Electrical socket, fixing element, device, tool and handling robot

Abstract

An electrical box which is designed to be attached to an object, preferably a plate, preferably a panel, wherein the panel is designed to be mounted on a building, preferably on a wall and / or a ceiling of a room of the building, preferably as part of the wall and / or the ceiling of the room, wherein the panel has an inner side which preferably faces the room and an outer side which preferably faces away from the room, based on a mounted state of the panel, wherein the electrical box comprises: at least one fastening device adapted to fix the electrical box to the outside of the panel; and at least one gripping interface which is configured to be engaged by at least one handling robot, preferably in order to position the electrical socket on the panel by means of the handling robot.

Description

[0001] In building construction, a relatively large number of electrical installations are usually carried out, such as electrical wiring, sockets, etc. Given today's technological development, the respective electrical installations are usually carried out manually, usually on-site at the respective building, for example, at a construction site.

[0002] However, such manual processes require skilled and / or relatively cost-intensive labor.

[0003] This also leads to significant production effort and relatively low efficiency, resulting in relatively high costs.

[0004] Furthermore, manually performed assembly processes are often prone to errors and / or often have relatively low assembly accuracy or relatively large deviations.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to at least partially improve at least one disadvantage of the prior art, preferably at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve electrical installations, in particular by increasing efficiency and / or increasing accuracy and / or facilitating the assembly of the electrical installations.

[0007] This object is achieved by an electrical socket according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims and in the following description.

[0008] The electrical box can be configured to be attached to a panel. The panel can be configured to be mounted as part of a wall and / or ceiling, in particular a hollow wall and / or a hollow ceiling, of a room in a building. The panel, as part of the wall and / or ceiling of the room, can delimit the room at least in part. The panel can be arranged at least partially in and / or on an opening defined in the wall and / or ceiling and / or at least partially close the opening and / or the panel can extend at least partially over the opening. The panel can be fastened to the wall and / or ceiling in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and / or with a material fit, in particular to a section of the wall and / or ceiling that is adjacent to the panel in the mounted state, for example by means of screws, adhesive, clips, clamps, plug connections, etc.When installed, the panel can essentially serve as part of the wall and / or ceiling of a room.

[0009] A room of a building, within the meaning of the present disclosure, can be understood as a room of a building in which people usually stay or can stay, for example a living room, a bedroom, etc.

[0010] The wall of the building can be designed as a hollow wall. In other words, the wall can have at least one cavity that can at least partially accommodate the panel and / or the electrical box. The ceiling of the building can be designed as a hollow ceiling. In other words, the ceiling can have at least one cavity that can at least partially accommodate the panel and / or the electrical box.

[0011] The panel can have an inner side facing the room and an outer side facing away from the room, each relative to an assembled state of the panel. The electrical box can have at least one fastening device. The fastening device can be configured to fasten the electrical box to the outer side of the panel. In other words, the electrical box can be mounted on the back of the panel relative to an assembled state of the panel.

[0012] The electrical socket may have at least one gripping interface. The gripping interface may be configured to engage with at least one handling robot in order to position the electrical socket on the panel using the handling robot.

[0013] In the prior art, electrical installations, such as electrical sockets, are generally carried out manually, usually on-site at the respective building, for example, at a construction site, as described above. In contrast to the prior art, the electrical socket described here enables robot-assisted, preferably fully automated, installation of the electrical socket. This allows the electrical socket to be installed relatively quickly and / or time-efficiently compared to the manual installation of electrical sockets in the prior art.

[0014] This allows the electrical box to be pre-assembled to the panel, especially in larger quantities, for example, in a production hall, rather than directly at the respective final assembly location, such as a construction site. The panel, with the attached (i.e., pre-assembled) electrical box, can then be mounted as part of a wall and / or ceiling of a room in the respective building. This allows the assembly process for installing the electrical box to be designed relatively efficiently, for example, in a production line. This allows the number of panels installed to be increased, especially compared to manual assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the electrical box described herein can be mounted more precisely on the panel or building, i.e., with smaller deviations from the specified position, compared to manual installation. This can, for example, prevent or at least reduce installation errors. Furthermore, a generally higher installation quality can be achieved.

[0016] The electrical box may have at least one receiving space, for example at least one compartment or housing, for receiving electrical components and / or media components, for example media installations.

[0017] The electrical socket can accommodate at least one cable and / or at least one plug and / or at least one switch.

[0018] The fastening device can be configured to fasten the electrical box to the exterior of the panel using at least one connecting element, for example, a nail, a screw, a staple, adhesive, etc. The connecting element can be part of the fastening device. For example, the connecting element can be permanently and / or integrally connected to the fastening device. Alternatively, the connecting element can be an additional component that is connected, for example, to the fastening device and the panel during assembly to fasten the electrical box to the exterior of the panel.

[0019] By fastening the electrical socket to the outside of the panel as described above, i.e. to a side of the panel that is not visible in the room, using the fastening device, the fastening device can be arranged concealed behind the panel or behind the wall and / or behind the ceiling of the room. In contrast to this, in the prior art the respective fastening devices for fastening the respective electrical sockets are usually fastened to the inside of the wall or ceiling that is visible in the room. In other words, the electrical socket described here enables the electrical socket to be mounted on the back of the panel, whereas in the prior art mounting on the front of the respective wall is usually provided. Mounting the electrical sockets on the inside of the respective wall or ceiling is generally required in the prior art, since the electrical sockets are usually attached to an existing wall or ceiling.a mounted ceiling, since with the state-of-the-art mounting of the electrical boxes, the outside of the respective wall or ceiling is generally not accessible.

