An improved electrical junction box

Abstract

An electrical junction box assembly has a housing with an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable securing mechanism. The cable securing mechanism comprises an elongate securing element and a securing surface arranged to secure a cable passing through the inlet. The fixing element is cantilevered to the housing at a first end such that a cantilevered portion including a free second end bends toward and / or away from the fixing surface. The cable securing mechanism also includes a support member that, when in use, is selectively positionable against the securing element in any of a plurality of different positions to provide a fulcrum between the first end and the second end for the securing element. The flexibility of the cantilever part can be adjusted by controlling the position of the fulcrum. The support member may also maintain the cantilevered portion in a curved state, thereby changing its spacing from the fixed surface. This provides a means to adjust the securing mechanism to accommodate cables of different specifications and stiffness.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480062579.6 (22) Application Date 2024.10.11 (30) Priority Data 2315548.4 2023.10.11 GB (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2026.03.27 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / GB2024 / 052630 2024.10.11 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 078844 EN 2025.04.17 (71) Applicant Cornebox Ltd. Address Erie, Cambridgeshire, UK (72) Inventor Ray Brewer (74) Patent Agency Guangzhou Sanhuan Patent & Trademark Agency Co., Ltd. 44202 Patent Attorney Hao Chuanxin (51) Int.Cl. H02G 3 / 06 (2006.01) H01R 13 / 516 (2006.01) H02G 3 / 08 (2006.01) H02G 3 / 16 (2006.01) H02G 15 / 007 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title Improved Electrical Junction Box (57) Abstract An electrical junction box assembly having a housing with an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable fixing mechanism. The cable fixing mechanism includes an elongated fixing element and a fixing surface arranged to fix a cable passing through the inlet. The fixing element is cantilevered to the housing at a first end such that the cantilever portion, including a free second end, bends toward and / or away from the fixing surface. The cable fixing mechanism also includes a support member that, when in use, can be selectively positioned against the fixing element at any of a plurality of different locations to provide a fulcrum for the fixing element between the first and second ends. The flexibility of the cantilever section can be adjusted by controlling the position of the fulcrum. This support member can also hold the cantilever section in a bent state, thereby changing its distance from the fixed surface. This provides a means to adjust the fixing mechanism to accommodate cables of different specifications and stiffness.Claims 2 pages, Description 7 pages, Drawings 10 pages, CN 121942103 A 2026.04.28 CN 1 21 94 21 03 A 1. An electrical junction box assembly comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable securing mechanism; the cable securing mechanism comprising an elongated securing element and a securing surface arranged to secure a cable extending through the inlet therebetween; the securing element being cantilevered to the housing about a first end such that a cantilevered portion of the securing element, including a free second end, is movable relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface; and wherein the cable securing mechanism further comprises a support member selectively positioned against the securing element to provide a fulcrum for the securing element between the first end and the second end. 2. The electrical junction box assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing and the securing element are constructed of a single integral piece, and wherein the cantilevered portion is configured to bend relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface. 3. The electrical junction box assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cable securing mechanism is configured to selectively secure the support member against the fixing element at any of a plurality of locations to hold the second end at any of a plurality of different distances from the fixing surface and / or to position the fulcrum at any of a plurality of different locations between the first end and the second end. 4. The electrical junction box assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is configured to hold the fixing element in a bent position when positioned against the fixing element, bringing the second end closer to the fixing surface. 5. The electrical junction box assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the support member includes a leg portion and a base portion, the leg portion extending obliquely from the base portion, and wherein the cable securing mechanism is configured to allow the support member to be selectively held in one of two directions to hold the second end at one of two different distances from the fixing surface. 6. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the single integral piece defines the support member, the support member being connected to the housing via a breakable connection to allow the support member to be removed from the housing before positioning against the fixing element. 7. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes two protrusions extending into the inlet from a first side, and the fixing element extending into the inlet from an opposing second side such that the second end is located between the two protrusions. 8. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a bottom wall to which the fixing element is directly connected.9. An electrical junction box assembly comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable; the housing including a sidewall having a groove, the width of the groove tapering along its length; the electrical junction box assembly further comprising a bracket for supporting the housing to a support structure, the bracket including a protrusion, the width of the protrusion tapering along its length so as to be received in the groove and secured therein by an interference fit. 10. The electrical junction box assembly of claim 9, wherein the groove and the protrusion are formed such that once the protrusion is received in the groove, the protrusion is bonded within the groove to prevent separation of the housing from the bracket. 11. An electrical junction box assembly comprising: a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable; and a bracket; (Claims 1 / 2 page 2 CN 121942103 A) a fastening mechanism including a slot and an elongated tongue; wherein one of the slot or the elongated tongue is disposed on the outside or inside of the housing, and the other is provided by the bracket; wherein the slot is configured to receive the tongue when the housing and the bracket are mounted together to secure the bracket and the housing together by an interference fit. 12. The electrical junction box assembly of claim 11, wherein the slot is tapered along its length, and the tongue is tapered along its length. 13. The electrical junction box assembly of claim 11 or 12, wherein the slot and the tongue are shaped such that once the tongue is received in the slot, the tongue is bonded within the slot to prevent the tongue from disengaging from the slot through a longitudinal opening in the slot. 14. A method for securing a cable in an electrical junction box, the junction box comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving the cable and a cable securing mechanism; the cable securing mechanism comprising an elongated securing element and a securing surface, the securing element and the securing surface being arranged to secure a cable extending through the inlet therebetween; the securing element being cantilevered to the housing about a first end, allowing a cantilevered portion of the securing element, including a free second end, to move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface; and wherein the method comprises positioning a support member against the first end and the second end of the securing element to provide a fulcrum for the securing element between the first end and the second end. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein, prior to positioning the support member against the securing element, the support member is detached from the housing by cutting a breakable connection, the support member being attached to the housing via the breakable connection. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, after the support member is positioned against the securing element, the cable is inserted through the inlet.17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cable is inserted through the inlet before the support member is positioned against the fixing element. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121942103 A Improved Electrical Junction Box Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical junction box assembly. Background Art

