LOCKING AND UNLOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SOCKET SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking and unlocking mechanism for a socket system. State of the art

[0002] Sockets are known as electrical connectors between wires. Live sockets are sockets or couplers, as their design is "female," meaning the socket has inward-facing contact openings. Plugs can be inserted into the socket. They are either permanently installed on a wall (surface-mounted) or recessed (flush-mounted), or designed as table or multi-socket outlets, etc.

[0003] Tabletop power outlets, for example, have a rectangular housing into which one or more sockets are molded or inserted. A connecting cable is provided to supply power to the outlets; one end of this cable is connected to the sockets, and the other end carries a plug. Tabletop power outlets can also be recessed into the table, for example, by spring force, within various mounting housings.

[0004] DE 202 15 725 U1 shows a "table socket" with an elongated mounting housing made of insulating material with sockets, their power supply lines and end caps made of insulating material on the mounting housing, wherein a compartment with an open front is formed under the mounting housing and this can be closed with a flap, wherein at least one cable holder is arranged inside the flap.

[0005] CN 209 266 770 U discloses a "concealed power panel". The utility model relates to a concealed power panel (1000). The charging device is used for plugging in electrical devices and for charging an information technology device and / or for data transmission. The utility model relates to a socket arrangement (100) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X) to be recessed into the surface of the X-axis and comprises the following: a movable socket system (100) that moves along a vertical Y-axis and relative to a frame housing (200) and comprises: at least one socket, a base (40) with a shaft (70), and a gear (60); the frame housing (200) comprises at least: an outer structure (210), a base (230) with elastic elements (240, 250); a locking system (260) for holding / releasing the movable socket system (100); Clamping means (300) for locking the frame to the surface;The movable socket system (100) can be automatically unfolded by a slight pressure on its outer engagement area (50) and engages in a shaft (70) which is held in place by a locking system (260) by applying manual pressure to the outer engagement area (50).

[0006] EP 2 783 600 A1 relates to a "mounting device for devices in a furniture panel". The holder (1) has a housing (8) with a movable device for extending and retracting the device (2) integrated into the furniture panel. The movable device has a two-way track or guide rail (3) and an oscillating plate (4) for moving the device integrated into the furniture panel from the rest position below the top of the furniture panel to the ready position above the furniture panel and vice versa. The oscillating plate has a pivot shaft (5) with a torsion spring and a guide pin (6) for guiding the oscillating plate. An independent claim relates to a method for integrating a holder into a furniture panel.

[0007] DE 296 22 212 U1 discloses a "retractable socket for accommodating multiple consumers". The retractable socket for accommodating multiple consumers, which is housed in a casing, has a front socket, wherein the casing (1) has a socket (2) on its front, and when the socket (2) is pulled out of the casing (1), several more sockets (3) are found on the sides.

[0008] A disadvantage of these standard electrical outlets is that their height, when installed in furniture panels such as kitchen cabinets, is greater than the thickness of the panel. A considerable depth in the tabletop is required to accommodate them.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a socket outlet that allows for space-saving installation in panels. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The invention is disclosed by the features of the main claim. Embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subsequent claims.

[0011] A locking and unlocking mechanism for a socket system with at least one socket and a socket body is disclosed, wherein the socket body is designed to be slid together or compressed by a sliding mechanism. The socket body can be recessed into a panel, in particular a tabletop, and has an upper, a middle, and a lower socket head. The lower and upper socket heads are each spring-mounted, while the middle socket head is fixed. When recessed into the tabletop, in particular a kitchen tabletop, the socket heads can be pushed together by compressing the spring-mounted upper socket head into the fixed middle socket head and then into the spring-mounted lower socket head. Recessing can also be achieved by pressing, folding, or collapsing.The socket housing, comprising sockets and / or charging ports, is installed in a table, such as a kitchen countertop. When pressed down into the space within or beneath the countertop, the socket can be compressed or pushed together by sliding the upper socket housing into the middle and lower socket housings, as described, thus recessing it into the tabletop. This transforms the socket housing, together with its mounting housing and base, into a retractable socket system.

