Distribution box for power or data lines
The integrated folding table in the distribution box addresses ergonomic issues by offering a stable work surface and document storage, improving user comfort and access to equipment, suitable for various environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025105598
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional distribution boxes lack ergonomic support for users, leading to cluttered and unergonomic working conditions due to the need for separate storage of documents and limited access to equipment, especially during maintenance and installation.
A distribution box with an integrated folding table that can be unfolded for a stable work surface and folded down to save space, featuring document compartments and a pivoting mechanism for secure use, allowing documents to be kept organized and accessible without external aids.
Provides a comfortable, ergonomic, and space-efficient working environment by integrating a folding table with document storage, enhancing usability and access to equipment, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to distribution boxes for power or data lines according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art
[0002] Distribution boxes for power and data lines are known in various designs according to the state of the art. Their primary purpose is to protect sensitive electrical and electronic components from environmental influences such as dust, moisture, or mechanical stress, while simultaneously enabling the orderly connection of cables. Such distribution boxes are commonly used in industrial applications, telecommunications networks, and private or public utility systems.
[0003] One disadvantage of conventional distribution boxes is that, while they fulfill the necessary protective and connection functions, they often fail to provide ergonomic support for users working inside them. Installers or service technicians regularly need to consult documents, plans, or reports and make notes while working on the electrical and / or electronic equipment inside the distribution box. However, since conventional distribution boxes are simply enclosed housings, these documents usually have to be kept separately or stored haphazardly, leading to cluttered and unergonomic working conditions.
[0004] Distribution boxes with storage compartments or integrated document pockets are sometimes known. However, these solutions are often static, do not offer a stable work surface, and do not allow the user to place or label documents in a comfortable position. Access to the equipment located inside is also made more difficult.
[0005] Against this background, there was a need for an improved solution that would allow users to work comfortably with documents in close proximity to the distribution box, without the need for additional external aids such as separate tables or shelves. Object of the invention
[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a distribution box that enables improved ergonomic handling during the maintenance, installation, and testing of electrical and / or electronic equipment. In particular, the user should be able to place documents directly on the distribution box, keep them organized, and use them comfortably during work. Furthermore, the solution should be easy to use, space-saving, robust, and also suitable for outdoor use.
[0007] Another task is to provide an integrated device that creates a functional workplace in close proximity to the distribution box without the need for expensive additional equipment. Solution to the task
[0008] The features of claim 1 lead to the solution of the problem.
[0009] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
[0010] To solve the problem described above, the invention provides that the distribution box has a folding table, preferably attached to one of the walls or in the area of the openable access. This arrangement makes it possible to significantly expand the functionality of the distribution box without having to change the basic design of the housing. The folding table is designed so that it provides a stable and ergonomic work surface when needed and remains folded down to save space when not in use.
[0011] The folding table essentially consists of a wall element and a table element. The wall element forms the fixed connection to the wall or, if applicable, to the wall of the distribution box. This attachment can be achieved in various ways, for example, by screw connections, rivets, or welding, depending on the requirements of the specific installation and the intended loads.
[0012] The firm connection of the wall element to the housing ensures that the entire construction can withstand the mechanical and climatic stresses typical for its use.
[0013] The table element is pivotally mounted to the wall element via a pivot axis. This pivot axis allows the table element to be moved from a folded-down, usually vertical, resting position to an unfolded, nearly horizontal working position. The pivoting mechanism is designed to ensure smooth movement while remaining sufficiently stable to guarantee safe handling. This prevents the table element from unintentionally falling out of position or becoming detached during use.
[0014] To further stabilize the table element, it is connected to the wall element at the other end via a folding brace. This brace serves a dual purpose: firstly, it allows the table element to be folded up and down, and secondly, it provides firm support when folded up. This creates a stable work surface that remains functional even when documents, tools, or electronic devices are placed on the table element.
[0015] The folding brace features a pivoting and locking mechanism approximately in the center for straightening. It consists of a wall brace and a table brace connected by this mechanism. This connection allows the folding brace to be raised when the table section is opened and simultaneously locked in a straight position. This significantly increases the table's load-bearing capacity, as the wall brace and table brace act as a continuous support element when locked in the position. When folded down, the brace can be collapsed again, lying flat against the wall and table sections to save space.
[0016] The wall-mounted unit is additionally equipped with a primary document compartment, accessible via a first slot. This compartment serves for the organized storage of documents such as circuit diagrams, maintenance manuals, or other documents required for working on the distribution box. This ensures that the necessary information is always readily available and does not need to be carried separately.
[0017] Furthermore, the tabletop unit can also be equipped with a second document compartment, which features a second slot. The combination of the first and second document compartments makes it possible to store different types of documents clearly separated yet within easy reach of the work area. For example, operating instructions can be stored in the first document compartment and current measurement logs in the second.
[0018] To improve handling, the folding table features a recessed grip on one side. This grip makes it easier for the user to move the folding table into the desired position by hand. It allows for a secure grip even when the user is wearing gloves, as is often the case when working outdoors or with electrical installations.
[0019] Additionally, the wall unit features an access opening. This opening is designed to facilitate the removal of documents from the second document compartment when the folding table is in the open position. The user can reach directly into the document compartment through the opening and easily remove or insert documents. This further improves the system's usability.
