CAN HOUSING; METHOD FOR OPERATING A CAN HOUSING

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a can housing according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for operating a can housing according to the preamble of claim 16.

[0002] Electrical box housings come in a wide variety of designs. Known from the prior art are, in particular, multi-socket housings for wired multiple sockets, surface-mounted housings, and flush-mounted housings, which are used for installation in a wall, floor, ceiling, and / or furniture, for example, in a worktop, especially a kitchen worktop. Electrical box housings can be equipped with different features, such that they can include at least one socket, at least one data connection, and / or at least one switch.There are also different designs of sockets, such as sockets with increased contact protection or with a plug insertion aid, which makes it easier to insert the plug into the socket, since the correct insertion position can be determined by inserting the plug into the socket housing and twisting the plug inside the socket housing until the contact pins of the plug lock into the contact openings of the socket, are already known.

[0003] These socket housings, and especially the recessed housings, which are also called recessed sockets and are installed, for example, in a kitchen countertop, have the disadvantage that dirt, foreign objects or moisture could penetrate into the upward-facing socket housing if no plug is inserted in the socket.

[0004] Therefore, patent application DE 10 2004 051 064 A1 proposes a device designed to hold at least one socket insert and which can be closed with a cover. A disadvantage is that the cover can be opened at any time and does not seal tightly.

[0005] German patent application DE 24 58 243 A1 describes a protective device for installation elements, in particular electrical installation elements such as sockets, switches, etc. The protective device has a cover flap that conceals the installation elements, rendering them inaccessible. A rotatable cover plate is attached to the cover flap, which features a safety latch that allows the cover flap to be opened only in a specific position. A disadvantage is that the cover flap pivots upwards to open, and because it protrudes beyond the other components in the open position, it may obstruct access.

[0006] Patent DE 10 2007 063 585 B4 and German patent application DE 10 2013 000 829 A1 describe a socket outlet that has a locking mechanism integrated into a front element, consisting of several locking elements. The locking elements are movably arranged via a fixed bearing, with the movement occurring radially inwards or outwards relative to the center point of the front element. An advantage is that this allows the front element to be designed with a very flat profile. However, the increased design complexity is a disadvantage.

[0007] The lockable sockets described in utility model DE 202 09 189 U1, patent US 6 542 218 B1 and utility model DE 93 15 394 U1 are also structurally complex.

[0008] Patent DE 10 2012 025 533 B4 discloses a built-in housing for installation in furniture, walls, floors, and / or ceilings. This housing has at least one interior space bounded by a housing wall, containing at least one electrical outlet, at least one data connection, and / or at least one switch. A cover enclosing the interior space has at least one opening that can be closed by a latch, and the cover is movably mounted on the housing wall so that, when the latch is unlocked, the cover can rotate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the interior space. A disadvantage of this design is that if the surface, i.e., the cover and / or the latches, is damaged, the entire built-in housing must be removed and possibly replaced.

[0009] German patent application DE 28 43 948 A1 discloses a socket outlet with a lockable hinged cover, which is engaged by a safety lock operated by means of a removable key. The hinged cover can be locked by turning a lug behind a wall part of the socket outlet. The safety lock is attached exclusively to the hinged cover approximately in its center and is connected to the closer by a double-armed locking element via a rotary coupling. In the locked position, both ends of this locking element engage locking lugs fixed to the socket outlet. The design complexity is considered a disadvantage.

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a can housing that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and a method for operating a can housing that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention and its advantages

[0011] In contrast, the can housing according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, and the method according to the invention for operating a can housing, with the features of claim 16, have the advantage that the can housing according to the invention has an at least partially closed housing and at least one operating device, wherein the housing has at least one interior space in which at least one socket, at least one information connection and / or at least one switch is housed, wherein a cover is arranged on at least one side of the housing, which covers an interior space and which has at least one opening that can be closed by a closure, wherein at least one opening has a locking position for closing the opening and a release position for releasing the opening, and wherein the cover and / or at least one closure for releasing or locking at least one opening is movably arranged on this side of the housing.and wherein, by actuating at least one operating device, at least one closure is moved directly or indirectly from a closing position to a releasing position or from a releasing position to a closing position, wherein the cover has a groove and / or a slot, and wherein the cover is one-piece or multi-piece and at least one locking device is arranged on the housing, wherein the locking device has a bolt, wherein the cover can be connected to the housing or at least partially detached from the housing by means of the groove and / or slot into which the bolt of the locking device is inserted for locking, and wherein a closure in the closed position is arranged within the opening that can be closed by the closure.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one locking device can be operated through an opening that can be closed by a latch. Thus, the opening must be at least partially open so that a user can operate the locking device through the opening.

[0013] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least a part of the lid is detachably connected to at least another part of the lid and / or the housing by means of at least one locking device.

[0014] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the lid has a lid disc and / or a guide.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the guide is arranged on a side of the lid facing the interior.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the guide is detachably arranged on the remaining lid. Preferably, the guide is detachably arranged on the lid disc.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the guide has at least a partial toothed ring. Preferably, at least one drive, in particular at least one spring mechanism, is operatively connected to the toothed ring.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the lid and / or at least one closure is rotatably arranged on the housing. The lid is thus connected to the housing by means of at least one locking device while maintaining its rotatability.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the lid and / or at least one closure is rotatably arranged on the housing about an axis of rotation oriented towards the interior in at least one direction. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the lid and / or at least one closure is oriented perpendicular to the interior.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the lid and / or at least one closure can be manually rotated in one direction or in both directions.