[0012] This socket system can be installed in a tabletop even at low installation heights, for example above drawers, thanks to the insertion mechanism according to the invention. When the socket body or its individual parts, the individual socket sockets, are pressed or pushed together, it is limited at the front by threaded pins that slide in guide grooves and at the rear by double hooks as stroke limiters.

[0013] The upper and lower spring-mounted socket housings are each guided by, in particular, six guides and, in particular, three springs. These movement devices can be based on other means of motion instead of springs, for example, hydraulically, pneumatically, by rack and pinion gears, or the like. A motor can also be used for movement.

[0014] The socket system features a height-adjustable locking and release mechanism on the base of the socket. This mechanism can be an adjustable cam profile to precisely align the socket body with the surface of the tabletop. A mounting ring with a double-start thread can be attached to the base of the socket. This ring allows the socket body, for example, for a double socket, to be screwed onto the socket via external surfaces. The mounting ring can be secured with screws through pre-drilled holes in an external area. The double-start thread allows the mounting ring to be screwed into the mounting housing from two directions. By choosing the correct screw-in direction, the overall height of the socket system can be further reduced within the limits of the thread.

[0015] When the socket is extended, it opens. Only then can a plug or Schuko plug be inserted. Opening and closing can also be achieved with a touch-sensitive surface, for example, for chargers like touch chargers. Two sockets or chargers can be arranged side by side or opposite each other. After retracting, the socket is closed, and the socket housing can be flush with the surface of the panel in which it is installed.

[0016] The insertion mechanism according to the invention for the socket system, comprising the socket and / or charger or the socket and / or charging port, is designed, for example, as a tower-shaped structure encompassing the three described socket housings. The socket can be extended by pressing down on the top of the structure. In the extended position, the socket system is held by guide bosses arranged around its circumference, ensuring a secure fit in the extended end position. Pressing down retracts the socket. In the retracted position, the socket system of the socket housing is flat, compact, and unobtrusive. The locking and unlocking movement can also be motorized.

[0017] A spring-loaded sealing lip is incorporated into the front section. This makes the socket watertight when retracted and recessed. When extended, the surfaces of the sockets, as well as other devices such as chargers or charging devices, maintain a distance from the table surface, thus minimizing water ingress even when extended. Furthermore, various air inlets and outlets may be present to allow any condensation to escape.

[0018] The socket outlet features high grounding prongs. It can be configured as a single or multiple socket outlet with various shapes, such as round, square, etc. It can be configured as a single to multiple European socket outlets or Schuko socket outlets and / or as an integrated charger such as a USB A / C charger. Combinations such as a double safety socket outlet, a triple or quadruple socket outlet, and / or a USB A / C charger are also conceivable by widening the socket body and the mounting housing. The socket outlet itself is standardized and can be installed in various chassis. The arrangement according to the invention achieves a space saving. This space saving amounts to approximately 10–15 mm when inserted into the panel, as the installation depth and space requirement are significantly reduced by actuating the insertion mechanism. The collapsible socket system, for example, slides approximately [missing information] when pressed into a panel.10 - 15 mm together, thereby reducing the height from approximately 42 mm to approximately 26 to 31 mm.

[0019] A cable routing system may also be present within the mounting housing to prevent cable kinking. Within this area, stripped wires or cables are bundled and routed through a sealed compartment inside the housing. These wires can be secured with one or more cable ties, ensuring that the insertion and retraction process is stress-free.

[0020] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be seen in the following description of the figures, the drawings and the claims.

