Arrangement comprising a functional module which can be coupled to a socket insert

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a socket insert (E) arranged in a socket and a functional module (F) designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment for coupling to the socket insert (E), wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment comprises a tank (T) having a liquid fragrance, an atomiser for atomising the liquid fragrance and an electrical connection for connection to an energy supply, wherein the electrical connection of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is designed as a wireless plug (CS), formed on the rear (R) of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment, for insertion into the socket insert (E), wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is fixed to the socket insert (E) by means of fixing means, and wherein the tank (T) and / or the atomiser are / is arranged in a flush-mounted manner, wherein the tank (T) and / or the atomiser engage / engages in particular in a cylindrical recess (V) of the socket insert (E).

Description

[0001] Arrangement comprising a functional module that can be connected to a socket insert

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a socket insert arranged in a junction box and a functional module designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment for coupling to the socket insert. The invention further relates to a method for atomizing a liquid fragrance using such an arrangement.

[0003] Functional modules designed to extend the functionality of building installation devices are known, for example, from DE 102023 133998 B3 or DE 102023 110987 B3. These are typically dimmers, blind actuators, switching actuators, or similar devices. The attractive aspect is that the barrier to retrofitting additional functions is lowered, as a complete new installation is not required; rather, the functional modules can be retrofitted regularly.

[0004] A rather rarely addressed area within building installation technology concerns functional modules that are suitable for scenting the room air.

[0005] New installations are known to be installed in junction boxes, for example from EP 4 157370 A1, and serve to improve indoor air quality. These are complex in that they require the installation of a junction box with appropriate wiring, making retrofitting difficult and regularly requiring the involvement of an electrician.

[0006] Fragrance diffusers are also available that can be plugged into a wall socket, particularly a cylindrical recess with two socket openings, using a plug-and-play connection. However, these solutions are neither aesthetically pleasing nor compact, as they require a power supply and are space-inefficient. This results in these plug-in fragrance diffusers having a bulky shape, often protruding 10 cm or more from the socket. Consequently, the diffusers not only appear unstable but also pose a tripping hazard and can be easily damaged by collisions.

[0007] Based on this discussed state of the art, the invention aims to provide an arrangement with a diffuser that is not only compact and fits into a range of installation devices for building installation technology, but can also be retrofitted without having to create a new installation box and complex wiring.

[0008] This problem is solved by an arrangement comprising a socket insert arranged in a box and a functional module designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment for coupling to the socket insert, wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment comprises a tank with a liquid fragrance, an atomizer for atomizing the liquid fragrance, and an electrical connection for connection to a power supply, wherein the electrical connection of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is designed as a wireless plug molded onto the back of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment for insertion into the socket insert, wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is fixed to the socket insert by means of fixing means, and wherein the tank and / or the atomizer are arranged flush with the wall, wherein the tank and / or the atomizer engage in particular in a cylindrical recess of the socket insert.

[0009] The first particularly advantageous aspect of the arrangement according to the invention lies in the fact that the installation of a junction box, including the associated wiring work, is avoided, since the arrangement according to the invention comprises a functional module designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment for connection to the socket insert. The electrical connection of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is designed as a wireless plug molded onto the back of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment for insertion into the socket insert.

[0010] The second advantage of the arrangement according to the invention lies in the fact that, unlike previously known diffusers that can be inserted into a socket, the arrangement according to the invention only requires a socket insert, thus advantageously eliminating the need for a central plate. This saves valuable installation space, which benefits the tank volume.

[0011] Building on this, the third advantage of the arrangement according to the invention becomes apparent: In contrast to the prior art, the diffuser attachment is cleverly designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment, in that the tank and / or the atomizer are arranged flush with the wall, with the tank and / or the atomizer engaging in a cylindrical recess of the socket insert. This results in a particularly aesthetically pleasing compact design.

