Components for sealing the joints of cables in a wall.

Abstract

This invention relates to an assembly for sealing a joint of a cable (20) within a wall (10). The wall includes at least one aperture 104. The aperture is used for engaging a connector included in the cable. At least one flange (22) is provided at the end of the cable. The flange at least partially surrounds the end of the cable. The assembly includes at least one strain relief element (30). The strain relief element is configured such that, when the connector is engaged, once in a position engaging with the wall and the flange, the strain relief element directly or indirectly presses the flange against the wall, while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall, such that the flange directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture and directly or indirectly prevents any foreign matter from passing through the joint of the cable at the aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for a joint of a cable sealed in a wall.

[0002] The wall may be included in the housing of (electronic) appliances.

[0003] Devices include fingerprint sensor type devices, fingerprint scanner type devices, hardware security module (or HSM) type devices, terminals, mobile phone (telephone) type devices, personal digital assistant (or PDA) type devices, laptop computers, personal computers (or PCs) type devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, media players, game consoles, netbooks, mobile phones, user terminal and / or setup box type devices, and other devices. Background Technology

[0004] It is known to connect a Universal Serial Bus (or USB) type cable to a fingerprint scanner as an appliance. This cable allows power to be supplied to and communication to the circuitry included in the appliance.

[0005] However, such cable connections cannot prevent dust and water from entering the appliance housing through the cable joints within the housing walls.

[0006] There is a need for a solution that allows, in particular, any foreign matter to pass through the cable joints in the housing wall into the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention proposes a solution for meeting the needs just detailed above by providing an assembly for the joint of a cable sealed in a wall.

[0008] According to the invention, the wall includes at least one aperture. The aperture is for connecting a connector included within a cable. At least one flange is provided at the cable end. The flange at least partially surrounds the cable end. The assembly includes at least one strain relief element. The strain relief element is configured such that, when the connector is connected, once in a position engaging with the wall and the flange, the strain relief element directly or indirectly presses the flange against the wall, while remaining attached to the wall, such that the flange directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture and directly or indirectly prevents any foreign matter from passing through the cable joint at the aperture.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention also provides an assembly for a joint of a cable sealed in a wall, wherein the wall includes at least one orifice for engaging a connector included within the cable, the cable end being provided with at least one flange at least partially surrounding the cable end, and the assembly includes at least one strain relief element comprising: - The main wall includes slits at its edges that are cut out to form part of the cable receiving section, which is smaller than the section with the flange. - At least one post projecting from the main wall, wherein each of the at least one post is configured to push a flange against the wall when the connector is engaged, while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall. This causes the flange to surround the orifice directly or indirectly, and to seal the cable joint at the orifice directly or indirectly. This allows, directly or indirectly, to prevent any foreign matter such as dust and / or water from passing through the cable joint at the orifice.

[0010] The principle of this invention lies in providing one or more flanges at the cable end and one or more strain relief elements on the other. The strain relief elements are designed to directly or indirectly push the flange against the wall once positioned to mate with the wall and the flange, while the strain relief elements are fixedly held by the wall and the connector is engaged through a wall orifice. Therefore, the wall orifice on one side of the wall is sealed and shielded by the flange pushed by the strain relief elements or by means of the flange. Thus, at the cable joint at the wall orifice, no foreign object can cross the wall, i.e., from one side of the wall to the other.

[0011] In this description, the adverb “directly” means without the use of any external additional elements, while the adverb “indirectly” means with the use of one or more external additional elements, such as, for example, one or more washers.

[0012] The solution of the present invention allows for the prevention of any foreign matter (such as dust and / or water) from passing through the wall opening.

[0013] Therefore, the solution of the present invention makes the joint of the cable in the wall dustproof and waterproof.

[0014] Furthermore, by means of the strain relief element(s) used, the solution of the present invention is robust in time while maintaining the sealing capability of the component.

[0015] The solution of the present invention is technically simple and effectively prevents any foreign objects from passing through the wall opening used for connecting cables.

[0016] According to the first embodiment, the assembly further includes at least one external elastic element. Before the connector is coupled, at least one elastic element is positioned at the front of the flange to surround the cable, such that when the connector is coupled, the strain relief element presses the flange and at least one elastic element together against the wall, while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall.

[0017] According to the second embodiment, the flange is at least partially made of at least one elastic material, such that when the connector is connected, the strain relief element presses the flange and the elastic portion of the flange together against the wall, while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall.

[0018] Preferably, the strain relief element further includes at least one pillar. Each of the at least one pillar allows the flange to be pushed directly or indirectly against the wall.

[0019] Preferably, the strain relief element further includes at least one protruding extension. Each of the at least one protruding extension allows the strain relief element to be coupled to the wall on one hand, and to be held in place by the strain relief element coupled to the wall on the other hand.

[0020] According to the first embodiment, at least one protruding extension each forms a sliding guide that allows the strain relief element to be guided during insertion into a corresponding groove included in the wall.

[0021] According to the second embodiment, at least one protruding extension each allows the strain relief element to be attached to the wall during the engagement of the strain relief element with a corresponding recess included in the wall.