[0020] Accordingly, the present electrical box can enhance the aesthetics of the installation and / or reduce the need for corresponding measures, such as the provision of covers, to conceal the fastening device. Furthermore, this can enable greater design freedom in the construction and / or configuration of the fastening device. For example, the fastening device can be made larger, since the fastening device can be arranged behind the panel or behind the wall and / or behind the ceiling anyway. In the prior art, however, the aim is generally to make the respective fastening device as compact as possible in order to reduce the external visibility of the fastening device and to make it easier to conceal the fastening device.

[0021] The gripping interface can be a gripping interface specifically configured or designed for gripping by the handling robot. In contrast, conventional electrical sockets are not equipped or suitable for robot handling. For example, the gripping interface of the electrical socket described herein can have a design that has been adapted and / or matched to a design and / or at least one property, for example to at least one size and / or geometry, of a gripper of the handling robot. For example, the gripping interface can have at least two gripping points configured to be gripped by the handling robot. For example, the gripping points can be spaced apart from one another and / or shaped in such a way that they can be gripped by the handling robot, such that the electrical socket can be moved and positioned by the handling robot.Alternatively, the gripping interface can also have only one gripping point, which has a design, for example a shape and / or a size, that enables it to engage with the handling robot or to be gripped by the handling robot. The gripping interface can be a substantially flat surface and / or a surface that has a smaller curvature than adjacent regions of the electrical socket. Alternatively, or additionally, the gripping interface can have a surface roughness suitable for gripping by the handling robot. Alternatively, or additionally, the gripping interface can have a rigidity and / or strength and / or hardness suitable for gripping by the handling robot, for example so that the electrical socket is not damaged by gripping by the handling robot.Alternatively, or additionally, the gripping interface may comprise or be made of a material that differs from a material of one or more adjacent sections of the electrical box, in particular to improve a suitability of the gripping interface to be gripped by the handling robot.

[0022] The gripping interface can have at least one identification feature which identifies the gripping interface as a gripping interface for a user and / or for the handling robot and / or which distinguishes it from at least one adjacent section of the electrical socket. This makes it easier to grasp and / or recognize the gripping interface, in particular by the user and / or the handling robot. This can facilitate gripping of the electrical socket at the gripping interface by the handling robot, in particular by ensuring that the gripping interface is detected without confusion by the user and / or the handling robot. Furthermore, this can ensure correct orientation of the electrical socket during assembly, for example in order to prevent incorrect assembly, for example incorrect orientation of the electrical socket during installation.The identification feature can be and / or comprise, for example, a marking, for example an optical marking and / or an electronic marking (for example an RFID tag).

[0023] The electrical socket preferably has at least one connection element. The connection element can be configured to be connected to at least one electrical line in order to connect the electrical socket to the electrical line. In other words, the connection element can serve to couple the electrical socket to the electrical line. The connection element can be arranged between the electrical socket and the electrical line when the electrical socket is connected to the electrical line.The connection element can have at least one recess which can be designed to at least partially accommodate at least a section of a handling robot, which preferably grips the electrical cable, and / or to allow at least a section of a handling robot, which preferably grips the electrical cable, to pass through the recess in order to connect the electrical cable to the connection element by means of the handling robot. This can facilitate or improve handling or gripping of the electrical cable by the handling robot. In particular, this can allow the electrical cable to be gripped by the handling robot at gripping points on the electrical cable which are used when connecting the electrical cable to the electrical socket orThe connecting element extends along the recess into the connecting element, allowing the electrical line to be better guided and / or positioned by the handling robot when connecting it to the connecting element. The recess is preferably elongated and / or U-shaped. The recess preferably extends along a length of at least 2.5 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, preferably at least 7.5 cm, which preferably extends along a longitudinal axis of the connecting element and / or the electrical line.

[0024] The connecting element preferably has at least two recesses. The recesses can be arranged on opposite sides of the connecting element. This allows the handling robot to grip the electrical cable at opposite gripping points on the electrical cable, which, when connecting the electrical cable to the electrical socket or the connecting element, penetrate into the connecting element along the recess, thereby better guiding and / or positioning the electrical cable when connecting it to the connecting element by the handling robot.

[0025] The electrical box can be configured to be gripped and attached to the panel by a single handling robot. This makes the assembly process more efficient. Alternatively, multiple handling robots can be provided, with at least one first handling robot being able to grip the electrical box and at least one second handling robot being able to attach the electrical box to the panel.

[0026] Preferably, the connection element, in particular a longitudinal axis of the connection element, extends at least partially along the outside of the panel and / or substantially parallel to the outside of the panel. This allows a relatively compact arrangement of the electrical socket or the connection element and / or a space-saving positioning of the electrical cable to be achieved. In particular, this allows a space or a distance extending from the outside of the panel, in particular substantially perpendicularly from the outside of the panel, for accommodating or stowing the electrical socket, in particular the connection element, to be reduced.

