Housing of a home automation device

Abstract

Housing (1) of a home automation device (3), such as a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector or a surveillance camera, with an opening (2) pointing upwards towards the home automation device (3) in order to at least partially accommodate the home automation device (3), wherein the housing (1) comprises first means (4) for releasably connecting the home automation device (3) to the housing (1) in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner in the area of ​​the opening (2), as well as a preferably breakable opening (5) for a tube, such as a cable conduit (6), and second means (7) for releasably fixing the cable conduit (6) to the housing (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing of a home automation device, such as a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector or a surveillance camera, with an opening pointing upwards towards the home automation device in order to at least partially accommodate the home automation device therein, in detail according to the features of the independent claims.

[0002] Home automation devices such as presence sensors, proximity sensors, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras are available in a wide variety of designs. They are often housed in their own enclosures to protect the sensitive electronics from external influences. However, these enclosures often feature rigid and cumbersome mounting options, making installation on existing ceilings and walls in residential or commercial spaces difficult. Furthermore, they often lack a flexible and simple way to route and securely fasten cables or wires through the enclosure. These drawbacks lead to increased effort during installation and removal, as well as limited adaptability to different installation situations. Aesthetics are also often compromised when cables, for example, for the electrical power supply required to connect the home automation device to the building's electrical system, protrude from beneath the device's enclosure.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a housing that enables simple and flexible mounting of the home automation device on the wall or ceiling of a residential or commercial space, while simultaneously ensuring secure and adaptable routing and fixing of cables or wires. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims describe particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0004] A housing according to the invention for a home automation device, such as a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector, or a surveillance camera, has an opening facing upwards towards the home automation device in order to at least partially accommodate the device. The housing comprises first means for releasably connecting the home automation device to the housing in the area of ​​the opening by means of force-fit and / or form-fit, as well as a preferably knock-out opening for a conduit, such as a cable conduit, and second means for releasably fixing the cable conduit to the housing. This enables simple and flexible mounting of the home automation device as well as secure routing and fixing of cables. Alternatively or additionally, a cable gland can be inserted into a knock-out opening.

[0005] The housing according to the invention can be an additional housing designed to partially enclose the housing of the home automation device, then referred to as the device housing. The device housing is configured to fully protect the electronic component located therein from environmental influences. The housing according to the invention, acting as an additional housing, can be designed to at least partially surround the device housing of the home automation device and, in particular, to enable mechanical fastening, positioning, or alignment of the home automation device without providing its own protection against environmental influences. The housing according to the invention at least partially surrounds and at least partially encloses the device housing of the home automation device.This clarifies that the housing according to the invention is not the primary housing (device housing) of the home automation device itself, but rather an additional, supplementary housing that accommodates or surrounds the existing device housing. The actual home automation device—for example, a motion detector or presence sensor—preferably already has its own functional housing that protects the electronics within it against dust, moisture, or mechanical impacts. One could also say that the housing according to the invention is a kind of additional housing or adapter housing that is placed over or around the actual housing of the home automation device. The housing according to the invention therefore does not serve the primary purpose of protecting the electronics, but rather of further mechanically integrating the device into a building environment, such as a ceiling, wall, or installation enclosure.It can be used, for example, for mounting, adjusting or aesthetically adapting the device to its surroundings, and at the same time allows for a detachable attachment of the device so that it can be easily disassembled or replaced if necessary.

[0006] Advantageously, the housing incorporates locking tabs, snap connections, clamps, bayonet fittings, or screw connections as primary and / or secondary fastening methods. These fasteners allow for quick and secure fixing of the device and / or the cable conduit. Clamps and guides for cable ties can also be provided to secure the cable conduits.

[0007] Preferably, the housing includes pre-formed break points at the breakable opening, allowing for easy removal. This makes it easy to create the opening when needed. When not required, it remains covered.