[0002] One regulatory requirement for electrical junction boxes is that they must include means for clamping or otherwise holding cables to isolate electrical connection points within the box from stresses generated by pulling and pushing cables from outside the box.

[0003] GB2462595 describes a known electrical junction box having a clamping mechanism for this purpose. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of GB2462595, GB2462595 includes removable clamping elements 46, 48 arranged to clamp cables passing through corresponding channels 22, 20 within the box onto a central rod 26. The position of the clamp relative to the rod 26 can be changed by moving the clamp between slots 40 and 50 to accommodate cables of different sizes.

[0004] Overall, this design works well; however, because the clamp needs to have different strength and flexibility characteristics than the box requires, it must be manufactured separately from different materials and then manually inserted into the box during manufacturing. While it can hold a relatively wide range of cable specifications, there is still room for improvement in this range.

[0005] US435839 relates to a cable locking device installed at an opening in an electrical box to lock cables passing through the opening into place. In one embodiment, the device includes a generally square fixing element for cases where the electrical box has a circular or regular-shaped opening.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an electrical junction box assembly is provided, comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable securing mechanism; the cable securing mechanism includes an elongated securing element and a securing surface, the securing element and the securing surface being arranged to secure a cable extending through the inlet therebetween; the securing element is cantilevered to the housing about a first end, allowing a cantilevered portion of the securing element, including a free second end, to move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface; and wherein the cable securing mechanism further includes a support member selectively positioned against the securing element to provide a fulcrum for the securing element between the first and second ends.

[0007] The securing element and the housing may be separate components, but preferably, at least a portion of the housing and the securing element are constituted as a single integral piece.

[0008] The cantilevered portion may be configured to bend relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface.