[0027] Alternatively, or additionally, the connection element can be configured to connect the electrical line to the connection element along a direction that extends along the outside of the panel and / or substantially parallel to the outside of the panel. This makes it possible to achieve a relatively compact arrangement of the electrical socket or the connection element and / or a space-saving positioning of the electrical line. In particular, this makes it possible to reduce the space or distance that extends from the outside of the panel, in particular substantially perpendicular to the outside of the panel, in order to accommodate or stow the electrical socket, in particular the connection element.

[0028] The electrical socket preferably has at least one stop. The stop can be configured to bear at least partially against the outside of the panel in order to limit the insertion of the electrical socket into an opening in the panel. This allows a position of the electrical socket relative to the panel to be predefined and / or limited. This allows tolerances with regard to the position of the electrical socket on the panel to be reduced when mounting the electrical socket on the panel. Furthermore, this can further improve or facilitate robot-assisted assembly of the electrical socket by the handling robot, for example in order to limit a travel path of the handling robot when mounting the socket on the panel.

[0029] Preferably, the electrical box has at least two fastening devices configured to secure the electrical box to the exterior of the panel. The fastening devices can be arranged on opposite sides of the electrical box.

[0030] The electrical socket preferably has at least one main body. The fastening device can be designed as a tab, nose, or wing. The tabs (or noses or wings) can each extend away from the main body, preferably extending laterally away, preferably by at least 2 cm, preferably by at least 3 cm, preferably by at least 4 cm, preferably by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 6 cm, preferably by at least 7 cm. The tabs can be designed as wings. Several components can be accommodated in the main body. For example, several electrical contact elements can be arranged in the main body.

[0031] The electrical socket preferably has at least one contact, preferably a plurality of contacts, for connecting at least one cable, preferably a plurality of cables simultaneously, on the inside of the panel when the panel is in an assembled state and the electrical socket is attached to the panel. The electrical socket can additionally have at least one connection for connecting at least one smart device. The electrical socket can have the connection and / or the smart device. The smart device can be a smart home system or at least one component of a smart home system.

[0032] Preferably, the electrical socket additionally comprises at least one housing. The housing can be configured to at least partially accommodate at least one component, preferably at least the smart device. Preferably, the electrical socket is configured such that the housing is arranged at least partially, preferably entirely, on the outside, i.e., behind the panel. This allows the housing and the components accommodated therein to be stowed behind the panel, viewed from within the building, thereby providing a relatively tidy and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

[0033] Preferably, the electrical socket, preferably including the smart device, is configured as a coherent unit. This allows the electrical socket, preferably including the smart device, to be transported and installed as a coherent unit. This can facilitate handling and / or installation of the electrical socket.

[0034] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a fixing element. Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims and in the following description.

[0035] The fixing element can be configured to fix at least one electrical line to an object, preferably to a panel, for example to a panel as described herein (for example above). The fixing element can have at least one fixing section. The fixing section can be configured to fix the fixing element to the object, preferably the panel. The fixing element can have at least one receiving section which can be configured to at least partially receive the electrical line. The fixing element can have at least one gripping feature. The gripping feature can be configured to be gripped by at least one handling robot, in particular to engage, preferably in order to position the fixing element on the panel, and preferably to fix it to the object or panel.

[0036] In the prior art, electrical cables are generally attached manually, i.e., by appropriate technicians, to a corresponding object, for example, a panel. In contrast to the prior art, the fixing element described herein enables robot-assisted, preferably fully automated, fixing of the corresponding electrical cable(s) to the corresponding object, preferably a panel, in particular by means of the gripping feature (preferably specifically) configured for gripping by the handling robot and the subsequent handling and / or positioning of the fixing element by the handling robot. This allows the electrical cable(s) to be fixed relatively quickly and / or time-efficiently, compared to manual fixing in the prior art.

[0037] In addition, this makes it possible to fix the electrical cable to the object, in particular to the panel, particularly in larger quantities, for example in a production hall, instead of directly at the respective final assembly location, for example at a construction site. The panel, with the electrical cable attached to it by means of the fixing element, can then be mounted as part of a wall and / or ceiling of a room in the respective building. This makes it possible to make the assembly process for fitting the electrical cable(s) relatively efficient, for example in one or more production lines. This makes it possible to efficiently increase the number of pre-assembled panels, particularly compared to manual assembly of the electrical cables, particularly on-site at the respective final assembly location, for example at a construction site.

[0038] In addition, the electrical cables can be mounted on the object, preferably a panel, more precisely, i.e., with smaller deviations from the target position, compared to manual assembly. This can, for example, prevent or at least reduce assembly errors. Furthermore, a generally higher assembly quality can be achieved.

[0039] The fixing element can be designed as a clamp, for example as a single or double clamp, and / or as a clip.

[0040] The receiving section can be configured to at least partially accommodate the electrical line. For example, the receiving section can be configured to extend, in the assembled state, at least over and / or around a circumference of the electrical line, for example, over and / or around at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50% of a circumference of the electrical line, in particular to at least partially enclose the electrical line.

[0041] The fastening section can have at least one fastening surface, preferably a plurality of fastening surfaces, which can be configured to at least partially receive at least one fastening element, for example at least one screw, in order to fasten the fixing element to the panel through interaction of the fastening element with the panel. Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening element can be formed on the fastening surface, for example, integrally or monolithically formed, and / or attached to the fastening surface, in particular pre-assembled.

[0042] The fixing element can be configured to be grasped by a single handling robot and attached to the object or panel. This makes the assembly process more efficient. Alternatively, multiple handling robots can be provided, with at least one first handling robot being able to grasp the fixing element and at least one second handling robot being able to attach the fixing element to the object or panel.