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the solution according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 shows the figures Fig. 1a bis 1f a socket system with a socket body with at least one socket, wherein Fig. 1a a side view through the individual parts shown apart shows, Fig. 1b Fig. b shows an exploded view in an inclined position and Fig. b shows an exploded view in an upright position. Fig. 1d a top view Fig. 1e a longitudinal section on the pulled-apart individual parts in the cutting direction A - A and Fig. 1f a longitudinal section in the direction B - B, Fig. 2 shows the Figuren 2a bis 2d on, whereby Fig. 2a a longitudinal section through an upright representation of a socket body, Fig. 2b an isometric exterior view at an angle, Fig. 2c a top view and Fig. 2d Fig. 3 shows a further longitudinal section in a lying position. Figuren 3a bis Fig. 3d on, whereby Fig. 3a a longitudinal section through the upright depicted socket body shows, Fig. 3b an isometric exterior view at an angle, Fig. 3c a top view and Fig. 3d Fig. 4 shows a further longitudinal section in a lying position. Fig. 4a bis 4d on, in which the socket system is shown collapsed in this view, whereby Fig. 4a a longitudinal section through the upright depicted socket body shows, Fig. 4b an isometric exterior view in the closed position at an angle, Fig. 4c a top view and Fig. 4d Fig. 5 shows another longitudinal section in a lying position. Fig. 5a bis 5c , where Fig. 5a an exploded view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 5b a side view of the separated individual parts shows and Fig. 5c Another exploded view, shown obliquely from below, is shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6a bis 6c , where Fig. 6a an exploded view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 6b a side view of the separated individual parts shows and Fig. 6c Another exploded view, shown obliquely from below, is shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7a bis 7d on, whereby Fig. 7a a longitudinal section through a medium-sized electrical socket box, Fig. 7b a top view Fig. 7c a further longitudinal section as well as Fig. 7d a longitudinal section in a lying position and Fig. 8 shows the Fig. 8a bis 8g , where Fig. 8a a longitudinal section through the three socket pots in the cutting direction B - B towards Fig. 8e represents the Fig. 8b a longitudinal section through the casing shows, Fig. 8c an oblique view of the longitudinal section Fig. 8a shows, Fig. 8d an oblique view of the longitudinal section Fig. 8b shows, Fig. 8e a top view showing the cutting direction B - B, Fig. 8f an oblique view from the other direction of Fig. 8a represents and Fig. 8g another oblique view after Fig. 8b shows.

[0022] In Fig. 1a Figure 1 shows a locking and unlocking mechanism for a socket system 100. The socket system 100 has a socket body 10. The socket body 10 consists of a lower socket cup 12, a middle socket cup 14, and an upper socket cup 16. The socket cups 12 and 16 are spring-mounted, while the middle socket cup 14 is fixed. When pressed down, the position is reversibly locked by the springs of the two socket cups 12 and 16. By pressing down again, this lock is released, and the socket body 10 with the socket cups 12, 14, and 16 moves back up. Only then are the sockets or chargers to be inserted accessible again. A socket base 18 is provided. A retaining ring 20 is also provided.This mounting ring 20 has a double-start thread and is screwed onto external surfaces, for example, of a double socket outlet. The mounting ring 20 can be secured with screws through pre-drilled holes in an external area. The mounting ring 20 can be used from either side. Due to its double-start thread, the screw-in depth differs between the two sides, resulting in either a greater or a shallower screw-in depth depending on the side chosen. Selecting the side with the flatter profile provides additional height savings when screwing in the ring, further reducing the overall height of the socket system 100. In one embodiment, the mounting ring can also be screwed or glued in place using silicone.

[0023] The middle socket housing 14 can be configured for sockets as well as for chargers, such as USB chargers. It can have at least one or more socket and / or charging ports for the plug-in devices. The upper socket housing 16 has a stroke-limiting groove 22. Furthermore, the upper socket housing 16 has a sealing lip 24, which is spring-mounted. This sealing lip 24 makes the socket system 100 watertight when retracted and minimizes water ingress even when extended.

[0024] The collapsible socket system 100, when pressed into a tabletop, for example, collapses by approximately 10-15 mm, thereby reducing the height from approximately 42 mm to approximately 26-31 mm.