[0009] When the support member is positioned against the fixing element to provide a fulcrum, the length of the cantilever portion that can be freely bent away from the fixing surface decreases, and the stiffness of the fixing element increases; this is a characteristic of the fixing element where the stiffness is inversely proportional to its length. This improves retention of thicker cables.

[0010] When the support member is positioned against the fixing element, the support member can be configured to hold the fixing element in a bent position, bringing the second end closer to the fixing surface to improve retention of thinner cables, or further away from the fixing surface to improve retention of thicker cables.

[0011] Thus, the support member provides a means of selectively adjusting the flexibility of the fixing element and / or the position of the second end of the fixing element relative to the fixing surface.

[0012] The cable fixing mechanism can be configured to allow the support member to selectively position against the fixing element in one of a plurality of locations between the first and second ends, thereby positioning the fulcrum in one of a plurality of different locations between the first and second ends, and optionally holding the second end at one of a plurality of different distances from the fixing surface.

[0013] The fixing element can be formed from a single integral piece. Advantageously, this single integral piece also defines at least a portion of the housing. Advantageously, this single integral piece also defines a support member. Thus, the entire assembly can be manufactured from a single integral piece. In this case, the support member is advantageously connected to the housing via a breakable connection that provides a preferred break point through which the support member can be separated from the housing and positioned against the fixing element.

[0014] The housing can provide a cavity for receiving one or more electrical connection blocks. One or more walls of the housing can include an inlet for cable extension into the housing, the inlet including a channel extending between the inlet and the cavity.

[0015] One or more walls can include a plurality of orifices leading to the channel. For example, the housing can include two walls, each wall including one orifice, the two orifices being arranged on both sides of the intersection edge of the two walls.

[0016] The support member may include a leg portion and a base portion, the leg portion extending obliquely from the base portion, and wherein the cable fixing mechanism may be configured to selectively hold the support member in one of two directions to hold the free second end of the fixing element at one of two different distances from the fixing surface. This allows the function of the support member to change depending on its direction of use.

[0017] The housing may include two protrusions extending into the inlet from a first side, and the fixing element extending into the inlet from a second side such that the second end of the fixing element is located exactly between the two protrusions. This arrangement forces the cable to bend in two opposite directions as it passes through the inlet, thereby isolating the electrical connections within the housing from the tensile forces applied to the cable outside the housing.

[0018] The housing may define a second inlet extending between the second aperture and the cavity.In this case, the assembly may include another cable securing mechanism comprising another elongated securing element and another securing surface, arranged to hold another cable extending through the second inlet between them; the other securing element is cantilevered to the housing around the first end, allowing the cantilever portion, including the free second end of the other securing element, to move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the other securing surface, for example, by bending; and wherein the electrical junction box assembly also includes another support member selectively positioned against the other securing element to provide a fulcrum for the other securing element between its first end and free second end. The housing and the other securing element may be constructed from a single integral piece.

[0019] The single integral piece may be constructed from a synthetic plastic material. The single integral piece may be an injection-molded single integral piece.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, an electrical junction box assembly is provided, comprising: a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable; and a bracket; a fastening mechanism including a (optionally tapered) slot and an elongated (optionally tapered) tongue; wherein one of the slot or the elongated tongue is disposed on the outside or inside of the housing, and the other is provided by the bracket; wherein the slot is configured to receive the tongue when the housing and the bracket are assembled together to secure the bracket and the housing together by an interference fit.

[0021] The slot and the tongue may be shaped such that once the tongue is received in the slot, the tongue is bonded within the slot to prevent the tongue from dislodging from the slot through a longitudinal opening in the slot.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for securing a cable in an electrical junction box is provided, the junction box including a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable securing mechanism; the cable securing mechanism includes an elongated securing element and a securing surface arranged to secure a cable extending through the inlet therebetween; the securing element is cantilevered to the housing around a first end, allowing the cantilevered portion of the securing element, including a free second end, to move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface; and wherein the method includes positioning a support member against the first and second ends of the securing element to provide a fulcrum between the first and second ends for securing the securing element.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, an electrical junction box assembly is provided, comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable securing mechanism; the cable securing mechanism includes an elongated securing element and a securing surface arranged to secure a cable extending through the inlet therebetween; the securing element is cantilevered to the housing around a first end, allowing a cantilevered portion of the securing element, including a free second end, to move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the securing surface; and wherein the cable securing mechanism further includes a support member selectively positioned against the securing element at one of a plurality of different locations to hold the free second end at different distances from the securing surface and / or to vary the rigidity of the cantilevered portion.

