Assembly for sealing the connection point of cables inside a wall

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly for sealing a cable (20) coupling within a wall (10). The wall includes at least one aperture (104). The aperture is used to couple a connector contained within the cable. The cable end is provided with at least one flange (22). The flange at least partially surrounds the cable end. The assembly includes at least one strain relief element (30). When the strain relief element is positioned to cooperate with the wall and the flange, it is configured to directly or indirectly press the flange against the wall when the connector is coupled while maintaining the strain relief element 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 coupling at the aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for sealing a connection point of a cable within a wall.

[0002] The wall may be included within the casing of an (electronic) appliance.

[0003] The appliance includes, among other things, a fingerprint sensor type device, a fingerprint scanner type device, a hardware security module (i.e., HSM) type device, a terminal, a mobile phone (telephone) type device, a personal digital assistant (i.e., PDA), a laptop, a personal computer (i.e., PC) type device, a tablet, a desktop computer, a media player, a game console, a netbook, a handset, a user terminal, and / or a setup box type device.

Background Art

[0004] It is known to connect a universal serial bus (i.e., USB) type cable to a fingerprint scanner as an appliance. The cable enables power supply to a circuit included within the appliance and communication with a circuit included within the appliance.

[0005] However, such a cable connection does not prevent dust and water from entering the appliance at the connection point of the cable within the appliance casing wall.

[0006] At the connection point of the cable within the casing wall, a solution is required that enables protection against any intrusion of any foreign matter into the casing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention proposes a solution to meet the requirements specified immediately above in this specification by providing an assembly for sealing the connection point of cables within a wall.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] According to the present invention, the wall includes at least one aperture. The aperture is used to connect connectors included in the cable. The cable end is provided with at least one flange. The flange at least partially surrounds the cable end. The assembly includes at least one strain relief element. The strain relief element is configured to directly or indirectly press the flange against the wall when the connector is connected while maintaining the state in which the strain relief element is attached to the wall, so that the flange directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture and directly or indirectly prevents any foreign matter from passing through the cable connection point at the aperture.

[0009] In a further aspect, the present invention further provides an assembly for sealing the connection point of cables within a wall, the wall including at least one aperture, the aperture being used to connect connectors included in the cable, the cable end being provided with at least one flange, the flange at least partially surrounding the cable end, the assembly including at least one strain relief element, and the strain relief element being: - A main wall having a slot in the form of a notch on an edge, the slot being configured to receive a portion of the cable smaller than the portion provided with the flange, the main wall, - At least one pillar protruding from the main wall, each of the at least one pillar being configured to press the flange against the wall when the connector is connected while maintaining the state in which the strain relief element is attached to the wall, the at least one pillar is provided with, As a result, the flange directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture and directly or indirectly seals the cable connection at the aperture. This directly or indirectly prevents any foreign matter, such as dust and / or water, from passing through the cable connection at the aperture.

[0010] The principle of the present invention lies, on the one hand, in providing a flange on the cable end and, on the other hand, a strain-relieving element. When the strain-relieving element is placed in a position to cooperate with the wall and the flange, it is designed to directly or indirectly push the flange against the wall while the wall fixedly holds the strain-relieving element and the connector is connected through the wall aperture. Thus, the wall aperture is hermetically surrounded on one side of the wall by the flange pushed in by the strain-relieving element or thanks to this flange. Therefore, at the cable connection at the wall aperture, foreign matter cannot cross the wall, that is, it cannot cross from one side of the wall to the other.

[0011] In this description, the adverb "directly" means not using any external additional elements, while the adverb "indirectly" means using one or more external additional elements, such as one or more gaskets for example.

[0012] The solution of the present invention makes it possible to prevent any passage of any foreign matter, such as dust and / or water, at the wall aperture.

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

[0014] Furthermore, the solution of the present invention is robust in terms of maintaining the sealing ability of the assembly over time thanks to the strain-relieving element used.

[0015] The solution of the present invention is technically simple and efficient in preventing any foreign objects from passing through the wall aperture used to connect the cable.

[0016] According to the first embodiment, the assembly further includes at least one external elastic element. At least one elastic element is arranged around the cable at the front part of the flange before connecting the connectors, so that when the connector is connected while the strain-relief element maintains the state of being attached to the wall, the flange and at least one elastic element are pressed together against the wall.

[0017] According to the second embodiment, the flange is at least partially constituted by at least one elastic material, so that when the connector is connected while the strain-relief element maintains the state of being attached to the wall, the flange and the elastic part of the flange are pressed together against the wall.

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

[0019] Preferably, the strain-relief element further includes at least one protruding extension part. Each of the at least one protruding extension part enables, on the one hand, the strain-relief element to be coupled to the wall and, on the other hand, the strain-relief element to be maintained in a coupled state against the wall.

[0020] According to the first embodiment, each of the at least one protruding extension part forms a sliding guide that enables guiding the strain-relief element while the strain-relief element is inserted into the corresponding gutter part included in the wall.

[0021] According to the second embodiment, each of the at least one protruding extension part enables attaching the strain-relief element to the wall while coupling the strain-relief element to the corresponding recess included in the wall.

[0022] Advantageously, the strain relief element includes at least one rib. The at least one rib enables avoiding shrinkage of the strain relief element and / or warping of the strain relief element after molding. The at least one rib is configured to improve the robustness of the strain relief element during use, i.e., to make the strain relief element more robust for use.

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

[0024] Preferably, the strain relief element is outside the casing.

[0025] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the present invention given as illustrative and non-limiting examples in conjunction with the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following of this specification, a case where the assembly of the present invention is used to seal the connection point of a USB type cable in a wall is considered.

[0028] However, the assembly of the present invention can be used to seal the connection point of any type of cable in a wall.

[0029] The cable may include, among others, a mechanical type cable, a non-electric type cable, an electric type cable, a power supply type cable, and a communication type cable. The set of cable types mentioned above is not exhaustive.