[0022] Advantageously, the strain relief element includes at least one rib. At least one rib allows for the prevention of shrinkage and / or warping of the strain relief element after it has been molded. At least one rib is configured to increase the robustness of the strain relief element in use, i.e., to make the strain relief element more robust and durable.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the cable includes a connector serving as a first connector. A wall is included within a housing. The housing includes a second connector. The second connector faces the opening within the housing. The first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

[0024] Preferably, the strain relief element is located outside the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the invention, given in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings as indicative and non-limiting examples: - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the interior of an appliance housing with a wall opening according to a first embodiment of a strain relief element, the wall opening being used to connect a connector at a cable end provided with a releasable elastic element and an integrated flange for being squeezed by a removable strain relief element as an external element. - Figure 2 It is through the use of Figure 1 An external perspective view of the appliance housing with wall openings for external components; - Figure 3 It is through the use of Figure 1 A front view of the wall opening sealed by the external components, where the external components mate with each other to eliminate the joint of the cable ends in the element sealing wall by using strain; - Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The side view of section line AA; - Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A top view of the cross-section line BB; - Figure 6 This is an external perspective view of an appliance housing having a wall orifice according to a second embodiment of the strain relief element, the wall orifice being used to connect a connector at a cable end having a releasable elastic element and an integrated flange for being squeezed by a removable strain relief element as an external element. - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another perspective view of the component; - Figure 8 It is through the use of Figure 7 A front view of the wall opening sealed by external components, where the external components mate with each other to eliminate the joint of the cable end sealed in the wall by using strain relief elements; and - Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The side view of section line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following section considers the case in which the components of the present invention are used for the joint of a USB-type cable sealed in a wall.

[0027] However, the components of this invention can be used to seal the joints of any type of cable within a wall.

[0028] Cables can include mechanical cables, non-electrical cables, electrical cables, power supply cables, communication cables, and other types of cables. The above cable type groups are not exhaustive.

[0029] Naturally, the embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] The same reference mark in different drawings refers to the same element.

[0031] Figure 1 An exploded view schematically presents a wall 10 with an orifice 104 and an assembly 200 for sealing the joint of a cable 20 in the wall 10 in the rear and top views.

[0032] The wall 10 may be contained within the outer casing or housing (partially indicated).

[0033] The housing may include a plurality of walls, including wall 10 as the first wall.

[0034] For simplicity, only the first wall 10 of the shell is shown.

[0035] The housing may include a printed circuit board (or PCB) (not shown) that includes one or more (electrical and / or electronic) circuits.

[0036] Wall 10 may be made of a material such as rigid plastic. Alternatively, wall 10 may be made of metal, wood, a combination or mixture thereof, or one or more other materials.

[0037] The wall 10 includes one or more openings 104 (only one is shown).

[0038] The orifice 104 forms a through hole that serves as a channel.

[0039] The aperture 104 is used to connect connector 26. Connector 26 is located at the cable end 24.

[0040] Connector 26 includes one or more terminals of a conductor contained within cable 20.

[0041] The PCB can be connected to connector 26 via another connector, which is connected at the other end of cable 20 to an external device such as a PC, so as to exchange data with each other and / or supply power to the PCB or the external device.

[0042] Connector 26 includes, for example, a plug of type USB 3.0 B.

[0043] The aperture 104 may have a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the aperture 104 may have a substantially circular, elliptical, square, hexagonal, or any other shape. The shape of the aperture 104 is adapted to the shape of the cross-section of the cable end 24 that must cross the wall 10 at the aperture 104.

[0044] The wall 10 divides the space into two subspaces: the interior 100a of the shell on the first side of the wall 10 and the exterior 100b of the shell on the second side of the wall 10.

[0045] The orifice 104 allows access from the outside of the housing 100b to the inside of the housing 100a and / or vice versa, i.e., from the inside of the housing 100a to the outside of the housing 100b.

[0046] When at least partially open, the orifice 104 allows dust, gas, (one or more) liquids and / or any foreign matter to flow from the exterior 100b of the housing to the interior 100a of the housing and / or vice versa, i.e., from the interior 100a of the housing to the exterior 100b of the housing.

[0047] The wall 10 has a rear end 110 at the orifice 104 opposite to the front end, which faces the connector 26 for engagement or insertion into the orifice 104.

[0048] The wall 10 may have a recess 106. The recess 106 is preferably completely molded together with the wall 10 so as to form the same element as the wall 10.

[0049] The cable 20 includes a body 27 that is preferably relatively flexible.

[0050] The body 27 is made of a material such as plastic. The body 27 can be substantially cylindrical or any other shape, such as substantially parallelepiped.

[0051] When cylindrical, the body 27 has an outer radius of, for example, a few millimeters (mm), and may be included in the range of about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0052] The main body 27 may be covered with an additional layer 25 at the cable end 24 to rigidify and reinforce the cable end 24 for use by the user to connect or disconnect the connector 26.

[0053] The additional layer 25 may be made of a material such as plastic. The additional layer 25 is preferably molded around the body 27. The additional layer 25 may be substantially cylindrical or have any other shape, such as a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0054] The additional layer 25 is used to prevent the cable 20 from being bent by pressure, which could damage one or more of the possible internal wires and thus damage the connection.

[0055] When cylindrical, the additional layer 25 has a diameter of, for example, an outer circle of about a few millimeters relative to the body 27, and may be included in the range from about 1 mm to about 11 mm.

[0056] The additional layer 25 and / or the body 27 may be covered at the cable end 24 with a transition layer 23 to form a transition or bridge between the body 27 and / or the additional layer 25 and the gripping layer 21.

[0057] The transition layer 23 may be made of a material such as plastic. The transition layer 23 is preferably overmolded around the body 27 and / or the additional layer 25. The transition layer 23 may have a shape that is substantially, for example, a truncated pyramid, or any other shape such as a substantially parallelepiped or truncated cone. The minimum base of the truncated pyramid (or similar) of the transition layer 23 is preferably extended by the body 27 and / or the additional layer 25, while the maximum base of the truncated pyramid (or similar) of the transition layer 23 is preferably extended by the gripping layer 21. The cross-section of the transition layer is, for example, rectangular.

[0058] The length of the longest side of the minimum base of the truncated pyramid (or similar) of the transition layer 23 may be, for example, about 9 mm, and is preferably at least as wide as the diameter of the additional layer 25 (if present) or the diameter of the body 27 (if the additional layer 25 is not present).

[0059] The length of the longest side of the truncated pyramid (or similar) base of the transition layer 23 may be, for example, about 12 mm, and is preferably as wide as the lateral side of the gripping layer 21.

