Marking unit, movable electrical installation

Abstract

Marking unit (1) for permanently and securely attaching a planar marking element (2) to at least one cylindrical element (5), comprising: at least one receiving body (6) extending at least along an axis (5b); and wherein the receiving body (6) comprises at least two sub-bodies (11, 12) forming an opening (7) for receiving on the cylindrical element (5) and circumferentially enclosing the cylindrical element (5) in a mounted state; and wherein the receiving body (6) has at least one mounting surface (8) for attaching the marking element (2). The mounting surface (8) extends over both sub-bodies (11, 12). Portable electrical equipment (100) with marking unit (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a marking unit for the permanent and protected attachment of a flat marking element, such as a test plate or a test label, to a cylindrical element, such as an electrical cable, and to a mobile electrical equipment with such a marking unit.

[0002] Electrical devices such as drills, laptops, power cords, and mobile phone chargers, especially those used commercially, must be tested for safety at regular intervals. Devices that pass such tests are given a marking element such as a test sticker or test label, often in the form of a sticker.

[0003] Electrical cables are often particularly suitable for attaching the marker. With electrical cables, the marker is often folded around the cable and the ends are glued together, so that the marker protrudes perpendicular to the cable axis like a flag.

[0004] The disadvantage here is that the flag can tear off or get caught during use and handling of the equipment, damaging the marking element. This can result in the loss of proof of testing if, for example, a test seal or test label is no longer present or important parts are missing. Furthermore, constant bending of the cable in everyday use causes the marking element to deform in the cable area and detach from the cable, potentially causing it to fall off.

[0005] Furthermore, dirt can accumulate on the edges of the adhesive surfaces if the edges don't line up perfectly. This can also reduce the value of high-priced electronic devices. In extreme cases, such as in the medical field, the stickers can also pose a health hazard if infectious dirt accumulates on the stickers.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to enable a permanently secure and protected reception of at least the marking element, in particular on an electrical cable.

[0007] This object is achieved by a marking unit having the features of claim 1 and a portable electrical device having the features of claim 15. Advantageous developments are the subject of the subclaims. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the general description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0008] The marking unit according to the invention is suitable for the permanent and protected attachment of a flat marking element, such as a test plate or a test label, to at least one cylindrical element, such as an electrical cable, in particular a portable electrical device. The marking unit comprises: at least one receiving body which extends at least along one axis; and wherein the receiving body comprises at least two partial bodies which form an opening for receiving on the cylindrical element and, in an assembled state, circumferentially enclose the cylindrical element; and wherein the receiving body has at least one attachment surface for attaching the marking element. The attachment surface extends over both, and in particular all, parts of the receiving body.

[0009] The invention has many advantages. A significant advantage of the invention is that the attachment surface extends over both partial bodies of the receiving body. This allows the attachment surface to have a maximum size, so that at least a large part of the marking element can be received or applied directly to the attachment surface, while the volume of the receiving body remains relatively small. Advantageously, a sticker can thus be adhered directly to the attachment surface. Furthermore, the receiving body protects the marking element from damage and supports its hold on the cylindrical element. This advantageously enables a protected and secure reception of the marking element on the cylindrical element.

[0010] The cylindrical element is formed, in particular, by at least a portion of an electrical cable of a portable electrical device, and the marking unit is designed, in particular, as a cable clamp for the electrical cable. Furthermore, the cylindrical element can also be designed as a band, rope, cord, wire, pipe, such as a water pipe, or the like.

[0011] The attachment surface preferably extends around at least a substantial portion of a circumference on the outside of the receiving body, transversely to the axis of the receiving body. In particular, the attachment surface extends around the entire circumference of the receiving body, and the attachment surface is preferably designed to be circumferentially closed. Advantageously, this allows a particularly large portion of the marking element to be arranged on the receiving body. The retention of a marking element, which is designed in particular as a sticker, is thereby particularly protected.

[0012] Advantageously, one partial body encloses at least one segment of the cylindrical element in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, at least two partial bodies completely enclose the circumference of the cylindrical element. Advantageously, the receiving body can thus be mounted directly at a desired location on the cylindrical element and does not have to be pushed onto the cylindrical element from one end of the cylindrical element. This also makes the receiving body advantageous, for example, for use on electrical cables that have plugs at their ends.

