Socket housing and method for operating a socket housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a socket housing (1) and to a method for operating a socket housing (1), wherein: the socket housing (1) has a housing (2) which is covered on one side by a cover (3); the cover (3) has at least one opening (4); in order to close an opening (4), at least one plug socket housing (7) is arranged in the opening (4); a plug socket housing (7) arranged in the opening (4) has two end faces (9, 10), between which a connection side (12) and at least one side (6) that has a closed surface (5) are arranged at an angle with respect to one another so as to form an edge (11); and a plug socket housing (7) is arranged in the socket housing (1) so as to be rotatable about an axis extending through the two end faces (9, 10) of the plug socket housing (7), such that in order to allow use of its connection side (12), a plug socket housing (7) can be rotated into a position in which the opening (4) is closed by the connection side (12), or in order to protect its connection side (12), said plug socket housing can be rotated into a position in which the connection side (12) is concealed and in which the opening (4) is closed by the side (6) of the plug socket housing (7) that has a closed surface (5).

Description

[0001] BACHMANN GmbH, 70595 Stuttgart

[0002] Can housing; method for operating a can housing

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The invention is based on a socket housing according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a socket housing according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0005] Socket enclosures are available in a wide variety of designs. In particular, multiple socket enclosures for wired multiple sockets, surface-mounted socket enclosures, and built-in enclosures for installation in a wall, floor, ceiling, and / or piece of furniture, for example, in a worktop, especially a kitchen countertop, are known from the prior art. Socket enclosures can be equipped in various ways, so they can have at least one socket, at least one information connection, and / or at least one switch.There are also different designs of sockets, so that 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 body and turning the plug within the socket body until the contact pins of the plug are inserted into the contact openings of the socket, are already known.

[0006] These socket housings, and in particular the built-in housings, which are also called built-in sockets and which are installed, for example, in a kitchen worktop, have the disadvantage that dirt, foreign objects or moisture could penetrate into the upward-facing socket body if no plug is inserted into the socket.

[0007] Therefore, published patent application DE 10 2004 051 064 A1 proposes a device that serves to accommodate at least one socket insert and can be closed with a cover. The disadvantage is that the cover can be opened at any time and does not seal tightly.

[0008] German Patent Application DE 24 58 243 A1 describes a protective device for installation elements, in particular electrical installation elements such as sockets, switches, or the like. The protective device has a cover flap that conceals the installation elements and makes them inaccessible. A rotatable cover plate is arranged on the cover flap, which has a safety latch that allows the cover flap to be opened only in a specific position. A disadvantage is that the cover flap is pivoted upwards to open it, so that, since it protrudes beyond the other components in the open position, it may be obstructive when opened.

[0009] Patent DE 10 2007 063 585 B4 describes a socket with a closure integrated into a front element consisting of several closure elements. The closure elements are arranged so they can move via a fixed bearing, with the movement occurring radially inward or outward relative to the center of the front element. The advantage is that this allows the front element to be designed very flat. However, the disadvantage is the design complexity.

[0010] The lockable sockets described in the utility model DE 202 09 189 U1, patent US 6 542 218 B1 and the utility model DE 93 15 394 U1 are also structurally complex.

[0011] From the patent specification DE 10 2012 025 533 B4, a built-in housing for installation in a piece of furniture, a wall, a floor and / or a ceiling is known, which has at least one interior space delimited by a housing wall, in which at least one socket, at least one information connection and / or at least one switch is accommodated, wherein a cover covering the interior space has at least one opening closable by a closure and the cover is movably arranged on the housing wall such that, when the closure is unlocked, the cover is arranged on the housing wall so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the interior space. The disadvantage here is that a user must have a certain degree of manual dexterity in order to simultaneously rotate the cover while pressing the release button.

[0012] Another disadvantage of existing solutions is that they are opened either mechanically (e.g., with a lid) or electromechanically (e.g., with a button or touch sensor), which requires the user to directly activate the product. Therefore, contamination of the product through activation is possible and cannot be ruled out.

[0013] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a socket housing that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and a method for operating a socket housing that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0014] The invention and its advantages

[0015] The socket housing according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, and the method according to the invention for operating a socket housing, with the features of claim 10, have the advantage that the socket housing according to the invention, which has a housing that is covered on one side with a lid, wherein the lid has at least one opening, wherein at least one socket housing is arranged in the opening to close an opening, wherein a socket housing arranged in the opening has two end faces, between which an edge forming a connection side and at least one side having a closed surface are arranged at an angle to one another, wherein a socket housing is arranged in the socket housing so as to be rotatable about an axis running through the two end faces of the socket housing,whereby the opening can be closed either by the connection side or the side of the socket housing with a closed surface.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, at least one socket receptacle, at least one USB port, at least one USB charger, at least one wireless charger, at least one switch, at least one LAN socket, at least one SCART port and / or at least one standard computer port or the like is arranged on the connection side.