[0024] The present invention will now be described by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG1 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box from the front; FIG2 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box from the rear, wherein the cover is hidden to show the interior of the box; FIG3 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box from the front, wherein the cover is hidden; FIG4 is a bottom view of an electrical junction box showing the bottom of the electrical junction box; FIG5 is a top view of an electrical junction box, wherein the cover is hidden and the support member is in a default non-use position; FIG6 is a top view of an electrical junction box, wherein the cover is hidden and a support member is in use in a first direction; FIG7 is a top view of an electrical junction box, wherein the cover is hidden and a support member is in use in a second direction; FIG8 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box with the hinged cover open; FIG9 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box assembly including an electrical junction box and clips fixed to the electrical junction box to help mount the junction box to a wall or other support surface; FIG10 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box and clips positioned for mounting on the junction box; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the clip; and Figure 12 is another perspective view of the clip. Detailed Description

[0025] An electrical junction box assembly is illustrated. The assembly includes a housing 1 having a bottom wall 2, a front wall 3, a rear wall 4, and a side wall 5, defining a cavity 6 between the bottom wall 2, the front wall 3, the rear wall 4, and the side wall 5. The housing 1 also includes a cover member 7 for selectively closing the cavity 6 and providing access to the cavity 6. The cover 7 is hinged to the rear wall 4 via a movable hinge 7A (see Figure 8).

[0026] Within a portion of the cavity 6 located at the rear of the housing 1 (hereinafter referred to as the rear portion 6A), a plurality of compartments 8 are provided, four in this example. Each compartment 8 is sized to accommodate one or more electrical connector terminal blocks (not shown), such as Wago (RTM) brand products. The compartments 8 are defined by a plurality of compartment walls 9 dividing the cavity 6, three in this example, which extend upward from the bottom wall 2 and laterally inward from the rear wall 4.

[0027] At the front of the outer casing 1, four slots penetrating the outer casing wall are provided. The front wall 3 is provided with two slots 3A. Each side wall 5 is also provided with a slot 5A.

[0028] Each slot 3A and slot opening 5A extends substantially vertically and opens at the top surface of its respective wall. When the cover 7 is open, this allows the cable to pass through the wall into the slot at a point between the two ends of the cable, thus allowing for faster installation compared to an alternative method of passing one end of the cable through the slot from outside the housing 1.

[0029] The central wall 10 extends upward from the bottom wall 2 into the cavity 6. The central wall 10 extends parallel to the side walls 5, starting at a point between the two slots 3A on the front wall 3 and extending toward the rear wall 4. On both sides of the central wall 10, between the central wall 10 and the side walls 5, two channels 11 extend. Each channel 11 interconnects the slots 3A and slot openings 5A with the rear portion 6A of the cavity 6, providing a conduit for the cable between the slots 3A and slot openings 5A and the rear portion 6A of the cavity 6.

[0030] The electrical junction box assembly includes a clamping mechanism associated with each channel 11, configured to clamp cables located within the channel 11 to isolate the electrical connection between cables within the compartment 8 from stresses generated by tensile forces applied to the cables from outside the housing 1. Each clamping mechanism includes an elongated clamping member 12 and one or more clamping surfaces, between which the cable is clamped.

[0031] Each sidewall 5 has three semi-circular internal protrusions: a front protrusion 13, a central protrusion 14, and a rear protrusion 24. These three protrusions reinforce the sidewall, i.e., reduce sidewall bending. The front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14 are spaced apart, thereby forming interconnected sidewall portions 5C with inner surfaces 5D between them. The front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14 each have an arcuate surface 13A, 14A facing the cavity 6. The arcuate surfaces 13A, 14A extend the entire height of the sidewall 5. A set of tapered clamping ribs 15 are distributed circumferentially on each arcuate surface 13A, 14A, extending substantially the entire height of the protrusion 13.