[0030] Of course, the embodiments described below in this specification are merely for illustrative purposes and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0031] The same reference numerals existing in different figures represent the same element.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically presents, in a rear and top view, an exploded view of an assembly 200 for sealing a connection point of a cable 20 within a wall 10, the wall 10 having an aperture 104.

[0033] The wall 10 may be included within a housing or casing (partially shown).

[0034] The casing may have a plurality of walls, including the wall 10 as the first wall.

[0035] For the sake of simplicity, only the first wall 10 of the casing is shown.

[0036] The casing may include a printed circuit board (i.e., PCB: Printed Circuit Board), not shown, having one or more (electrical and / or electronic) circuits.

[0037] The wall 10 may be made of, for example, a rigid plastic type material. Alternatively, the wall 10 is made of metal, wood, a combination or mixture thereof, or other materials.

[0038] The wall 10 includes one or more apertures 104 (only one is shown).

[0039] The aperture 104 constitutes a through hole as a passageway.

[0040] The aperture 104 is used to couple a connector 26. The connector 26 is provided at the cable end 24.

[0041] The connector 26 includes one or more termination ends of conductors included within the cable 20.

[0042] The PCB can be connected to the connector 26 through another connector, and the connector 26 is connected to an external device such as a PC at the other end of the cable 20, thereby exchanging data with each other and / or supplying power to the PCB or the external device.

[0043] The connector 26 includes, for example, a plug of the USB 3.0 B type.

[0044] The aperture 104 can have a generally rectangular shape. Alternatively, the aperture 104 can have a generally circular, generally elliptical, generally square, generally hexagonal, or any other shape. The shape of the aperture 104 matches the shape of the cross-section of the cable end 24 that needs to cross the wall 10 in the aperture 104.

[0045] The wall 10 divides the space into two partial spaces, that is, the interior 100a of the casing on the first side of the wall 10 and the exterior 100b of the casing on the second side of the wall 10.

[0046] The aperture 104 enables access from the casing exterior 100b into the casing interior 100a and / or vice versa, that is, access from the casing interior 100a into the casing exterior 100b.

[0047] When the aperture 104 is at least partially open, it can allow dust, gas, liquid, and / or any foreign matter to flow from the casing exterior 100b to the casing interior 100a and / or vice versa, that is, from the casing interior 100a to the casing exterior 100b.

[0048] The wall 10 has a rear surface 110 on the opposite side of the front facing the connector 26 that will be engaged or inserted into the aperture 104 at the aperture 104.

[0049] The wall 10 can have a recess 106. The recess 106 is preferably fully formed with the wall 10 to form one and the same element together with the wall 10.

[0050] The cable 20 preferably includes a main body 27 having a relatively high flexibility.

[0051] The main body 27 is made of, for example, a plastic-type material. The main body 27 may be generally cylindrical or may be of any other shape, such as the shape of a general parallelepiped.

[0052] When the main body 27 is cylindrical, it has a radius of an outer circle, for example, about several mm, and can be included in the range of about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0053] The main body 27 can be superimposed on an additional layer 25 at the cable end 24, thereby rigidifying or reinforcing the cable end 24 for the operation thereof by the user when connecting or disconnecting the connector 26.

[0054] The additional layer 25 can be made of, for example, a plastic-type material. The additional layer 25 is preferably overmolded around the main body 27. The additional layer 25 may be generally cylindrical or can have any other shape, such as the shape of a general parallelepiped.

[0055] The additional layer 25 is used to avoid sharp bends of the cable 20 that may potentially damage the internal wires and thus the connection.

[0056] When the additional layer 25 is cylindrical, it has a radius of an outer circle, for example, about several millimeters with respect to the main body 27, and can be included in the range of about 1 mm to about 11 mm.

[0057] An additional layer 25 and / or the main body 27 can be superposed with the transition layer 23 at the cable end 24, thereby creating a transition portion or bridge between the main body 27 and / or the additional layer 25 and the gripping layer 231.

[0058] The transition layer 23 can be made of, for example, a plastic-type material. The transition layer 23 is preferably overmolded around the main body 27 and / or the additional layer 25. The transition layer 23 can generally have any other shape, such as a frustum of a pyramid shape, a substantially parallelepiped shape, or a frustum of a cone shape. The smallest base of the frustum of a pyramid (etc.) of the transition layer 23 is preferably extended by the main body 27 and / or the additional layer 25, while the largest base of the frustum of a cone (etc.) of the transition layer 23 can be preferably extended by the gripping layer 21. The cross-section of the transition layer is, for example, rectangular.

[0059] The length of the longest side of the smallest base of the frustum of a cone (etc.) of the transition layer 23 can be, for example, about 9 mm, and preferably has at least the same width as the diameter of the additional layer 25 when it exists, or has the same width as the diameter of the main body 27 when the additional layer 25 does not exist.

[0060] The length of the longest side of the largest base of the frustum of a cone (etc.) of the transition layer 23 can be, for example, about 12 mm, and preferably has the same width as the side portion of the gripping layer 21.

[0061] The length of the shortest side of the smallest base of the frustum of a cone (etc.) of the transition layer 23 can be, for example, about 7 mm, and preferably has at least the same width as the diameter of the additional layer 25 when it exists, or has the same width as the diameter of the main body 27 when the additional layer 25 does not exist.

[0062] The length of the shortest side of the largest base of the frustum of a cone (etc.) of the transition layer 23 can be, for example, about 11 mm, and preferably has at least the same width as the diameter of the additional layer 25 when it exists, or has the same width as the diameter of the main body 27 when the additional layer 25 does not exist.

[0063] The gripping layer 21 is provided in front of the cable end 24 so that the user's fingers can grip the gripping layer 21 between them to manipulate the cable end 24 for plugging into or unplugging from the wall 10 at the gripping layer 21. The gripping layer 21 at least partially constitutes a gripping area suitable for the user's operation.

