A solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting

Abstract

The solenoid assembly (100) includes a junction box (104) that houses an encapsulated solenoid coil (102) that is electrically connected to a PCB (116) within the box. The junction box (104) includes a cable entry port (106) and the sealing fitting (112). Sealing fitting (112) includes a side cover (112A) to close a second end (104B) of junction box (104) and a curved 5 elongate portion (112B) having an exit opening (120) for pouring an insulating sealant for flame proofing of the solenoid assembly (100). Sealing fitting (112) includes a set of holes (112D) configured to allow fitment of the sealing fitting (112) to the second end (104B) of the junction box (104) in different angular orientations about the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the junction box (104), thereby allowing different angular orientations of the exit opening 0 (120) relative to cable entry port (106).

Description

A SOLENOID ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED SEALING FITTINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of solenoid devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to flameproof / explosion proof solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting.BACKGROUND

[0002] In hazardous environments, safety is a critical concern, particularly w.r.t electrical items / equipment installations in general and solenoid operated valves in particular, where explosive atmospheres is present at the installation location. Current practice involves use of a UL-approved Solenoids for ordinary and hazardous locations. In case of all the flameproof solenoids available in the market at present, a separate flameproof conduit sealing fitting is required to be installed in wire conduit run within 18 inches from the Solenoid Enclosure for restricting the passage of gases, vapours and / or flames between different portions of the electrical installation, thus containing any potential explosions within the sealed Solenoid enclosure.

[0003] The reliance on external flameproof conduit sealing fitting in existing installations presents a number of challenges. These fittings require additional installation time and effort, and any improper installation can lead to increased risks of ignition in hazardous atmospheres. Moreover, the space required for these external fittings can complicate the design, installation and maintenance of compact electrical systems.

[0004] Conventionally available UL approved flameproof solenoids have fixed cable entry port only at bottom / vertical side or back / horizontal side of the solenoid enclosure making them non customisable to change the direction of cable entry at the time of solenoid installation when required at end user’s end during valve panel installation location or cabling layout or improper installation plan.

[0005] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art to overcome the above- mentioned problems by providing a more efficient flameproof solenoid with integrated conduit sealing fitting that can ensure safety by containing potential explosions within a sealed enclosure, preventing damage to other components and / or its installed location. Also, there is requirement to provide flexibility in cable entry direction i.e. from UP / DOWN side (Vertical direction) or from LEFT / RIGHT side (Horizontal direction) before installation of solenoid valves at end user location.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0006] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, compact, and efficient solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting.

[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to eliminate the need for separate installation of the conduit sealing fitting in conduit runs.

[0008] An objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of components required by combining the solenoid assembly and conduit sealing fitting into a single unit, making it more compact and easier to install.

[0009] An objective of the present disclosure is to prevent propagation of flames or gases from one channel to other channel within the junction box.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide flexibility to customise by changing the direction of cable entry to any of the four directions (Top / Bottom / Left / Right) during installation of the solenoid by moving the position of sealing fitting by 90 degree. SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the technical field of solenoid devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting.

[0012] In an aspect, the disclosed solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting includes a junction box having a first end and a second end spaced apart along an longitudinal axis of the junction box, and a cable entry port configured to allow a cable to enter the junction box from a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the junction box; a solenoid coil fixed to the junction box; and a sealing fitting fixed to the junction box at the second end of the junction box through a set of fasteners fitted through a set of holes provided on the sealing fitting. The sealing fitting) includes an exit opening that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the junction box.

[0013] In an aspect, the set of holes is configured to allow fitment of the sealing fitting to the second end of the junction box in different angular orientations about the longitudinal axis of the junction box, thereby allowing different angular orientations of the exit opening of the sealing fitting relative to the cable entry port.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the sealing fitting may include a side cover and an elbow shaped curved elongate portion extending from the side cover. A free end of the curved elongate portion may have the exit opening.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the second end of the junction box may be an open end and the side cover may be configured to cover and seal the open second end.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the sealing fitting may include a flange located adjacent the side cover such that the flange sits over an outer surface of the second end of the junction box.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the junction box may have a set of threaded holes matching the set of holes provided on the flange of the sealing fitting to receive the fasteners inserted through the set of through holes provided on the flange.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, each of the set of threaded holes and the set of holes may include four holes spaced at 90 degrees, thereby allowing fitment of the sealing fitting to the second end of the junction box in four different angular orientations such that the exit opening of the sealing fitting relative to the cable entry port is any of a up direction, a down direction, a back direction and a front direction.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the junction box may have a laterally oriented hole located close to the first end for fitment of the solenoid coil.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, an inner hollow of the junction box may accommodate a circuit to supply electric current to the solenoid coil.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the cable entry port may be configured for routing of a current carrying cable electrically coupled to the circuit within the junction box.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the junction box may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for accommodating the circuit.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the junction box and the sealing fitting may be configured for being filled with an electrically insulating sealant poured through the exit opening for flame proofing of the solenoid assembly.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of a solenoid assembly with a sealing fitting, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0027] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary schematic view of the sealing fitting of the proposed solenoid assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0028] FIGs. 2A to 2D illustrate different angular positions of the sealing fitting on the proposed solenoid assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit within the proposed solenoid assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] According to an aspect, the proposed solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting is configured in such a way that the cable entry could be oriented in relation with an exit opening of the seating fitting in different directions, such as any of the 4 directions (Top / Bottom / Left / Right). The assembly includes a junction box having a longitudinal axis with the cable entry located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such as pointing vertically down direction, pointing vertically up direction, or pointing horizontally front direction, or pointing horizontally back direction. The sealing fitting is elbow shaped with one end fixed to the junction box and the other end having an exit opening at 90 degrees to longitudinal axis (also referred to as axial direction, herein) of the junction box.