[0017] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, the connection side and the side of the socket housing having a closed surface are arranged at a right angle to each other.

[0018] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, at least one socket housing has a rounded edge. In the case of the socket housing having at least one rounded corner on the end face, the installation depth is reduced.

[0019] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, the rotation of a socket housing is achieved by gesture control and / or voice control and / or a light sensor, allowing the socket housing to be opened without contact. This eliminates the need for the user to touch the product, thus preventing contamination.

[0020] According to a related advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, the gesture control has at least one sensor by which a gesture is recognized. According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, at least one socket housing has at least one sensor and / or at least one switch for plug detection.

[0021] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the can housing according to the invention, the lid is removable.

[0022] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the socket housing according to the invention, a side of the socket housing having a closed surface has a wireless charger.

[0023] The socket housing according to the invention has in particular the following optional advantages:

[0024] - Contactless opening and closing of the socket housing including the USB charger. This can be achieved using a proximity sensor, a light sensor that closes the socket housing in the dark and opens it in the light, and / or voice control.

[0025] - Plug detection on the socket and USB charger

[0026] - Automatic closing when, for example, the socket and / or USB charger are not in use

[0027] - Removable lid

[0028] - Clean design (no visible screws)

[0029] - Installation above drawers possible due to low installation depth

[0030] - Installation from above possible

[0031] - Programmed mode prevents opening and closing for easier cleaning of the product

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating a socket housing, the socket housing comprising a housing which is covered on one side with a lid, the lid comprising at least one opening, wherein at least one socket housing is arranged in the opening to close an opening, wherein a socket housing arranged in the opening has two end faces, between which an edge forming a connection side and at least one side having a closed surface are arranged at an angle to one another, wherein a socket housing is arranged in the socket housing rotatably about an axis running through the two end faces of the socket housing, so that a socket housing can be rotated either for use of its connection side into a position in which the opening is closed by the connection side or for protection of its connection side into a position,in which the connection side is hidden, can be rotated, in which the opening is closed by the side of the socket housing having a closed surface, a socket housing is rotated by gesture control and / or by voice control and / or by a light sensor.,

[0033] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, when the connection side is not used, the socket housing is automatically rotated into the position in which the opening is closed by the side of the socket housing having a closed surface.

[0034] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, detection of a plug inserted on the connection side by at least one sensor and / or by at least one switch prevents rotation of the socket housing.

[0035] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a can housing according to one of claims 1 to 9 is used in the method.

[0036] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description and the drawings.

[0037] Drawing A preferred embodiment of the subject matter according to the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below. It shows

[0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a socket housing according to the invention in a state in which a connection side is not accessible,

[0039] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the can housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1,

[0040] Fig. 3 is a side view of the socket housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1,

[0041] Fig. 4 is a further side view of the socket housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1,

[0042] Fig. 5 is a further side view of the socket housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1,

[0043] Fig. 6 is a view of the socket housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, from below,

[0044] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the can housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, in the half-open state,

[0045] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the socket housing according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, in a state in which a connection side is accessible,

[0046] Fig. 9 Components of the socket housing, Fig. 10 an exploded view of a cover consisting of several parts,

[0047] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the attachment or detachment of the cover from the housing,

[0048] Fig. 12 further details of a socket housing according to the invention,

[0049] Fig. 13 is a side view of the socket housing according to the invention,

[0050] Fig. 14 shows a further detailed view of the socket housing according to the invention,

[0051] Fig. 15 is a sectional side view of a can housing according to the invention in section in the closed state,

[0052] Fig. 16 is a sectional side view of a can housing according to the invention in section in the half-open state and

[0053] Fig. 17 is a sectional side view of a can housing according to the invention in section in the open state.

[0054] Description of the embodiment

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a socket housing 1 according to the invention in a state in which a connection side is not accessible. The socket housing 1 according to the invention has a housing 2, which is covered on a preferably upward-facing side with a lid 3 (cover, cover plate). The lid 3 has an opening 4, which is closed by a side 6 having a closed surface 5, which is part of a socket housing 7.

[0056] The socket housing 1 according to the invention is preferably designed as a built-in housing, so that it can be installed, for example, in a worktop (not shown). Preferably, the built-in housing can be secured to the worktop (not shown) from below using screws 8. It is also conceivable for the screws 8 to be operated from above or for the screws 8 to be operable from both sides. Fastening from above is preferably possible if the cover 3 is removable, so that the screws 8 are exposed and accessible.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1 .

