Electrical component assembly

Abstract

An electrical component assembly comprising a mounting unit (2; 62), a mounting device (7; 67), the electrical component (1; 61), one or more fasteners (6; 66) and an outer element (4; 64), in which the one or more fasteners (6; 66) is arranged on the outer element (4; 64) is provided. The mounting unit (2; 62) is designed to receive a mounting device (7; 67), and the mounting device (7) is configured to receive the electrical component (1). Mounting means (7; 67) relative to the mounting unit (2; 62), the position of the housing (2; 62) and / or the mounting means (7) comprise one or more fastening means (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94), the fastening means (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94) is configured to be releasably connected to the one or more fasteners (6; 66), and the fastening means (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94) and a fastener (6; 66) are operable to urge towards each other, whereby the outer element (4; 64) and a mounting device (7; 67) is releasably secured to the mounting unit (2; 62).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical component assembly as defined in claim 1 and to a mounting method as defined in claim 13 and claim 14. Background Art

[0002] Prior art includes US 6 166 329, which describes an electrical device assembly for mounting behind a wall surface. The assembly includes an electrical device mechanically attached to a mounting plate, and a rigid protector extending over the device to protect the device during wall construction. The hard metal protector enables a continuous sheet of drywall or other wall material suspended in place on the device to be cut through by a saw or router without the risk of damaging the device due to accidental contact with the cutting blade. In order to facilitate on-site installation of the wall-mounted electrical device, the assembly can be provided as a pre-wired assembly, wherein the device is mounted and wired in a standard junction box, from which wires extend into a wire conduit. The assembly is mounted directly to an internal wall support before the wall covering material (e.g. drywall or panel) is installed. A disadvantage of the prior art is that it cannot accommodate wall panels of different thicknesses. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe further characteristics of the invention.

[0004] Therefore, an electrical component assembly is provided, the electrical component assembly comprising a mounting unit, a mounting device, an electrical component, one or more fasteners and an external element, wherein the one or more fasteners are arranged in the external element, characterized in that

[0005] - the mounting unit is configured to receive a mounting device, and the mounting device is configured to receive an electrical component (1);

[0006] - the position of the mounting device relative to the mounting unit is adjustable;

[0007] - the housing and / or the mounting means comprises one or more fastening means configured to be releasably connected to the one or more fasteners; and

[0008] The fastening device and the fastening element are operable to be urged towards each other, whereby the outer element and the mounting device are releasably fixed to the mounting unit.

[0009] In one embodiment,

[0010] - the mounting unit comprises a portion which is shaped and configured for receiving the mounting device and wherein the portion comprises a connecting structure arranged inside;

[0011] - the electrical component comprises an outer contour corresponding to the outer shape of the mounting device; and

[0012] - The one or more fasteners are configured for securing the external element to the mounting device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mounting device comprises a plurality of connecting devices, the connecting devices comprising locking members configured to releasably interlock with corresponding parts of the connecting structure in the part. The mounting device may comprise recesses, and the connecting devices may be movably arranged in the respective recesses.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting means comprises one or more receiving portions for corresponding fasteners, and the one or more receiving portions are arranged adjacent to the corresponding connecting means, whereby when the fasteners engage the receiving portions, the connecting means are forced into locking engagement with the portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outer contour, the inner shape of the portion and the outer shape of the mounting device have complementary shapes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mounting unit includes one or more fastening devices, which are configured to be releasably connected to the one or more fasteners; and the one or more fastening devices include channels arranged in the mounting unit and adjustment screws shaped and configured to be releasably connected to the corresponding channels, and each adjustment screw includes an interface portion constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the corresponding fastener.

[0017] In one embodiment, the one or more fasteners include a threaded screw, and a threaded portion of the fastening screw extends through the outer member and is configured to threadably engage the interface portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the interface portion comprises an internal bore configured to receive a corresponding threaded portion of said fastening screw.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mounting device comprises a chassis shaped and configured to be inserted via a portion into a cavity in the mounting unit and shaped and configured to receive the electrical component. In one embodiment, the external element is a cover having a receiving portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a protective cover which is configured to be removably arranged on the mounting device at a side of the mounting device facing away from the mounting unit.

[0021] A method for installing the electrical component assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention is also provided; it is characterized in that:

[0022] a) arranging the electrical component in a mounting device, and arranging the mounting device in a mounting unit;

[0023] b) engaging one or more fasteners with corresponding one or more fastening devices; and

[0024] c) operating the one or more fasteners to releasably secure the external element, the mounting device and the electrical component to each other and to the mounting unit.

