Electrical / electronic device

Abstract

Electrical / electronic device (1) for building installation technology with a central part (3) surrounded by a cover frame (2) and a base part (5) fixed to a support ring (4), wherein a power supply unit (6) can be fixed to the base part (5) and which makes contact with the base part (5), wherein the power supply unit (6) can be detachably connected to the base part (5), wherein the power supply unit (6) has a top surface (15), wherein the base part (5) has a bottom surface (22) opposite the top surface (15) of the power supply unit (6), wherein at least one projection (21) is formed on the top surface (15) of the power supply unit (6), wherein a recess (23) corresponding to the projection (21), which is formed on the bottom surface (22) of the base part, forms a positive fit with the projection (21).wherein the projection (21) has a square cross-section and wherein the projection (21) has a recess which extends orthogonally to the cross-section of the projection (21) at least to the top (15) of the power supply unit (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical / electronic device for building installation technology with a central piece surrounded by a cover frame and a base part fixed to a support ring, wherein a power supply unit can be fixed to the base part, which comes into contact with the base part, wherein the power supply unit can be detachably connected to the base part.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical / electronic device.

[0003] Such electrical or electronic devices are known in a variety of designs in the prior art. These electrical or electronic devices are often designed as safety sockets, orientation lights, data connection devices, switching devices, dimmers, and so on. They are intended for the electrical connection of loads and / or for influencing connected actuators, such as lighting devices, roller shutter controls, blind controls, heating controllers, and so on. Electrical / electronic devices designed as safety sockets and additionally featuring a USB port are now also known.

[0004] EP 2 741 374 B1, for example, discloses an electrical or electronic device for building installation technology, which includes a functional module comprising a USB port. The electrical devices are preferably installed flush in an installation recess in the wall of a building. Such an arrangement has a comparatively complex, space-consuming structure, which makes installation in an installation recess or in an installation box difficult.

[0005] EP 3 483 997 A1 discloses an electrical device with a base that accommodates electrical and / or electronic elements and can be mounted in a standard mounting box for modular products. A device carrier is attached to the base, said device carrier comprising a generally flat frame having a thickness defined between a rear plane for contact with a mounting wall and a front face intended to be covered with at least one finishing element.

[0006] DE 10 2016 111 957 A1 discloses an electronic device for building installation technology, in which a power supply unit has two contact rails which, on the one hand, form contact parts of a connection socket and, on the other hand, designed as plug parts, are in operative contact connection with a clamping spring present in a base part.

[0007] DE 10 2008 060 347 B4 also discloses an electronic device for building systems technology. This device includes an additional module that can be connected to the electronic device in a contact-forming manner.

[0008] During the installation of the aforementioned electrical devices, comparatively large forces act on the individual components. Especially when screwing or attaching connection elements using screw terminals, lateral loads act on the components, which can potentially lead to damage.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an electrical / electronic device and a method for assembling this electrical / electronic device, in which damage-free assembly and operation can be guaranteed.

[0010] This object is achieved in the present invention by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1, firstly in that the voltage supply unit has an upper side, that the base part has an underside opposite the upper side of the voltage supply unit, that at least one projection is formed on the upper side of the voltage supply unit and that a recess corresponding to the projection, which is formed on the underside of the base part, forms a positive connection with the projection.

[0011] A cover frame is a panel for the installation of electrical or electronic devices in a home's electrical system. The cover frame both protects and conceals small electronic components, ensuring a more aesthetic appearance when installed.

[0012] The central piece also serves as protection for electrical contacts, but can also contain a plug-in contact socket for accommodating a plug-in contact, for example the connecting cable of an electrical device.

[0013] The support ring is designed to secure the electrical or electronic component in an installation recess. The support ring can have a larger diameter than the installation recess. For this purpose, the support ring can have a contact surface that rests against the wall surrounding the installation recess. Using suitable fasteners, such as a screw connection, the support ring can be attached to the wall surrounding the installation recess.

[0014] The base part, which comprises a part of the electrical or electronic components necessary for electrically contacting a consumer with the power supply unit, can be fastened to the support ring or at least partially formed in one piece with the support ring.

[0015] The power supply unit is an additional component that may have a housing and can be attached to the base part. The modular design allows different power supply units to be used for different applications, while the base part remains unchanged.

[0016] The power supply unit is detachably connected to the base. "Detachable" in this context means that the power supply unit can be removed from the base without causing damage.