[0043] The gripping feature can have one or more gripping surfaces, at which the handling robot can grip, preferably dock. Preferably, the gripping feature, preferably the gripping surface, is a substantially flat surface or the gripping feature, preferably the gripping surface, has at least one substantially flat surface. This can facilitate gripping of the fixing element by the handling robot. In particular, this can improve the tightness, in particular a fluid-tight connection, between the gripping feature, preferably the gripping surface, and the handling robot, or at least reduce the risk of a leak between the gripping feature, preferably the gripping surface, and the handling robot, in particular if the handling robot is configured to grip the fixing element by means of a vacuum, which can be generated by the handling robot.

[0044] Preferably, the fastening section is arranged at a first end of the fixing element, and the gripping feature is arranged at a second end of the fixing element opposite the first end. This can facilitate fastening of the fixing element to the panel by means of the fastening section and gripping of the fixing element by the gripping feature, in particular by avoiding or at least reducing potential negative interactive influences when fastening the fixing element to the panel by means of the fastening section and when gripping the fixing element by the gripping feature, for example due to a lack of space and / or collisions between corresponding tools. Alternatively, the gripping feature and the fastening section can be arranged on a respective section of the fixing element and / or arranged to overlap at least partially.For example, the gripping feature can be arranged in at least one region of the fastening section.

[0045] Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening portion may be arranged at an end and / or distal portion of the fixing element distal from the gripping feature.

[0046] Preferably, the gripping feature, preferably the substantially flat surface, is configured to be gripped by means of a vacuum generated by the handling robot or existing at a gripping interface of the handling robot configured to grip the fixing element. Alternatively, or additionally, the fixing element can be configured to be gripped by the handling robot by clamping and / or pinching the gripping feature.

[0047] The fixing element preferably has at least one rib, which is preferably formed on a surface of the fixing element facing the electrical line when the electrical line is at least partially received in the receiving section. The rib can serve to stiffen the fixing element and / or to lock the electrical line in at least one direction, preferably along a longitudinal axis of the electrical line, when the electrical line is fastened to the panel by means of the fixing element. The rib can be configured to interact with the electrical line and / or with a sleeve in which the electrical line is arranged when the electrical line is fastened to the panel by means of the fixing element.In particular, the rib can be configured to engage in at least one recess formed in the electrical cable and / or in the sheath when the electrical cable is attached to the panel by means of the fixing element. For example, the electrical cable can be arranged in a corrugated tube, wherein the rib can be configured to engage in at least one groove of the corrugated tube, which can be arranged on an outer side of the corrugated tube. This can, for example, increase the pull-out resistance of the electrical cable.

[0048] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a device. Advantageous embodiments with expedient refinements of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims and in the following description. The advantages, features, and embodiments described above for the electrical socket also apply accordingly to the device.

[0049] The device may be configured to be mounted as part of a wall and / or ceiling of a room of a building. The device may comprise a panel, which may have an inner side facing the room and an outer side facing away from the room, relative to a mounted state of the panel. The device may comprise an opening, which may be defined in the panel. The device may comprise at least one electrical box, which may be mounted and / or secured to the outer side of the panel and may extend at least partially through the opening.

[0050] By means of the device described here, in particular in the previous paragraph, the electrical socket can be arranged or mounted on the outside of the panel, i.e. on a side of the panel that is not visible in the room, concealed behind the panel or behind the wall and / or ceiling of the room. In contrast to this, in the prior art, electrical sockets are generally fastened to the inside of the wall or ceiling that is visible in the room by means of at least one fastening device. In other words, the device described here enables the electrical socket to be mounted on the back of the panel, whereas in the prior art, mounting on the front of the wall in question is provided. In the prior art, mounting of the electrical sockets on the inside of the wall or ceiling in question is generally required because the electrical sockets are generally attached to an existing wall or ceiling.a mounted ceiling, since with the prior art installation of electrical boxes, one outer side of the respective wall or ceiling is generally not accessible. Accordingly, the present device can improve the aesthetics of the installation and / or reduce corresponding measures, such as the provision of panels, for example to conceal a corresponding fastening device for the electrical box. Furthermore, this can enable greater design freedom in the construction and / or configuration of the electrical box, in particular a fastening device for the electrical box for fastening the electrical box to the panel. For example, the fastening device can be made larger, since the fastening device can be arranged behind the panel or behind the wall and / or behind the ceiling anyway.In the prior art, however, the aim is generally to design the respective fastening device as compact and / or inconspicuous as possible in order to reduce the external visibility of the fastening device or to make it easier to conceal the fastening device.

[0051] The device described herein, including one or more components attached to the device, can be configured to be prefabricated as a module, preferably as a coherent unit. The module can thus be installed as a coherent unit, for example, at a construction site. This makes assembly of the device, in particular of the components attached thereto, easier and more efficient.

[0052] The panel can be a drywall element, a wooden board, a plastic sheet, a hollow panel or another panel element.

[0053] Preferably, the device comprises at least one electrical line which can be connected to the electrical socket and can run at least partially along the outside of the panel.

[0054] Preferably, the device may comprise at least one fixing element that may be configured to fix the electrical line to the outside of the panel. Preferably, the fixing element is configured according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0055] Preferably, the electrical box is configured according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0056] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a tool. Advantageous embodiments with expedient refinements of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims and in the following description. The advantages, features, and embodiments described above for the electrical socket also apply accordingly to the device.