[0021] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the can housing has at least one stop to limit the rotation of the lid and / or at least one closure.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one stop is arranged on a side of the lid facing the interior or on the housing.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the can housing has at least one drive that assists the rotational movement of the lid and / or the at least one closure when opening or closing at least one opening in at least one direction of rotation. The at least one drive is directly or indirectly connected to the lid and / or to the at least one closure and assists the movement of the lid and / or the at least one closure for opening and / or closing at least one opening. Preferably, the drive is operatively connected to the guide.

[0024] It would also be conceivable for the socket housing according to the invention to have an obstacle detection feature, so that, for example, a socket into which a plug is inserted, or in which an obstacle (e.g., a finger) is located, prevents the socket from being closed. In this case, the closing process is either prevented from the outset or aborted at the latest when the closure mechanism touches the obstacle (e.g., plug, cable, finger). It is also conceivable that an opening process follows the aborted closing process.

[0025] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one drive is a spring mechanism or an electric drive. The at least one drive is directly or indirectly connected to the lid and / or to at least one closure and assists the movement of the lid and / or the at least one closure for opening and / or closing at least one opening.

[0026] The spring mechanism is designed to solve two problems inherent in conventional, simply inserted springs. The first problem is that a simply inserted spring cannot be pre-tensioned. Since pre-tensioning is not possible, errors can occur, especially during assembly and when replacing the cover (e.g., setting the correct torque, adjusting the direction of the spring force). The second problem is that even if pre-tensioning were possible, the pre-tensioned spring could pose a risk of injury during assembly (e.g., at the factory, and especially when the customer replaces the cover), as it might spring out of the housing uncontrollably.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one spring mechanism is at least partially tensioned before the operating device is actuated.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the lid and / or at least one closure can be rotated in one direction of rotation or in both directions of rotation by at least one drive, in particular by at least one spring mechanism.

[0029] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one drive, in particular a spring mechanism, is arranged centrally or decentrally on the side of the housing.

[0030] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the spring mechanism has at least one spring and additionally at least one spring axle (spring holder), at least one ball bearing, at least one rotation damper and / or at least one spring mechanism cover.

[0031] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the spring has a radial and an axial leg. Preferably, the spring is held in a cylinder (shell, cage, cartridge), which can be a separate component or part of the operating device. This cylinder fixes one leg and allows the other to move. Preferably, the radial leg of the spring is movable in an elongated slot (e.g., approximately 90°) to ensure the drive mechanism. The length of the elongated slot allows control of the stop. Therefore, almost any angle is conceivable. The axial leg is guided and held in the (possibly annular) "base" by a bore. The base can also be a separate part that is clipped in or fixed with screws. Additionally, the spring could be supported (e.g., against axial buckling) by an inner, second cylinder (shell, cage, cartridge).The advantage is that such an encapsulated spring can be pre-tensioned to a defined torque when inserted. This means the spring element is pre-tensioned to a defined torque and can be inserted or removed easily and safely.

[0032] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the spring mechanism is integrated into an operating device.

[0033] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the spring mechanism has at least one constant force spring or at least one helical spring.

[0034] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the junction box housing according to the invention, the junction box housing according to the invention is a multiple socket outlet housing, a surface-mounted junction box housing or a flush-mounted housing, which is used for installation in a wall, a floor, a ceiling and / or a piece of furniture, namely for example in a worktop, in particular in a kitchen worktop.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the junction box housing according to the invention, at least one socket, at least one information connection and / or at least one switch is designed as an interchangeable insert. Preferably, an interchangeable insert is clipped and / or screwed into the housing. This allows for adaptation to the user's needs.

[0036] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one closure of an opening is arranged on the housing.

[0037] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one closure is movable.

[0038] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one closure and / or at least one operating device has a spring. At least one closure and / or at least one operating device is thus spring-loaded.

[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, at least one operating device is arranged at least partially outside the housing and / or at least one operating device projects at least partially beyond the upper surface of the lid facing away from the interior. It is conceivable that at least one closure, which has a closed position and an open position, can be moved directly or indirectly from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position by an operating device that is arranged at least partially outside the housing or that projects at least partially beyond the upper surface of the lid facing away from the interior, and / or that several closures can be moved by a common operating device that is arranged at least partially outside the housing.which at least partially extends beyond the upper surface of the lid facing away from the interior, and are movable from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, and / or multiple closures by at least two operating devices, at least one of which is located at least partially outside the housing or which at least partially extends beyond the upper surface of the lid facing away from the interior, and is movable from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. Preferably, the lid has no further openings on its upper surface, in particular no opening for an operating device, except for one or more openings that can be closed by a closure.

[0040] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, a socket housing for at least one socket, at least one information connection and / or at least one switch is arranged in at least one interior space.

[0041] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, the socket housing is connected to at least one rotatable closure.