[0013] In particular, the attachment surface extends over the outer sides of the partial bodies of the receiving body. The attachment surface is preferably formed by the outer sides of the partial bodies. The attachment surface is particularly preferably smooth. In particular, the attachment surface has a continuous, flat surface without cracks or depressions. Advantageously, the attachment surface is at least partially designed as an adhesive surface for a sticker. This advantageously provides good conditions for receiving a marking element in the form of a sticker.

[0014] The receiving body is preferably designed symmetrically, at least with respect to one axis of symmetry. In particular, the receiving body is designed as a circular ring cylinder. In particular, the attachment surface extends along an outer circumference of the circular cross-section formed by the lateral surface. The design as a circular ring cylinder advantageously enables a particularly rectangular attachment surface with a large area and a small diameter. This advantageously minimizes the risk of the receiving body getting caught on other objects, for example, when pulling on a cable with a marking unit. In particular, the partial bodies are designed symmetrically to one another.

[0015] The receiving body advantageously comprises end faces. In particular, the end faces are round or conical. At least the edges of the end faces can be provided with radii. This advantageously prevents the end faces of the marking unit from getting caught on the edge of a door, a piece of furniture, or the like, for example, when the marking unit is mounted on a cable of a portable electrical device.

[0016] The partial bodies are expediently connected to one another at least directly in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Preferably, the partial bodies have at least partially interlocking shaped elements. In particular, the shaped elements establish a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection between the partial bodies. Advantageously, the shaped elements enable the partial bodies to be securely held together.

[0017] The partial bodies expediently have contact surfaces, wherein the interlocking shaped elements are present on the contact surfaces of the partial bodies. Advantageously, the contact surfaces in the assembled state touch one another flatly and preferably over their entire surface. In particular, the contact surfaces are designed to be substantially congruent with one another. Advantageously, the contact surfaces in the assembled state lie congruently opposite one another. In particular, the contact surfaces are not visible in the assembled state and preferably do not interrupt the attachment surface. In particular, the interlocking shaped elements are arranged and / or present on the contact surfaces of the partial bodies so that a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection can be established when the contact surfaces are positioned in front of one another.

[0018] Advantageously, the shaped elements are designed as a nose and a blind hole, or as a web and a groove that interlock. This advantageously creates a positive and / or non-positive connection between the parts.

[0019] Preferably, the attachment surface is at least partially bordered by one or more border elements which protrude outwards from the attachment surface. The border element thereby preferably forms additional protection for the marking element against damage, e.g., when the cable is pulled across the floor. In particular, the border element protrudes at least so significantly from the attachment surface that a height of the border element from the attachment surface is at least significantly greater than a material thickness of an attachment element. Advantageously, the border element protrudes from the attachment surface by between approximately 0.1 mm and 2 mm, preferably between approximately 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, particularly preferably approximately 0.75 and 1.25 mm, in particular approximately 1 mm. Furthermore, larger projections or overhangs of 3 mm or 4 mm or more are also possible.Advantageously, the border element encompasses at least substantially the entire attachment surface, so that a marking element is particularly well protected.

[0020] The edging element preferably has a width that lies between 1% and 10% of the length of the receiving body, preferably between 2% and 5% of the length of the receiving body, and particularly preferably approximately 2.5% of the length of the receiving body. Advantageously, the edging element can thus have a particularly high resistance to preforming and impacts, so that the attachment element is particularly well protected.

[0021] Advantageously, the receiving body and in particular its partial body form a circumferentially closed receiving space that extends along the axis of the receiving body. In particular, the receiving space has a cross-section that varies along the axis. In at least one advantageous embodiment, the cross-section is conical. Preferably, the receiving space can also have a curved, in particular S-shaped, cross-section or the like, so that the cylindrical element is clamped in the receiving space in the longitudinal direction, similar to a strain relief. Advantageously, the receiving space enables improved grip on the cylindrical element.

[0022] Preferably, at least one rib is formed on an inner contour of the receiving space to enable and, in particular, improve the grip on the cylindrical element. In particular, several ribs are provided. The rib is preferably detachable, breakable, or bendable in order to positively fix the cylindrical element in the receiving space. For this purpose, the rib is advantageously formed at least partially from an elastic material.