[0025] Fig. 1b shows the arrangement of the individual parts of the socket system in an oblique exploded view of the disassembled system.

[0026] Fig. 1c Figure 1 represents the socket system 100 with the socket housing 10. A first cover plate, in this embodiment a metal cover plate 26, is formed on the top of the upper socket housing 16, and a second metal cover plate 28 is formed on a mounting housing 30 of the central, fixed socket housing 14. These covers can also be made of plastic or another suitable material. An appearance similar to that of the surface of the plate into which the socket system is installed would also be conceivable. When the upper socket housing 16 is inserted into the central socket housing 14, these two metal covers 26 and 28 close flush with each other. At least one, but preferably six, guide sockets 32 are formed in the central socket housing 14. These guide sockets 32 serve to guide the upper socket housing 16 and the lower socket housing 18.Furthermore, at least one, but in particular six, guide domes 34 are provided for the upper socket pot 16 and the lower socket pot 12.

[0027] Fig. 1d shows the position of the cutting planes A - A for the Fig. 1e and B - B for the Fig. 1f .

[0028] Fig. 1e Figure 1 shows the lower, spring-mounted socket housing 12 with a stroke limiter 36 and guide domes 34, the middle, fixed socket housing 14 with guide sockets 32, and the upper, spring-mounted socket housing 16 with a further stroke limiter 36 and guide domes 34. When the sockets are pushed together, the guide domes 36 of the lower socket housing 12 and the upper socket housing 16 are inserted into the respective guide sockets 32 of the middle socket housing 14 from below and above, respectively. The socket base 18 and the retaining ring 20 are also shown.

[0029] In Fig. 1f The socket base 18 is shown, which has a height-adjustable locking and release mechanism. In this embodiment, this mechanism is designed as a heart-shaped cam control 38. The heart-shaped cam control 38 is double spring-mounted. The lower socket housing 12 has a spring-loaded bearing 40.

[0030] Fig. 2 The socket system 100 is shown in its extended state.

[0031] Fig. 2a Figure 1 shows the socket system 100 with the socket body 10 in section, which is formed from the lower socket pot 12, the middle socket pot 14 and the upper socket pot 16. The representation is shown in section line A - A, see figure. Fig. 2c Furthermore, the double-layered cardiac curve control 38 is shown.

[0032] Fig. 2b Figure 1 shows the extended socket system in an isometric view. In this embodiment, two sockets 42 are provided.

[0033] Fig. 2c shows the cutting direction A - A, cf. Fig. 2a , as well as B - B, shown here in a top view. It is shown that the fastening ring 20 is attached to a substrate with screws 44.

[0034] Fig. 2d Figure 1 shows the socket system in the extended state along the section plane B - B. A rear, lower extension stop 46 and a rear, upper extension stop 48 are formed, and the spring-loaded sealing lip 24 is shown.

[0035] Fig. 3 Figure 100 represents the socket system, shown extended, with the upper socket housing 16 retracted or pushed together into the middle socket housing 14. This allows the now reduced-size socket body 10 to be inserted into the mounting housing 30, providing a very compact mounting socket and / or USB charger socket.

[0036] Fig. 3a shows the modified shape of a socket / USB charging socket 42, which is elliptical and no longer round in the section plane A - A by pushing the upper socket pot 16 (hidden in this view, as it is inserted, direction of pushing indicated by an arrow) into the middle socket pot 14.

[0037] Fig. 3b shows the reduced version, which is created by inserting the upper socket pot 16 (hidden in this view because it is inserted) into the middle socket pot 14, and the otherwise rounded design of the socket / USB charging port 42 in an elliptical shape.

[0038] Fig. 3c shows the position of the cutting planes A-A and B-B for the Fig. 3a as well as 3b.

[0039] Fig. 3d The middle socket pot 14 represents the upper socket pot 16, into which the lower socket pot 12 is inserted. The lower socket pot 12 has the double spring-loaded heart curve control 38.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows the state in which the lower socket pot 12 and the upper socket pot 16 are pushed into the middle socket pot 14, thus pushing the lower socket pot 12 and the upper socket pot 16 together.