[0064] The gripping layer 21 can be made of a plastic - type material that is preferably harder than the material of the main body 27 when the main body 27 is also made of a plastic - type material. The gripping layer 21 is preferably molded together with the main body 27, the additional layer 25, and / or the transition layer 23 to form one and the same element with the associated cable part or element. The gripping layer 21 can have a generally parallelepiped shape. Alternatively or in addition, the gripping layer 21 can be generally cylindrical or have any other shape.

[0065] The gripping layer 21 preferably includes one or more flat surfaces that may be parallel to each other in a pair - by - pair form. Such flat surfaces enable facilitating the user's gripping of the cable end 24 for plugging the cable end 24 into the wall 10 or unplugging the cable end 24 from the wall 10.

[0066] The length of the gripping layer 21 can be, for example, about 1.5 cm and can be included in the range from about 10 mm to about 60 mm.

[0067] The length of the cable end 24 can be, for example, about 4 mm and can be included in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0068] According to an important feature, the cable 20 is provided with one or more flanges 22 at the cable end 24 (only one is shown).

[0069] The flange 22 (or each flange 22) is preferably integrally molded with the cable end 24 to form one and the same element with the cable 20.

[0070] The thickness of the flange 22 may be, for example, about several millimeters and may be included in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0071] Alternatively, i.e., instead of being a flange incorporated into the cable 20 as an internal flange, the flange 22 (or each flange 22) as an external flange is composed of one or more external additional elements fixed around the cable end 24, for example, using an adhesive or welding any other fixing means.

[0072] The cross-section of the flange 22 may be generally rectangular and preferably has rounded corners on the outside.

[0073] The flange 22 (or each flange 22) is preferably made of, for example, a hard plastic type material and / or a similar material at least at the rear part of the flange 22 so as to be pushed in the direction 50 as the pressing direction 50, i.e., toward the rear surface of the wall 10, from the rear part of the flange 22.

[0074] The flange 22 (or each flange 22) preferably forms or constitutes one or more shoulders. Such a shoulder (formed by the flange 22) is generally perpendicular at the cable end 24 with respect to the axis defined by the cable 20. Such a shoulder enables applying a force that is generally parallel to the cable 20 and directed toward the pressing direction 50 at the cable end 24.

[0075] The flange 22 (or each flange 22) can have an external shape that is generally, for example, rectangular and can have rounded corners on its outside, or can have any other shape.

[0076] The length of the largest side of the outer rectangle of the 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.

[0077] The length of the smallest side of the rectangle outside the 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.

[0078] The flange 22 (or each flange 22) surrounds the cable end 24 partially or completely, for example, in a discontinuous manner, such that when the flange 22 (or each flange 22) is pressed, the flange 22 (or each flange 22) directly or indirectly seals the connection point of the cable 20 at the aperture 104.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the flange 22 completely surrounds the cable end 24.

[0080] Such a flange 22 in the surrounding configuration preferably exists at the front part of the gripping layer 21, thereby facilitating the insertion of the cable end 24 into the aperture 104 while using the flange 22 as one or more stops for pressing the cable end 24 in the pressing direction 50, particularly by the user's finger or the removable strain relief element 30.

[0081] The flange 22 (or each flange 22) is used to enable a removable (or attached) strain relief element 30 to have the ability to directly or indirectly press the flange 22 against the wall 10 from the outside 100b.

[0082] When the flange 22 (or each flange 22) cooperates with the wall 10 and the strain relief element 30, it can directly or indirectly surround the aperture 104 and can directly or indirectly prevent any foreign matter, such as dust and / or water, from passing through the connection point of the cable 20 at the aperture 104, as will be described later.

[0083] The assembly 200 can include one or more gaskets 28 as a releasable (or attached) external elastic element.

[0084] As an alternative or in addition to using the gasket 28, instead of using the gasket 28, an elastic element is provided around the aperture 24 on the rear surface of the wall 10, and this elastic element is integrated with or fixed to the wall 10 so as to protrude from the rear surface of the wall 10.

[0085] The gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) can be made of, for example, rubber and / or any other elastic material.

[0086] The gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) is elastically deformable.

[0087] The gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) has a through hole in the center for forming a ring.

[0088] The gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) preferably generally has the shape of the flange 22. Thus, the flange 22 preferably comes into physical contact with the peripheral edge of the gasket 28 around all the peripheral edges of the flange 22.

[0089] The cross-section of the gasket 28 can be generally circular, generally elliptical, generally rectangular, generally square, or can have any other shape.

[0090] The thickness of the gasket 28 can be, for example, about 1 mm and can be included in the range from about 0.8 mm to about 4 mm.

[0091] The gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) can pierce through the cable end 24 through its hole and / or can be pierced by the cable 24.

[0092] The gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) (when present) is preferably arranged and used around the cable 20, preferably at the front part of the flange 22, before connecting the connector 26.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, i.e., instead of using a gasket 28 and / or an elastic element integrated or fixed to the rear face of the wall 10 as an external elastic element, the flange 22 is overmolded (or overlaid) with an elastic or elastomeric material at the front of the flange 22 as an internal elastic element.

[0094] The flange 22 is at least partially constituted by at least one elastic or elastomeric material, at least at the front of the flange 22.

[0095] The internal elastic or internal 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, as an elastic element inside the flange 22, or the gasket 28, as an elastic element outside the flange 22, is used to seal the connection point of the cable end 24 inside the wall 10 at the aperture 104.

[0096] The wall recess 106 is preferably configured to receive the flange 22, the strain relief element 30, and possibly the gasket 28 as external elements.

[0097] The strain relief element 30 is preferably made of a material such as a rigid plastic type material, for example.

[0098] The strain relief element 30 includes a main wall 32.

[0099] The main wall 32 has a rear face 33 on the opposite side of the front face 31.