[0057] The tool can be configured to be mounted on a tool holder of a handling robot. The tool can be configured to grip an electrical socket, preferably an electrical socket according to one of the embodiments described herein, at at least one gripping interface of the electrical socket and to position the electrical socket on a panel. Preferably, the panel is configured to be mounted as part of a wall and / or ceiling of a room in a building.

[0058] The tool can be configured as a vacuum gripper and / or finger gripper and / or the tool can have at least one gripping head which can be configured as a vacuum gripper and / or finger gripper.

[0059] Preferably, the gripping tool is configured to attach the electrical box to the panel.

[0060] Preferably, the tool is configured to fasten at least one electrical line, which is connected or connectable to the electrical socket, to the panel, preferably by means of at least one fixing element, preferably by means of at least one fixing element according to one of the embodiments described herein. The advantages, features, and embodiments described above for the fixing element also apply accordingly to the tool.

[0061] Preferably, the tool is designed to connect at least one electrical line to the electrical socket.

[0062] The object mentioned above is also achieved by a handling robot. Advantageous embodiments with expedient refinements of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims and in the following description.

[0063] The handling robot has at least one tool holder and at least one tool mounted and / or mountable on the tool holder, preferably at least one tool mounted and / or mountable on the tool holder according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0064] The utility model also describes a method for assembling a device which is not protected.

[0065] The device may be adapted to be mounted as part of a wall and / or a ceiling of a room in a building.

[0066] The procedure may include: (a) Providing a panel having an inner side facing the room and an outer side facing away from the room, relative to an assembled state of the panel.

[0067] The procedure may include: (b) gripping at least one electrical socket at at least one gripping interface by means of at least one handling robot;

[0068] The procedure may include: (c) Positioning the electrical box on the outside of the panel using the handling robot.

[0069] The procedure may include: (d) Attach the electrical box to the outside of the panel.

[0070] Preferably, step (d) is carried out by means of the handling robot or by means of at least one further handling robot. Preferably, the method comprises:

[0071] Gripping at least one electrical cable by means of the handling robot or by means of at least one other handling robot. Preferably, the method comprises:

[0072] Positioning the electrical cable on the outside of the panel by means of the handling robot or by means of at least one other handling robot. Preferably, the method comprises:

[0073] Connecting the electrical cable to at least one connection element of the electrical socket by means of the handling robot or by means of at least one further handling robot in order to connect the electrical socket to the electrical cable.

[0074] Preferably, the connection element has at least one recess. When connecting the electrical line to the connection element by means of the handling robot, the handling robot is preferably at least partially received in the recess of the connection and / or the handling robot is at least partially moved through the recess.

[0075] The method described herein is not limited to the order in which the steps are described herein. Instead, the steps may be performed in any order.

[0076] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show, in schematic and perspective views, an electrical installation from the prior art Fig. Fig. 2 shows, in a schematic cross-sectional view, an electrical box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows, in a further schematic cross-sectional view, the electrical box from Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, the electrical box of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 5 shows, in a further schematic and perspective view, the electrical box from Fig. 2 to 4; Fig. 6 shows, in a schematic front view, the electrical box from Fig. 2 to 5; Fig. 7 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, an electrical box according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 8 shows, in a further schematic and perspective view, the electrical box from Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows, in a schematic front view, the electrical box from Fig. 7 and Fig. 8; Fig. 10 shows, in a schematic cross-sectional view, the electrical box of Fig. 7 to 9; Fig. 11 shows, in a further schematic cross-sectional view, the electrical box from Fig. 7 to 10; Fig. 12 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, a fixing element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 shows, in a schematic front view, the fixing element of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view along the Fig. 13 shown line DD, the fixing element from Fig. 12 and Fig. 13; Fig. 15 shows, in a schematic cross-sectional view, the fixing element of Fig. 12 to 14 in an assembled state; Fig. 16 shows, in a schematic plan view, the fixing element of Fig. 12 to 15; Fig. 17 shows, in a schematic rear view, a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 18 shows, in a schematic front view, the device of Fig. 17; Fig. Figure 19 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, the device of Fig. 17 and Fig. 18; Fig. Figure 20 shows, in a further schematic and perspective view, the device of Fig. 17 to 19

[0077] As already described at the beginning, current electrical installations are generally carried out manually, usually on-site at the respective building, for example, at a construction site. However, such manual processes require skilled and / or cost-intensive labor. This results in considerable production effort and relatively low efficiency. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show, in schematic and perspective views, a typical electrical installation from the prior art. In particular, an electrical box or electrical installation 10 is fastened to an inner side 12 of a wall 14, for example by means of screws 16. The electrical box or electrical installation 10 has a plurality of lines 18, which comprise an electrical line 18A and a corrugated pipe 18B. The lines 18 extend through an opening 20 defined in the wall 14. During mounting on the inner side 12 of the wall 14, the electrical box or electrical installation 10 is pushed into the opening 20 and then fastened to the wall 14 by means of the screws. The screws 16 can be loosened in order to be able to remove the electrical box or electrical installation 10 from the opening 20 again if necessary.