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows a further side view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1.

[0060] Fig. 5 shows a further side view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, from below.

[0062] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, in the half-open state. The socket housing 7 is arranged in the socket housing 1 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending through the two end faces, namely an end face 9 and an end face 10, of the socket housing 7. Between the end faces 9 and 10 is arranged the side 6 having a closed surface 5, which is arranged at an angle to a connection side 12 of the socket housing 7, forming an edge 11.

[0063] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, in a state in which the connection side 12 is accessible. The socket housing 7 has a socket receptacle 13 and various USB ports 14. It is also conceivable for the socket housing 7 to have an induction plate (wireless charger) on its side 6 having a closed surface 5 and / or its connection side 12 in order to be able to charge devices inductively. The induction plate is preferably arranged on the side 6 having a closed surface 5, whereby inductive charging of a device is possible when the socket housing 1 according to the invention is in the state in which the connection side 12 is protected.It is also conceivable that an induction plate is arranged on the cover 3, whereby an inductive charging of a device is possible regardless of the state of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, i.e. both in the connection side 12 state and in the connection side 12 accessible state of the socket housing 1 according to the invention.

[0064] Fig. 9 shows components of the socket housing 7. Visible are a USB charger 15, a sensor 16 (e.g. diode sensor) for USB plug detection, a housing 17 for child protection, a protective contact spring 18, an L / N contact spring 19, a switch 20 (e.g. detector switch) for plug detection and a hold-down device 21. The sensor 16 detects a plugged-in USB A & C cable. The sensor 16 therefore detects in particular when a USB-A or a USB-C cable or a USB-A and USB-C cable is plugged in at the same time. This prevents the socket body 7 from rotating when the USB A & C cable is plugged in. The switch 20 ensures plug detection of the socket body 13. When the plug pin is inserted, a slider of the child protection is moved. This movement is used to actuate the switch 20. As a result, the switch 20 sends a signal to the electronics that a plug is plugged in and prevents the socket body 7 from rotating.If no plug is detected by the sensor 16 and the switch 20, the socket body 7 preferably rotates automatically after a certain time in order to protect the connection side 12.

[0065] Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of a cover 3 consisting of several parts. Visible are a base support 22, a cover 23, a decorative panel 24, which preferably has a logo 25, a panel 26 for the sensor by which the rotation of the socket housing 7 takes place, wherein the sensor is preferably a gesture control sensor, a voice control sensor or a light sensor, and a decorative panel 27, which preferably does not have a logo. Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of the attachment and detachment of the cover 3 from the housing 2. The complete cover 3 assembly is clipped onto the housing 2. Fig. 11 shows the tilting movement (direction of the arrow) that must be exerted to release the cover 3. The locking mechanism is attached to the housing 2 by a slider that is mounted with a spring. Inclined locking lugs 28 on the cover 3 ensure that the spring force can be overcome with a certain force in order to remove the cover 3 in a tilting movement.

[0066] Fig. 12 shows further details of a socket housing 1 according to the invention. The rotation preferably takes place by means of a motor device (not shown), which comprises a motor, in particular an electric motor, and a pinion that is operatively connected to and drives a rack. A further rack 29 is mounted on this rack, which transmits the force to the socket housing 7 and thus initiates the rotational movement of the socket housing 7.

[0067] A slider is installed in the housing 2, which moves along a rising ramp on the rack, which is operatively connected to the pinion. This movement ensures that the slider engages an opening in the socket housing 7 and blocks the socket housing 7 in the state in which the connection side 12 is accessible. This blocking is necessary to prevent manual rotation of the socket housing 7 when inserting a plug.

[0068] Fig. 13 shows a side view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention. The installation of the socket housing 1 according to the invention preferably takes place via a round cutout with a diameter of 121 mm. The installation depth of the socket housing 1 according to the invention is 40 mm. The housing 2 is fastened with an M3 screw and special claws, the fastening claws 30. The possible worktop thicknesses are preferably between 6 mm and 40 mm. Installation on the tabletop preferably takes place from above, and the socket housing 1 according to the invention can also be installed flush with the tabletop by means of a recess in the tabletop. Fig. 14 shows a further detailed view of the socket housing 1 according to the invention. The sensor 31, whose position is indicated by a circle 32, controls the opening of the socket housing 7. If, for example, a hand is held over the socket housing 1 according to the invention, the control unit recognizes the gesture and rotates the socket housing 7.Sensor 31 is programmed so that other movements, such as cleaning with a rag or moving a cooking pot, do not trigger the rotation. External interference, such as light, should also not impair the sensor function. If sensor 31 is triggered again, the socket housing 7 is rotated back.