[0042] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the junction box housing, the socket housing is rotatably arranged in the interior in at least one direction of rotation. Preferably, the rotation, which may optionally occur together with a closure arranged on the socket housing, is triggered directly or indirectly in at least one direction of rotation by an operating device, e.g., an operating device that is at least partially arranged outside the housing and / or at least partially projects beyond a top surface of the cover facing away from the interior.The rotation allows a user to adjust the desired socket, information port, or switch before or after actuating the operating device to a position where it is accessible through an opening in the cover that is in the release position. Preferably, the socket housing is rotated in both directions by at least one drive mechanism, particularly at least one spring mechanism.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive method for operating a can housing, which has an at least partially closed housing and at least one operating device, wherein the housing has at least one interior space in which at least one socket, at least one information connection and / or at least one switch is housed, wherein a cover is arranged on at least one side of the housing, which covers an interior space and which has at least one opening that can be closed by a closure, wherein at least one opening has a locking position for closing the opening and a release position for releasing the opening, and wherein the cover and / or at least one closure for releasing or locking at least one opening is movably arranged on this side of the housing,and wherein, by actuating at least one operating device, at least one closure is moved directly or indirectly from a closing position to a releasing position or from a releasing position to a closing position, wherein the cover has a groove and / or a slot, and wherein the cover is one-piece or multi-piece, and wherein at least one locking device is arranged on the housing, the locking device having a bolt, wherein the cover can be connected to the housing or at least partially detached from the housing by means of the groove and / or slot into which the bolt of the locking device is inserted for locking, and wherein a closure in the closed position is arranged within the opening that can be closed by the closure, the cover isAt least one part of the lid and / or at least one closure is replaceable. This allows the lid, at least one part of the lid, and / or the closure(s) to be adapted to the environment in terms of design, or to be replaced after any damage. The lid, at least one part of the lid, and / or at least one closure thus become a replaceable spare part, especially for the user.

[0044] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in order to obtain a locking position closing the opening or a release position releasing the opening, the lid, at least a part of the lid and / or at least one closure is rotated about an axis of rotation directed towards the interior in at least one direction of rotation.

[0045] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inventive method, the can housing has at least one drive by which the rotary movement of the lid, at least a part of the lid and / or the at least one closure is supported at least temporarily when releasing or locking at least one opening in at least one direction of rotation.

[0046] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, when a lid, at least a part of the lid, and / or at least one closure is moved, at least one drive is at least partially tensioned or at least partially relaxed. Thus, the use of a can housing is conceivable in which the lid can be rotated by actuating a control device, thereby moving at least one opening from its locked position to its released position or vice versa. It is conceivable that the rotation is spring-assisted (automatic), whereby the spring is at least partially relaxed during the rotation. It is also conceivable that the rotation is manual, whereby the spring is at least partially tensioned. Thus, when the lid and / or the at least one closure and / or, if applicable, the...of the socket housing in at least one direction of rotation at least one spring mechanism at least partially tensioned and / or at least partially relaxed.

[0047] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the initial actuation of the operating device, which moves the cover, at least a part of the cover and / or at least one closure and / or optionally the socket housing preferably to a stop in one direction of rotation, the cover and / or at least one closure and / or optionally the socket housing are moved in the same direction of rotation preferably to a stop by at least a second actuation of the operating device. The rotational movement can be spring-loaded or manual. This ensures a stepwise advancement of the cover, at least a part of the cover and / or at least one closure and / or optionally the socket housing.

[0048] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a can housing according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is used as the can housing.

[0049] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be seen in the following description and the drawings. Drawings

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. They show Fig. 1 a perspective view, not covered by claims, of a can housing in the closed state, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the can housing, according to Fig. 1 , when open, Fig. 3 a perspective exploded view, not covered by claims, of a can housing, Fig. 4a perspective view of a locking device of the can housing according to the invention, Fig. 5 a sketch-like perspective representation of the can housing according to the invention in the open state, Fig. 6 A sketch-like perspective representation, not covered by any claims, of a can housing. Fig. 7 A sketch-like perspective representation, not covered by any claims, of a can housing. Fig. 8 A sketch-like perspective representation, not covered by any claims, of a can housing. Fig. 9 a perspective view, not covered by claims, of a can housing, Fig. 10 a perspective view of the underside of the lid disc of the can housing according to the invention, Fig. 11 a perspective view of the underside of a further embodiment of a lid disc of a can housing according to the invention, Fig. 12a top view of the can housing according to the invention, above, Fig. 13 a top view of a further embodiment, not covered by claims, of a can housing, Fig. 14 a perspective view, not covered by claims, of a can housing, Fig. 15 a sectional view of the lid and locking device of a can housing according to the invention, Fig. 16 a top view of a guide ring of a lid of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 17 a sectional view of a tab for a spring, not covered by claims, in particular a constant force spring, according to section A from Fig. 16 , Fig. 18 a top view of a guide ring of a lid of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 19 a perspective view of the guide ring of the lid of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 20a sectional view of a spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 21 a perspective exploded view of the spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 22 a further perspective exploded view of the spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 23 a perspective view of a spring axis of the spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 24 a perspective exploded view of a further embodiment of a spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 25 a perspective view of the spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 26 a perspective view of the underside of a lid disc on which a spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, is arranged, Fig. 27a top view of the lid disc of a lid of a can housing according to the invention, from above, Fig. 28 a sectional view of the spring mechanism, along line AA, not covered by claims, Fig. 29 a side view of the spring mechanism, not covered by claims, Fig. 30 a perspective view of the underside of the cover plate including spring and base, not covered by claims, Fig. 31 a perspective detail view, not covered by claims, Fig. 32 a perspective exploded view of a spring mechanism of a can housing, not covered by claims, Fig. 33 a perspective sectional view of the spring mechanism, not covered by claims, Fig. 34 a perspective sketch of a casing, not covered by claims, for a spring, Fig. 35 a perspective view of a can housing according to the invention, Fig. 36a perspective view of the can housing according to the invention, in accordance with Fig. 35 , when operating a control device and Fig. 37 a perspective view of the can housing according to the invention, in accordance with Fig. 35 , when the lid is turned. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0051] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a can housing 1 in the closed state. The can housing 1 according to the invention has a housing 2 which is covered on one upward-facing side by a lid 3 (cover, cover plate). The lid 3 has openings 4 which are closed by latches 5. The latches 5 are connected to an operating device 6 (release, center button, latch, bolt) so that when the operating device 6 is pressed downwards, the latches 5 also move downwards and thus out of the opening 4. Preferably, the operating device 6 is a mechanically releasable operating device 6. By releasing the openings 4, the lid 3 and / or at least one latch 5 can be rotated. The can housing 1 according to the invention can therefore not be opened accidentally, since the lid 3 is fixed to the housing 2 by the latches 5 located in the openings 4.The closures 5 fixed in the openings 4 can only be rotated when the operating device 6, which in the present embodiment is arranged in the middle, has been pressed down.