[0032] The arcuate surfaces 13A, 14A, together with the clamping ribs 15 and the inner surface 5D, provide one or more clamping surfaces.

[0033] Each clamping member 12 has a first end 12A and a second end 12B. Each clamping member 12 is cantilevered from the central position of the central wall 10 about its first end 12A. The clamping member 12 is oriented to extend rearward at an oblique angle from the central wall toward the side wall 5 into the channel 11, wherein the second end 12B is positioned precisely between the front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14.

[0034] Due to its cantilevered arrangement, the cantilever portion 12C of each clamping member (including the second end 12B) can be freely bent relative to the central wall toward and away from the side wall 5 it faces.

[0035] The cantilever portion 12C includes a pin 16 located between a first end and a second end, which protrudes from a side 12D of the clamping member 12 facing the central wall 10. The pin 16 provides an engagement surface 16A toward the first end 12A of the clamping member 12.

[0036] At the second end, the clamping member 12 terminates at a tapered tooth 17. The tapered tooth 17 extends laterally at an angle from the longitudinal axis X-X (see FIG. 6) of the clamping member 12 in a direction away from the first end 12A.

[0037] To reinforce the central wall 10, the front portion 10A and rear portion 10B of the central wall 10, respectively in front of and behind the mounting position of the clamping member 12, are provided with reinforcing ribs 18 and 19. The reinforcing rib 19 of the rear portion 10B of the central wall 10 is formed to define a recess 20 on each side of the central wall 10, with the opening of the recess facing the fixing element 12.

[0038] The relative arrangement of the reinforcing rib 19 and the pin 16 provides a recessed space 21 containing the recess 20.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, which show the assembly in an unconfigured state after manufacturing, two support members 22 and 23 extend upward from the bottom wall 2 in the cavity 6. Each support member 22, 23 includes a relatively long leg member 22A, 23A having a first free end 22B, 23B and a second end 22C, 23C. The leg member 22A, 23A is connected to a relatively short crossbar 22D, 23D via the second end 22C, 23C. The crossbar is oriented at an angle to the leg member 22A, 23B.

[0040] Each support member 22, 23 is connected to the bottom wall 2 via a breakable connection 22E, 23E, facilitating the removal of the corresponding support member 22, 23 from the bottom wall 2 when needed.

[0041] The housing 1, clamping member 12, and support members 22, 23 are all made of a single integral injection-molded synthetic plastic material. The gate mark 25 on the bottom wall 2 is a residue from the injection molding process.

[0042] To manufacture the clamping member 12 as a cantilever structure, an opening 26 extending the entire length of the clamping member 12 is provided on the bottom wall 2, directly below each clamping member 12.

[0043] Furthermore, the lower edge of the clamping member 12 is shaped to be slightly higher than the bottom wall 2 so that the lower edge of the clamping member 12 does not strike the bottom wall 2.

[0044] To install the cable, the cover 7 is opened, and the cable is slid through the opening into one of the channel 11 and slot 3A, slot 5A, such that one end of the cable is located in the rear portion 6A of the cavity 6 for connection to the electrical connector.

[0045] Within the channel 11, the cable passes through the gap 27 between the second end 12B of the clamping member 12 and the interconnecting sidewall portion 5C. The gap 27 is narrower than the cable diameter, so the cable is pressed between the second end 12B and the surface 6D. The oblique orientation of the tapered tooth 17 causes the tip of the tooth 17 to engage with the outer sheath of the cable at an angle closer to the normal, thereby increasing the friction applied to the cable.

[0046] To facilitate cable insertion, the height of the clamping member 12 gradually decreases toward its free second end 12B to provide a sloping top edge 12E that guides the cable abutting against the top edge toward the gap 27.