[0060] The length of the smallest side of the smallest base of the truncated pyramid (or similar) of the transition layer 23 may be, for example, about 7 mm, and is preferably at least as wide as the diameter of the additional layer 25 (if present) or the diameter of the body 27 (if the additional layer 25 is not present).

[0061] The length of the smallest side of the largest base of the truncated pyramid (or similar) of the transition layer 23 may be, for example, about 11 mm, and is preferably at least as wide as the diameter of the additional layer 25 (if present) or the diameter of the body 27 (if the additional layer 25 is not present).

[0062] A gripping layer 21 is disposed at the front of the cable end 24 for gripping between the user's fingers. The user manipulates the cable end 24 at the gripping layer 21 to insert into or pull out of the wall 10. The gripping layer 21 at least partially constitutes a gripping area suitable for user manipulation.

[0063] The gripping layer 21 may be made of, for example, a plastic-type material, which is preferably harder than the material of the body 27 (when the body 27 is also made of a plastic-type material). The gripping layer 21 is preferably molded together with the body 27, the additional layer 25, and / or the transition layer 23 to form a single element with the associated cable portion or component. The gripping layer 21 may have a substantially parallelepiped shape. Alternatively or additionally, the gripping layer 21 may be substantially cylindrical or have any other shape.

[0064] The gripping layer 21 preferably includes one or more flat surfaces that are parallel to each other in pairs. Such flat surfaces(s) allow the user to grip the cable end 24 to insert or pull the cable end 24 into or out of the wall 10.

[0065] The length of the gripping layer 21 may be, for example, about 1.5 cm, and may be included in the range from about 10 mm to about 60 mm.

[0066] The length of the cable end 24 may be, for example, about 4 mm, and may be in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0067] Based on its basic characteristics, the cable 20 has one or more flanges 22 at the cable end 24 (only one is shown).

[0068] The flange (or each flange) 22 is preferably integrally molded with the cable end 24 so as to form the same element as the cable 20.

[0069] The thickness of the flange 22 may be, for example, a few millimeters, and may include a range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0070] Alternatively, instead of becoming an inner flange joined in the cable 20, the flange (or each flange) 22 is composed of one or more external attachments as an outer flange, which are secured around the cable end 24 using any other fastening means such as glue or welding.

[0071] The cross-section of the flange 22 may be substantially rectangular, but it is preferably rounded at the outer corners.

[0072] At least at the rear of the flange 22, the flange (or each flange) 22 is preferably made of a material such as hard plastic and / or the like, so that it can be pushed from the rear of the flange 22 in a direction 50 toward the rear of the wall 10 (as the pushing direction 50).

[0073] The flange (or each flange) 22 preferably forms or constitutes one or more shoulders. Such shoulders (formed by the flange 22) are substantially perpendicular to the axis defined by the cable 20 at the cable end 24. Such shoulders (or shoulders) allow a force to be applied at the cable end 24 substantially parallel to the cable 20 and directed in the pushing direction 50.

[0074] The flange (or each flange) 22 may have an external shape that is substantially rectangular (which may have rounded corners on its outer side) or any other shape.

[0075] The length of the longest side of the outer rectangle of flange 22 may be, for example, about 1.7 cm, and may be included in the range from about 1 cm to about 4 cm.

[0076] The length of the smallest side of the outer rectangle of flange 22 may be, for example, about 1.5 cm, and may be included in the range from about 1 cm to about 4 cm.

[0077] The flange (or each flange) 22 partially (e.g., in a discontinuous manner) or entirely surrounds the cable end 24 such that when the flange (or each flange) 22 is pushed, the flange (or each flange) 22 directly or indirectly seals the joint of the cable 20 at the orifice 104.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the flange 22 completely surrounds the cable end 24.

[0079] Such a flange 22 is preferably present around the front of the gripping layer 21 to facilitate the insertion of the cable end 24 into the aperture 104, while using the flange 22 as one or more stops, especially for (one or more) user fingers or (one or more) detachable strain relief elements 30 to push the cable end 24 in the pushing direction 50.

[0080] The flanges (or each flange) 22 are used such that (one or more) detachable (or attached) strain relief elements 30 can press the flanges 22 against the wall 10 directly or indirectly from the outside 100b.

[0081] Once engaged with the wall 10 and the strain relief element 30, the flange (or each flange) 22 is able to surround the orifice 104 directly or indirectly, and directly or indirectly prevent any foreign matter (such as dust and / or water) from passing through the joint of the cable 20 at the orifice 104, as described below.

[0082] Component 200 may include one or more washers 28 as one or more externally releasable (or attached) resilient elements.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, instead of using washer 28, an elastic element is provided around the orifice at the rear of wall 10. This elastic element is integrated into or fixed to wall 10 and protrudes from the rear of wall 10.

[0084] The gaskets (or each gasket) 28 may be made of, for example, rubber and / or any other elastic material.

[0085] The washer (or each washer) 28 is elastically deformable.

[0086] The washer (or each washer) 28 has a through hole in the middle to form a ring.

[0087] The washer (or each washer) 28 has a shape that is preferably substantially flange 22. Therefore, the flange 22 preferably makes physical contact with the periphery of the washer 28 around its entire periphery.

[0088] The cross-section of washer 28 can be substantially circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or have any other shape.

[0089] The thickness of the gasket 28 may be, for example, about 1 mm, and may be in the range from about 0.8 mm to about 4 mm.

[0090] The washer (or each washer) 28 is able to pass through the cable end 24 and / or through its hole by the cable end 24.

[0091] Washers (or each washer) 28 (when present) are preferably used to be placed around the cable 20 before the coupling connector 26 and are preferably placed at the front of the flange 22.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, that is, instead of using one or more washers 28 and / or elastic elements integrated into or fixed to the rear of the wall 10 as external elastic elements, the flange 22 is molded (or covered) at the front of the flange 22 by an elastic or elastomeric material as an internal elastic element.