[0052] The can housing 1 according to the invention is designed as a recessed housing, so that it can, for example, be installed in a worktop (not shown). Preferably, the recessed housing can be fixed to the worktop (not shown) from below by means of eccentric screws 7. It is also conceivable that the eccentric screws 8 are operated from above or that the eccentric screws 7 can be operated from both sides. Fastening from above is preferably possible if the lid 3 and / or at least one closure 5 is slightly rotated so that the eccentric screws 7 are thereby exposed and accessible.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 1, in the open state, wherein the can housing 1 according to the invention is a can housing 1 in which the lid 3 is rotatable. Here, the lid 3 is rotated such that sockets 8 arranged in the interior of the housing 2 are accessible, so that plugs can be inserted into the can sockets.

[0054] Instead of conventional sockets 8, and regardless of whether the cover 3 and / or at least one locking mechanism 5 can be rotated, other sockets are of course also conceivable, for example for information connections (e.g. LAN socket), PC connections, TV connections (e.g. SCART connections), speakers, switches, etc. Combinations of these are also conceivable, so that, for example, a single socket can be equipped with a media connection panel for components such as USB, standard computer connections, CAT sockets, HDMI.

[0055] The can housing 1 according to the invention can be made of different materials, regardless of whether the lid 3 and / or at least one closure 5 can be rotated, so that, for example, a kitchen version is produced in high-quality zinc die-cast cover with stainless steel look and an office version in an anodized look.

[0056] A key advantage, regardless of whether the lid 3 and / or at least one locking mechanism 5 can be rotated, is the minimal installation depth of the inventive can housing 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment. This housing is preferably attachable to the worktop (not shown) from both sides (front and back) and can be moved into two securely locked end positions (open state (sockets 8 accessible), closed state (sockets 8 covered)) by releasing the locking mechanisms 5 using the operating device 6 and rotating the lid 3. Preferably, the lid 3 and the locking mechanisms 5 are designed such that the inventive can housing 1 is sealed in the closed state, preventing dirt or moisture from penetrating the interior of the inventive can housing 1. This makes the inventive can housing 1 wipeable.Preferably, the can housing 1 according to the invention, which rests flush on the worktop (not shown), requiring only a small borehole of, for example, 105 mm, and projects over the borehole with a collar, has a very flat design, protruding, for example, only 3 mm above a tabletop, so that it adds only a few millimeters to the surface. Due to its shallow installation depth (e.g., 40 mm), the can housing 1 according to the invention can be completely recessed into, for example, kitchen worktops and thus also used above drawers. Naturally, the can housing 1 according to the invention can also be installed in walls, ceilings, or floors.

[0057] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a can housing 1. The lid 3 has a lid disc 9 and a guide designed as a guide ring 10. This allows the guide ring 10 and the lid disc 9 to be mounted independently of each other. The lid disc 9 of the lid 3 has openings 4 and an opening 11 in which the operating device 6, connected to the closures 5, is located. Inside the housing 2 are two recesses 12, which receive the closures 5 when the operating device 6 is pressed down. A dome 13 (pin) is located in the recess 12, over which a spring (compression spring, not shown) can be placed, acting from below against the closure 5. A dome 14 (pin) is also provided for the operating device 6, which can likewise serve to accommodate a spring (compression spring, not shown) and, if necessary, act as a guide for the operating device 6, preventing it from tilting.Preferably, the recesses 12 are connected to each other by a channel 15 in order to drain any liquid that may have entered the can housing 1 according to the invention to a water drain. When the operating device 6 is actuated, the closures 5 can thus be axially pushed out of the openings 4, allowing the lid 3 to be rotated. As soon as a rotation of the lid 3 causes the openings 4 to be aligned with the closures 5, the closures 5 automatically spring into the openings 4 due to their spring tension, thus closing them. In this process, lugs 16 arranged on the closures 5 serve as a stop on the underside of the lid disc 9, so that the closure 5 is positioned flush with the top of the lid 3.