[0047] The cable may also additionally abut against one or more clamping ribs 15 of one or both of the engaging front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14 to provide additional frictional contact points for clamping the cable.

[0048] When the cable is pulled, it naturally attempts to straighten, causing it to press with greater force against its contact points with the clamping member 12 and the front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14, thereby inhibiting cable movement.

[0049] To improve clamping for thicker cables, the assembly includes additional clamping elements 28 that extend diagonally inward and rearward from each front corner of the housing 1 between the slots 3A and the opening 5A to clamp the cable before it extends past the front protrusion 13. The clamping element 28 at the corner also helps to reinforce the housing 1 at the corner to compensate for the weakening effect of the slot 3A and the slot 5A.

[0050] One or more further cables can then be installed, which can be stacked on top of the first cable and / or through the second channel.

[0051] After installation, the cover 7 is closed on the top surface of the front wall 3 and the side wall 5. The cover 7 is kept closed by snap fasteners 29, which are integrally formed on the top edges of the front wall 3 and the side wall 5.

[0052] The default configuration shown in Figures 2 through 5 works well for clamping cables of a certain range of gauges. Figures 6 and 7 show the support members 22, 23 providing improved clamping for thicker and thinner gauge cables in two different orientations of use.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates the use of support members to configure the clamping member 12 to provide improved clamping for thicker gauge cables relative to the default configuration.

[0054] After opening the cover 7, one or both of the support members 22 and 23 (if the cable is to pass through both channels 11) are separated from the bottom wall 2 by cutting the breakable connections 22C and 23C.

[0055] The crossbar 22D of the support member 22 is inserted into the recessed space 21 in the opposite direction to when it is connected to the bottom wall 2. That is, the end that was previously connected to the bottom wall 2 is inserted first. In this arrangement, the orientation of the leg portion causes its first free end 22B to disengage from the clamping member 12.

[0056] The support member 22 fixed in the recessed space 21 provides a fulcrum, and the clamping member 12 can bend about the side wall 5 on the opposite side of the channel 11 away from the fulcrum in response to the force applied by the cable in the channel 11. The effect is to shorten the length of the cantilever portion 12C, thereby increasing the stiffness of the cantilever portion 12C against bending in the direction away from the side wall 5.

[0057] This is advantageous for clamping thicker cables, because in other cases, the clamping element may be prone to excessive bending under the force of the cable attempting to straighten, thus causing the cable to straighten.

[0058] Figure 7 illustrates the use of support members to configure the clamping members to provide improved clamping for thinner gauge cables compared to the default configuration.

[0059] As previously stated, after opening the cover 7, one or both of the support members 22, 23 (if the cable is to pass through both channels 11) are separated from the bottom wall 2 by cutting the breakable connections 22E, 23E.

[0060] The crossbar 22D of the support member 22 is inserted into the recessed space 21 in the same direction as when it is connected to the bottom wall 2. In this arrangement, the first free end 22B of the support leg portion 22A, positioned between the pin 16 and the second end 12B, abuts against the clamping member (see page 5 / 7 of the manual, CN 121942103 A 12), holding the clamping member in a bent position, bringing the second end 12B closer to the surface 5D, thereby reducing the gap 27. To position the support member 22 in place, it may be necessary to manually manipulate the clamping member 12 to the bent position.

[0061] In this configuration, the free end of the support leg portion provides a fulcrum closer to the second end of the clamping member 12, increasing the clamping member's resistance to bending.

[0062] Although the above describes positioning the support member before cable insertion, it is also possible (perhaps more preferable) to first position the cable in the channel 11, and then position the support member against the clamping member 12 as needed. This sequence may make it easier to determine the most effective position of the support member since the cable is already in place.

[0063] Figures 9 to 12 illustrate the electrical junction box 1 and the corner bracket 30 for facilitating the mounting of the electrical junction box 1 to a wall or other support surface.