[0032] In an aspect, the sealing fitting is configured for fitment in different angular positions to give different directions to a cable entry port. The assembly includes a solenoid coil that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction within the junction box. The sealing fitting includes a side cover and a curved elongate portion. The curved elongate portion can be elbow shaped and extends from the side cover such that a free end of the curved elongateportion is oriented perpendicularly to the side cover. The curved elongate portion could be oriented at 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the junction box.

[0033] The junction box and the sealing fitting are configured for being filled with an electrically insulating sealant to mitigate the risk of ignition by restricting the passage of gases, vapors, or flames from one part of the electrical installation within the junction box to another, and from the junction box to other items outside the junction box, thereby limiting explosions to the circuit within the sealed enclosure of the junction box and making the device flame proof.

[0034] In an embodiment, the junction box may include a first end and an open second end. The junction box may define an inner hollow between the first end and the open second end. The open second end of the junction box may be configured for allowing fitment of the sealing fitting in different angular positions. The inner hollow of the junction box may accommodate a circuit to supply electric current to the solenoid coil.

[0035] In an embodiment, the junction box includes at least one cable entry port. The cable entry port may be configured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the junction box. And at least one cable entry port is configured for routing of current carrying cable. The current carrying cable is electrically coupled to a circuit within the junction box.

[0036] In an embodiment, the junction box may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for accommodating the circuit. The current carrying cable from at least one cable entry port may be electrically coupled to the PCB

[0037] The sealing fitting is used to fill an electrically insulating sealant within the junction box.

[0038] Ability to change relative orientation of the cable entry port and the exit opening provides flexibility for installation in different situation without having to provide different assemblies, each with different specific relative orientation of the cable entry port and the exit opening, thereby helping in reducing variety and corresponding cost advantages.

[0039] Referring now to FIGs. 1A to 3, where a front view of the proposed solenoid assembly 100 (hereinafter referred to as a “solenoid assembly 100” or simply as “assembly 100”) with an integrated sealing fitting is disclosed. The solenoid assembly 100 can include a junction box 104 having a first end 104A and a second end 104B. The second end 104B can be an open end providing access to inside of the junction box 104. The junction box 104 can be configured for housing a circuit there within. The assembly 100 can include a solenoid coil 102 assembled within the junction box 104, such as close to the first end 104A, as shown inFIG.1A, while the sealing fitting 112 can be fitted to the second end 104B of the junction box 104.

[0040] The sealing fitting 112 can include a side cover 112A and a curved elongate portion 112B. A radially extended flange 112C with 4 mounting holes, such as the holes 112D-1 and 112D-2 (collectively referred to as set of holes 112D, or simply as holes 112D, herein), can be provided on one end of the curved elongate portion 112B. The other end of the curved elongate portion 112B can have the exit opening 120 (refer to FIG. IB) that provides fluidic connectivity to the inside of the junction box 104. The exit opening 120 can have internal threads for removable fitment of a plug 114. The flange 112C extends radially outwards from the side cover 112A and is configured to abut a flat surface of the second end 104B of the junction box 104 to cover and close the open second end 104B of the junction box 104.

[0041] The mounting holes 112D-1 are located on the flange 112C and can accommodate fasteners, such as screws 118, for assembling the sealing fitting 112 on the opened second end 104B of the junction box such that the side cover 112A can be completely seated within the open second end 104B.

[0042] The plug 112A fitted to the exit opening 120 can be unthreaded for a sealant to be poured into the curved elongate portion 112B such that the poured sealant flows to inside of the junction box 104, sealing the circuit and filling the inside of the junction box 104 completely.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the poured sealant seals the circuit within the junction box 104 to prevent the propagation of flames or gases through the inner hollow of the sealing fitting 112 having one or more channels, minimizing explosion pressures and enhancing the overall safety of electrical installations within the junction box 104. Further, the plug 114 can be fitted back to the exit opening of the sealing fitting 112 to close the exit opening after pouring the sealant into the junction box 104.

[0044] The solenoid coil 102 can be an encapsulated coil within the inner hollow of the junction box 104 where the solenoid coil 102 can be electrically coupled to the circuit.

[0045] The cable entry port 106 configured on a bottom portion of the junction box 104 can be configured for receiving a current carrying cable. The current carrying cable fitted through the cable entry port 106 can be electrically coupled to a circuit located in the junction box 104.