[0012] The flush-mounted diffuser attachment comprises a tank containing a liquid fragrance, an atomizer for atomizing the liquid fragrance, and an electrical connection for connecting to a power supply. The flush-mounted diffuser attachment is secured to the socket insert by means of fixing elements, thereby establishing a fourth advantage of the arrangement according to the invention. This advantage lies in the fact that, unlike previously known plug-in solutions where a plug is inserted into a socket—and thus not fixed—the flush-mounted diffuser attachment according to the invention effectively prevents wobbling.

[0013] According to a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the plug has at least two plug pins for insertion into two socket base openings of the socket insert and is designed, for example, as a Euro or Schuko plug.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the plug is designed for insertion into a USB socket having a USB port, wherein the plug is designed as a USB plug. This takes advantage of the fact that a USB socket already has a power supply, thus achieving a particularly attractive compactness of the arrangement according to the invention.

[0015] According to a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the tank of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is surrounded by a design frame of the socket insert. This increases the degree of visual integration into an installation device program and also increases the mechanical stability with regard to any collisions, so that the flush-mounted diffuser attachment can be supported by the design frame if necessary, or the design frame effectively absorbs or dampens any lateral mechanical impacts, such as shocks.

[0016] According to a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the fixing means have a retaining shoulder suitable for insertion into a cylindrical recess of the socket insert. The retaining shoulder comprises elastic elements that contact the cylindrical recess, at least partially, around its circumference in order to increase the holding force of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment on the cylindrical recess of the socket insert. Optionally, the retaining shoulder can be enlarged without tools in a radial direction of the cylindrical recess to further increase the holding force.

[0017] In a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the flush-mounted diffuser attachment has adjustment means for setting the diffuser output, in particular via an application on a terminal device or by means of an actuating element. This allows the diffuser output to be conveniently set and even automated, for example according to room size or typical usage intervals, so that the consumption of fragrance oil can be reduced.

[0018] According to a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the concealed diffuser attachment has a protrusion in the central area, which is spaced away from its edge, so that the height of the concealed diffuser attachment increases from the edge. This not only increases the tank volume but also ensures a visually slim appearance.

[0019] According to a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the atomizer generates fan-based diffusion, heat-based evaporation, cold air atomization, or an ultrasonic mist. According to a preferred further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the tank is designed such that a section of it extends deeper into the can than the bottom of the cylindrical recess.

[0020] This cleverly increases the volume required for the tank by utilizing unused space within a typical socket insert. In a further development of the arrangement according to the invention, the diffuser uses an optical indicator to show the operating status of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment. For example, the diffuser's output can be displayed to the user. In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the tank is transparent to allow for a visual fill level indicator. This allows the user to immediately see when the tank needs refilling, effectively preventing the tank from running dry. Preferably, the tank and / or the functional module is mechanically reversibly coupled to the socket insert to facilitate filling or replacement (if the tank is designed as a cartridge).For filling purposes, the arrangement according to the invention can also be extended by a filling tool, in particular a funnel.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, which exhibits particularly strong chemical resistance to typical fragrances, the tank is made of glass or ceramic. This allows for a particularly high concentration of the fragrance and ensures a compact design without chemical attack on the tank or any reduction in its service life. The invention also relates to a method for atomizing a liquid fragrance using the arrangement according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0022] - Inserting the flush-mounted diffuser attachment into the socket insert,

[0023] - Attaching the flush-mounted diffuser cover to the socket insert using fixing devices,

[0024] - Starting the atomization of the liquid fragrance.

[0025] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures, using six exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

[0026] Fig. 1 : a schematic exploded view of the arrangement according to the invention in a perspective front view,

[0027] Fig. 2: a schematic exploded view of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 in a perspective rear view; Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 in a perspective front and rear view, respectively.