[0017] An advantage of the electrical or electronic device according to the invention is that the positive connection between the projection and the corresponding recess creates an anti-twist feature. Lateral loads are absorbed by the projection, significantly reducing the stress on sensitive electronic components. Especially with electrical components of the aforementioned type, the remaining space for installation in the installation recess can be comparatively small, resulting in greater forces acting on the electrical or electronic device.

[0018] The presence of the additional protrusion also allows for the inclusion of additional functional components, such as USB ports, without having to adjust the size of a conventional socket, for example. This maintains a uniform overall appearance in the building's installation technology.

[0019] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0020] According to the invention, the projection has a square cross-section. Dimensioning or extending the projection in at least two different directions increases the anti-twist protection between the base part and the power supply unit. Consequently, other geometric cross-sections are also conceivable, such as a triangular shape or the shape of any other polygon and / or shapes that do not exhibit rotational symmetry.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention provides for the projection to have a recess that extends orthogonally to the cross-section of the projection at least to the top of the power supply unit. This makes it conceivable that, for example, fastening elements, such as screws for screw terminals, can be screwed into the recess. This creates an additional guide for the fastening elements. This creates an anti-twist device within the smallest possible installation space, which does not impede or block additional functions of the electrical device.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the electrical or electronic device according to the invention, the projection is U-shaped in cross-section. The U-shape simultaneously creates a recess between the U-legs and the U-back, which offers the aforementioned advantages. Due to its multi-directional extension, the U-shape offers improved anti-twist protection, while the projection can be manufactured with minimal material consumption.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two projections and recesses corresponding to the projections are provided. A second projection offers further increased resistance to torsion. Torsional forces can be absorbed by both projections or the corresponding recesses, so that they are evenly distributed. This reduces stress on the material. The positioning of the projections on the top side of the power supply unit can be such that force transmission is optimized for the loads typically encountered during assembly. For example, it would be conceivable for the projections to be arranged in the outer region of the top side of the power supply unit.

[0024] To facilitate the manufacture of the electrical device, a further embodiment of the invention provides for the projection to be formed integrally with the top side. The power supply unit can, for example, have a housing. The top side of the power supply unit can be part of the housing. If the housing is manufactured from an insulating material, for example, by injection molding, the projection(s) can be formed with the housing or the top side. In this way, production steps are eliminated, which further reduces the costs of manufacturing the electrical or electronic device.

[0025] To enable increased absorption of compressive forces, a further embodiment of the electrical or electronic device according to the invention provides that at least the projection is made of a thermoset. A thermoset is a plastic that can no longer be deformed after it has hardened. Thus, the material is better able to absorb or dissipate compressive forces. However, in a further embodiment, production from a thermoplastic is also conceivable.

[0026] It is also conceivable for the projection to be made of a different material than the top surface. Since the projection, in particular, must absorb forces, it can be provided that only the projection is made of a thermoset, while the top surface or, for example, the housing of the power supply unit is made of a thermoplastic.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the electrical or electronic device according to the invention, it is provided that at least one locking element is arranged on the top side of the power supply unit and that a counter-locking element corresponding to the locking element is arranged on the underside of the base part, wherein the locking element and the counter-locking element form a positive connection when the power supply unit is secured to the base part. By means of the locking elements, the base part and the power supply unit can be connected to one another by means of a locking connection. It would be conceivable for the locking elements and / or the counter-locking elements to be designed to be actuable, so that they can be deflected in order to subsequently release the locking connection.For this purpose, for example, an opening can be provided through which the tip of a screwdriver can be inserted to the locking element in order to deflect the locking elements and release the locking connection.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, a further embodiment of the invention can provide for the contacting of the base part and the power supply unit to be realized by means of two contact rails, each of which is connected on the one hand to a connection terminal of the base part and on the other hand to a socket of the power supply unit. The contact rails are made of a non-ferrous metal (for example brass) and are provided with barbs on the base side to ensure that they cannot be removed from the base part without being damaged. Each of the two contact rails can be accommodated in an associated guide channel to save space. After assembly, for example of a power supply board of the power supply unit in a housing of the power supply unit, a housing cover can be secured to the housing in a snap-in manner to ensure that the interior of the power supply unit is functionally closed.