[0046] FIGs, 2A to 2D show different possible positions of the sealing fitting 112. For example, the sealing fitting 112 can be fitted such that the exit opening 120 is oriented in the direction opposite the bottom cable entry port 106, as shown in FIG.2A, or can be fitted suchthat the exit opening 120 is oriented in the same direction as the bottom cable entry port 106, as shown in FIG.2B, or can be fitted such that the exit opening 120 is oriented in an orthogonal direction to the bottom cable entry port 106 facing a front side, as shown in FIG.2C, or can be fitted such that the exit opening 120 is oriented in the orthogonal direction to the bottom cable entry port 106 facing a back side, as shown in FIG.2D.

[0047] It is to be appreciated that while the embodiments have been described with reference to four holes provided on the flange, it is possible to have any other number of equi-spaced holes to have corresponding number of multiple orientations for the exit opening 120, and all such variations are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations, whatsoever.

[0048] In an embodiment, the assembly 100 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 116 located within the junction box 104, fitted with one or more screws or bolts, as shown in FIG.3

[0049] In an embodiment, the inner hollow of the junction box 104 between the solenoid coil 102 and the bottom cable entry port 106 can accommodate an actuator (not shown here) of the solenoid coil 104. The coil 102 can be electrically connected to the circuit within the junction box 104, for the coil to receive current, such that, on receipt of current, the coil 102 is energized to linearly actuate the actuator. The solenoid coil 102 may receive electric current from a current-supplying circuit configured on the PCB 116 located within the junction box 104.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the curved elongate portion 112B of the sealing fitting 112 can be cylindrical in cross section. The circuit can be configured on the PCB 116. The attachment means of PCB 116 can be a bolt and nut assembly or just screws. The attachment means of sealing fitting 112 can be Screws 118 which could be configured for allowing the sealing fitting 112 to be opened to access the circuit within the junction box 104 and / or to arrange the solenoid assembly 100 in the Bottom Cable Entry mode.

[0051] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present disclosure provides a simple, compact, and efficient a solenoid assembly with an integrated sealing fitting.

[0053] The present disclosure eliminates the need for separate installation of the sealing fitting on the solenoid assembly.

[0054] The present disclosure reduces the number of components required by combining the solenoid assembly and sealing fitting into a single unit, making it more compact and easier to install.

[0055] The present disclosure prevents propagation of flames or gases from one channel to other channel within the inner hollow of the junction box.

[0056] The present disclosure prevents flexibility to customise by changing the direction of cable entry to any of the four directions (Top / Bottom / Left / Right) during installation of the solenoid by moving the position of sealing fitting by 90 degree.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A solenoid assembly with integrated sealing fitting, the solenoid assembly (100) comprising;a junction box (104) having a first end (104A) and a second end (104B) spaced apart along an longitudinal axis (L-L) of the junction box (104), and a cable entry port (106) configured to allow a cable to enter the junction box (104) from a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the junction box (104);a solenoid coil (102) fixed to the junction box (104); anda sealing fitting (112) fixed to the junction box (104) at the second end (104B) of the junction box (104) through a set of fasteners (118) fitted through a set of holes (112D) provided on the sealing fitting (112), the sealing fitting (112) having an exit opening (120) that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the junction box (104);wherein the set of holes (112D) is configured to allow fitment of the sealing fitting (112) to the second end (104B) of the junction box (104) in different angular orientations about the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the junction box (104), thereby allowing different angular orientations of the exit opening (120) of the sealing fitting (112) relative to the cable entry port (106).

2. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing fitting (112) comprises a side cover (112A) and an elbow shaped curved elongate portion (112B) extending from the side cover (112A), and wherein a free end of the curved elongate portion (112B) comprises the exit opening (120).

3. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second end (104B) of the junction box (104) is an open end and the side cover (112A) is configured to cover and seal the open second end (104B).

4. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sealing fitting (112) comprises a flange (112C) located adjacent the side cover (112A) such that the flange (112C) sits over an outer surface of the second end (104B) of the junction box (104).

5. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the junction box (104) comprises a set of threaded holes matching the set of holes (112D) provided on the flange (112C) of the sealing fitting (112) to receive the fasteners (118) inserted through the set of through holes provided on the flange.

6. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the set of threaded holes and the set of holes (112D) comprises four holes spaced at 90 degrees, thereby allowing fitment of the sealing fitting (112) to the second end (104B) of the junction box (104) in four different angular orientations such that the exit opening (120) of the sealing fitting (112) relative to the cable entry port (106) is any of a up direction, a down direction, a back direction and a front direction.

7. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the junction box (104) comprises a lateral hole located close to the first end (104A) for fitment of the solenoid coil (102).

8. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner hollow of the junction box (104) accommodates a circuit to supply electric current to the solenoid coil (102).

9. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cable entry port (106) is configured for routing of a current carrying cable electrically coupled to the circuit within the junction box (104).

10. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the junction box (104) comprises a Printed Circuit Board (116) for accommodating the circuit.

11. The solenoid assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the junction box (104) and the sealing fitting (112) are configured for being filled with an electrically insulating sealant poured through the exit opening (120) for flame proofing of the solenoid assembly (100).

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