[0025] A method for installing an electrical component assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is also provided; the method being characterized in that:

[0026] a) arranging the electrical component in the mounting unit and arranging the mounting device in the mounting unit such that the electrical component is at least partially received in the mounting device;

[0027] b) engaging one or more fasteners with corresponding one or more fastening devices; and

[0028] c) operating the one or more fasteners to releasably secure the external element, the mounting device and the electrical component to each other and to the mounting unit.

[0029] In a method of installing an electrical component assembly of the present invention in a second embodiment;

[0030] - step b) comprises inserting the external element into the mounting device so that one or more fasteners cooperate with the bores in the corresponding adjusting screws, and

[0031] - Step c) comprises rotating the fastener until the fastener is securely engaged with the drilled hole and continued rotation of the fastener will also cause the adjusting screw to rotate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of an embodiment of the invention given as a non-limiting example with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical component assembly according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a mounting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted inside a mounting box;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of the area marked “A” in FIG.

[0037] Figure 5 are a front view (upper figure) and a cross-sectional view (lower figure) taken along section AA of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention installed in a wall of a first configuration;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Magnified view of the area marked “B” in FIG.

[0039] Figure 7 and Figure 5 corresponding, but illustrating the assembly according to the invention installed in a wall of a second configuration;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Magnified view of the area marked “C” in FIG.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention mounted behind a wall element, the assembly further comprising a cover plate covering the electrical component at the hole in the wall element;

[0042] Fig.10 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention mounted behind a wall element, and the electrical device is an electrical switch;

[0043] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrical component assembly according to the present invention;

[0044] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 a sectional view of a view of;

[0045] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 Another exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0046] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 a sectional view of a view of;

[0047] Fig.15 It's a picture. Fig.11 A perspective view of the assembly sequence of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0048] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 a sectional view of a view of;

[0049] Fig.17 is with Fig.16 a corresponding partially cutaway perspective view; and

[0050] Fig.18 and Fig.17 The installation sequence is corresponding and illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following description may use terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "front and back", "upper and lower", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front", "back", etc. These terms generally refer to the viewing angles and orientations shown in the drawings and are associated with normal use of the invention. The terms are used only for the convenience of the reader and should not be limiting.

[0052] The electric component assembly according to the present invention comprises, in a first embodiment, a mounting unit 2, a mounting device 7, an electric component 1 and an external element 4. Figure 1 In the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the mounting unit 2 is a housing configured to receive the mounting device 7 and the electrical component 1. The housing 2 is configured to be connected to a wall structure (e.g., a shelf or a beam; not shown) in a manner known in the art, for example via a bracket 8, and the housing 2 includes one or more cable conduit receiving portions 9. The electrical component 1 is provided with holes 18, which are aligned with corresponding holes in the external element 4 and corresponding receiving portions 15 in the mounting device 7. The cover 4 can be connected to the mounting device 7 by fasteners 6 in the form of threaded screws in the illustrated embodiment, and the connection method will be explained below. The mounting device 7 is configured to receive the electrical component 1. Therefore, connecting the external element 4 to the mounting device 7 will also connect the electrical component 1 to the mounting device 7.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical component 1 is a duplex electrical socket, and the cover 4 includes two corresponding receiving portions 5. The present invention should not be limited to Figure 1 The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is preferred because the electrical component may be any electrical component suitable for installation in the housing 2 ; for example a simplex electrical socket, a thermostat or an electrical switch having a cover with a single receiving portion. Fig.10 The latter example illustrated in shows the electrical component as an electrical switch 1 ′ mounted in a housing 2 , and the external element is a toggle switch 4 ′.

[0054] Refer again Figure 1, the mounting unit 2 comprises a portion 22 shaped and configured to receive the mounting device 7. The portion 22 comprises a connection structure 10 arranged inside and comprising grooves (ridges and valleys), the purpose and function of which will be described below. The electrical component 1 comprises an outer contour 23 corresponding to the outer shape of the mounting device 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour 23, the inner shape of the portion 22 and the outer shape of the mounting device 7 are circular, but the invention is not limited to such geometries, as long as these geometries are complementary.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 2 , the mounting device 7 comprises a retaining structure 11, which is here in the form of a groove (ridges and valleys) arranged on the outer side of the mounting device 7 and is configured to form a releasable interlocking connection with the connecting structure (groove) 10 in the part 22. The retaining structure 11 preferably comprises a flexible ridge, thereby allowing the mounting device 7 to move relative to the part 22 in the mounting unit 2.