[0041] Fig. 4a The arrows indicate the insertion direction for the two socket housings 12 and 16. From the outside, only the mounting housing 30 is visible. For this exemplary embodiment, this results in a mounting dimension of approximately 47.50 cm in height. The illustration shows the section plane C - C, as shown in Fig. 4c depicted.

[0042] Fig. 4b The figure shows the retracted or collapsed form of the socket system 100. The first metal cover 26 and the second metal cover 28 are flush with each other, forming a flat surface. When the socket system 100 is installed in a kitchen table, this resulting surface can also be flush with the surface of the kitchen table.

[0043] Fig. 4c The intersection line C - C shows the in Fig. 4a shown section plane.

[0044] Fig. 4d This represents the collapsed state. An adjusting screw 50 is provided, which allows for precise height adjustment in the retracted state.

[0045] Fig. 5 The diagram shows the components of the 100-socket system in an extended, separated state, with the individual assemblies shown detached from one another. The 100-socket system is equipped with European sockets (single, double, or multiple) and / or USB AC / DC chargers (single, double, or multiple).

[0046] Fig. 5a The upper section represents the mounting housing 30, within which the upper socket receptacle 16, the middle socket receptacle 14, and the lower socket receptacle 12 are fully enclosed in their retracted state. The upper socket receptacle 16, the middle socket receptacle 14, and the lower socket receptacle 12 together form the socket body, which is designed as a functional unit. In the present illustration, these individual parts are shown separated and pulled apart. Guide bosses 34 are shown, which are arranged around the circumference and ensure a secure fit in the extended end position.

[0047] Fig. 5b The mounting housing 30 shows the middle socket pot 14, indicating the direction of movement of the upper socket pot 16 into the middle socket pot 14, as well as the opposite direction of movement of the lower socket pot 12 into the middle socket pot 14. Two sockets 42 are provided; one is a USB charging socket, shown on the left from the viewer's perspective, and the other is a power socket, shown on the right from the viewer's perspective.

[0048] Fig. 5c after Fig. 5a The depiction shown there is from a different perspective.

[0049] The Fig. 6 The diagram shows corresponding representations for the middle socket pot 14, into which the lower socket pot 12 and the upper socket pot 16 are inserted. The individual assemblies are also shown separately.

[0050] Fig. 6a The arrows indicate the inserted socket pots 12, 16 into the middle socket pot 14.

[0051] Fig. 6b Figure 42 shows the modified, elliptical design of the socket / USB charging ports, once as a USB charging port, the other time as a socket port.

[0052] Fig. 6c Digit 6a shows the view from below of the mounting ring 20 and the socket base 18.

[0053] Fig. 7 represents different sections in the cutting planes, which are in Fig. 7b The dimensions are specified. A collapsed and retracted state is shown.

[0054] Fig. 7a Section B-B shows a USB charging socket 42. A contact carrier 52 of a protective contact is also shown. Other European contact carriers may be present.

[0055] Fig. 7b shows the cutting planes B - B for the Fig. 7a as well as C - C for the Fig. 7c .

[0056] Fig. 7c The figure shows the components inserted into one another. The adjusting screw 50 allows for adjustment to achieve the same surface height for the socket system 100.

[0057] Fig. 7c A detailed view, marked by a circle, shows the position and design of the sealing lip 24. This sealing lip 24 is spring-mounted and prevents water ingress.

[0058] Fig. 8 represents the arrangement of different springs for pushing together and releasing the locking and unlocking mechanism for the socket system.

[0059] Fig. 8a shows a longitudinal section B - B through the socket body 10.

[0060] Fig. 8b represents the arrangement of insertion and extension springs 54 in the insertion housing 30.

[0061] Fig. 8c shows the socket body 10 from Fig. 8a obliquely from above. Compression springs 56 are provided for extending and retracting the socket body 10. In particular, four or six compression springs 56 can be provided.