[0100] The strain relief element 30 includes two side walls 33a and 33b extending to the main wall 32. The side walls 33a and 33b each generally have a shape such as a right triangle cut out, for example, at the bottom of the main wall 32, and the side where it is cut out is parallel to the opposite side at the top of the main wall 32, while the longest side constitutes the lateral boundary line of the main wall 32.

[0101] Optionally, the strain-relief element 30 includes a plate 37. The plate 37 is located at the bottom of the main wall 32. The plate 37 forms legs for the strain-relief element 30 when viewed from the side.

[0102] The plate 37 can have, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the top or bottom of the strain-relief element 30.

[0103] The outer corners of the plate 37 can have rounded edges.

[0104] The smallest side of the plate 37 can be, for example, about 1 cm and can be included in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 50 mm.

[0105] The largest side of the plate 37 can be, for example, about 2.3 cm and can be included in the range from about 1.5 cm to about 4.5 cm.

[0106] The thickness of the plate 37 can be, for example, about a few mm and can be included in the range from about 0.3 mm to about 4 mm.

[0107] Optionally, the strain-relief element 30 has, for example, one or more through-holes 38a and 38b at the location of the plate 37. Each hole 38a or 38b is used to pass a fixing element (not shown) such as a screw. The fixing element enables the strain-relief element 30 to be fixed to the wall 10 or to another wall included in the casing.

[0108] The main wall 32 preferably comprises a slot 36.

[0109] The slot is arranged in the form of a notch on the edge of the main wall 32.

[0110] The slot is configured to receive a portion of a cable that is smaller than the portion where the flange is provided.

[0111] Slot 36 is defined by a through-hole whose lateral boundaries are defined by two pillars 31a and 31b connected by a beam 31c.

[0112] Slot 36 enables the gripping area 21 to pass through the strain relief element 30.

[0113] The main wall 32 of the strain relief element 30 is inclined rearward, i.e., in the opposite direction of the pressing direction 50, thereby aligning the outer shape of the rear surface of the main wall 32 with the outer shape of the rear surface of the wall 10. Thus, the strain relief element 30 can be fully integrated with the rear surface of the wall 10.

[0114] Slot 36 has a shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of a portion of the cable 20, such as the gripping area 21.

[0115] The side walls 33a and 33b are symmetric, for example, with respect to a line that crosses the center of the slot 36, which is hereinafter referred to as the center line (row) in this specification.

[0116] Optionally, the strain relief element 30 includes one or more ribs (not shown). If an even number of ribs are present, the ribs are preferably symmetric with respect to the center line. The ribs are disposed below the slot 36 and are preferably provided on the rear surface 33 of the main wall 32. The ribs enable the avoidance of shrinkage of the strain relief element 30 after molding (immediately after) and / or warping of the strain relief element 30. The ribs make the strain relief element 30 more robust for use and enable the retention of the strain relief element 30 over time, and enable the avoidance of affecting the external shape or design of the strain relief element 30.

[0117] The strain relief element 30 preferably includes one or more pillars 34a and 34b.

[0118] Pillars 34a and 34b project from the rear surface 33 of the main wall 32. Pillars 34a and 34b preferably define the boundaries of the slots 36. Each of the pillars 34a and 34b may be inclined with respect to its respective side walls 33a and 33b. Pillars 34a and 34b preferably have a front portion thereof having a shape that matches the shape of the side portion of the flange 22.

[0119] Pillars 34a and 34b allow the flange 22 to be slid along the front portions of the pillars 34a and 34b, possibly before or after mounting the gasket 28 (or each gasket 28) around the front portion of the flange 22.

[0120] The front surfaces of the pillars 34a and 34b are preferably parallel to the rear surface of the side portion of the flange 22, thereby applying continuous contact with the rear surface of the side portion of the flange 22.

[0121] Thus, each of the pillars 34a and 34b allows the flange 22 to be pushed or pressed directly or indirectly against the rear surface of the wall 10.

[0122] Each of the pillars 34a and 34b is designed to push the flange 22 directly or indirectly towards the rear surface of the wall 10 to maintain the push force or pressure of the flange 22.

[0123] The thickness of each of the pillars 34a and 34b of the slot 36 may be, for example, about 2 mm and may be included in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0124] The length of each of the pillars 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.

[0125] The strain relaxation element 30 preferably includes one or more protruding extension portions 32a and 32b. The protruding extension portions 32a and / or 32b each enable, on the one hand, connecting the strain relaxation element 30 to the wall 10, or more precisely to the rear surface of the wall 10, and on the other hand, maintaining the strain relaxation element 30 in a connected state with respect to the wall 10 as will be further described later.

[0126] The lateral inclination of the main wall 32 with respect to the portion protruding laterally from the protruding extension portion 32a or 32b may be, for example, 9 degrees and may be included in the range of about 1 degree to about 20 degrees.

[0127] According to the first embodiment of the strain relaxation element 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, each of the protruding extension portions 32a and / or 32b forms a sliding guide that enables guiding the strain relaxation element 30 during insertion of the strain relaxation element 30 into the respective corresponding gutter portions 102a and 102b (not visible in FIG. 1) included in the wall 10.

[0128] The protruding portions of the protruding extension portions 32a and 32b define the lateral boundaries of the strain relaxation element 30.

[0129] The protruding portions 32a and 32b may each be perpendicular to the plate 37 as viewed from the side surface portion of the strain relaxation element 30.

[0130] The protruding extension portions 32a and 32b are, for example, symmetric with respect to the center line.

[0131] The protruding extension portions 32a and 32b each have a generally, for example, right-angled triangular shape that is slightly cut off on the opposite side of the right-angled portion as viewed from the rear.

[0132] The length of the shortest side adjacent to the right-angled portion of the protruding extension portion 32a and / or 32b may be, for example, 3 mm and may be included in the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm.

[0133] The length of the longest side adjacent to the right-angled portion of the protruding extension part 32a and / or 32b may be, for example, about 4.3 cm and may be included in the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm.