[0056] The mounting device 7 further comprises a plurality of connection means 12 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are arranged in corresponding recesses 17 in the outer surface of the mounting device 7. The connection means 12 comprise locking members 13, here grooves (ridges and valleys), which are configured for releasably interlocking with corresponding parts of the connection structure (i.e. the groove) 10 in the portion 22. The connection means 12 are movably connected to the mounting device 7 in a manner known per se in the art, for example via lugs 17 extending through corresponding slits 16 in the mounting device 7.

[0057] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the connecting devices 12 are arranged near the above-mentioned receiving portions 15, and the connecting devices 12 each include a spring member 19, which abuts against the connecting structure 10 and thus helps to press the connecting device 12 into its recess 14. The mounting device 7 can therefore move back and forth in the part 22. However, when the above-mentioned fastener (screw) 6 is inserted into its corresponding receiving portion 15, the spring force is overcome and the connecting device 12 (due to the fastener 6) is forced outwards, so that the locking member (external groove) 13 interlocks with the corresponding part of the connecting structure (groove) 10 of the part 22 of the mounting unit 2. Therefore, as long as the fastener 6 is in place, the mounting device 7 is securely locked to the mounting unit 2. Referring again to Figure 1, which means that when the fastener 6 is in place as described, the electrical component 1 is also securely locked to the mounting unit 2. The electrical component 1 is clamped between the external element 4 and the mounting device 7 by means of the fastener extending through the hole 18. The outer contour 23 of the electrical component corresponds to the outer shape of the mounting device 7, and the outer shape of the device 7 corresponds to the inner shape of the portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour 23, the inner shape of the portion 22 and the outer shape of the mounting device 7 are circular, but the invention is not limited to such geometries as long as these geometries are complementary and allow for the same. Figure 1 Assemble as shown in .

[0058] When installing the assembly of the invention, the mounting unit 2 is initially connected to a building element (e.g. a shelf or beam in a wall structure; not shown) in a manner known in the art, for example via brackets 8. At this stage, the electrical components 1 and mounting devices 7 can be arranged inside the mounting unit 2, and electrical cables (not shown) can be connected to the electrical components 1. The cables extend through the cable duct receiving portion 9 and into the cable duct (not shown) in a manner known in the art. Fig. 9 , a temporary cover plate 21 is placed in front of the electric component 1. The temporary cover plate 21 holds the mounting device 7 and the electric component 1 in place and protects the electric component.

[0059] The covering element 3 (eg panel, drywall, plasterboard) is then connected to the building element and is provided with holes corresponding to the outer shape of the part 22 of the mounting unit (see also Figure 1 ). When the covering element 3 is in place, the temporary cover plate 21 can be removed and the external element 4 can be connected to the mounting device 7 as described above.

[0060] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The assembly of the invention is shown mounted behind a cover element 3 with the portion 22 extending through a hole in the cover element. Figure 7 and Figure 8 A similar mounting configuration is shown, but the difference is that Figure 7 and Figure 8 The covering element 3' is Figure 5 and Figure 6 The assembly of the invention can accommodate such different thicknesses because the mounting device 7 is slidably arranged in the mounting unit 2, more specifically in the portion 22, as described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the mounting device 7 is in the maximum rearward position, against the stop member 20, and in Figure 7 and Figure 8In FIG. 2 , the mounting device 7 is in a maximum forward position, at a distance d from the stop member 20. It will be appreciated that the mounting device 7 may be connected to the portion 22 at any intermediate position by means of the features described above.

[0061] Refer to the following Figures 11 to 18 A second embodiment of the electric component assembly of the present invention is described.

[0062] First refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 According to a second embodiment, the electrical component assembly according to the invention comprises a mounting unit in the form of a housing 62, which is configured to be connected to a wall structure (e.g., a shelf or a beam; not shown) in a manner known in the art, for example via a bracket 68 and comprises one or more cable duct receiving portions 69.