[0008] In a particular embodiment, the knockout opening is arranged laterally on the housing, especially on the opposite side of the housing. This allows for flexible installation in various positions. Several knockout openings can be arranged radially around the circumference or in a circle on the housing, so that cable conduits and / or cable glands can be connected from different directions and several openings can be used simultaneously.

[0009] Preferably, the housing includes a guide device adjoining the opening for aligning the cable conduit. This facilitates the insertion and fixing of cables in a desired position. The guide device can be configured such that it has at least a partially circumferentially complementary inner contour that corresponds to the outer contour of the cable conduit. Thus, if the outer contour of the cable conduit is cylindrical, the inner contour of the guide device can also be partially cylindrical around its circumference or include cylindrical sections. The inner and outer contours can also form a fit, such as a clearance fit or interference fit, so that the cable conduit is securely held within the guide device and can be removed from it without damage.

[0010] On the top side facing away from the home automation device (ceiling mounting), an additional recess for a cable conduit can be provided, which can be attached, for example, by means of a clamping mechanism, so that the housing can be mounted "floating" on the cable conduit without having to use lateral cutouts.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment, the opening for the home automation device is designed such that the device is positively locked in a specific position. This ensures secure positioning of the home automation device. The home automation device can be screwed, twisted, or clicked into the bracket.

[0012] Preferably, the housing has a seal in the area of ​​the opening to prevent the ingress of dust or moisture between the opening and the home automation device. Particularly preferably, the housing also includes a cover that can close the upward-facing opening when no home automation device is installed. This protects the interior of the housing from external influences.

[0013] The housing can advantageously include brackets or guides for holding fasteners such as screws or wall plugs. This facilitates mounting on walls or other surfaces.

[0014] The mounting hardware for the home automation device allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly. This makes handling the housing particularly user-friendly.

[0015] The housing can be additively manufactured, e.g., 3D printed, or injection molded. Its material can be a polymer, such as a thermoplastic. The housing can be round or box-shaped.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a home automation device, such as a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector or a surveillance camera, comprising a housing according to one of the preceding claims.

[0017] The advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and the figures.

[0018] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a housing 1 of a home automation device according to an embodiment.

[0019] In Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the housing 1 of a home automation device 3, indicated here by a dashed line. The home automation device 3 can be a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector, or a surveillance camera. Alternatively, the home automation device 3 can be a smoke or gas detector. Other devices could also be included.

[0020] The housing 1 has an opening 2 pointing upwards towards the home automation device 3 in order to at least partially accommodate the home automation device 3.

[0021] The housing 1 comprises first means 4 for releasably connecting the home automation device 3 to the housing 1 in the area of ​​the opening 2 by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. These can be, for example, locking lugs, snap connections, or a bayonet fitting, which are used in the embodiment shown. The releasable connection enables a secure yet easily detachable attachment of the home automation device 3 to the housing 1.

[0022] The first means 4 for fixing the home automation device 3 can also be designed in such a way that they allow tool-free assembly and disassembly of the home automation device 3 on the housing 1. The means 4 can include clamps that allow the device 3 to be fixed and released again by simple clamping movements.

[0023] Additionally, the housing 1 comprises a preferably knock-out opening 5 for a tube 6, such as a cable conduit, and second means 7 for detachably fixing the cable conduit 6 to the housing 1. The second means could have openings extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable conduit 6, into which a screw can be inserted, so that the screw detachably fixes the cable conduit 6 to the housing 1. The knock-out openings 5 ​​can be configured to accommodate cable glands.

[0024] The breakable opening 5 has pre-formed break points 8 that allow for easy removal. These break points 8 are made of a weaker material to facilitate the targeted removal of the opening 5.

[0025] The breakable opening(s) 5 is / are arranged laterally on the housing 1 and preferably on an opposite side 9 of the housing 1. In principle, the second means 7 could also be provided in further breakable openings, which could be arranged laterally, i.e., on the outer circumference of the housing 1. This allows for the easy insertion of the cable conduit 6 in different mounting positions. The openings can be arranged radially distributed on the outer surface, so that several connections can be used in parallel.