[0058] The can housing 1, regardless of whether the lid 3 and / or at least one closure 5 can be rotated, is fixed to the tabletop, for example, after it has been inserted into a hole arranged in a tabletop, by tightening fastening elements 17, e.g., clamping claws, which allow the can housing 1 according to the invention to be fixed from above. In the closed state, the can housing 1 according to the invention has a closed surface, so that access 18 to a fastening element 17 is concealed. By rotating the lid 3 and / or at least one closure 5, the access points 18 become accessible, so that the fastening elements 17, e.g., clamping claws, can be screwed to a tabletop with a thickness of, for example, 15–40 mm.

[0059] From below, the housing has 2 different interchangeable can inserts 19, e.g.

[0060] Socket inserts, which can be inserted by means of a locking mechanism 20, to adapt the socket housing 1 to the needs of the user.

[0061] Furthermore, locking devices 21 can be inserted into the housing 2 from below, by means of which the cover disc 9 can be rotatably arranged on the housing 2. Preferably, the cover disc 9 is brought into operative connection with the guide ring 10, which is rotatably held on the housing 2 by means of a locking hook 22, in order to then lock the cover disc 9, which has a groove 23 into which a bolt 24 of a locking device 21 is inserted for locking. The locking devices 21 thus serve to ensure that the cover disc 9, or in the case of one-piece covers 3, the entire cover 3, is removable, so that it can be easily replaced, for example, if damaged.

[0062] Furthermore, the can housing 1 has a drive in the form of a spring mechanism, which consists of a spring mechanism cover 25, a spring axle 26, a spring 27, e.g. a constant force spring, a ball bearing 28 and a rotary damper 29. In the present embodiment, the spring mechanism is arranged laterally in an opening 30, with one spring end 31 being arranged on the guide ring 10, which has a toothed ring 32 that can be brought into operative contact with a gear 33 arranged on the spring axle 26.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a locking device 21 of the can housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1 The locking device 21 has a bolt 24 which is movable back and forth in the direction of the arrow, which is extended from the housing 35 to engage in the [unclear] by rotating the shaft 34 in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 3The groove 23 shown can be pushed out or retracted into the housing 35.

[0064] Fig. 5 shows a sketched perspective view of the can housing 1 according to the invention in the open state.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows a sketched perspective view of the underside of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 5 The can inserts 19 are preferably fixed to the housing 2 by means of screws. Likewise, the locking devices 21 are secured by means of screws 35.

[0066] Fig. 7 shows a sketched perspective view of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 5 , without the in Fig. 3The illustrated lid disc 9. The housing 2 is the main component and thus the largest part of the can housing 1 according to the invention. The housing 2 has a recess 38 into which the guide ring 10 can be inserted and subsequently locked to the housing 4 with the four locking hooks 22, so that the guide ring 10 preferably cannot be removed. This protects the spring mechanism when the lid disc 9 is removed, thus preventing accidental disassembly or damage to the components. Openings 39 serve as access to the Fig. 4 shaft 34 shown, to move the bolt 24 to lock the cover 3.

[0067] Fig. 8 shows a sketched perspective view of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 5 , without the in Fig. 3 illustrated cover disc 9, without the one in Fig. 3 illustrated spring mechanism cover 25 and without the one in Fig. 3 spring shown 28.

[0068] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of housing 2 of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 3 The in Fig. 3 The socket inserts 19 shown are clipped or screwed into the designated recesses 40 from below. This allows the same basic housing (housing 2) to be used for any combination of sockets or outlets. A hole 41 serves to receive the Fig. 3 shown ball bearing 28 and the spring axle 26 provided therein. Openings 39, as access to the in Fig. 4 The shaft 34 shown, and openings 42, in which the in Fig. 4 The bolts 24 shown can be moved, serve to lock the lid 3 and the access points 18 serve to mount the can housing 1 according to the invention to a work surface.

[0069] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the underside 43 of the lid disc 9 of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 3The lid disc 9 is removable and / or replaceable after the locking device 21 is opened. The can housing 1 according to the invention offers the advantage that the lid disc 9 can be removed without affecting the spring mechanism. To release or fix the lid disc 9, a groove 23 is provided on the underside 43 of the lid disc 9, into which a bolt (slider) of the locking device is inserted for locking.

[0070] The lid disc 9 has 43 recesses 44 on its underside, into which the latches 5 automatically engage when the lid 3 is rotated, due to the spring tension on the latches 5. To allow the lid 3 to be rotated further, the operating device 6 must be pressed so that the latches 5 are moved out of the recesses 44.

[0071] Fig. 11Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the underside 43 of a further embodiment of a lid 9 of a can housing 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the underside 43 has stops 45 for the closures 5, allowing the lid 3 to be rotated in one direction until a closure 5 abuts a stop 45. Afterward, the lid 3 can only be rotated in the opposite direction.

[0072] Fig. 12 shows a top view of the can housing 1, according to Fig. 1 , from above.