[0063] The mounting means in the form of chassis 67 is shaped and configured to be inserted into a cavity 95 in the housing 62 via an opening 82, which is shaped and configured to receive the chassis 67. The chassis 67 is shaped and configured to receive an electrical component 61, which in the illustrated embodiment is an electrical socket. Reference numeral 91 denotes an electrical cable connected to the electrical component, and reference numeral 92 denotes a grounding connector. An external element in the form of a cover 64 having a fastener in the form of a receiving portion 65 and a screw 66 is configured to be connected to the housing 62 in the manner described below. Reference numeral 81 denotes a temporary protective cover or dust cover that can be placed on the chassis 67 to protect the electrical component 61 before the entire electrical component assembly is installed.

[0064] A pair of fastening screws 66 are arranged in the cover 64 in a manner known per se in the art, and each screw extends below the cover, such as Fig.11 and Fig.12 . A pair of passages 94 are arranged in the housing 62, and corresponding adjustment screws 93 are shaped and configured to be releasably connected to the corresponding passages 94. Each adjustment screw 93 includes an interface portion 97, which is configured and arranged to receive a portion of a corresponding fastening screw. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface portion 97 includes an internal, preferably threaded bore 98, which is configured to receive the threaded end of the corresponding fastening screw. The present invention should not be limited to this number, but may include fewer or more fastening screws, passages and adjustment screws.

[0065] When installing the assembly of the present invention, the mounting unit 62 is initially connected to a building element (e.g., a shelf or beam in a wall structure; not shown) in a manner known in the art, for example, via brackets 68. At this stage, the electrical component 61 and the mounting device 67 are arranged inside the mounting unit 62, and the cable 91 can be connected to the electrical component 61. The cable extends through the cable duct receiving portion 69 and into the cable duct (not shown). A temporary cover plate 81 is placed in front of the electrical component 61 and serves to protect the electrical component.

[0066] A covering element (e.g. a panel, drywall, plasterboard, not shown) is then connected to the building element and is provided with holes corresponding to the outer shape of the portion 82 of the mounting unit. When this covering element is in place, the temporary cover plate 81 can be removed and the outer element 64 can be connected to the mounting means 67 as described above.

[0067] Fig.13 and Fig.14 The diagram shows an electrical component assembly in an intermediate installation stage. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As viewed in the lower portion of the housing 62, the electrical components 61 have been arranged in the cavity inside the housing 62, and the cables 91 have been connected to the electrical components. The adjustment screws 93 are in place in the corresponding channels 94, and the chassis (mounting device) 67 with the cover 81 has been partially inserted into the housing portion 82. Although not shown, the housing 62 has been connected to a support structure (not shown), and this part of the assembly can remain in this intermediate installation stage until the external element 64 ( Fig.13 and Fig.14 until the time when the upper part of the wall structure has been completed, for example.

[0068] Fig.15 and Fig.16 Pictured Fig.13 and Fig.14 The temporary cover 81 has been removed and the outer element 64 has been inserted into the base frame 67. At this stage, the fastening screws 66 have been engaged with the interface portions 97 on the corresponding adjustment screws 93. Fig.17 This is also illustrated. The outer element 64 may have been inserted into the chassis until it comes to bear against a wall (not shown) surrounding the housing portion 82 and the chassis 67 .

[0069] At this stage, rotating the set screw 66 will cause the threaded end of the set screw to engage with the interface portion 97 on the corresponding adjustment screw 93. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface portion 97 includes a bore 98 that extends a certain distance inside the adjustment screw. The bore 98 may include threads that are complementary to the threaded end of the set screw, or other structures or materials that interact with the set screw. Therefore, when the set screw reaches the bottom of the interface portion (i.e., the internal coaxial bore 98), continued rotation of the set screw will cause the adjustment screw 93 to rotate inside the channel 94. The threaded portion 96 on the adjustment screw 93 will advance the adjustment screw 93 in the channel 94, and thereby pull the external element 64 and the electrical component 61 further into the cavity 94, as shown by Fig.17 and Fig.18 Thus, the outer element can be moved until it bears against the wall panel and thus adapts to the wall panel thickness.

[0070] exist Figures 11 to 18 In the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the electrical component 91 is a duplex electrical socket, and the cover 64 includes two corresponding receiving portions 65. However, the present invention should not be limited to this type, because the electrical component can be any electrical component suitable for installation in the housing 62; for example, a simplex electrical socket, a thermostat, or an electrical switch having a cover with a single receiving portion.

[0071] The electrical component assembly of the present invention can accommodate different wall panel thicknesses because the chassis (mounting device) 67 is slidably arranged in the mounting unit 62, more specifically in the portion 82, as described above.