[0026] Preferably, the housing 1 includes a guide 10 adjoining the opening 5 for aligning the cable conduit 6. The guide 10 can be designed as a wall such that the outer diameter of the conduit 6 rests against the inner diameter of the wall, e.g., by means of a fit. This ensures stable positioning of the conduit 6. Cable conduits can additionally be guided and secured by clamps or cable ties.

[0027] The opening 2 for the home automation device 3 is designed such that the home automation device 3 is held securely in a specific position. This is achieved by a special shape of the inner walls in the area of ​​the opening 2. The home automation device 3 can be screwed, twisted, or clicked into the opening 2.

[0028] Mounting brackets or guides, e.g. in the form of pre-drilled holes 15 for receiving fastening materials such as screws or dowels, are integrated into the housing 1. This enables easy mounting of the housing 1 on walls, ceilings or other surfaces.

[0029] Regardless of the described embodiments, the housing 1 is always positioned between the wall or ceiling and the home automation device 3. This securely holds the home automation device 3 in the desired position, and the housing 1 forms a visually appealing and functional interface with the mounting surface. This not only ensures secure mounting but also conceals unsightly transitions and connection points, further improving the overall appearance of the installation.

[0030] A further advantage of the invention lies in the improved aesthetics of the housing 1. The targeted arrangement of the breakable opening 5 and the guide 10 for the cable conduit 6 allows all wires and cables to be routed completely inside the housing and securely fixed, preventing any cables from protruding uncontrollably. This ensures a tidy and visually appealing appearance for the entire home automation device. Particularly when mounted in visible areas, such as on walls or ceilings, this wireless integration contributes to a harmonious and professional installation that blends discreetly into its surroundings.

Claims

[1] Housing (1) of a home automation device (3), such as a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector or a surveillance camera, with an opening (2) facing upwards towards the home automation device (3) in order to at least partially accommodate the home automation device (3), wherein the housing (1) comprises first means (4) for releasably connecting the home automation device (3) to the housing (1) in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner in the area of ​​the opening (2), as well as a preferably breakable opening (5) for a tube, such as a cable conduit (6), and second means (7) for releasably fixing the cable conduit (6) to the housing (1). [2] Housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first and / or second means (4, 7) include locking lugs, snap connections, clamps, bayonet fittings or screw connections. [3] Housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the breakable opening (5) includes pre-formed predetermined breaking points which allow for easy break-out. [4] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the breakable opening (5) for the cable conduit (6) is arranged laterally on the housing (1) and preferably on the side of the housing (1) opposite the opening (2). [5] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (1) includes a guide device adjoining the opening (2) for aligning the cable conduit (6). [6] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening (2) for the home automation device (3) is designed in such a way that the device is held in a specific position by positive locking. [7] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the housing (1) has a seal in the area of ​​the opening (2) to prevent the ingress of dust or moisture between the opening (2) and the home automation device (3), wherein preferably the housing (1) additionally includes a cover that can close the upwardly facing opening (2) when no home automation device (3) is used. [8] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (1) comprises holders or guides for receiving fastening materials such as screws or dowels, wherein preferably the holders or guides are integrated into the housing (1). [9] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the means for fixing the home automation device (3) enable tool-free assembly and disassembly. [10] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the breakable opening (5) is designed to be suitable for receiving a cable gland. [11] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that several breakable openings (5) are arranged radially around the circumference of the housing (1) so that several cable conduits (6) and / or cable glands can be connected simultaneously. [12] Housing (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that cable conduits (6) can be fixed to the guide device (10) by means of clamps and / or cable ties. [13] Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that on the upper side (9) opposite the home automation device (3) an additional receptacle for a cable conduit (6), preferably with a clamping mechanism, is provided, which enables a self-supporting mounting of the housing (1) exclusively on the cable conduit (6). [14] Home automation device (3), such as a presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion detector or a surveillance camera, comprising a housing (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

Images