[0134] The longest side of the corresponding right-angled triangle constitutes the outer edge of the related protruding extension part 32a or 32b, and also partially constitutes the outer edge of the strain relaxation element 30, for example, at the side portion of the strain relaxation element 30.

[0135] The side to be cut off constitutes the outer edge of the related protruding extension part 32a or 32b, and also partially constitutes the outer edge of the strain relaxation element 30, for example, at the top of the strain relaxation element 30.

[0136] The protruding extension parts 32a and 32b are connected to the plate 37 from their front, and are connected to their respective side walls 33a and 33b from their rear. Each protruding extension part 32a or 32b protrudes from its respective side wall 33a or 33b on one hand, and protrudes laterally from the plate 37 on the other hand.

[0137] The protruding extension parts 32a and 32b each protrude outward from their respective side walls 33a and 33b toward the outside of the strain relaxation element 30.

[0138] The thickness of the protruding extension part 32a and / or 32b may be, for example, about 1 mm and may be included in the range of about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm.

[0139] According to the first embodiment, each protruding part of the protruding extension parts 32a and 32b is designed to substantially match the shape of the corresponding gutter part 102a or 102b included in the wall 10.

[0140] FIG. 2 schematically shows, in a front and bottom view, an assembly 200 for sealing a connection point of the cable 20 in the wall 10 by using the strain relaxation element 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0141] Each of the gutter portions 102a and 102b constitutes a notch area inside the corresponding side surface portion of the recess 106.

[0142] The thickness of the gutter portions 102a and / or 102b may be, for example, about 2 mm and may be included in the range of about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm.

[0143] Each of the gutter portions 102a and 102b enables receiving the corresponding protruding extension portion 32a or 32b, or more precisely the protruding portion of the protruding extension portion 32a or 32b.

[0144] When assembled together, the cable 20 will be connected to the wall aperture 104 by using an external element of the assembly 200.

[0145] According to the first embodiment, the assembly 200 includes an external element, namely, the flange 22, the strain relief element 30, and the gasket 28.

[0146] The shape and size of the slot 36 are configured to receive the gripping layer 21 of the cable 20.

[0147] The length of each of the pillars 31a and 31b defining the boundary of the slot 36 may be, for example, about 1.6 cm and may be included in the range of about 1.5 cm to about 5 cm.

[0148] The length of the beam 31c defining the boundary of the slot 36 may be, for example, about 1.4 cm and may be included in the range of about 1 cm to about 5 cm.

[0149] The thickness of the pillars 31a and 31b and the beam 31c defining the boundary of the slot 36 may be, for example, about 2 mm and may be included in the range of about 1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0150] According to the first embodiment of the strain relief element 30, the protruding extension portions 32a and / or 32b each form a sliding guide and enable guiding the strain relief element 30 during insertion of the strain relief element 30 into the corresponding play portions 102a and / or 102b respectively included in the wall 10.

[0151] According to the first embodiment of the strain relief element 30, the protruding extension portions 32a and 32b each form a rail that enables coupling the strain relief element 30 to the wall 10, and more precisely to the front face 112 of the wall 10.

[0152] Before connecting the cable 20 to the wall 10, the user first attaches the gasket 28 around the cable end 24, for example using one hand and while being held by the other hand.

[0153] When in use, the gasket 28 and the strain relief element 30 are each preferably on the outside of the casing including, for example, the wall 10.

[0154] After the user attaches the gasket 28 around the cable end 24, the user inserts the connector 26 into the aperture 104 by holding the gripping area 21 with the fingers and pushing the cable 20 towards the wall 10. Such insertion of the connector is utilized, for example, to connect the connector 26 to another connector 46 (visible in FIG. 4).

[0155] When the connector 26 is inserted into the aperture 104, the gasket 28 is stopped at the recess 106 between the front face 112 of the wall 10 and the flange 22.

[0156] The user inserts the protruding extension portions 32a and / or 32b into the corresponding gutter portions 102a and / or 102b (barely visible) of the wall 10 and slides them in the sliding direction 70. Finally, the pillars 31a and 31b that define the boundaries of the slots 36 are stopped by the upper boundary portion of the recess 106. Optionally, the user slides the protruding extension portions 32a and / or 32b in the sliding direction 70 within the corresponding gutter portions 102a and / or 102b of the wall 10. Finally, at the same time as stopping the pillars 31a and 31b, the plate 37 preferably reaches the upper boundary portion of another recess 108 that may be included in another wall contained within the casing.

[0157] Each of the protruding extension portions 32a and 32b enables, on the one hand, connecting the strain relief element 30 to the wall 10 and, on the other hand, maintaining the strain relief element 30 in a connected state with respect to the wall 10.

[0158] When the strain relief element 30 is connected to the wall 30, the user can further insert each of one or two (or more) screws (not shown) through the holes 38a or 38b of the strain relief element 30 and the corresponding non-through holes 108a or 108b of another wall (or the wall 10). Then, the user turns the screws within the relevant holes 38a and / or 38b and the relevant non-through holes 108a and / or 108b, thereby fixing the strain relief element 30 to the wall 10 or, preferably, to another wall contained within the casing.

[0159] When removing or disconnecting the cable 20 from the wall 10 or the casing, the user can first remove the retaining screws or any other fixing elements from the relevant non-through holes 108a and / or 108b and the holes 38a and / or 38b.

[0160] The user slides the protruding extension portions 32a and / or 32b in a direction opposite to the sliding direction 70 within the corresponding gutter portions 102a and / or 102b of the wall 10, for example by pressing on the beam 31c of the slot 36 using a finger, and finally the strain-relief element 30 is released from the wall 10.

[0161] In this way, the strain-relief element 30 is separated and detached from the wall 10.

[0162] Next, the user holds the gripping area 21 using a finger and pulls the cable 20 from the wall 10, thereby detaching the cable end 24 from the aperture 104.

[0163] The user can remove the gasket 28 from the cable end 24 in order to disassemble the assembly 200.