[0069] Fig. 15 shows a sectional side view of a socket housing 1 according to the invention in the state in which the connection side 12 is protected.

[0070] Fig. 16 shows a sectional side view of a can housing 1 according to the invention in the half-open state.

[0071] Fig. 17 shows a sectional side view of a socket housing 1 according to the invention in the state in which the connection side 12 and thus in particular the socket receptacle 13 and the USB ports 14 are accessible.

[0072] Figs. 15 to 17 illustrate the rotational movement of a socket housing 7. To make the connection side 12 of the socket housing 1 according to the invention accessible, the socket housing 7 rotates in the direction of arrow 33. To protect the connection side 12 of the socket housing 1 according to the invention, the socket housing 1 according to the invention is moved by rotating the socket housing 7 in the opposite direction. A rounded edge 34 enables a reduction in the installation depth.

[0073] All features presented in the description and the drawings may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination. List of reference numbers

[0074] 1 socket housing

[0075] 2 housings

[0076] 3 lids

[0077] 4 Opening

[0078] 5 Surface

[0079] 6 Page

[0080] 7 socket housings

[0081] 8 screws

[0082] 9 Front side

[0083] 10 Front side

[0084] 11 edge

[0085] 12 Connection side

[0086] 13 socket box

[0087] 14 USB port

[0088] 15 USB chargers

[0089] 16 Sensor

[0090] 17 housings

[0091] 18 Protective contact spring

[0092] 19 L / N contact spring

[0093] 20 Switch

[0094] 21 hold-down clamps

[0095] 22 base supports

[0096] 23 Cover

[0097] 24 decorative panel

[0098] 25 Logo

[0099] 26 aperture

[0100] 27 decorative panel

[0101] 28 locking lug

[0102] 29 Rack

[0103] 30 fastening claw

[0104] 31 Sensor Circle Arrow Edge

Claims

Patent claims 1. Socket housing (1 ), - with a housing (2) which is covered on one side with a cover (3), the cover (3) having at least one opening (4), characterized in that at least one socket housing (7) is arranged in the opening (4) to close an opening (4), a socket housing (7) arranged in the opening (4) having two end faces (9, 10), between which an edge (11) forming a connection side (12) and at least one side (6) having a closed surface (5) are arranged at an angle to one another, a socket housing (7) being arranged in the socket housing (1) so as to be rotatable about an axis running through the two end faces (9, 10) of the socket housing (7), as a result of which the opening (4) can be closed either by the connection side (12) or the side (6) of the socket housing (6) having a closed surface (5).

2. Socket housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one socket receptacle (13), at least one USB connection (14), at least one USB charger (15), at least one wireless charger, at least one switch, at least one LAN socket, at least one Scart connection and / or at least one standard computer connection or the like is arranged on the connection side (12).

3. Socket housing (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the connection side (12) and the side (6) of the socket housing (7) having a closed surface (5) are arranged at a right angle to one another.

4. Can housing (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that at least one socket housing (7) has a rounded edge (34).

5. Socket housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation of a socket housing (7) is carried out by gesture control and / or by voice control and / or by a light sensor.

6. Can housing (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the gesture control has at least one sensor (30).

7. Socket housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one socket housing (7) has at least one sensor (16) and / or at least one switch (20) for plug detection.

8. Can housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (3) is removable.

9. Socket housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a side (6) of the socket housing (7) having a closed surface (5) has a wireless charger.

10. Method for operating a socket housing (1), wherein the socket housing (1) has a housing (2) which is covered on one side with a lid (3), wherein the lid (3) has at least one opening (4), characterized in that for closing an opening (4) in the opening (4) at least one socket housing (7) is arranged, wherein a socket housing (7) arranged in the opening (4) has two end faces (9, 10), between which an edge (11) forming a connection side (12) and at least one side (6) having a closed surface (5) are arranged at an angle to one another, wherein a socket housing (7) is arranged in the socket housing (1) so as to be rotatable about an axis running through the two end faces (9, 10) of the socket housing (7), so that a socket housing (7) can be rotated either in order to use its connection side (12) into a position in which the opening (4) is closed by the connection side (12) or in order to protect its connection side (12) into a position in which the opening (4) is closed by the side (6) of the socket housing (7) having a closed surface (5).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that a socket housing (7) is rotated by gesture control and / or by voice control and / or by a light sensor.

12. Method according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that when the connection side (12) is not used, the socket housing (7) is automatically rotated into the position in which the opening (4) is closed by the side (6) of the socket housing (7) having a closed surface (5).

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that detection of a plug inserted on the connection side (12) by at least one sensor (16) and / or by at least one switch (20) prevents rotation of the socket housing (7).

14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a can housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 is used in the method.

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