Claims

1. An electrical component assembly, comprising a mounting unit (2; 62), a mounting device (7; 67), an electrical component (1; 61), one or more fasteners (6; 66) and an external element (4; 64), wherein: One or more of the fasteners (6; 66) are arranged in the outer element (4; 64), characterized in that The mounting unit (2; 62) is configured to receive the mounting device (7; 67), and the mounting device (7) is configured to receive the electrical component (1); - the position of the mounting device (7; 67) relative to the mounting unit (2; 62) is adjustable; - the housing (2; 62) and / or the mounting device (7) comprises one or more fastening means (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94), the fastening means (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94) being configured for releasable connection to one or more of the fasteners (6; 66); and - the fastening means (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94) and the fastener (6; 66) are operable to be urged towards each other, whereby the external element (4; 64) and the mounting means (7; 67) are releasably fixed to the mounting unit (2; 62).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein - the mounting unit (2) comprises a portion (22) shaped and configured to receive the mounting device (7), and wherein the portion (22) comprises a connection structure (10) arranged inside; - the electrical component (1) comprises an outer contour (23) corresponding to the outer shape of the mounting device (7); and - One or more of the fasteners (6) are configured for securing the external element (4) to the mounting device.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting device (7) comprises a plurality of connection devices (12) comprising locking members (13) configured to releasably interlock with corresponding portions of the connection structure (10) in the portion (22).

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting device (7) comprises a recess (14), and the connecting device (12) is movably arranged in the corresponding recess.

5. An assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein The mounting device (7) comprises one or more receiving portions (15) for corresponding fasteners (6), and one or more of the receiving portions are arranged near the corresponding connecting device (12), whereby when the fastener (6) engages with the receiving portion (15), the connecting device (12) is forced into locking engagement with the part (22).

6. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The outer contour (23), the inner shape of the portion (22) and the outer shape of the mounting device (7) have complementary shapes.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting unit (62) includes one or more fastening devices (93, 94), which are configured to be releasably connected to one or more of the fasteners (66); and one or more of the fastening devices include a channel (94) arranged in the mounting unit (62) and an adjustment screw (93) shaped and configured to be releasably connected to the corresponding channel (94), and each adjustment screw (93) includes an interface portion (97) constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the corresponding fastener (66).

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein: One or more of the fasteners (66) comprises a threaded screw, and a threaded portion of the fastening screw (66) extends through the outer member (64) and is configured to threadably engage the interface portion (97).

9. An assembly according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein The interface portion (97) includes an internal bore (98) configured to receive a corresponding threaded portion of the fastening screw (66).

10. An assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The mounting device comprises a chassis (67) shaped and configured to be inserted into a cavity (95) in the mounting unit (62) via a portion (82), and the chassis (67) is shaped and configured to receive the electrical component (61).

11. An assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein The outer element (64) is a cover having a receiving portion (65).

12. The assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a protective cover (81), which is configured to be removably arranged on the mounting device (67) on a side of the mounting device (67) facing away from the mounting unit (62).

13. A method of installing an electrical component assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: a) arranging the electrical component (1) in the mounting device (7), and arranging the mounting device in the mounting unit (2); b) connecting one or more of the fasteners (6) to corresponding one or more of the fastening devices (15, 10, 11, 12; 93, 94) joining; and c) operating one or more of the fasteners (6) to releasably secure the external element (4), the mounting device (7) and the electrical component (1) to each other and to the mounting unit (2).

14. A method of installing an electrical component assembly as defined in any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: a) arranging the electrical component (61) in the mounting unit (62), and arranging the mounting device (67) in the mounting unit (62), so that the electrical component (61) is at least partially received in the mounting device (67); b) engaging one or more of said fasteners (66) with corresponding one or more of said fastening means (93, 94); and c) operating one or more of the fasteners (66) to releasably secure the external element (64), the mounting device (67) and the electrical component (61) to each other and to the mounting unit (62).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: - step b) comprises inserting said external element (64) into said mounting device (67) so that one or more of said fasteners (66) cooperate with a bore (98) in a corresponding adjusting screw (93), and - Step c) comprises rotating the fastener (66) until the fastener (66) is securely engaged with the bore (98), and continued rotation of the fastener (66) will also cause the adjusting screw (93) to rotate.

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