[0023] The ribs are preferably formed at the axial ends of the receiving body. Advantageously, the ribs are then particularly thin and flexible relative to the diameter of the receiving body. This advantageously allows cylindrical elements of different diameters to be clamped securely in a receiving body. Alternatively, inserts can be used to adapt an inner contour of the receiving body to a predetermined diameter of a cylindrical element, thus ensuring a firm hold.

[0024] Preferably, the two partial bodies are connected to one another in an unassembled state, in particular by at least one connecting web that is thin in relation to a diameter of the receiving body. Advantageously, the web forms a predetermined breaking point that breaks when the receiving body is on the cylindrical element during assembly of the receiving body. Advantageously, the attachment surface is not interrupted or influenced by the broken web because the breaking edge is negligibly small in relation to the attachment surface. Preferably, the web extends from the contact surface of one partial body to the contact surface of the other partial body. Advantageously, at least one contact surface comprises a recess into which material of the broken web can be received after assembly.

[0025] The receiving body and / or the partial bodies are expediently formed from solid material or have an internal filler structure. This advantageously makes the receiving body particularly robust against sudden loads. Furthermore, a filler structure can reduce weight while maintaining the same strength. In particular, the receiving body can be formed by a wall with a substantially uniform wall thickness, which encloses an at least substantially hollow space.

[0026] Advantageously, the receiving body is made at least partially of a plastic, in particular by an additive manufacturing process, especially 3D printing. Modern 3D printing processes are also advantageously suitable for mass production, allowing production to be particularly cost-effective. Alternatively, the receiving body can be manufactured at least partially by injection molding. Injection-molded parts can advantageously be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. Advantageously, the plastic is acid-resistant and / or solvent-resistant. This also allows for easy use in workshops or similar applications.

[0027] In particular, at least one communication unit is included. Preferably, the communication unit is received on and / or in the receiving body and in particular embedded. Preferably, the communication unit comprises a chip which enables the wireless and / or wired reading and storage of information, such as a test date or the like. Advantageously, the communication unit can comprise at least one radio frequency identification chip (RFID chip). Advantageously, this allows, for example, test information, such as test data, to be stored on the chip in addition to a marking element, such as a test seal, and to be read out again without contact. Preferably, the communication unit is arranged in a protected manner within the receiving body and in particular integrated during its manufacture. Alternatively, a flat RFID chip can also be adhesively bonded to the receiving body.Advantageously, the communication unit can also comprise an energy storage device, such as a battery, a generator unit, such as a coil unit, and / or a radio module, such as an antenna, so that a radio signal can be actively transmitted. Preferably, the coil draws electrical energy from a cable through induction. This makes it particularly advantageous to actively transmit information, such as information about a test.

[0028] The marking unit preferably comprises at least one marking element with dimensions, such as a length and a width and / or a diameter. In particular, the dimensions are predetermined. The marking element is preferably designed as a test seal or test sticker or the like. The marking element is preferably designed as a sticker. In at least one advantageous embodiment, the marking element has a flat design and is in particular rectangular. It is preferably also possible for a plurality of marking elements to be included. In particular, the marking element can comprise a color. For example, the color can be used as a code for a time at which an operating resource was last inspected. Advantageously, this makes it possible to check whether a new test is already necessary based on a color coding alone.This will further reduce and, in particular, prevent possible impacts and / or damage to the marking element caused by external influences.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the marking element is completely attached and / or received and / or arranged on the attachment element. Advantageously, this allows the marking element to be even better protected against damage. In particular, the marking element does not protrude beyond the receiving body.

[0030] In particular, at least one protective element, such as a transparent protective film, is included, which additionally protects the marking element. In particular, the marking element and the protective element can be connected to one another. In an advantageous embodiment, the marking element and the protective film are both arranged on a carrier material. Such a configuration can be advantageous, for example, in the case of a circumferentially closed attachment surface, so that the marking element is first attached to the attachment surface in a first circumferential winding around the attachment surface and the protective element can then be attached in a second winding. If the carrier material is provided, for example, with an adhesion promoter, such as an adhesive, the protective element can be glued directly onto the marking element.Alternatively, the protective element can also be dimensionally rigid, for example as a protective disc, which is in particular plugged or clipped onto the receiving unit.

[0031] Particularly advantageously, at least one dimension of the attachment surface is adapted to the dimensions of the marking element. Preferably, at least one dimension, and in particular several dimensions, of the attachment surface correspond at least substantially to the dimensions of the marking element. Advantageously, the receiving body can be designed to be as small as possible.