[0064] The bracket 30, shown separately in Figures 11 and 12, is mounted on the box 1 in Figure 9 and is L-shaped, comprising a plate-like first side 31 and a plate-like second side 32. Two generally parallel, elongated tongues 33 are provided on the inner surface of the first side 31, extending the entire length of the first side. The width of each tongue 33 varies along its length. Each tongue is relatively wide at one end near the corner of the bracket 30 and gradually tapers (narrows) towards the free end of the first side 31. Two slots 34 are provided through the first side 31 between the tongues 33, one of which opens at the free edge of the first side. Two additional holes 35 are also provided on the second side 32. The slots 34 and holes 35 allow either the first side 31 or the second side 32 to be selectively secured to the wall by screws, bolts or other similar fasteners. Each slot 34 and hole 35 is a countersunk hole to receive the head of a fastener.

[0065] For mounting on the bracket 30, the outer surface of the sidewall 5 of the housing 1 is provided with parallel, vertically extending non-through slots or grooves 29.Each non-through groove or recess extends the entire height of the sidewall 5 and opens at the top and bottom edges of the sidewall 5.

[0066] The width of the recess 29 gradually narrows along its length from the bottom wall 2 to the top edge of the sidewall 5.

[0067] The dimensions and spacing of the recesses 29 are designed to receive the tongue 33 of the bracket by a sliding action, in which the tongue enters the recess 29 at one end. The tapered characteristics of the recesses 29 and the tongue 33 provide an interference fit after the tongue 33 is located within the recess 29, thereby releasably securing the electrical junction box 1 to the bracket 30.

[0068] Furthermore, the contours of the recesses 29 and the tongues are designed to be mutually bonded to prevent the tongues from dislodging through the elongated longitudinal openings of the recesses 29. In the current example, the width of each recess increases with depth away from its elongated longitudinal opening.

[0069] Variations can be made to the exemplary embodiments described above. A list of non-limiting example variations is provided below.

[0070] The arrangement of the central wall 10 with reinforcing ribs 18, 19 reduces the volume of plastic required to form the assembly. However, alternatively, the central wall 10 may be thicker and have recesses provided within it.

[0071] The number of slots on the front and side walls may differ from two. It is not necessary to provide slots on both the front and side walls.

[0072] The cover 7 may be hinged to different walls, but advantageously, no slot similar to slot 3A is formed on whichever wall it is hinged to. The cover may also be completely unhinged to the wall, but this is less preferred. The cover may be constructed from a non-integral part separate from the housing.

[0073] The clamping member 12 may instead extend cantilevered into the channel 11 from the side wall, while the central wall is provided with equivalent protrusions similar to the front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14.

[0074] The housing 1 may exclude the central wall 10, defining only a single channel, while the single retaining member 12 may instead be cantilevered to the side wall 5.

[0075] The front protrusion 13 and the central protrusion 14 may take a form other than semicircular to provide a non-arc surface shape.

[0076] Although less preferred, the semicircular protrusion may be omitted. Instead, tapered clamping ribs or teeth may be provided on the inner surface of the sidewall 5. Specification 6 / 7 pages 9 CN 121942103 A

[0077] Although less preferred, the function of the protrusion may also be provided alternatively by a protrusion extending upward from the bottom wall 2 and close to but independent of the sidewall 5.

[0078] In principle, additive manufacturing processes can be used to manufacture a single integral component, but the manufacturing cost will be significantly increased. However, in this case, the opening 26 in the bottom wall may be omitted.

[0079] Although it is preferred that the support member is directly connected to the wall of the housing via a breakable connection, the support member may also be connected to the housing by directly connecting to a fixing element.

[0080] The bracket 30 can be used to support a modified junction box that does not have a cable holding mechanism or has a cable holding mechanism different from the cable holding mechanism described above. Instruction manual, page 7 / 7, 10 CN 121942103 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 10, page 11 CN 121942103 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 10, page 12 CN 121942103 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 10, page 13 CN 121942103 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 10, page 14 CN 121942103 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 10, page 15 CN 121942103 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 10, page 16 CN 121942103 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 10, page 17 CN 121942103 A, Figure 10; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 10, page 18 CN 121942103 A, Figure 11; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 10, page 19 CN 121942103 A, Figure 12 The instruction manual includes attached figures on page 10 of 10, 20 CN 121942103 A.