[0073] Fig. 13Figure 1 shows a top view of another embodiment of a junction box housing 1. In this embodiment, in addition to the operating device 6, which allows the cover 3 to be rotated, at least one switching arm 46 is arranged, wherein a switching arm 46 is connected to a socket housing 47 located inside the housing 2. The socket housing 47, which has a supply line 48, is rotatably mounted on the housing 2, with the rotation being effected by the switching arm 46. This means that, before or after the cover 3 has been rotated to allow access to the interior of the junction box housing 1 according to the invention, the user can additionally select the desired socket by rotating the socket housing 47.

[0074] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the underside of can housing 1, according to Fig. 13A supply cable 48, which could be, for example, a power supply cable, is strain-relieved inside the socket housing 47, running axially through the socket base 49 and extending radially with a loop 50 to a strain relief 51 on the outer housing 2. This allows the socket housing 13 to be rotated, and the supply cable is routed parallel to the underside of the table in the direction of arrow 24. Naturally, multiple cables can also be routed out of the inside of the socket housing 49.

[0075] Fig. 15Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the lid 3 and the locking device 21 of a can housing 1 according to the invention. The locking device 21 is attached from below and is operated from above with a tool, for example a slotted screwdriver. When the lid 3 is installed from above and the latch 23 (locking slide) is extended, the lid 3 is firmly seated in the housing 2, so that it can only be rotated, if necessary.

[0076] Fig. 16Figure 1 shows a top view of a guide ring 10 of a lid 3 of a can housing 1, from below. The guide ring 10 forms a component that interacts with the spring mechanism. The guide ring 10 has two larger recesses 52. The lid disc 9 is inserted into these recesses. Thus, the rotational movement of the guide ring 10 is transmitted to the lid disc 9 via the spring 27. A toothed section (gear ring 32) is visible on the underside of the guide ring 10. This toothed section transmits the rotational movement to the spring shaft 26, which has the corresponding gear 33. To dampen the rotational movement of the spring, a rotary damper 29 is mounted on the spring shaft 26. This damper reduces the rotational movement transmitted via the toothed section. The guide ring 10 is clipped into the housing 2 and is then preferably not removable.

[0077] Fig. 17shows a sectional view of a tab 53 for a spring 27, in particular a constant force spring, according to section A from Fig. 16 The constant force spring is inserted and secured in the tab 53.

[0078] Fig. 18 shows a top view of a guide ring 10 of a lid 3 of a can housing 1, from above.

[0079] Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the guide ring 10 of the lid 3 of a can housing 1, according to Fig. 18 .

[0080] Fig. 20Figure 27 shows a sectional view of a spring mechanism for a can housing 1. The spring 27 (constant force spring) is a pre-tensioned flat band of spring material, formed into coils with a practically constant radius around itself or around a drum. When the band is pulled apart (deflected), its inherent tension resists the load force, similar to a normal tension spring, but with a nearly constant force. These properties are suitable for installation in the can housing 1 according to the invention. The spring mechanism, which interacts with the guide ring 10, consists of the spring 27, the spring shaft 26, the ball bearing 28, and the rotary damper 29. The ball bearing 28 is pressed into the housing 2. The spring shaft 26 is inserted into the ball bearing 28 so that it can rotate freely. The constant force spring is placed onto the spring shaft 26 and can rotate freely there.The pivot axis of the rotary damper 29 is attached to the spring axis 26 from the underside of the housing 2. To prevent the rotary damper 29 from rotating, it is additionally mounted to the housing 2. By manually turning the lid 3, the constant-force spring is wound up (unwound) and tensioned. This generates the force that allows the lid 3 to open automatically again. Thus, the spring 28 is tensioned in the closed state. In the closed state, at least one locking mechanism 5 engages in an opening 4, thereby keeping the can housing 1 according to the invention closed. When the operating device 6 is pressed down, this connection is released, and the lid 3 is rotated by the spring force of the tensioned spring 28, thereby opening the can housing 1 according to the invention.The reverse case would also be conceivable, such that the manual twisting and the associated tensioning of the spring 28 occurs when opening the can housing 1 according to the invention, so that by actuating the operating device 6 a connection existing in the open state is released and the lid 3 closes the can housing 1 according to the invention by the spring force of the tensioned spring 28.

[0081] Fig. 21 shows a perspective exploded view of the spring mechanism of a can housing 1, according to Fig. 20 .

[0082] Fig. 22 shows another perspective exploded view of the spring mechanism of a can housing 1, according to Fig. 20 .

[0083] Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of a spring axis 26 of the spring mechanism of a can housing 1, according to Fig. 20 .

[0084] Fig. 24Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a spring mechanism for a can housing 1. In this embodiment, the spring mechanism is integrated into the operating device 6. The spring 27 (helical spring 54) has a radial leg 55 and an axial leg 56. The radial leg 55 of the helical spring 54, which can be inserted through a slot 57 into a cylinder 58 of the operating device 6, is movably arranged in an elongated hole 59 in the inserted cylinder. The axial leg 56 is inserted into and held in a bore 60 of a base 61 of a spring shaft 26. The base 61 can also be a separate part that clips onto the spring shaft 26 or is fixed with screws. The base 61 has a lug 62 that is inserted into the slot 57 for fixation, thus preventing the spring 27 from relaxing.