[0078] Fig. 2 to 6 show an electrical installation or electrical box 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrical box 30 may be configured to be attached to a panel 31. The panel 31 may be a drywall element, a wooden board, a plastic plate, a hollow panel, or another panel element. The panel 31 may be configured to be mounted as part of a wall 32 and / or a ceiling 32 of a room 37 of a building. The panel 31 may have an inner side 33 facing the room and an outer side 34 facing away from the room 37, relative to an installed state of the panel 31.

[0079] The electrical box 30 can have at least one fastening device 38, which can be configured to fasten the electrical box 30 to the outer side 34 of the panel 31, for example by means of screws, clips, clamps, etc. The fastening device 38 can have at least one fastening surface 40, preferably a plurality of fastening surfaces 40. The fastening surface 40 can be configured to at least partially receive at least one fastening element, for example at least one screw, in order to fasten the electrical box 30 to the panel 31 through interaction of the fastening element with the panel 31. Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening element can be formed on the fastening surface 40, for example formed in one piece or monolithically, and / or fastened to the fastening surface 40, in particular pre-assembled.

[0080] The electrical box 30 may include a main body 44, which may, for example, extend through an opening 46 formed in the panel 31 when the electrical box 30 is mounted to the panel 31. The fastening device 38 may extend away from the main body 44, preferably laterally. For example, the fastening device 38 may include two tabs 48, each extending away from the main body 36.

[0081] A plurality of electrical contact elements can be arranged in the main body 44. The main body 44 can have an opening 50 that can be configured to at least partially receive an electrical plug of a device, for example, a household appliance, in order to electrically connect the electrical plug to the electrical socket 30 to supply the device with power.

[0082] The electrical box 30 can have at least one gripping interface 52, which can be configured to be gripped by at least one handling robot 53 (see Fig. 3) to be gripped, i.e. to come into engagement in order to position the electrical socket 30 on the panel 31 by means of the handling robot 53. The gripping interface 52 can have a design specifically configured for gripping by the handling robot 53, in particular a corresponding dimensioning and / or shape and / or contour. For example, the gripping interface 52 can have a design that is adapted and / or matched to a design, for example to at least one size and / or shape and / or contour, of a gripper of the handling robot 53. For example, the gripping interface 52 can have at least two gripping points 52A, 52B, preferably at least two opposing gripping points, which are configured to be gripped by the handling robot 53.For example, the gripping points 52A, 52B can be spaced apart from one another and / or shaped such that they can be gripped by the handling robot 53. Alternatively, the gripping interface 52 can also have only one gripping point, which, for example, has a shape and / or size that allows it to engage with the handling robot 53 or to be gripped by the handling robot 53. The gripping interface 52 or the gripping point can, for example, be a substantially flat surface.

[0083] A tool 55 can be mounted or mounted on a tool holder 57 of the handling robot 53. The tool 55 can be configured to grip the electrical socket 30 at the gripping interface 52 of the electrical socket 30 and to position the electrical socket 30 on the panel 31.

[0084] The electrical socket 30 may have at least one connection element 58 with a longitudinal axis LA, which may be configured to be connected to at least one electrical line 59 in order to connect the electrical socket 30 to the electrical line 59. The connection element 58 may have at least one recess 60. The recess 60 may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of a handling robot 61 (see Fig. 3), which grips the electrical line 59, when connecting the electrical line 59 to the connection element 58 and / or to allow at least a portion of the handling robot 61, which grips the electrical line 59, to pass through the recess 60.

[0085] The connection element 58, in particular the longitudinal axis LA of the connection element 58, can extend at least partially along the outer side 34 of the panel 31 and / or substantially parallel to the outer side 34 of the panel 31. Alternatively, or additionally, the connection element 58 can be configured such that the electrical line 59 is connected to the connection element 58 along a direction VR that extends along the outer side 34 of the panel and / or substantially parallel to the outer side 34 of the panel 31. In other words, the electrical line 59 can be moved along the direction VR by means of the handling robot 61 when connecting the electrical line 59 to the connection element 58.

[0086] The electrical box 30 can have at least one stop, which can be configured to rest at least partially against the outer side 34 of the panel 31 to limit the insertion of the electrical box 30 into the opening 46 of the panel 31. For example, the fastening device 38, more precisely the tabs 48, can have the stop or form the stop itself. This allows a predefined and / or maintained position of the electrical box 30 relative to the panel 31.

[0087] The electrical box 30 can be configured as a coherent unit.

[0088] Fig. 7 to 11 show a further embodiment of the electrical box 30, which is comparable with the embodiment of the Fig. 2 to 6 can be combined.

[0089] The electrical socket 30 of the Fig. 7 to 11 may comprise at least one housing 64, which may be configured to at least partially, preferably completely, accommodate a smart device. The electrical socket 30 may be configured such that the housing 64 is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, on the outer side 34 of the panel 31 when the electrical socket 30 is mounted to the panel 31 and the panel 31 is mounted to the wall or ceiling 32. The electrical socket 30 may comprise at least one port for connecting the smart device and / or a cable configured to connect the electrical socket 30 to the smart device.

[0090] The electrical box 30, including the housing 64 and the smart device arranged therein, can be configured as a coherent unit.

[0091] A plurality of electrical contact elements may be arranged in the main body 44. The main body 44 may have an opening 50 that may be configured to at least partially receive an electrical plug of a device, such as a household appliance, in order to electrically connect the electrical plug to the electrical socket 30 to supply the device with power. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the electrical socket 30 can be electrically connected to a plurality of electrical plugs, for example, to electrical plugs of a plurality of devices. For this purpose, the opening 50 can be dimensioned to at least partially accommodate the plurality of electrical plugs in order to electrically connect the electrical plugs to the electrical socket 30.

