

10. The junction box of claim 7 wherein said upper housing and said lower housing are comprised of plastic.

11. The junction box of claim 7 further comprising:

a plurality of connector receptacles disposed on said circuit board and electrically coupled to said primary electrical cable.