[0164] FIG. 3 schematically shows in a rear view the connector 26 inserted into the wall 10 using two section lines, section line A-A and section line B-B.

[0165] Section line A-A transverses the cable 20 vertically along its diameter and transverses the slot 30 vertically at the center line.

[0166] Section line B-B is perpendicular to the first section line A-A. Section line B-B transverses the cable 20 horizontally along its diameter.

[0167] When the strain-relief element 30 is placed in a position for cooperating with the wall 10 and the flange 22, the connector 36 is configured to directly or indirectly press the flange 22 against the wall 10 when the connector 36 is coupled while maintaining the state in which the strain-relief element 30 is attached to the wall 10.

[0168] Accordingly, the flange 22 directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture 104 and directly or indirectly prevents any foreign object from passing through the connection location of the cable 20 at the aperture 104.

[0169] The strain-relieving element 30 presses against the side portion of the flange 22 through the pillars 34a and 34b (hidden in FIG. 3) that extend the pillars 31a and 31b that define the boundary of the slot 36, respectively.

[0170] The aperture 104 is closed using the cable end 24 where the flange 22 is provided, and the flange 22 is sealed through the gasket 28 as an external elastic element or through the elastic portion of the flange 22 as an internal elastic element in the first embodiment to be further described later, thanks to the strain-relieving element 30.

[0171] When positioned to cooperate with the wall 10 and the flange 22, the rear surface 31 of the strain-relieving element 30 can be fully integrated into the wall 10, that is, no part of the strain-relieving element 30 protrudes from the wall 10.

[0172] The strain-relieving element 30 is coupled to the wall 10 that can be included in the casing.

[0173] FIG. 4 schematically shows, along the section line A-A, the cable end 24 inserted into the wall 10, the gasket 28 pressed by the flange 22, and the strain-relieving element 30 pressing the flange 22.

[0174] The casing includes a connector 46, for example, as a first connector. The first connector 46 is fixed within the casing. The first connector 46 faces towards the aperture 104 of the wall 10 (indicated by the first hatching) within the casing.

[0175] The cable 20 includes a corresponding connector 26 as a second connector.

[0176] The first connector 46 and the second connector 26 are connected to each other. The first connector 46 is, for example, a female connector, while the second connector 26 is, for example, a male connector, or vice versa, that is, the first connector 46 is, for example, a male connector, while the second connector 26 is, for example, a female connector.

[0177] When the connector 26 is coupled to another connector 46 while the strain-relieving element 30 maintains its attached state to the wall 10, the strain-relieving element 30 presses the flange 22 and the elastic element as an external elastic element, that is, the gasket 28 or the elastic portion of the flange 22 as an internal elastic element (not shown) together against the wall 10.

[0178] According to an alternative embodiment, the strain-relieving element 30 presses the flange 22 and the flange elastic portion, so that when the connector 26 is coupled to another connector 46 while the strain-relieving element 30 maintains its attached state to the wall 10, the strain-relieving element 30 presses the flange 22 and the flange elastic portion together against the wall 10.

[0179] The pillar 34a (shown in the non-hatched area) and the pillar 34b (not visible in FIG. 4) of the strain-relieving element 30 (shown in the second hatched area) each act on the flange 22 with the pressure in the pressure direction 80 towards the wall 10.

[0180] Furthermore, the flange 22 acts on the gasket 28 (shown in the black area) with an equal pressure in the pressure direction 80 towards the wall 10.

[0181] The gasket 28, which is stopped or halted on one side by the rear surface 112 of the wall 10 and is pressed through the front surface of the flange 22 by the pillars 34a and 34b of the strain-relieving element 30 on the other side, undergoes elastic deformation.

[0182] Accordingly, the gasket 28 as an external elastic element is compressed against the wall 10 and surrounds the aperture 104. The gasket 28 seals the connection point of the cable 20 within the wall 10.

[0183] In response to pressure being applied to the stationary gasket 28 by the flange 22, the gasket 28 applies a reaction force in the direction opposite to the pressure direction 80, as the reaction direction 90, towards the flange 22.

[0184] The first connector 46 and the second connector 26 are connected to each other, as a result of which power supply to the internal circuit becomes possible and the internal circuit can communicate with an external device such as a PC.

[0185] When the first connector 46 and the second connector 26 are connected to each other, the corresponding appliance can be made to operate.

[0186] FIG. 5 schematically shows, along the section line B - B, the cable end 24 inserted into the wall 10, the gasket 28 pressed by the flange 22, and the strain relief element 30 pressing the flange 22.

[0187] According to a first embodiment of the strain relief element 30, the protruding portions of the respective protruding extension portions 32a and 32b of the strain relief element 30 are stopped within the corresponding play portions 102a and 102b included in the wall 10.

[0188] Each of the play portions 102a and 102b has a U - shape having, for example, a first side adjacent to the rear surface 112 of the wall 10 and a second side away from the rear surface 112 of the wall 10.

[0189] Each of the play portions 102a and 102b is designed to receive the protruding portions of the protruding extension portions 32a and 32b of the strain relief element 30.

[0190] Each of the protruding extension portions 32a and 32b of the strain relaxation element 30 stopped by the farther one of the corresponding play portions 102a or 102b (from the rear surface 112 of the wall 10) is in the direction from the wall 10 (more precisely its front surface 112) through the flange 22 to the strain relaxation element 30, via an elastic element, i.e., a gasket 28, as an external elastic element or via an elastic portion of the flange 22 as an internal elastic element (not shown), enabling it to resist the reaction force 90 acting thereon.

[0191] Each of the protruding extension portions 32a and 32b of the strain relaxation element 30 enables the strain relaxation element 30 to maintain its coupled state with respect to the wall 10.

[0192] FIG. 6 schematically shows in a front and bottom view a wall 101 according to a second embodiment and an assembly 200 for sealing a connection point of a cable 20 within the wall 101 by using a strain relaxation element 50 according to the second embodiment.