[0020] A key feature of the invention is that the folding table can be used both as a work surface in an open position and in a folded-down position, allowing unimpeded access to the interior of the distribution box. In the open position, the user has a flat surface available, which is particularly suitable for placing and processing documents. In the folded-down position, however, the workspace in front of the distribution box remains clear, so that the user has unobstructed access to the electrical and / or electronic equipment inside. This dual function results in a high degree of flexibility in practical use.
[0021] The design according to the invention thus makes it possible to significantly improve working conditions at a distribution box. While conventional distribution boxes merely function as closed enclosures, the invention integrates a multifunctional work and storage unit in the form of a folding table. This combination of distribution box and folding table offers the user not only protection for electrical equipment, but also a working environment that meets the requirements of modern service and maintenance work.
[0022] A particular advantage is that the folding table can be integrated into the existing structure of the distribution box with relatively simple means. Since only the wall element is attached to one side, it can be adapted to various box types. This opens up a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors, where ergonomic working options have previously been limited.
[0023] The invention is thus characterized by a combination of simple construction, robust design, and high practicality. The distribution box with integrated folding table enables a novel form of interaction between user and technical equipment and offers a significant improvement over known prior art solutions. Character description
[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: Fig. 1. Cutaway side view of a distribution box 1 with an open folding table; Fig. 2 a view from a diagonal top of the folded-down folding table; Fig. 3. An enlarged partial view from a different perspective of the Fig. 1. Example of implementation
[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a cutaway side view of a distribution box 1 with an open folding table 6.
[0026] The cutaway side view of the distribution box 1 shows the unfolded folding table 6 in an interior compartment 5. An electrical and / or electronic device is arranged in the interior compartment 5.
[0027] The distribution box 1 is suitable for use with power or data lines indoors and / or outdoors. The distribution box has a housing with at least four walls 2, 3 and a roof element 4, one of which has an openable access point, not shown in detail in the figures.
[0028] The folding table 6 is attached to one wall 2. The folding table 6, consisting of a wall element 7 and a table element 8, is attached to the wall 2 in such a way that the wall element 7 is fastened to the wall 2. This can be done in various ways. The wall element 7 can be screwed, riveted, or welded on.
[0029] In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 1, the table element 8 is arranged in the unfolded position. For this purpose, the table element 8 has a pivot axis 9 pivotably arranged at one end on the wall element 7.
[0030] The table element 8 is connected at the other end to the wall element 7 via a folding strut 10.
[0031] The folding strut 10 has a swivel and locking device 11 approximately in the middle for straightening the folding strut 10, wherein the folding strut 10 consists of a wall strut 12 and a table strut 13, which can be folded out by means of the swivel and locking device 11 and can be locked in the straight position.
[0032] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the folded-down position of the folding table 6. The folded-down position clearly shows that the wall element 7 has a first document compartment 14 with a first insert 15.
[0033] Furthermore, it can be clearly seen that the table element 8 has a second document compartment 16 with a second insert 17.
[0034] Furthermore, the folding table 6 has a recessed handle 18 on one side. This allows the user to easily remove and reinsert documents containing information about the distribution box 1 from the first document compartment 14 and / or the second document compartment 16. The folded-down position of the folding table 6 provides easier access to the electrical and / or electronic equipment located in the distribution box 1.
[0035] The in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The position shown in Figure 3 of the unfolded folding table 1 is convenient and easy for the user to hold reports. After or before working on the distribution box 1, the user can remove the documents from the first document compartment 14 and / or the second document compartment 16 and make appropriate notes.
[0036] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows the unfolded position of the folding table 1. Specifically, from a different position than in the... Fig. 1. This clearly shows that the wall element 7 has an access opening 19. This is intended to further facilitate the user's removal of documents located in the second document compartment 16. Reference symbol list 1 distribution box 2 walls 3 walls 4 roof elements 5 Indoor area 6 Folding table 7 wall element 8 table elements 9 swivel axis 10 folding struts 11 Swivel locking device 12 wall brace 13 Table brace 14 first document compartment 15 first insert 16 second document tray 17 second insert 18 Recessed handles 19 Intervention opening
Claims
[1] Distribution box (1) for power or data lines with a housing having at least four walls (2, 3) and a roof element (4), wherein at least one of the walls includes an openable access, wherein an electrical and / or electronic device is located in an interior area (5), characterized by , that the openable access and / or one of the walls (2,3) has a folding table (6). [2] Distribution box (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the folding table (6) consists of a wall element (7) and a table element (8). [3] Distribution box (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the table element (8) is pivotably mounted at one end on the wall element via a pivot axis (9). [4] Distribution box (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the table element (8) is connected at the other end to the wall element (7) via a folding strut (10). [5] Distribution box (1) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the folding strut (10) has a pivoting and locking device (11) approximately in the middle for straightening the folding strut (10), wherein the folding strut (10) consists of a wall strut (12) and a table strut (13) which can be folded out by means of the pivoting and locking device (11) and can be locked in the straight position. [6] Distribution box (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the wall element (7) has a first document compartment (14) with a first insert (15). [7] Distribution box (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the table element (8) has a second document compartment (16) with a second insert (17). [8] Distribution box (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the folding table (6) has a recessed handle (18) on one side. [9] Distribution box (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the wall element (7) has an access opening (19). [10] Folding table for a distribution box (1) according to claims 1 to 9.