[0062] Fig. 8c Figure 30 depicts the insertion housing, showing the view into the interior of the insertion housing 30. The insertion and retraction springs 54 are shown. Furthermore, slide function springs 58 are provided to enable the slide function. For the heart-shaped curve function of the heart-shaped curve control 38 (see Figure 58), the following are shown: Fig. 8f ) at least one cardiac curve compression spring 60 is formed.

[0063] Fig. 8e specifies the cutting direction B - B for the respective longitudinal sections.

[0064] Fig. 8f shows the position of the height-adjustable locking and releasing mechanism, here a heart curve control 38 of the socket body 10.

[0065] Fig. 8gFigure 3 shows the interior of the socket housing 30 in an oblique view from above, looking towards the insertion springs 54.

[0066] All features shown in the description, the following claims and the drawings can be essential to the invention, either individually or in any combination. Reference symbol list

[0067] 10 Socket body 12 Lower socket pot 14 Middle socket pot 16 Upper socket pot 18 Socket base 20 Mounting ring 22 Stroke limiting groove 24 Sealing lip 26 First metal cover 28 Second metal cover 30 Mounting housing 32 Guide bushing 34 Guide dome 36 Stroke limiter 38 Heart curve control 40 Spring bearing 42 Socket / USB charging socket 44 Screw 46 Lower extension stop 48 Upper extension stop 50 Adjusting screw 52 Contact carrier 54 Insertion spring 56 Compression spring 58 Slide function spring 60 Heart curve compression spring 100 socket system A - A section line B - B section line C - C section line -----> Arrow direction indication Push together

Claims

1. Locking and unlocking mechanism for a socket system (100) for installation in a panel, wherein the socket system (100) is designed to be retractable into the panel and for this purpose comprises a socket body (10) having an installation housing (30), characterized in that the socket body (10) comprises a lower socket pot (12), a middle socket pot (14), and an upper socket pot (16), wherein the socket pots (12, 14, 16) are designed to be reversibly collapsible within the installation housing (30), such that the socket body (10) is variable in height, wherein the lower socket pot (12) and the upper socket pot (16) are each spring-mounted and the middle socket pot (14) is designed to be stationary, such that the lower socket pot (12) and the upper socket pot (16) can be reversibly inserted into the middle socket pot (14) and the upper socket pot (16) and the lower socket pot (12) can thereby be collapsed toward one another in the direction toward each other, wherein a first metal cover plate (26) is formed on an upper side of the upper socket pot (16) and a second metal cover plate (28) is formed on the installation housing (30), such that when the upper socket pot (16) is inserted into the middle socket pot (14) into the installation housing (39), the two metal cover plates (26, 28) are flush with one another.

2. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that a socket base (18) and a fastening ring (20) are formed.

3. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one socket receptacle and / or USB charging port (42) is formed in the socket body (10).

4. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the fastening ring (20) has a double-start thread.

5. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper socket pot (16) has a lift-limiting groove (22) and / or a sealing lip (24).

6. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the sealing lip (24) is spring-mounted.

7. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide bushing (32) is formed on the middle socket pot (14), serving to guide the upper socket pot (16) and the lower socket pot (18).

8. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide dome (34) is formed respectively for the upper socket pot (16) and the lower socket pot (12).

9. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rear lower extension stop (46) and at least one rear upper extension stop (48) are formed.

10. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the socket base (18), as a latching and release mechanism, has a heart-shaped cam control (38).

11. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that the heart-shaped cam control (38) is double spring-mounted.

12. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide domes (34) are formed, which are arranged on a circumference of the lower socket pot (12) and ensure a secure seat in the extended end position.

13. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a contact carrier (52) for an earth contact is formed.

14. Locking and unlocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the socket system (100) can be actuated by applying pressure to the first metal cover plate (26), and that this thereby triggers either retraction into the panel or extension out of the panel.