[0085] The lugs 63 arranged on the closures 5 serve as a stop on the underside of the cover disc 9, so that the closure 5 is positioned flat on the top of the cover 3.

[0086] Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of the spring mechanism of a can housing 1, according to Fig. 24 When operating device 6 is activated, the spring mechanism together with the coil spring 54 is pressed downwards.

[0087] Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of the underside 43 of a lid disc 9, on which a spring mechanism of a can housing 1 is attached, according to Fig. 25The radial leg 55 is arranged in a holder 64 located on the underside 43 of the lid disc 9, the holder 64 being deep enough that the radial leg 55 is not dislodged from the holder 64 during the downward movement of the operating device 6. If the can housing 1 according to the invention provides for rotation of the closures, the spring mechanism could, for example, be designed such that a holder for the radial leg is located on the housing and not on the underside of the lid disc. For this, the cylinder would have to be modified, since the spring would preferably be inserted into the cylinder in the opposite direction.

[0088] Because the radial leg 55 is fixed in the holder 64 and can only move axially, a counterclockwise rotation of the cover disc 9 (as viewed from below), performed manually by the user, moves the radial leg 55 within the elongated hole 59 up to the stop 65, thereby tensioning the spring 27. Once the latches 5 reach the openings 4, they engage within the openings 4 by springs (not shown) located in openings 66, thus keeping the spring 27 tensioned. By actuating the operating device 6 again, the tensioned spring 27, through its spring force, causes a clockwise rotation of the cover disc 9 (as viewed from below), which moves the radial leg 55 away from the stop 65 within the elongated hole 59.The rotational movement preferably ends at the latest when the fasteners 5 reach the recesses 44 arranged on the underside 43 of the cover disc 9 and engage in a spring-loaded manner. The cover disc 9 is thus driven to open by the spring force.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the elongated hole 59 allows the cover 3 to be rotated by 90°.

[0090] The base 61 has an end face 67 on which an internal hexagon socket 68 is arranged, which serves to pre-tension the coil spring 54 before its insertion into the slot 57. It would also be conceivable that the internal hexagon socket 68 serves to receive a spring for the actuating device 6, so that it returns to its initial position.

[0091] Fig. 27 shows a top view of the lid disc 9 of a lid 3 of a can housing 1 according to the invention.

[0092] Fig. 28shows a sectional view of the spring mechanism, according to Fig. 24 , along line A - A.

[0093] Fig. 29 shows a side view of the spring mechanism, according to Fig. 24 .

[0094] Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of the underside 43 of the cover disc 9 together with spring 27 (coil spring 54) and base 54.

[0095] Because the radial leg 55 is fixed in the holder 64 and can only perform axial movement, a rotation of the cover disc 9 viewed from below, in contrast to Fig. 26In a clockwise direction, manually operated by the user, the radial leg 55 moves within the elongated hole 59 to a maximum of the stop 65, thereby tensioning the spring 27. As soon as the latches 5 reach the openings 4, they engage within the openings 4, keeping the spring 27 tensioned. By actuating the operating device 6 again, the tensioned spring 27, through its spring force, rotates the cover disc 9 counterclockwise (viewed from below), moving the radial leg 55 within the elongated hole 59 away from the stop 65. The rotation preferably ends at the latest when the latches 5 reach the stops 45 located on the underside 43 of the cover disc 9. The cover disc 9 is thus driven to open by the spring force.

[0096] Fig. 31 shows a perspective detail view, according to excerpt B from Fig. 30 .

[0097] Fig. 32shows a perspective exploded view of a spring mechanism of a can housing 1.

[0098] Fig. 33 shows a perspective sectional view of the spring mechanism, according to Fig. 32 .

[0099] Fig. 34 Figure 1 shows a perspective sketch of a casing 69 for a spring 27. The casing 69 is a separate component in which the spring 27 is enclosed, such that its radial leg is movably arranged in an elongated hole 70 and its axial leg is fixed in a bore 71. The casing 69 protects the spring 27 against axial buckling. An advantage is that such an encapsulated spring 27 can be pre-tensioned to a defined torque when inserted. This pre-tensions the spring element to a defined torque, allowing it to be inserted and removed easily and safely.

[0100] Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of a can housing according to the invention 1.

[0101] Fig. 36 shows a perspective view of the can housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 35 , when operating a control device 6 in the direction of arrow 72. Fig. 37 shows a perspective view of the can housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 35 , when the lid 3 is rotated. By actuating the operating device 6, the lid 3 is automatically rotated in the direction of arrow 73 by means of a spring 28 and a rotation damper 29 when a button is pressed.