[0093] The flange 22 is at least partially made of at least one elastic or elastomeric material at the front portion of the flange 22.

[0094] The internal elastic or elastomeric layer of the flange 22 is elastically deformable at least in the sealing area with the wall 10. The internal elastic layer of the flange 22, which is an internal elastic element of the flange 22, or the gasket 28, which is an external elastic element of the flange 22, is used to seal the joint of the cable end 24 in the wall 10 at the orifice 104.

[0095] The wall recess 106 is preferably arranged to accommodate one or more flanges 22, one or more strain relief elements 30 as external elements, and possibly accommodate one or more washers 28.

[0096] The strain relief element 30 is preferably made of a material such as a hard plastic or the like.

[0097] The strain relief element 30 includes a main wall 32.

[0098] The main wall 32 has a rear side 33 opposite to the front side 31.

[0099] The strain relief element 30 includes two sidewalls 33a and 33b extending into the main wall 32. Each of the sidewalls 33a and 33b has a substantially right-angled triangle shape, for example, which is truncated at the bottom of the main wall 32, and the truncated side is parallel to the opposite side (for example, at the top of the main wall 32), while its largest side forms the lateral boundary of the main wall 32.

[0100] Optionally, the strain relief element 30 includes a plate 37. The plate 37 is located at the bottom of the main wall 32. When viewed laterally, the plate 37 forms the base of the strain relief element 30.

[0101] When viewed from the top or bottom of the strain relief element 30, the plate 37 may have, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0102] The outer corners of plate 37 can be rounded.

[0103] The smallest side of plate 37 may be, for example, about 1 cm, and may be included in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 50 mm.

[0104] The maximum side of plate 37 may be, for example, about 2.3 cm, and may be included in the range from about 1.5 cm to about 4.5 cm.

[0105] The thickness of plate 37 may be, for example, a few millimeters, and may include a range from about 0.3 mm to about 4 mm.

[0106] Optionally, the strain relief element 30 has one or more through holes 38a and 38b, for example, at plate 37. Each hole 38a or 38b is used for fastening an element (not shown) such as a screw. The fastening element (one or more) allows the strain relief element 30 to be fastened to wall 10 or may be included in another wall in the housing.

[0107] The main wall 32 preferably includes a slot 36.

[0108] The slots are arranged in the form of cuts on the edge of the main wall 32.

[0109] The slot is configured to receive a portion of the cable smaller than the portion with the flange.

[0110] The slot 36 is defined by a through hole, which is laterally defined by two posts 31a and 31b, which are connected by a beam 31c.

[0111] The slot 36 allows the gripping layer 21 to pass through the strain relief element 30.

[0112] The main wall 32 of the strain relief element 30 is tilted rearward (i.e., in the opposite direction to the pushing direction 50) so that the shape of the rear of the main wall 32 matches the shape of the rear of the wall 10. Therefore, the strain relief element 30 can be completely integrated into the rear of the wall 10.

[0113] The slot 36 has a shape that conforms to the cross-section of a portion of the cable 20 (such as, for example, the gripping layer 21).

[0114] The sidewalls 33a and 33b are symmetrical, for example, about the middle row (hereinafter referred to as the middle row) that runs through the slot 36.

[0115] Optionally, the strain relief element 30 includes one or more ribs (not shown). When an even number of ribs are present, the ribs are preferably symmetrical about the middle row. One or more ribs are positioned below the slot 36 and preferably on the rear 33 of the main wall 32. One or more ribs allow for the prevention of shrinkage and / or warping of the strain relief element 30 after molding. One or more ribs allow for greater robustness and durability of the strain relief element 30 and its retention over time, and allow for the prevention of impact on the external shape or design of the strain relief element 30.

[0116] The strain relief element 30 preferably includes one or more pillars 34a and 34b.

[0117] One or more pillars 34a and 34b protrude from the rear 33 of the main wall 32. One or more pillars 34a and 34b preferably define a slot 36. One or more pillars 34a and 34b may each rest against their respective sidewalls 33a and 33b. One or more pillars 34a and 34b preferably each have their front side having a shape adapted to the shape of the lateral side of the flange 22.

[0118] One or more posts 34a and 34b allow the flange 22 to slide along the front of one or more posts 34a and 34b before or after the gaskets (or each gasket) 28 may have been installed around the front of the flange 22.

[0119] The front of one or more pillars 34a and 34b is preferably parallel to the rear of the transverse side of flange 22 in order to apply continuous contact with the rear of the transverse side of flange 22.

[0120] Therefore, each of the columns 34a and 34b allows the flange 22 to be pushed or pressed directly or indirectly against the rear of the wall 10.

[0121] Each of the columns 34a and 34b is designed to push the flange 22 directly or indirectly toward the rear of the wall 10 and to maintain the push or squeeze on the flange 22.

[0122] The thickness of each of the pillars 34a and 34b of the slot 36 may be, for example, about 2 mm, and may be in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0123] The length of each of the posts 34a and 34b of the slot 36 may be, for example, about 1.3 cm, and may be included in the range from about 1 cm to about 4 cm.

[0124] The strain relief element 30 preferably includes one, two or more protruding extensions 32a and 32b. Each of the protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b allows the strain relief element 30 to be coupled to the wall 10 (and more precisely, to the rear of the wall 10) on the one hand, and to retain the strain relief element 30 coupled to the wall 10 on the other hand, as explained further below.

[0125] The lateral inclination of the main wall 32 relative to the lateral protrusion of the protruding extension 32a or 32b may be, for example, about 9 degrees, and may include a range from about 1 degree to about 20 degrees.

[0126] according to Figures 1 to 5 In the first embodiment of the strain relief element 30 shown above, the protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b each form a sliding guide, which allows the strain relief element 30 to be inserted into corresponding grooves 102a and 102b included in the wall 10 (in... Figure 1 (Not visible above) During the period, guide strain relief element 30.