[0032] The portable electrical device according to the invention comprises at least one cylindrical element designed as an electrical cable and at least one marking unit as described above mounted on the cable. Alternatively, an electrical device may also be fixed.

[0033] The portable operating device according to the invention also has many advantages. A significant advantage of the portable operating device is that the marking element is particularly protected from damage. Further developments and advantages will become apparent from the overall general description and from the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Further features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts and for parts with identical or similar functions. They show: Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic view of an electrical device with an electrical cable and a marking element mounted on the cable by means of a marking unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a purely schematic view of an embodiment of the marking unit before assembly; Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through the electrical cable of the electrical device, to which the marking unit is mounted; and Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a marking unit according to the invention before assembly. It is not necessary for the portable electrical device 100 according to the invention and the marking unit 1 according to the invention to have all of the features described below. It is also possible for the portable electrical device 100 according to the invention to have only individual features of the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic view of an electrical device 100 with a cylindrical element 5 designed as an electrical cable 5. A marking unit 1 according to the invention with a marking element 2 designed as a test seal 2 is received on the cable 5. The electrical cable 5 has a plug 5a for connection to a socket. The marking unit 1 comprises a receiving body 6, which has two partial bodies 11, 12, which together circumferentially enclose the cylindrical element 5. There is an attachment surface 8, which extends over the outer sides of both partial bodies 11, 12. This provides a particularly large attachment surface 8.The partial bodies 11, 12 each enclose a segment in the circumferential direction of the electrical cable 5, so that the receiving body 6 can be mounted at any location on the electrical cable 5, although the cable 5 is firmly connected to the plug 5a and the electrical device.

[0036] Here, the marking element 2 is arranged completely on the mounting surface 8. Dimensions 9, 10 of the mounting surface 8 are adapted to dimensions 3, 4 of the marking element 2, see Fig. 2 , 3 und 4 Advantageously, the marking element 2 is thus securely held on the cylindrical element 5, protected from damage. The marking element 2 is additionally protected from damage by a protective element. The protective element is designed as a self-adhesive, transparent protective film, which is adhered to the marking element 2.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a purely schematic view of a receiving unit 1 according to the invention prior to assembly. The receiving unit 1 comprises a receiving body 6 with two partial bodies 11, 12, which together form a circular ring cylinder with an opening 7 and a receiving space 17 and extend along an axis 5b. The attachment surface 8, on which the marking element 2 can be arranged, is formed on the outside of the receiving body 6.

[0038] The two partial bodies 7 are connected to each other by a thin web 15. The receiving body 6 is made of plastic. Interlocking shaped elements 13, 14 are formed on the partial bodies 11, 12, which engage positively during assembly. One shaped element 13, 14 is formed by a nose 13, and the other shaped element 14 by a blind hole 14, which are formed on the contact surfaces 11a, 12a of the receiving body 6.

[0039] For assembly, the partial bodies 11, 12 are placed around the cylindrical element 2, and the two partial bodies 11, 12 are pivoted relative to one another so that the shaped elements 13, 14 engage with one another. During assembly, the lugs 13 elastically deform into the blind holes 14, creating a force-locking connection. The thin web 15 breaks as a predetermined breaking point, creating an attachment surface 8 that extends over the two partial bodies 11, 12. Since the shaped elements 13, 14 are formed on the contact surfaces 11a, 12a, a continuous attachment surface 8 that extends over both partial bodies 8 is created during assembly.

[0040] The marking element 2 is attached to the attachment surface 8. The dimensions 9, 10 of the attachment surface 8 are adapted to the dimensions 3, 4 of the marking element 2 designed as a test seal 2, cf. Fig. 4 . The marking element 2 does not protrude and is fully bonded to the application surface 8 of the receiving body 6, since it is designed as a sticker.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through the cylindrical element 2, designed as a cable 2, to which the receiving unit 1 is mounted. The dimensions 9, 10 of the attachment surface 8 are adapted here to the dimensions 3, 4 of the marking element 2. The attachment surface extends here around an entire circumference 6a of the receiving body 6 transversely to the axis 5b.

