Patent Application
20100291782
The present invention is directed to grommets. More particularly, the present invention relates to grommets that provide protection of electrical wires and other vulnerable materials that pass through solid materials, such as metal sheets.
Oftentimes, it is necessary to cut a hole in metal so that a material (e.g., an electrical wire or cable) can be passed from one side to the other side of the metal. Frequently, that hole has sharp edges, which can damage the materials passing through the metal. For example, electrical wires, cord, rope, lacings, or other soft vulnerable material passing through the hole can become abraded or cut. To avoid such damage, it may be desirable to use a grommet, which shields the wire from damage.
However, many grommets cause unnecessary strain on the delicate materials passing through their centers. In particular, when a wire is required to travel at an angle to go through a connector or a metal sheet, the grommet may damage the wire. Moreover, although conventional connector grommets may include one or more sealing webs, because the webs have a reduced or shortened length, the webs do not provide an effective seal, particularly a water proof seal.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a grommet for an electrical connector that comprises a main insulative body that defines a longitudinal axis. The inner bore is at least one inner bore extending through the main insulative body along the longitudinal axis and adapted to receive a wire. The inner bore is defined by a funnel shaped entry area, a contact receiving area opposite the entry area, and an extended longitudinal sealing web that is disposed between the entry area and the contact receiving area. The extended longitudinal sealing web is configured to provide a large surface area for continuous sealing contact with the wire.
The present invention also relates to a grommet for an electrical connector that comprises a main insulative body, and a plurality of inner bores that extend through the main insulative body. Each of the inner bores extend along a longitudinal axis of the main insulative body and are configured to receive a wire. Each inner bore is defined by a funnel shaped entry area, a contact receiving area opposite the entry area, and an extended longitudinal sealing web disposed between the entry area and the contact receiving area. The extended longitudinal sealing web is configured to provide a large surface area for continuous sealing contact with the wire.
The present invention also relates to an electrical connector that comprises a connector body adapted to support a contact; and a grommet received in the connector body. The grommet includes a main insulative body that defines a longitudinal axis, and at least one inner bore that extends through the main insulative body along the longitudinal axis and adapted to receive a wire. The inner bore is defined by a funnel shaped entry area, a contact receiving area opposite the entry area for receiving the contact, and an extended longitudinal sealing web disposed between the entry area and the contact receiving area. The extended longitudinal sealing web is configured to provide a large surface area for continuous sealing contact with the wire.
The present invention relates to a method of making a grommet for an electrical connector that comprises the steps of injection molding a main body using an elastomer or rubber material, and forming at least one inner bore in the main body such that the inner bore includes a funnel shaped entry area, a contact receiving area opposite the entry area, and an extended longitudinal sealing web disposed between the entry area and the contact receiving area, wherein the extended longitudinal sealing web is shaped to provide a large surface area for continuous sealing contact with a wire.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements.
Referring to
As seen in
The entry area 210 is preferably funnel shaped to allow for easy installation of the wire 20. The funnel shaped wall 212 of the entry area 210 tapers to the longitudinal strain relief web 220. The strain relief web 220 is a short straight section that provides strain relief to the wire 20, thereby enabling the wire inside to remain straight in the extended longitudinal sealing web 240. The strain relief web 220 also helps maintain the integrity of the extended longitudinal sealing web 240. For example, if the strain relief web 220 is stretched, the extended longitudinal sealing web 240 remains intact, thereby avoiding gaps and leaks.
The strain relief web 220 ends at the intermediate area 230. The intermediate area 230 is generally funnel shaped and extends towards the contact receiving area 250 and away from the entry area 210. The intermediate area 230 may have a plurality of walls including a first ramped wall 232 extending from the strain relief web 220, and a second ramped wall 234 extending toward the sealing web 240. As seen in
The extended sealing web 240 provides a large surface area that contacts the wire 20 to create a more effective seal than conventional grommets. The sealing web 240 preferably has a diameter that is less than or equal to the diameter of the wire 20. The sealing web 240 also preferably has a smooth continuous surface, that is no ridges or ribs, for sealing contact with the wire. Because the sealing web 240 creates a large surface area for contacting the wire, a water-proof seal is created even where the wire includes irregularities, such as ridges in the insulation of the wire.
As seen in
The grommet 100 may be made by injection molding a rubber or elastomer material. The grommet is preferably made of a flurosilicone rubber. The rubber is injected into a funnel hopper, dumped into a preheater, and into an injection barrel. The rubber is then poured into the mold and is cooled. The mold is then opened and the grommet is ejected.
Referring to
Referring to
While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