[0102] All features shown in the description, the following claims and the drawings can be essential to the invention, either individually or in any combination. Reference number list

[0103] 1 Can housing 2 Housing 3 Cover 4 Opening 5 Closure 6 Operating device 7 Eccentric screw 8 Socket 9 Cover washer 10 Guide ring 11 Opening 12 Recess 13 Dome 14 Dome 15 Channel 16 Nose 17 Fastening element 18 Access 19 Can insert 20 Detent mechanism 21 Locking device 22 Detent hook 23 Groove 24 Latch 25 Spring mechanism cover 26 Spring axle 27 Spring 28 Ball bearing 29 Rotary damper 30 Opening 31 Spring end 32 Ring gear 33 Gear 34 Shaft 35 Housing 36 Screw 37 Screw 38 Recess 39 Opening 40 Recess 41 Hole 42 Opening 43 Bottom 44 Recess 45 Stop 46 Switching arm 47 Socket housing 48 Supply cable 49 Socket base 50 Loop 51 Strain relief 52 Recess 53 Tab 54 Coil spring 55 Radial leg 56 Axial leg 57 Slot 58 Cylinder 59 Slotted hole 60 Bore 61 Base 62 Nose 63 Nose 64 Bracket 65 Stop 66 Opening 67 End face 68 Hex socket 69 Sleeve 70 Slotted hole 71 Bore 72 Arrow direction 73 Arrow direction

Claims

1. A socket housing (1) - including an at least partially closed housing (2), said housing (2) having at least one interior space accommodating at least one plug socket (8) and / or at least one information socket and / or at least one switch, at least one side of the housing (2) having a cover (3) arranged thereon which covers an interior space and is provided with at least one opening (4) that may be closed by a closure (5), at least one opening (4) having a locking position in which said opening (4) is closed and a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible, and the cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) for giving access to, or for closing off, at least one opening (4) being movably arranged on said side of the housing (2), - including at least one operating device (6) by means of which at least one closure (5) may be moved directly or indirectly from a closure position in which said opening (4) is closed into a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible or, vice versa, from a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible into a closure position in which said opening (4) is closed, characterised in that the cover (3) has a groove (23) and / or a slot and that the cover (3) is made of a single part or of several parts and that the housing (2) has at least one locking device (21) arranged thereon, said locking device (21) having a locking bar (24), the cover (3) being connected to the housing (2) via the groove (23) and / or the slot into which the locking bar (24) of the locking device (21) is inserted for interlocking purposes, a closure (5) being disposed, when in its closure position, within the opening (4) which is closeable by said closure (5).

2. The socket housing (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that at least one locking device (21) can be actuated by passing through an opening (4) closeable by a closure.

3. The socket housing (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that at least one part of the cover (3) is connected to at least one other part of the cover (3) and / or to the housing (2) by means of at least one locking device (21).

4. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (3) has a cover disc (9) and / or a guide.

5. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) are rotatably arranged on the housing (2).

6. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) may be manually rotated in one sense of rotation or in both senses of rotation.

7. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the socket housing (1) is provided with at least one stop (45) for the purpose of limiting the scope of rotation of the cover (3) and / or of the at least one closure (5).

8. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the socket housing (1) has at least one drive mechanism that assists the rotary movement of the cover (3) and / or of the at least one closure (5) in at least one sense of rotation during release and close-off operations of at least one opening (4).

9. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one drive mechanism is arranged on said side of the housing (2) in a central position or an out-of-centre position.

10. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the socket housing (1) is a multiple plug socket housing, a surface-mounted socket housing or a flush-mounted socket housing.

11. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one plug socket (8) and / or at least one information socket and / or at least one switch are configured as changeable inserts.

12. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one closure (5) of an opening (4) is arranged on the housing (2).

13. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one closure (5) and / or at least one operating device (6) are provided with a spring.

14. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one operating device (6) is arranged at least partially outside the housing (2) and / or in that at least one operating device (6) protrudes at least partially from a top surface of the cover (3) facing away from the interior space.

15. The socket housing (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one interior space has a plug socket housing (47) for accommodating at least one plug socket (8) and / or at least one information socket and / or at least one switch arranged therein.

16. A method of operating a socket housing (1) which has an at least partially closed housing (2) and at least one operating device (6), said housing (2) having at least one interior space accommodating at least one plug socket (8) and / or at least one information socket and / or at least one switch, at least one side of the housing (2) having a cover (3) arranged thereon which covers an interior space and is provided with at least one opening (4) that may be closed by a closure (5), at least one opening (4) having a locking position in which said opening (4) is closed and a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible, and the cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) for giving access to, or for closing off, at least one opening (4) being movably arranged on said side of the housing (2), and an actuation of at least one operating device (6) will move at least one closure (5) directly or indirectly from a closure position in which said opening (4) is closed into a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible or, vice versa, from a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible into a closure position in which said opening (4) is closed, characterised in that the cover (3) has a groove (23) and / or a slot and in that the cover (3) is made of a single part or of several parts and in that the housing (2) has at least one locking device (21) arranged thereon, said locking device (21) having a locking bar (24), the cover (3) being connected to the housing (2), and capable of being at least partially detached from the housing (2), via the groove (23) and / or the slot into which the locking bar (24) of the locking device (21) is inserted for interlocking purposes, a closure (5) being disposed, when in its closure position, within the opening (4) which is closeable by said closure (5).

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the cover (3), at least one part of said cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) are replaceable.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, characterised in that in order to reach a locking position in which said opening (4) is closed or, vice versa, a release position in which said opening (4) is accessible, the cover (3), at least one part of said cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) are rotated in at least one sense of rotation about an axis of rotation oriented towards the inner space.

19. The method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that after the initial actuation of the operating device (6), by which the cover (3), at least one part of said cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) are moved in one sense of rotation, at least one renewed actuation of the operating device (6) will cause the cover (3) and / or at least one closure (5) to be moved in the same sense of rotation.

20. The method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that the socket housing (1) utilised here is a socket housing (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.