[0127] The protruding portions of the protruding extensions 32a and 32b laterally define the strain relief element 30.

[0128] When viewed from the lateral side of the strain relief element 30, the protruding extensions 32a and 32b can each be perpendicular to the plate 37.

[0129] The prominent extensions 32a and 32b are symmetrical about the middle row, for example.

[0130] When viewed from the rear, the protruding extensions 32a and 32b each have the shape of a right-angled triangle that is substantially, for example, slightly truncated on opposite sides of a right angle.

[0131] The length of the shortest side of the right angle adjacent to (one or more) protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b may be, for example, about 3 mm, and may be included in the range from about 1 mm to about 15 mm.

[0132] The length of the longest side of the right angle adjacent to one or more of the protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b may be, for example, about 4.3 cm, and may be in the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm.

[0133] The largest side of the corresponding right triangle forms the outer edge of the related protruding extension 32a or 32b, and also partially forms the outer edge of the strain relief element 30, for example, at the lateral side of the strain relief element 30.

[0134] The truncated side forms the outer edge of the associated protruding extension 32a or 32b, and also partially forms the outer edge of the strain relief element 30, for example at the top of the strain relief element 30.

[0135] The protruding extensions 32a and 32b are connected to the plate 37 from their front and to their respective sidewalls 33a and 33b from their rear. Each protruding extension 32a or 32b protrudes from its respective sidewall 33a or 33b on the one hand and laterally from the plate 37 on the other hand.

[0136] The protruding extensions 32a and 32b each protrude from their respective sidewalls 33a and 33b toward the outside of the strain relief element 30.

[0137] The thickness of (one or more) protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b may be, for example, about 1 mm, and may be in the range from about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm.

[0138] According to the first embodiment, the protruding portion of each of the protruding extensions 32a and 32b is designed to substantially conform to the shape of the corresponding groove 102a or 102b included in the wall 10.

[0139] Figure 2 The wall 10 and the assembly 200 for sealing the joint of the cable 20 in the wall 10 by using the strain relief element 30 according to the first embodiment are schematically shown in the front and bottom views.

[0140] Each of the grooves 102a and 102b forms a cut area on the inner side of the corresponding lateral side of the recess 106.

[0141] The thickness of the grooves 102a and / or 102b may be, for example, about 2 mm, and may include a range from about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm.

[0142] Each of the grooves 102a and 102b is allowed to accommodate the corresponding protruding extension 32a or 32b, and more precisely, to accommodate the protruding portion of the protruding extension 32a or 32b.

[0143] Cable 20 will be connected to wall opening 104 by using external components of component 200 to assemble the whole assembly.

[0144] According to the first embodiment, the component 200 includes external elements, namely a flange 22, a strain relief element 30, and a washer 28.

[0145] The shape and size of the slot 36 are configured to accommodate the gripping layer 21 of the cable 20.

[0146] The length of each of the posts 31a and 31b that define the slot 36 is, for example, about 1.6 cm, and may include a range from about 1.5 cm to about 5 cm.

[0147] The length of the beam 31c that defines the slot 36 may be, for example, about 1.4 cm, and may be included in the range from about 1 cm to about 5 cm.

[0148] The thickness of the columns 31a and 31b and the beam 31c that define the slot 36 may be, for example, about 2 mm, and may be in the range from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0149] According to a first embodiment of the strain relief element 30, one or more protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b each form a sliding guide and allow the strain relief element 30 to be guided during insertion into corresponding grooves 102a and / or 102b respectively included in the wall 10.

[0150] According to a first embodiment of the strain relief element 30, one or more protruding extensions 32a and 32b each form a guide rail that allows the strain relief element 30 to be coupled to the wall 10, and more precisely, to the front end 112 of the wall 10.

[0151] Before connecting cable 20 to wall 10, the user first installs washer 28 around cable end 24 held by, for example, one hand.

[0152] The gasket 28 (when in use) and the strain relief element 30 are preferably each located, for example, on the outside of the housing including the wall 10.

[0153] After the user has installed the washer 28 around the cable end 24, the user inserts the connector 26 into the orifice 104 by holding the gripping layer 21 with their fingers and pushing the cable 20 toward the wall 10. Such connector insertion is used, for example, to connect the connector 26 to another connector 46 (in... Figure 4 (See above).

[0154] Once the connector 26 is inserted into the orifice 104, the washer 28 is blocked at the recess 106 between the front 112 of the wall 10 and the flange 22.

[0155] The user inserts and slides one or more protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b into one or more corresponding grooves 102a and / or 102b (which are slightly exposed) of the wall 10 in the sliding direction 70 until the posts 31a and 31b defining the slot 36 stop at the upper boundary of the recess 106. Optionally, the user slides one or more protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b into one or more corresponding grooves 102a and / or 102b of the wall 10 in the sliding direction 70 until the plate 37 reaches the upper boundary of another recess 108 at the same time as the posts 31a and 31b stop, which may be included in another wall preferably included in the housing.

[0156] Each of the protruding extensions 32a and 32b allows the strain relief element 30 to be coupled to the wall 10 on the one hand, and to be retained on the other hand.

[0157] Once the strain relief element 30 is attached to the wall, the user can also insert one or more screws (not shown) into each of the holes 38a or 38b of the strain relief element 30 and the corresponding non-through holes 108a or 108b of the other wall (or wall 10). The user then turns the screws in the associated holes 38a and / or 38b and the associated non-through holes 108a and / or 108b to fasten the strain relief element 30 to the wall 10 or preferably another wall included in the housing.

[0158] In order to pull the cable 20 out of the wall 10 or the housing or to disconnect the cable 20 from it, the user may first remove one or more fixing screws or any other fastening elements from one or more of the associated non-through holes 108a and / or 108b and one or more holes 38a and / or 38b.

