Holding device for a connector associated with an electrically controlled automotive mirror

• US 5,294,084 A
• Filed: 06/29/1993
• Issued: 03/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai RIKA Denki Seisakusho
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai RIKA Denki Seisakusho
• Inventors: Fujita, Masaki, Syamoto, Noriyasu
• Primary Examiner(s): CHIN SHUE, ALVIN C
• Application Number:
  US08/063,559
• Time in Patent Office: 259 Days
• Field of Search: 248/476, 248/487, 248/544, 248/479, 248/475.1, 359/877
• US Class Current: 248/544
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/07 by electrically powered actuators
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/52 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/74 Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel

Abstract

A holding device for a connector associated with an electrically controlled automotive mirror is provided such that the connector becomes fixed to a mirror unit by a cylindrical portion integrally formed in a bracket mounted to a side of a housing adapted for connection to an automotive vehicle body. Due to the provision of the cylindrical portion, the connector can be fixed to the mirror unit in a simple manner. With the connector being fixed to the mirror unit, connections between the connector and a mated connector provided in automotive vehicle body may be made in a much easier fashion.

Claims

1. A holding device for a connector associated with an electrically controlled automotive mirror, the connector being adapted for connection to a mated connector provided in an automotive vehicle body, the device comprising:

a mirror unit, adapted for connection to an automotive vehicle body, including a mirror, an electrical driving device for driving the mirror, and a housing for housing the mirror and the electrical driving device;

a member adapted to be mounted to a side of the housing adapted for connection to the automotive vehicle body, the member being integrally formed with a cylindrical portion;

a connector provided at an end of a wiring extending from the electrical driving device, the connector being adapted for insertion into and to be held by an inner surface of the cylindrical portion; and

a sealing member adapted to be disposed between the inner surface of the cylindrical portion and an outer surface of the connector.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the member is a bracket fixed to the side of the housing adapted for connection to the automotive vehicle body.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is composed of an elastomeric material.

4. A mirror unit attachable to a vehicle body, comprising:

a housing for supporting a mirror and an electrical driving device for driving the mirror;

a bracket mounted to a side of the housing for connecting the housing to the vehicle body, the bracket including a generally cylindrical hollow portion;

a connector for connecting wiring associated with the electrical driving device to a mated connector provided in the vehicle body, the connector insertable into the generally cylindrical hollow portion of the bracket; and

a sealing member disposed between an inner surface of the generally cylindrical hollow portion and an outer surface of the connector for supporting the connector in the cylindrical portion.

5. The mirror unit of claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the cylindrical portion includes an inwardly projected ridge and the sealing member includes a flange supportable by the ridge of the cylindrical portion.