[0193] The wall 101 includes a recess 150.

[0194] The wall 101 comprises a plurality of connection / separation recesses 152a, 152b (not visible in FIG. 6), 152c, and 152d.

[0195] Each of the connection / separation recesses 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d constitutes a non-through hole or a through hole inside the recess 150 of the wall 101 or another wall.

[0196] Each of the connection / separation recesses 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d enables the connection and separation of the corresponding protruding extension portions 52a, 52b, or 52c (not visible in FIG. 6) of the strain relaxation element 50.

[0197] The thickness of the connection / separation recesses 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d may be, for example, about 2 mm and may be included in the range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0198] Each of the engaging / disengaging recesses 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d enables the corresponding protruding extension portions 52a, 52b, or 52c of the strain relief element 50, and more precisely the protruding portions thereof, to be at least partially received.

[0199] The strain relief element 50 according to the second embodiment is equal to the strain relief element 30 according to the first embodiment, except for the shape (or design) of its protruding extension portion. Each of the protruding extension portions of the strain relief elements of the first and second embodiments enables the strain relief element to be coupled to the wall and to maintain the strain relief element in a state of being coupled to the wall.

[0200] According to the second embodiment of the strain relief element 50, each of the three protruding extension portions 52a, 52b, and 52c (not visible in FIG. 6) forms a protrusion. The protrusions are used to couple the strain relief element 50 to the wall 101 and to maintain the strain relief element 50 in a state of being coupled to the wall 101.

[0201] Two protruding extension portions 52a and 52b extend the pillars 51a and 51b that respectively define the boundaries of the slot 36.

[0202] While each of the protruding extension portions 52a, 52b, and 52c uses the corresponding engaging / disengaging recesses 152a, 152b, and 152c that are respectively included within the wall 101 or within another wall that may be included within the casing including the wall 101 to couple the strain relief element 50, it enables the strain relief element 50 to be attached to the wall 101.

[0203] FIG. 7 schematically shows in a bottom and lateral view the wall 101 and an assembly 200 for sealing the connection point of the cable 20 within the wall 101 by using the strain relief element 50.

[0204] Before connecting the cable 20 to the wall 101, the user first attaches the gasket 28 around the cable end 24, for example, using one hand and holding the cable end 24 with the other hand.

[0205] When in use, the gasket 28 and the strain relief element 50 are each preferably on the outside of the casing including, for example, the wall 101.

[0206] After the user attaches the gasket 28 around the cable end 24, the user inserts the cable end 24 into the aperture 104 by holding the gripping area 21 with the fingers and pushing the cable 20 towards the wall 101. Such insertion of the cable end is utilized, for example, to connect the connector 26 to another connector (not visible).

[0207] When the cable end 24 is inserted into the aperture 104, the gasket 28 is stopped at the recess 150 between the front surface of the wall 101 and the flange 22.

[0208] The user inserts the two protruding extensions 52a and 52b into the corresponding coupling / separation recesses 152a and 152b (not visible in FIG. 7) of the wall 101 in the first insertion direction 60, thereby holding the strain relief element 50 at its upper side.

[0209] Then, the user inserts the third protruding extension 52c into the corresponding coupling / separation recess 152c of the wall 101 in the second insertion direction 62, and finally, the third protruding extension 52c is locked, preferably, in the coupling / separation recess 152b possibly included in another wall contained within the casing. In this way, the strain relief element 50 is attached and coupled to the wall 10.

[0210] Each of the protruding extensions 52a, 52b, and 52c enables, on the one hand, coupling the strain relief element 50 to the wall 101 and, on the other hand, maintaining the strain relief element 50 in a coupled state with respect to the wall 101.

[0211] When removing or disconnecting the cable 20 from the wall 101 or the casing, the user first presses the third protruding extension 52c within the coupling / separation recess 152d using, for example, a pen or a driver, thereby unlocking the third protruding extension 52c from the coupling / separation recess 152d and removing the third protruding extension 52c from the coupling / separation recess 152c in a direction opposite to the second insertion direction 62.

[0212] The user removes the protruding extensions 52a and 52b from the corresponding coupling / separation recesses 152a and 152b of the wall 101 in a direction opposite to the first insertion direction 60 by pulling, for example, with a finger, the beam 31c of the slot 36 until the strain relief element 50 is released from the wall 101.

[0213] In this way, the strain relief element 50 is detached and removable from the wall 101.

[0214] The user then detaches the cable end 24 from the aperture 104 by holding the gripping area 21 with a finger and pulling the cable 20 from the wall 101.

[0215] The user can remove the gasket 28 from the cable end 24 to disassemble the assembly 200.

[0216] FIG. 8 schematically shows in a rear view the cable end 24 inserted into the wall 101 using the section line A-A.

[0217] The section line A-A transversely crosses the cable 20 vertically along its diameter and transversely crosses the slot 36 vertically at the center line.

[0218] When the strain relief element 50 is placed in a position for cooperation with the wall 101 and the flange 22, the flange 22 is configured to directly or indirectly press against the wall 101 when the connector 26 is coupled while maintaining the state in which the strain relief element 50 is attached to the wall 101.

[0219] Thus, the flange 22 directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture 104 to directly or indirectly prevent any foreign matter such as dust and / or water from passing through the connection point of the cable 20 at the aperture 104.

[0220] The strain relief element 50 presses against the side portion of the flange 22 through the pillars 34a and 34b (hidden in FIG. 8) that respectively extend the pillars 51a and 51b that define the boundary of the slot 36.

[0221] The aperture 104 is substantially closed using the cable end 24 where the flange 22 is provided, and the flange 22 is sealed through the gasket 28 as an external elastic element in the first embodiment described later thanks to the strain relief element 50, or through the elastic (elastomer) portion of the flange 22 as an internal elastic element.