[0029] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method for mounting an electrical / electronic device in an installation recess in a wall, wherein the base part is brought towards the power supply unit in such a way that the at least one projection is brought congruent with the corresponding recess and that, as the base part is brought further towards the power supply unit, at least one positive connection is formed between the at least one projection and the corresponding recess. It is provided that the electrical or electronic device is designed according to the invention. The previous statements regarding the electrical or electronic device according to the invention also apply accordingly, where applicable, to the method according to the invention.

[0030] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0031] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows in principle an electrical / electronic device designed as an electrical plug-in device according to the first exemplary embodiment, equipped with a functional module having a connection unit (USB connection type A), spatially, in an exploded view, Fig. 2 a partially assembled electrical or electronic device according to a further embodiment, Fig. 3 an assembled electrical or electronic device according to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 the embodiment according to Fig. 3 in a top view.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows an electrical / electronic device 1 for building installation technology with a central piece 3 surrounded by a cover frame 2 and a base part 5 fixed to a support ring 4, wherein a voltage supply unit 6 can be fixed to the base part 5, which on the one hand comes into contact with the base part 5 and which on the other hand is provided for the electrical connection of at least one functional module 7, wherein the functional module 7 is assigned to a connection recess 9 provided in the central piece 3 with a connection unit 8.The at least one functional assembly 7 has at least one electrical circuit board 10, which is accommodated in a functional housing 11 fixed to the support ring 4, wherein the at least one electrical circuit board 10 is equipped with a plurality of plug pins 12 for contacting the power supply unit 6 at its first end region facing the power supply unit 6, which plug pins interact in a contact-making manner with a socket strip 13 which is a component of the power supply unit 6, wherein the at least one electrical circuit board 10 is equipped with the at least one electrical connection unit 8 at its second end region assigned to the connection recess 9 of the central piece 3.

[0033] The connector pins 12 of the functional modules 7 are combined to form a connector pin strip. The electrical connection unit 8 is designed as a USB port, whereby different USB port types are conceivable in the application, for example, USB Type-A and USB Type-C. The support ring 4 of the base part 5 is provided on its inner contour with a receiving area 14, which serves to secure the functional housing 11 of the assigned functional module 7. For this purpose, the inner contour of the support ring 3 has notches dimensionally adapted to the functional housing 11. These notches enable, for example, the persons responsible for assembly to fasten the functional housing 11 to the support ring 4 in a locking manner. This locking fastening of the functional housing 11 to the support ring 4 is achieved by a simple plug-in and twisting movement.Once the functional housing 11 is secured to the support ring 4, the associated functional module 7 is mounted by simply plugging this functional module 7 into the interior of the functional housing 11. During the plugging process, the connector pins 12 of the functional module 7 make contact with the socket strip 13 of the power supply unit 6. The connector pins 12 and the socket strip 13 are designed in such a way that a height adjustment of several millimeters between the functional module 7 and the power supply unit 6 is possible. This is necessary so that differently designed electrical / electronic devices (Schuko socket, socket with earth pin, e.g., French / Belgian system, and so on) can be equipped with such a functional module 7 in a modular manner without requiring any modifications to the power supply unit 6.

[0034] Out of Fig. 1 also shows that two guide channels 16 are provided on the outside of the top side 15 of the power supply unit 6, in which two contact rails 17 are arranged to save installation space. Contacting of the base part 5 and the power supply unit 6 is achieved by means of the two contact rails 17, which are each connected to a connection terminal of the base part 5 and to a socket 18 of the power supply unit 6. As already mentioned, each of the two contact rails 17 is accommodated in an associated guide channel 16 to save installation space. After mounting a supply board 19 of the power supply unit 6, a housing cover 20 is finally secured in a locking manner so that the interior of the power supply unit 6 is functionally closed.The contact rails 17 are made of a non-ferrous metal (e.g., brass) and are provided with barbs on the base side to prevent them from being removed from the base part 5 without damaging it. As already mentioned, a coordinated length and insertion depth ratio between the plug pins 12 of the circuit board 10 and the socket strip 13 of the power board 19 achieves a height adjustment of several millimeters. This allows the functional module 7, as already mentioned, to be used in a modular manner for different electrical / electronic devices (Schuko socket, socket with earth pin, e.g., French / Belgian system, and so on) without requiring any modifications to the power supply unit 6. This is necessary because the socket with earth pin (French / Belgian system) is three millimeters flatter than the Schuko socket.

