Liquid-proof enclosure of electrical device

• US 6,492,590 B1
• Filed: 07/13/2001
• Issued: 12/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ching Chi Cheng
• Original Assignee: Ching Chi Cheng
• Inventors: Cheng, Ching Chi
• Primary Examiner(s): Reichard, Dean A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HARRIS, ANTON B
• Application Number:
  US09/903,554
• Time in Patent Office: 515 Days
• Field of Search: 174/50, 174/17, 174/17.VA, 174/50.52, 174/52.1, 292/317, 220/378, 523/93, 602/3, D13/156, D13/139.6
• US Class Current: 174/50
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 27/02 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 27/04 Leading of conductors or axles through casings, e.g. for tap-changing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/52 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5202 Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5205 Sealing means between cable and housing, e.g. grommet H01R13/5221 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5845 the strain relief being achieved by molding parts around cable and connections
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6658 on printed circuit board H01R13/6666 - H01R13/6691 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/28 Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/945 Holders with built-in electrical component
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/965 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof holders
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/088 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets

Abstract

A liquid-proof enclosure includes first and second casing members engaging each other to define an interior space for receiving, retaining and protecting an electrical device. Each casing member has a mating flange engaging each other to encase the electrical device. A rib is formed along the mating flange of the first casing member and a corresponding slot is defined along the mating flange of the second casing member for receiving and engaging the rib thereby attaching the first and second casing members together and increasing length of a possible leakage path between the first and second casing members. An opening is defined between the first and second casing members. At least a circumferential slot is defined along a circumferential wall of the opening. A cable retainer retaining a cable forms ribs received in the slot of the opening for attaching the cable retainer to the first and second casing members and to prevent liquid leakage into the enclosure.

Claims

1. An enclosure comprising:

first and second casing members, each of said casing members having a mating flange formed thereon, said mating flanges engaging one another to releasably lock said first casing member to said second casing member, said first and second casing members defining an interior space, said interior space being adapted to receive, retain and protect an electrical device, a slot being defined along said mating flange of said second casing member, said slot corresponding to and receivingly engaging a rib formed on said mating flange of said first casing member for releasably locking said first and second casing members together and releasably sealing said first and second casing members to one another, an opening being defined between said first and second casing members, at least one circumferential slot being defined along a side wall of said opening;

a plurality of support ribs formed on an inner surface of each of said first and second casing members for supporting and retaining an electrical device; and

a cable retainer adapted to retain a cable, said cable retainer having cable ribs formed thereon, said cable ribs receiving and engaging said circumferential slot of said opening for attaching said cable retainer to said first and second casing members and for preventing liquid leakage into said enclosure.

2. The enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein an opening is defined in the first casing member with a lens member received and retained in the opening.

3. The enclosure as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a liquid-proof gasket received in the slot of the second casing member and tightly sandwiched between the rib of the first casing member and the slot of the second casing member.