[0159] The user slides one or more protruding extensions 32a and / or 32b in one or more corresponding grooves 102a and / or 102b of the wall 10 in a direction opposite to the sliding direction 70 by pushing, for example, on the beam 31c of the slot 36 until the strain relief element 30 is released from the wall 10.

[0160] Therefore, the strain relief element 30 is detached from and removed from the wall 10.

[0161] Then, the user removes the cable end 24 from the opening 104 by holding the gripping layer 21 with their fingers and pulling the cable 20 from the wall 10.

[0162] The user can remove the washer 28 from the cable end 24 to remove the assembly 200.

[0163] Figure 3 The connector 26 in the insertion wall 10 is schematically shown in the rear view, having two cross-section lines: cross-section line AA and cross-section line BB.

[0164] The cross-section line AA runs vertically across the diameter of the cable 20 and the slot 36 in the middle row.

[0165] The cross-section line BB is perpendicular to the first cross-section line AA. The cross-section line BB crosses the cable 20 horizontally along the diameter of the cable 20.

[0166] The strain relief element 30 is configured such that when the connector 26 is connected, once the strain relief element 30 is in a position that mates with the wall 10 and the flange 22, it directly or indirectly presses the flange 22 against the wall 10, while the strain relief element 30 remains attached to the wall 10.

[0167] Therefore, the flange 22 surrounds the orifice 104 directly or indirectly, and directly or indirectly prevents any foreign object from passing through the joint of the cable 20 at the orifice 104.

[0168] Strain relief element 30 passes through pillars 34a and 34b (in Figure 3 (The upper part is hidden) on the lateral side of the compression flange 22, and the columns 34a and 34b extend to define the columns 31a and 31b of the slot 36, respectively.

[0169] The orifice 104 is closed by the cable end 24 provided with a flange 22, which is sealed by means of a strain relief element 30, the flange 22 being sealed by a gasket 28 as an external elastic element in the first embodiment described further below, or by the elastic portion of the flange 22 as an internal elastic element.

[0170] Once positioned to mate with the wall 10 and the flange 22, the front end 31 of the strain relief element 30 can be fully integrated into the wall 10, that is, no part of the strain relief element 30 protrudes from the wall 10.

[0171] The strain relief element 30 is coupled to the wall 10, which may be included in the housing.

[0172] Figure 4 The cable end 24 in the insertion wall 10, the washer 28 squeezed by the flange 22, and the strain relief element 30 of the squeezed flange 22 are schematically shown along the cross section line AA.

[0173] The housing includes, for example, a connector 46 serving as a second connector. The second connector 46 is fixed within the housing. The second connector 46 has an opening 104 within the housing facing the wall 10 (indicated by the first shaded area).

[0174] The cable 20 includes a corresponding connector 26, which serves as the first connector.

[0175] The second connector 46 and the first connector 26 are connected to each other. The second connector 46 is, for example, a female connector and the first connector 26 is, for example, a male connector, or vice versa, that is, the second connector 46 is, for example, a male connector and the first connector 26 is, for example, a female connector.

[0176] When connector 26 is connected to another connector 46, strain relief element 30 presses flange 22 and elastic element (i.e., gasket 28 as an external elastic element, or elastic portion of flange 22 as an internal elastic element (not shown)) together against wall 10, while strain relief element 30 remains attached to wall 10.

[0177] According to an alternative embodiment, when connector 26 is connected to another connector 46, strain relief element 30 compresses flange 22 and flange elastic portion, such that strain relief element 30 presses flange 22 and flange elastic portion together against wall 10, while strain relief element 30 remains attached to wall 10.

[0178] The strain relief element 30 (shown by the second shaded area) includes pillars 34a (shown by the unshaded area) and 34b (in... Figure 4 (Not visible above) Each of them applies extrusion force to the wall 10 on the flange 22 in the extrusion direction 80.

[0179] The flange 22 then applies the same extrusion force to the wall 10 in the extrusion direction 80 on the washer 28 (indicated by the blackened area).

[0180] The washer 28 is elastically deformed by the front 112 of the wall 10 on one side and by the columns 34a and 34b of the strain relief element 30 pushed by the front of the flange 22 on the other side.

[0181] Therefore, the washer 28, as an external elastic element, is compressed against the wall 10 and surrounds the orifice 104. The washer 28 seals the joint of the cable 20 in the wall 10.

[0182] As a reaction to the compressive force exerted by the flange 22 on the stopped washer 28, the washer 28 exerts a reaction force toward the flange 22 in the opposite direction to the compressive direction 80, which is the reaction direction 90.

[0183] The second connector 46 and the first connector 26 are connected to each other, making it possible to supply power to the internal circuitry and enabling the internal circuitry to communicate with external devices such as a PC.

[0184] Once the second connector 46 and the first connector 26 are connected to each other, the corresponding appliances can be operated.

[0185] Figure 5The cable end 24 in the insertion wall 10, the washer 28 squeezed by the flange 22, and the strain relief element 30 of the squeezed flange 22 are schematically shown along the cross section line BB.

[0186] According to a first embodiment of the strain relief element 30, the protruding portion of each of the protruding extensions 32a and 32b of the strain relief element 30 is blocked within the corresponding grooves 102a and 102b included in the wall 10.

[0187] Each of the trenches 102a and 102b has, for example, a U-shape, having a first lateral side near the front 112 of the wall 10 and a second lateral side away from the front 112 of the wall 10.

[0188] Each of the grooves 102a and 102b is designed to accommodate the protruding portions of one or more of the strain relief element 30's protruding extensions 32a and 32b.