[0092] Fig. 12 to 16 show a fixing element 70 which can be configured to hold at least one electrical line 72 (see Fig. 15) on a panel, for example panel 31 from Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The fixing element 70 may have at least one fastening section 74, which may be configured to fasten the fixing element 70 to the panel 31, for example by means of screws, clips, clamps, etc.

[0093] The fixing element 70 can have at least one receiving portion 76, which can be configured to at least partially receive the electrical line 72. The fixing element 70 can have at least one gripping feature 80, which can be configured to be engaged by at least one handling robot 82, for example, in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, in order to position the fixing element 70 on the panel 31.

[0094] The fastening portion 74 can be arranged at a first end 84 of the fixing element 70, and the gripping feature 80 can be arranged at a second end 86 of the fixing element 70 opposite the first end 84. Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening portion 74 can be arranged at an end 86 and / or distal portion 86 of the fixing element 70 distal from the gripping feature 80.

[0095] The gripping feature 80 may be a substantially flat surface. Alternatively, the gripping feature 80 may have at least one substantially flat surface.

[0096] The gripping feature 80 can be configured to be gripped by means of a vacuum which is generated by the handling robot 82 or which exists at a gripping interface 88 of the handling robot 82, which is configured to grip the fixing element 70.

[0097] The fixing element 70 may have at least one rib 89 (see Fig. 14), which is preferably formed on a surface of the fixing element 70 facing the electrical line 72 when the electrical line 72 is at least partially received in the receiving section 76. The rib 89 can serve to stiffen the fixing element 70 and / or to lock the electrical line 72 in at least one direction, preferably along a longitudinal axis of the electrical line 72, when the electrical line 72 is fastened to the panel 31 by means of the fixing element 70. The rib 89 can be configured to interact with the electrical line 72 and / or with a sheath in which the electrical line 72 is arranged, when the electrical line 72 is fastened to the panel 31 by means of the fixing element 70.In particular, the rib 89 can be configured to engage in at least one recess formed in the electrical line 72 and / or in the sheath when the electrical line 72 is fastened to the panel 31 by means of the fixing element 70. For example, the electrical line 72 can be arranged in a corrugated tube, wherein the rib 89 can be configured to engage in at least one groove of the corrugated tube, which can be arranged on an outer side of the corrugated tube. This can, for example, increase the pull-out resistance of the electrical line 72.

[0098] The Fig. 17 to 20 show a device 100 which can be designed to be installed as part of a wall and / or a ceiling of a room of a building, for example the room shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 11 shown wall or ceiling 32.

[0099] The device 100 may be a panel, for example the panel 31 from the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, which may have an inner side 33 facing the room and an outer side 34 facing away from the room, relative to an assembled state of the panel 31.

[0100] The device 100 may have an opening 102 that may be defined in the panel 31.

[0101] The device 100 may comprise at least one electrical socket, for example the electrical socket 30 from the Fig. 2 to 11, which may be mounted and / or secured to the exterior 34 of the panel 31 and may extend at least partially through the opening 102. The device 100 may include a plurality of electrical outlets 30, which may be secured to the exterior 34 of the panel 31.

[0102] The device 100 can additionally have at least one electrical line 104, preferably a plurality of electrical lines 104, which is connected and / or connectable to the respective electrical socket 30. The electrical line 104 can run at least partially along the outer side 34 of the panel 31.

[0103] The device 100 may comprise at least one fixing element, preferably the fixing element 70 from the Fig. 12 to 16, which can be configured to fix the electrical line 104 to the outer side 34 of the panel 31. The device 100 can have a plurality of fixing elements 70, as in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19, in order to fix a plurality of electrical lines 104 and / or at least one electrical line 104 at a plurality of locations or sections along the respective electrical line 104 to the panel 31.