[0222] When positioned to cooperate with the wall 101 and the flange 22, the rear surface 51 of the strain relief element 50 can be fully integrated into the wall 101, that is, no portion of the strain relief element 50 protrudes from the wall 101.

[0223] The strain relief element 50 is coupled to the wall 101 that may be included in the casing.

[0224] The recess 150 and the strain relief element 50 are preferably designed complementarily, so that when the strain relief element 50 is placed in a position to cooperate with the recess 150, the shape of the strain relief element 50 is substantially integrated within the shape of the wall 101. Thus, the outer surface 51 of the strain relief element 50 does not protrude from the outer surface of the wall 101.

[0225] FIG. 9 schematically shows, along the section line A - A, the cable end 24 inserted into the wall 101, the gasket 28 pressed by the flange 22, and the strain relief element 50 pressing the flange 22.

[0226] Two protruding extension parts 52b and 52a (not visible in Fig. 9) are locked within their corresponding coupling / separation recesses 152b and 152a in the wall 101 (not visible in Fig. 9), thereby holding the strain relaxation element 50 at its upper side.

[0227] The third protruding extension part 52c has emerged from the coupling / separation recess 152d while being engaged within the coupling / separation recess 152c of the wall 101, thereby being accessible from the outside of the wall 101.

[0228] When the connector 26 is coupled while the strain relaxation element 50 maintains its attached state to the wall 101, the flange 22 and the elastic element as an external elastic element, namely the gasket 28 or the elastic part of the flange 22 as an internal elastic (elastomeric) element (not shown) are pressed together against the wall 101.

[0229] According to an alternative embodiment, the strain relaxation element 50 presses the flange 22 and the flange elastic part, and as a result, when the connector 26 is coupled while the strain relaxation element 50 maintains its attached state to the wall 101, the strain relaxation element 50 presses the flange 22 and the flange elastic part together against the wall 101.

[0230] The pillar 34a (shown in the non - hatched area) and the pillar 34b (not visible in Fig. 9) of the strain relaxation element 50 (shown in the second hatched area) each act on the flange 22 with the pressure in the pressure direction 80 towards the wall 101.

[0231] Furthermore, the flange 22 acts on the gasket 28 (shown in the third hatched area) with an equal pressure in the pressure direction 80 towards the wall 101.

[0232] The gasket 28, which is held or stopped on one side by the rear surface of the wall 101 and is pushed through the front surface of the flange 22 by the pillars 34a and 34b of the strain relaxation element 50 on the other side, is elastically deformed.

[0233] Accordingly, the gasket 28 as an external elastic element is compressed against the wall 101 and surrounds the aperture 104. The gasket 28 seals the connection point of the cable 20 within the wall 101.

[0234] In response to pressure being applied to the stationary gasket 28 by the flange 22, the gasket 28 applies a reaction force in the direction opposite to the pressure direction 80, as the reaction direction 90, towards the flange 22.

[0235] Three protruding extension parts 52a, 52b, and 52c are coupled to the wall 101 and enable the strain relaxation element 50 to be maintained in a state of being coupled to the wall 101 despite the presence of a reaction force.

[0236] The solution of the present invention enables, in particular, the use of a connector for a PCB that is standard and inexpensive.

[0237] The solution of the present invention enables maintenance without modifying the electronic architecture when present within the appliance.

[0238] The solution of the present invention uses a strain relaxation element that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0239] The solution of the present invention uses an assembly that enables sealing the connection point of the cable within the wall while avoiding any passage of foreign matter through the wall aperture.

Claims

1. An assembly (200) for sealing a connection point of a cable (20) within a wall (10), the wall including at least one aperture (104), the aperture being used to connect a connector included in the cable, the cable end being provided with at least one flange (22), the flange at least partially surrounding the cable end, the assembly including at least one strain relief element (30), the strain relief element being: - A main wall (32) having a slot (36) in the form of a notch on an edge, the slot being configured to receive a portion of the cable that is smaller than the portion where the flange is provided, the main wall (32), - At least one pillar (34a, 34b) protruding from the main wall (32), each of the at least one pillar being configured to press the flange against the wall when the connector is connected while maintaining the state where the strain relief element is attached to the wall, the at least one pillar (34a, 34b) comprising, As a result, the flange directly or indirectly surrounds the aperture and directly or indirectly seals the connection point of the cable (20) at the aperture, thereby directly or indirectly preventing any foreign matter such as dust and / or water from passing through the connection point of the cable at the aperture. The assembly (200).

2. The assembly further includes at least one external elastic element (28), the at least one elastic element being arranged around the cable at the front of the flange before the connector is connected, so that the strain relief element presses the flange and the at least one elastic element together against the wall when the connector is connected while maintaining the state where the strain relief element is attached to the wall. The assembly according to Claim 1.

3. The flange is at least partially constituted by at least one elastic material, so that the strain relief element presses the flange and the elastic part of the flange together against the wall when the connector is connected while maintaining the state where the strain relief element is attached to the wall. The assembly according to Claim 1.

4. The strain-relieving element further includes at least one protruding extension portion, and each of the at least one protruding extension portion enables, on the one hand, connecting the strain-relieving element to the wall and, on the other hand, maintaining the strain-relieving element in a connected state with respect to the wall. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the at least one protruding extension portion (32a, 32b) forms a sliding guide that enables guiding the strain-relieving element while the strain-relieving element is inserted into a corresponding play portion (102a) included in the wall. The assembly according to claim 4.

6. Each of the at least one protruding extension portion (52a, 52b, 52c) enables attaching the strain-relieving element to the wall while connecting the strain-relieving element to corresponding recesses (152a, 152b, 152c) included in the wall. The assembly according to claim 4.

7. The strain-relieving element includes at least one rib, and the at least one rib is configured to improve the robustness of the strain-relieving element. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The cable includes a connector as a first connector (26), the wall is included in a casing, the casing includes a second connector (46), the second connector faces towards the aperture within the casing, and the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The strain-relieving element is outside the casing. The assembly according to claim 8.

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