[0189] Each of the protruding extensions 32a and 32b of the strain relief element 30, which stops at the distal side (away from the front 112 of the wall 10) of the corresponding groove 102a or 102b, is allowed to counteract a reaction force 90, which is applied to the strain relief element 30 from the wall 10 (and more precisely the front 112 of the wall) via the flange 22 through the elastic element (i.e., the washer 28 as the outer elastic element, or the elastic portion of the flange 22 as the inner elastic element (not shown)).

[0190] Each of the protruding extensions 32a and 32b of the strain relief element 30 allows the strain relief element 30 to remain connected to the wall 10.

[0191] Figure 6 The front and bottom views schematically show a wall 101 according to the second embodiment and an assembly 200 for sealing the joint of a cable 20 in the wall 101 by using a strain relief element 50 according to the second embodiment.

[0192] Wall 101 includes recess 150 .

[0193] Wall 101 includes multiple connecting / disconnecting recesses 152a, 152b (in) Figure 6 (Not visible above), 152c and 152d.

[0194] Each of the connecting / disconnecting recesses 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d forms a non-through hole or a through hole on the inside of the recess 150 of wall 101 or another wall.

[0195] Each of the connection / disconnection recesses 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d allows for the connection and disconnection of the strain relief element 50, and the corresponding protruding extension 52a, 52b, or 52c (in) Figure 6 (Not visible above).

[0196] The thickness of the connecting / disconnecting recesses 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d may be, for example, about 2 mm, and may be in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0197] Each of the connecting / disconnecting recesses 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d allows at least partial accommodation of the corresponding protruding extension 52a, 52b or 52c of the strain relief element 50, and more precisely its protruding portion.

[0198] The strain relief element 50 according to the second embodiment is the same as the strain relief element 30 according to the first embodiment, except for the shape (or design) of its (one or more) protruding extensions. Each of the protruding extensions in the first and second embodiments of the strain relief element allows the strain relief element to be attached to a wall and maintains the attached strain relief element to the wall.

[0199] According to a second embodiment of the strain relief element 50, three protruding extensions 52a, 52b and 52c (in) Figure 6 Each of the elements (not visible above) forms a lug. The lugs are used to attach the strain relief element 50 to the wall 101 and to hold the strain relief element 50 attached to the wall 101.

[0200] Two protruding extensions 52a and 52b respectively extend the posts 51a and 51b that define the slot 36.

[0201] Each of the protruding extensions 52a, 52b, and 52c allows the strain relief element 50 to be attached to the wall 101 during engagement with the corresponding engagement / disengagement recesses 152a, 152b, and 152c, which are respectively included in the wall 101 or another wall, which may be included in a housing including the wall 101.

[0202] Figure 7 The wall 101 and the assembly 200 for sealing the joint of the cable 20 in the wall 101 by using the strain relief element 50 are schematically shown in the bottom view and the side view.

[0203] Before connecting cable 20 to wall 101, the user first installs washer 28 around cable end 24 held by, for example, one hand.

[0204] The gasket 28 (when in use) and the strain relief element 50 are preferably each located, for example, outside the housing including the wall 101.

[0205] After the user has installed the washer 28 around the cable end 24, the user inserts the cable end 24 into the opening 104 by holding the gripping layer 21 with their fingers and pushing the cable 20 toward the wall 101. Such cable end insertion is used, for example, to connect connector 26 to another connector (not visible).

[0206] Once the cable end 24 is inserted into the orifice 104, the washer 28 is blocked at the recess 150 between the front of the wall 101 and the flange 22.

[0207] The user inserts the two protruding extensions 52a and 52b into the corresponding connecting / disconnecting recesses 152a and 152b of the wall 101 in the first insertion direction 60. Figure 7 (not visible above) so that the strain relief element 50 is held on its upper side.

[0208] The user then inserts the third protruding extension 52c into the corresponding engagement / disengagement recess 152c of the wall 101 in the second insertion direction 62 until the third protruding extension 52c locks into the engagement / disengagement recess 152d, which may be included in another wall, preferably included in the housing. Thus, the strain-relieving element 50 is attached and coupled to the wall 10. Each of the protruding extensions 52a, 52b, and 52c allows the strain-relieving element 50 to be coupled to the wall 101 on the one hand, and to remain coupled to the wall 101 on the other.

[0209] In order to pull the cable 20 out of the wall 101 or the housing or to disconnect the cable 20 from it, the user first pushes the third protruding extension 52c in the connection / disconnection recess 152d with a pen, screwdriver or similar object to unlock the third protruding extension 52c from the connection / disconnection recess 152d and remove the third protruding extension 52c from the connection / disconnection recess 152c in the direction opposite to the second insertion direction 62.

[0210] The user removes the protruding extensions 52a and 52b from the corresponding engagement / disengagement recesses 152a and 152b of the wall 101 in a direction opposite to the first insertion direction 60 by pulling, for example, on the beam 31c of the slot 36 until the strain relief element 50 is released from the wall 101.

[0211] Therefore, the strain relief element 50 is detached from and removed from the wall 101.

[0212] Then, the user removes the cable end 24 from the opening 104 by holding the gripping layer 21 with their fingers and pulling the cable 20 from the wall 101.

[0213] The user can remove the washer 28 from the cable end 24 to remove the assembly 200.

[0214] Figure 8 The cable end 24 in the insertion wall 101, having a cross-sectional line AA, is schematically shown in the rear view.

[0215] The cross-section line AA runs vertically across the diameter of the cable 20 and through the slot 36 in the middle row.

[0216] The strain relief element 50 is configured such that when the connector 26 is engaged, once the strain relief element 50 is in a position that mates with the wall 101 and the flange 22, it directly or indirectly presses the flange 22 against the wall 101, while the strain relief element 50 remains attached to the wall 101.

[0217] Therefore, the flange 22 surrounds the orifice 104 directly or indirectly and directly or indirectly prevents any foreign matter such as dust and / or water from passing through the joint of the cable 20 at the orifice 104.