[0042] Fig. 4shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a marking unit 1 according to the invention prior to assembly. A cross-section of the receiving space 17 is conical here. Ribs 19 are formed on an inner contour 18 of the receiving space 17 to improve the hold of a cylindrical element 5. Furthermore, the receiving body 6 is produced by 3D printing. The receiving body 6 comprises a filling structure 20. The shaped elements 13, 14 are designed here as webs 13 and as grooves 14. Adjacent to the attachment surface 8 are border elements 16, which protrude outwards here and protect the marking element 2.

[0043] Furthermore, a communication unit 21 is included, which is embodied here as an RFID chip 21 and enables wireless storage and reading of information, such as test data. Advantageously, the information stored on the RFID chip 21, such as the last test date, can be conveniently read contactlessly from a distance of up to several meters. The communication unit 21 is integrated into the receiving body 6 during production.

[0044] A curve 22 is indicated here as a dashed line on one end face of the receiving body 6. The curve 22 advantageously ensures that a cable 3 of a mobile operating device does not get caught on an obstacle such as the edge of a door or the like by the marking unit 1 when the cable is pulled. Reference symbol:

[0045] 1Marking unit 2Marking element, test seal, test sticker 3Dimensions of marking element 4Dimensions of marking element 5Cylindrical element, electrical cable 5aPower plug 5bAxis 6Holding body 6aCircumference of the holding body 7Opening 8Attachment element 9Dimensions of the attachment element 10Dimensions of the attachment element 11Partial body of the holding body 11aContact surface 12Partial body of the holding body 12aContact surface 13Form element, nose, web 14Form element, blind hole, groove 15Connecting web 16Limiting element 17Holding space 18Inner contour 19Ribs 20Filling structure 21Communication unit, RFID chip 22Rounding on the front side 100Portable electrical equipment

Claims

1. A marking unit (1) for the permanent and protected attachment of a flat marking element (2) to at least one cylindrical element (5), comprising: - at least one receiving body (6) which extends at least along one axis (5b); and - wherein the receiving body (6) comprises at least two partial bodies (11, 12) which form an opening (7) for receiving on the cylindrical element (5) and, in an assembled state, circumferentially enclose the cylindrical element (5); and - wherein the receiving body (6) has at least one attachment surface (8) for attaching the marking element (2); characterized in that the attachment surface (8) extends over both partial bodies (11, 12).

2. Marking unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the attachment surface (8) extends around at least a substantial part of a circumference (6a) of the receiving body (6).

3. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving body (6) is designed as a circular ring cylinder.

4. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial bodies (11, 12) have at least partially interlocking shaped elements (13, 14) which establish a positive and / or non-positive connection between the partial bodies (11, 12); and wherein the partial bodies (11, 12) have contact surfaces (11a, 12a) which, in the assembled state, are in substantially full contact, and wherein the interlocking shaped elements (13, 14) are present on the contact surfaces (11a, 12a) of the partial bodies (11, 12).

5. Marking unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the shaped elements (13, 14) are designed as a nose (13) and a blind hole (14) or as a web (13) and a groove (14) which engage with one another.

6. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment surface (8) is bordered by a bordering element (16) which protrudes from the attachment surface (8).

7. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving body (6) forms a circumferentially closed receiving space (17) for receiving the cylindrical element (5), which extends along the axis (5b) of the receiving body, wherein the receiving space (17) has a cross-section that varies along the axis (5b), wherein the cross-section is in particular conical.

8. Marking unit (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein ribs (19) are formed on an inner contour (18) of the receiving space (17) in order to improve a hold on the cylindrical element (5).

9. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two partial bodies (11, 12) are connected to one another in a non-assembled state, in particular by at least one connecting web (15) which is thin in relation to a diameter of the receiving body (6), and wherein the web (15) forms a predetermined breaking point.

10. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving body (6) is at least partially made of a plastic, and in particular is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, in particular 3D printing, or by injection molding.

11. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one marking element (1) with dimensions (3, 4), wherein the marking element is designed in particular as a test seal (2) or test sticker (2).

12. Marking unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking element (2) is completely mounted and / or received on the mounting surface (8).

13. Marking unit (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the dimensions (9, 10) of the attachment surface (8) are adapted to the dimensions (3, 4) of the marking element (2).

14. Marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one communication unit (21) for wirelessly storing or reading out information.

15. Portable electrical equipment (100) comprising at least one cylindrical element (5) designed as an electrical cable (5) and at least one marking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims accommodated on the cable (5).

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