Claims

[1] An electrical box which is designed to be attached to an object, preferably a plate, preferably a panel, wherein the panel is designed to be mounted on a building, preferably on a wall and / or a ceiling of a room of the building, preferably as part of the wall and / or the ceiling of the room, wherein the panel has an inner side which preferably faces the room and an outer side which preferably faces away from the room, based on a mounted state of the panel, wherein the electrical box comprises: at least one fastening device adapted to fix the electrical box to the outside of the panel; and at least one gripping interface which is configured to be engaged by at least one handling robot, preferably in order to position the electrical socket on the panel by means of the handling robot. [2] The electrical socket according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one connecting element which is adapted to be connected to at least one electrical line in order to connect the electrical socket to the electrical line, wherein the connecting element has at least one recess which is adapted to at least partially receive at least a portion of a handling robot which grips the electrical line and / or to allow at least a portion of a handling robot which grips the electrical line to pass through the recess in order to connect the electrical line to the connecting element by means of the handling robot. [3] The electrical box according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element has at least two recesses arranged on opposite sides of the connecting element. [4] The electrical box according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: the connecting element, in particular a longitudinal axis of the connecting element, extends at least partially along the outside of the panel and / or substantially parallel to the outside of the panel; and / or the connection element is configured to connect the electrical line to the connection element along a direction extending along the outside of the panel and / or substantially parallel to the outside of the panel. [5] The electrical box according to one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising at least one stop which is designed to bear at least partially against the outside of the panel in order to limit insertion of the electrical box into an opening in the panel. [6] The electrical box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical box comprises at least two fastening devices arranged to fasten the electrical box to the outside of the panel, the fastening devices being arranged on opposite sides of the electrical box. [7] The electrical box according to claim 6, wherein each fastening device has a fastening surface which is adapted to at least partially receive at least one fastening element, for example at least one screw, a clip, chambers or adhesive, in order to fasten the electrical box to the panel by interaction of the fastening element with the panel. [8] The electrical box according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical box has at least one main body, wherein the fastening device is in each case designed as a tab which extends away from the main body, preferably extending laterally away, preferably by at least 2 cm, preferably by at least 3 cm, preferably by at least 4 cm, preferably by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 6 cm, preferably by at least 7 cm. [9] The electrical box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical box has at least one contact for connecting at least one cable to the inside of the panel when the panel is in an assembled state and the electrical box is attached to the panel, wherein the electrical box additionally has at least one connection for connecting at least one smart device, preferably wherein the electrical box has the connection and / or the smart device. [10] The electrical socket according to claim 9, additionally comprising at least one housing which is adapted to at least partially accommodate the smart device, preferably wherein the electrical socket is adapted such that the housing is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, on the outside. [11] The electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising at least one connection element adapted to be connected to at least one electrical line in order to connect the electrical socket to the electrical line. [12] The electrical box according to claim 11, wherein the connecting element has at least one recess. [13] The electrical box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical box is arranged as a coherent unit. [14] A fixing element which is designed to fix at least one electrical line to an object, preferably a panel, the fixing element comprising: at least one fastening portion configured to fasten the fixing element to the panel; at least one gripping feature configured to be engaged by at least one handling robot to position the fixing element on the panel; preferably at least one receiving section which is designed to at least partially receive the electrical line. [15] The fixing element according to claim 14, wherein: the gripping feature is a substantially flat surface; or the gripping feature has at least one substantially flat surface. [16] The fixing element according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the fastening portion: is arranged at a first end of the fixing element and the gripping feature is arranged at a second end of the fixing element opposite the first end; and / or is arranged at an end and / or distal portion of the fixing element distal from the gripping feature. [17] The fixing element according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the gripping feature, preferably the substantially flat surface, is adapted to be gripped by means of a vacuum which is generated by the handling robot or prevails at a gripping interface of the handling robot which is adapted to grip the fixing element. [18] The fixing element according to one of claims 14 to 17, additionally comprising at least one rib, which is preferably formed on a surface of the fixing element facing the electrical line when the electrical line is at least partially received in the receiving section. [19] A device adapted to be mounted on a building, preferably on a wall and / or a ceiling of a room of the building, preferably as part of the wall and / or the ceiling, the device comprising: a panel which has an inner side, preferably facing the room, and an outer side, which preferably faces away from the room, related to an assembled state of the panel; at least one electrical box mounted and / or secured to the outside of the panel and extending at least partially through the opening; preferably at least one opening defined in the panel and preferably through which the electrical socket extends at least partially. [20] The device according to claim 19, further comprising at least one electrical line connected to the electrical box and extending at least partially along the outside of the panel. [21] The device according to claim 20, additionally comprising at least one fixing element configured to fix the electrical line to the outside of the panel, preferably wherein the fixing element is configured according to any one of claims 14 to 18. [22] The device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the electrical box is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 13. [23] The device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the electrical box has at least one fastening device by means of which the electrical box is fastened to the outside of the panel. [24] The device according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the electrical box has at least one stop which is adapted to bear at least partially against the outside of the panel in order to limit insertion of the electrical box into an opening in the panel. [25] The device according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the electrical box has at least two fastening devices arranged to fasten the electrical box to the outside of the panel, the fastening devices being arranged on opposite sides of the electrical box. [26] The device according to claim 25, wherein each fastening device has a fastening surface which has at least partially received a fastening element, for example at least one screw, a clip, chambers or adhesive, in order to fasten the electrical box to the panel by interaction of the fastening element with the panel. [27] The device according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the electrical box has at least one main body, wherein the fastening device is in each case designed as a tab which extends away from the main body, preferably extending laterally away, preferably by at least 2 cm, preferably by at least 3 cm, preferably by at least 4 cm, preferably by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 6 cm, preferably by at least 7 cm. [28] The device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the electrical socket comprises at least one connection element adapted to be connected to at least one electrical line in order to connect the electrical socket to the electrical line. [29] A tool adapted to be mounted on a tool holder of a handling robot, wherein the tool is adapted to grip an electrical socket, preferably an electrical socket according to any one of claims 1 to 13, at at least one gripping interface of the electrical socket and to position the electrical socket on a panel, preferably wherein the panel is adapted to be mounted on a wall and / or a ceiling of a room of a building, preferably as part of the wall and / or the ceiling. [30] The tool of claim 29, wherein the gripping tool is configured to secure the electrical box to the panel. [31] The tool according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the tool is adapted to fix at least one electrical line, which is connected or connectable to the electrical socket, to the panel, preferably by means of at least one fixing element, preferably by means of at least one fixing element according to one of claims 14 to 19. [32] The tool according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the tool is adapted to connect at least one electrical line to the electrical socket. [33] A handling robot with at least one tool holder and at least one tool mounted and / or mountable on the tool holder according to one of claims 29 to 32.

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