Claims

1. An electrical junction box assembly comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable and a cable securing mechanism; said cable securing mechanism comprising an elongated securing element and a securing surface arranged to secure a cable extending through said inlet therebetween. The fixing element is cantilevered to the housing around the first end, such that the cantilever portion of the fixing element, including the free second end, can move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the fixing surface; and The cable fixing mechanism further includes a support member that can be selectively positioned against the fixing element to provide a fulcrum for the fixing element between the first end and the second end.

2. The electrical junction box assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The housing and the fixing element are constructed from a single integral piece, wherein the cantilever portion is configured to bend relative to the housing toward and / or away from the fixing surface.

3. The electrical junction box assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cable fixing mechanism is configured to selectively fix the support member against the fixing element at any of a plurality of locations to hold the second end at any of a plurality of different distances from the fixing surface and / or to position the fulcrum at any of a plurality of different locations between the first end and the second end.

4. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member is configured to hold the fixing element in a bent position when it is positioned against the fixing element, so that the second end is closer to the fixing surface.

5. The electrical junction box assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The support member includes a leg portion and a base portion, the leg portion extending obliquely from the base portion, and wherein the cable fixing mechanism is configurable to allow the support member to be selectively held in one of two directions to hold the second end at one of two different distances from the fixing surface.

6. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The single integral component defines the support member, which is connected to the housing via a breakable connection to allow the support member to be removed from the housing before being positioned against the fixing element.

7. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes two protrusions extending into the inlet from a first side, and the fixing element extends into the inlet from an opposite second side such that the second end is located between the two protrusions.

8. The electrical junction box assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes a bottom wall, and the fixing element is directly connected to the bottom wall.

9. An electrical junction box assembly comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving a cable; the housing including a sidewall having a groove, the width of the groove tapering along its length; the electrical junction box assembly further comprising a bracket for supporting the housing to a support structure, the bracket including a protrusion, the width of the protrusion tapering along its length so as to be received in the groove and secured therein by an interference fit.

10. The electrical junction box assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The groove and the protrusion are shaped such that once the protrusion is received in the groove, the protrusion is bonded within the groove to prevent the housing from separating from the support.

11. An electrical junction box assembly, comprising: The housing has an inlet for receiving cables; and support; A fastening mechanism includes a groove and an elongated tongue; wherein one of the groove or the elongated tongue is disposed on the outside or inside of the housing, and the other is provided by the bracket; wherein the groove is configured to receive the tongue when the housing and the bracket are mounted together, so as to secure the bracket and the housing together by an interference fit.

12. The electrical junction box assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The groove is tapered along its length, and the tongue is tapered along its length.

13. The electrical junction box assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The groove and the tongue are shaped such that once the tongue is received in the groove, the tongue is bonded within the groove to prevent the tongue from coming out of the groove through the longitudinal opening of the groove.

14. A method for securing a cable in an electrical junction box, the electrical junction box comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving the cable and a cable securing mechanism; the cable securing mechanism comprising an elongated securing element and a securing surface, the securing element and the securing surface being arranged to secure a cable extending through the inlet therebetween. The fixing element is cantilevered to the housing around the first end, allowing the cantilever portion of the fixing element, including the free second end, to move relative to the housing toward and / or away from the fixing surface; and The method includes positioning a support member against the first end and the second end of the fixing element to provide a fulcrum for the fixing element located between the first end and the second end.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Before positioning the support member against the fixing element, the support member is removed from the housing by cutting the breakable connection, and the support member is installed on the housing through the breakable connection.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, After the support member is positioned against the fixing element, the cable is inserted through the inlet.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, Before the support member is positioned against the fixing element, the cable is inserted through the inlet.

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