[0218] Strain relief element 50 passes through pillars 34a and 34b (in Figure 8 (Hidden above) The lateral side of the compression flange 22, the posts 34a and 34b extend to define the posts 51a and 51b of the slot 36 respectively.

[0219] The orifice 104 is almost closed by the cable end 24 provided with a flange 22, which is sealed by means of a strain relief element 50, by a gasket 28 which is an external elastic element in the first embodiment described further below, or by the elastic (or elastomer) portion of the flange 22 which is an internal elastic element.

[0220] Once positioned to mate with wall 101 and flange 22, the outer surface 51 of strain relief element 50 can be fully integrated into wall 101, that is, no part of strain relief element 50 protrudes from wall 101.

[0221] The strain relief element 50 is coupled to a wall 101 that may be included within the housing.

[0222] The recess 150 and the strain relief element 50 are preferably designed in a complementary manner, such that once the strain relief element 50 is in position to mate with the recess 150, the shape of the strain relief element 50 is substantially integrated into the shape of the wall 101. Therefore, the outer surface 51 of the strain relief element 50 does not protrude from the outside of the wall 101.

[0223] Figure 9 The cable end 24 in the insertion wall 101, the washer 28 squeezed by the flange 22, and the strain relief element 50 of the squeezed flange 22 are schematically shown along the cross section line AA.

[0224] Two protruding extensions 52b and 52a (in) Figure 9(Not visible above) They are stuck in the corresponding connecting / disconnecting recesses 152b and 152a of wall 101 (in) Figure 9 (not visible above) so that the strain relief element 50 is held on its upper side.

[0225] The third protruding extension 52c engages in the connection / disconnection recess 152c of the wall 101, while also appearing from the connection / disconnection recess 152d, so that it can be accessed from the outside of the wall 101.

[0226] When connector 26 is engaged, strain relief element 50 presses flange 22 and elastic element (i.e., gasket 28 as an external elastic element, or elastic portion of flange 22 as an internal elastic (or elastomer) element (not shown)) together against wall 101, while strain relief element 50 remains attached to wall 101.

[0227] According to an alternative embodiment, when the connector 26 is connected, the strain relief element 50 presses the flange 22 and the flange elastic portion together, such that the strain relief element 50 presses the flange 22 and the flange elastic portion together against the wall 101, while the strain relief element 50 remains attached to the wall 101.

[0228] The strain relief element 50 (shown as the second shaded area) includes pillars 34a (shown as the unshaded area) and 34b (in...). Figure 9 (Not visible above) Each of them applies extrusion force to the flange 22 of the wall 101 in the extrusion direction 80.

[0229] Flange 22 then applies the same extrusion force to washer 28 (indicated by the third shaded area) toward wall 101 in the extrusion direction 80.

[0230] The washer 28 is elastically deformed by being blocked or stopped on one side by the rear of the wall 101 and pushed on the other side by the columns 34a and 34b of the strain relief element 50 through the front of the flange 22.

[0231] Therefore, the washer 28, as an external elastic element, is compressed against the wall 101 and surrounds the orifice 104. The washer 28 seals the joint of the cable 20 in the wall 101.

[0232] As a reaction to the compressive force exerted by the flange 22 on the stopped washer 28, the washer 28 exerts a reaction force toward the flange 22 in the opposite direction to the compressive direction 80, which is the reaction direction 90.

[0233] Despite the reaction force, the three protruding extensions 52a, 52b and 52c are connected to the wall 101 and allow the strain relief element 50 connected to the wall 101 to be retained.

[0234] The solution of this invention particularly allows for the use of standard and inexpensive connectors on PCBs.

[0235] The solution of this invention allows the electronic architecture to be maintained without modification (when it exists in the appliance).

[0236] The solution of the present invention uses one or more strain relief elements that are simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0237] The solution of the present invention uses a component that allows the joints of cables sealed in the wall while preventing any foreign objects from passing through the wall openings.

Claims

1. An assembly (200) for a joint of a cable (20) sealed in a wall (10), wherein, The wall includes at least one aperture (104) for connecting a connector included within the cable, the cable end having at least one flange (22) at least partially surrounding the cable end, and the assembly including at least one strain relief element (30) comprising: - Main wall (32), which includes a slot (36) having a shape conforming to the cross-sectional shape of a portion of the cable (20), allowing that portion of the cable to pass through the strain relief element (30). - At least one post (34a, 34b) protruding from the main wall (32) and laterally defining the slot (36), wherein each of the at least one post is configured to push the flange against the wall when the connector is engaged, while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall. The flange surrounds the orifice directly or indirectly and seals the joint of the cable (20) at the orifice directly or indirectly, thus preventing any foreign matter from passing through the joint of the cable at the orifice directly or indirectly.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The component also includes at least one external elastic element (28) which, prior to coupling the connector, is positioned at the front of the flange to surround the cable such that when the connector is coupled, the strain relief element presses the flange and the at least one elastic element together against the wall while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The flange is at least partially made of at least one elastic material, such that when the connector is engaged, the strain relief element presses the flange and the elastic portion of the flange together against the wall, while the strain relief element remains attached to the wall.

4. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The strain relief element further includes at least one protruding extension, each of the at least one protruding extension allowing the strain relief element to be coupled to the wall on the one hand, and retaining the strain relief element coupled to the wall on the other hand.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the at least one protruding extensions forms a sliding guide that allows the strain relief element to be guided during insertion into a corresponding groove (102a) included in the wall.

6. The component according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the at least one protruding extensions allows the strain relief element to be attached to the wall during the connection between the strain relief element and the corresponding recess (152a, 152b, 152c) included in the wall.

7. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The strain relief element includes at least one rib, which is configured to increase the robustness of the strain relief element.

8. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cable includes the connector as a first connector (26), the wall is included in the housing, the housing includes a second connector (46) facing the opening inside the housing, and the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

9. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The strain relief element is located outside the housing.

10. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The foreign object is dust and / or water.

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