[0035] Due to these different possible designs of the modular electrical or electronic device 1, different forces act on the base part 5 and the power supply unit 6 when mounting the electrical or electronic device 1 in an installation recess, depending on the design. To better absorb these forces and provide protection against twisting, Fig. 2, two U-shaped projections 21 are formed on the top side 15 of the power supply unit 6. The projections 21 are formed integrally with the top side 15 of the power supply unit 6. Recesses 23 corresponding to the projection 21 are incorporated into an underside 22 of the base part 5.

[0036] When the base part 5 and the power supply unit 6 are joined together, a positive connection is created between the projections 21 and the recesses 23. The positive connection of the projections 21 and the corresponding recesses 23 creates an anti-twist feature. Transverse loads are absorbed by the projections 21, significantly reducing the stress on sensitive electronic components.

[0037] The design with two projections 21 further increases the anti-twist security. Torsional forces can be absorbed by both projections 21 or the corresponding recesses 23, so that they are evenly distributed. This reduces stress on the material. The projections 21 are positioned on the upper side 15 of the power supply unit 6 in the outer region of the upper side 15.

[0038] The projections 21 are U-shaped in cross-section. Due to the U-shape, a recess is automatically present between the U-legs and the U-back. Due to the extension in several directions, the U-shape offers improved anti-twist protection, whereby the projection 21 can be manufactured with minimal material consumption. Due to the recess within the U-shape, which extends orthogonally to the cross-section of the projection 21 at least as far as the top side 15 of the power supply unit 6, fastening elements (not shown here), such as screws for screw terminals, can be screwed into the recess. This creates an additional guide for the fastening elements. In the smallest of installation spaces, an anti-twist protection is thus created that does not hinder or block additional functions.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 2 in the assembled state. It is particularly evident that the projection 21 and the recess 23 engage with each other in a form-fitting manner. The design of the projection 21 therefore does not require any additional installation space, yet still allows the electrical device 1, in particular the connection between the base part 5 and the power supply unit 6, to absorb and dissipate lateral forces.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows the embodiment according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in a top view. It can be seen that the recess 23 and the U-shaped projection 21 engage positively and yet still provide space to accommodate fastening elements not shown here. List of reference symbols 1 electrical device 2 cover frames 3 central piece 4 support ring 5 Base part 6 Power supply unit 7 Functional module 8 connection unit 9 Connection recess 10 circuit board 11 functional housing 12 pin connector 13 socket strip 14 Recording area 15 Top 16 guide channel 17 Contact rail 18 socket 19 Supply board 20 housing cover 21 lead 22 Bottom 23 Recess

Claims

[1] Electrical / electronic device (1) for building installation technology, comprising a central piece (3) surrounded by a cover frame (2) and a base part (5) secured to a support ring (4), wherein a power supply unit (6) can be secured to the base part (5) and comes into contact with the base part (5), wherein the power supply unit (6) is detachably connectable to the base part (5), wherein the power supply unit (6) has an upper side (15), wherein the base part (5) has a lower side (22) opposite the upper side (15) of the power supply unit (6), wherein at least one projection (21) is formed on the upper side (15) of the power supply unit (6), wherein a recess (23) corresponding to the projection (21), which is formed on the lower side (22) of the base part, forms a positive connection with the projection (21),wherein the projection (21) is quadrangular in cross-section and wherein the projection (21) has a recess which extends orthogonally to the cross-section of the projection (21) at least to the upper side (15) of the power supply unit (6). [2] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the projection (21) is U-shaped in cross section. [3] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least two projections (21) and recesses (23) corresponding to the projections (21) are provided. [4] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the projection (21) is formed integrally with the upper side (15). [5] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that at least the projection (21) is formed from a thermosetting plastic. [6] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that at least one locking element is arranged on the upper side (15) of the power supply unit (6) and that a counter-locking element corresponding to the locking element is arranged on the underside (22) of the base part (5), wherein the locking element and the counter-locking element form a positive connection when the power supply unit (6) is fixed to the base part. [7] Electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the contacting of the base part (5) and the power supply unit (6) is realized by means of two contact rails (17), which are each connected on the one hand to a connection terminal of the base part (5) and on the other hand to a socket (18) of the power supply unit (6). [8] Method for mounting an electrical / electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 in an installation recess in a wall, wherein the base part (5) is brought towards the power supply unit (6) in such a way that the at least one projection (21) is brought congruent with the corresponding recess (22) and that when the base part (5) is further brought towards the power supply unit (6) at least one positive connection is formed between the at least one projection (21) and the corresponding recess (23).

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