[0028] Fig. 4: a schematic exploded view of another arrangement according to the invention in a perspective front view,

[0029] Fig. 5: a schematic exploded view of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 4 in a perspective rear view, and

[0030] Fig. 6 : a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 4 in a perspective front and rear view.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded view of the arrangement according to the invention in a perspective front view. The arrangement according to the invention comprises a socket insert E arranged in a box (not shown for clarity) and a functional module F designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment for coupling to the socket insert E, wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment comprises a tank T with a liquid fragrance, an atomizer for atomizing the liquid fragrance, and an electrical connection for connection to a power supply.The electrical connection of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is designed as a wireless plug CS (here a Schuko plug) molded onto the rear side R of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment for insertion into the socket insert E. The flush-mounted diffuser attachment is secured to the socket insert E, which is typically fixed to a junction box by means of a support ring TR, by means of fixing means. The tank T and / or the atomizer are arranged flush with the wall, with the tank T and / or the atomizer engaging, in particular, in a cylindrical recess V of the socket insert E. In this case, the plug CS comprises at least two plug pins ST for insertion into two socket socket openings SÖ of the socket insert E and is designed as a Europlug. The arrangement according to the invention allows for the retrofitting of a socket without the need for wiring by means of a flush-mounted diffuser attachment.The arrangement according to the invention cleverly manages without the central plate typically found in a socket, instead using the functional module F or the flush-mounted diffuser attachment. For the purposes of this invention, "flush-mounted" refers to the area located within a box, typically an installation box; thus, within a wall, tile, piece of furniture, or the like.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded view of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 in a perspective rear view. One embodiment is shown, wherein the fixing means have a retaining shoulder suitable for insertion into a cylindrical recess V of the socket. The retaining shoulder has elastic elements EL that contact the cylindrical recess V, for example the support ring TR, at least partially around its circumference, in order to increase the holding force of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment on the cylindrical recess V of the socket insert E. Alternatively, the fixing means can also be designed as locking means for the functional module F with the support ring TR. The locking means can provide a certain degree of holding or removal force for the functional module F on the socket insert E, beyond which the functional module F can be removed.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 in a perspective front and rear view (left and right, respectively). The flush-mounted diffuser attachment has a raised section H in its central area, which is spaced away from its edge, so that the height of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment increases from the edge. The design of the tank T is particularly efficient in maximizing its volume, as one section of it extends deeper into the socket than the bottom BD (the dotted vertical line indicates the bottom plane) of the cylindrical recess V. This cleverly utilizes the available space of a typical electrical outlet with regard to the tank volume. Furthermore, the tank T is transparent to allow for a visual fill level indicator X. Figure 3 also shows an actuating element B and an outlet A for the fragrance atomized by the atomizer.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a schematic exploded view of another arrangement according to the invention in a perspective front view, wherein the plug CS is designed for insertion into a USB socket insert having a USB port, and the plug CS is designed as a USB plug. In such an embodiment, the advantage arises that a power supply, which typically transforms the voltage down to a lower level, is already integrated into the socket insert E, so that the USB socket insert is further developed compared to a regular socket insert E. This saves further installation space. Figure 5 shows a schematic exploded view of the arrangement according to the invention according to Figure 4 in a perspective rear view, in which it can be seen that the plug CS is designed as a USB plug.Such a CS plug is regularly smaller than a Schuko or Euro plug, so that the tank T can be made even larger and fit into the cylindrical recess V, preferably with a volume of more than 20 cm³. 3 , intervenes.

[0035] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the invention as shown in Figure 4 in a perspective front and rear view (left and right, respectively). It can be seen that the socket insert E, designed as a USB socket insert, is more voluminous due to an integrated power supply. Reference numeral list

[0036] A Outlet

[0037] B Actuating element

[0038] BD Floor

[0039] CS connector

[0040] D Design frame

[0041] E socket insert

[0042] F Functional module

[0043] EL elastic elements

[0044] H survey

[0045] R Back

[0046] SÖ socket base opening ST plug pins

[0047] T Tank

[0048] TR support ring

[0049] USB USB port

[0050] V-shaped cylindrical depression

[0051] X Level indicator

Claims

Patent claims 1. An arrangement comprising a socket insert (E) arranged in a box and a functional module (F) designed as a flush-mounted diffuser attachment for coupling to the socket insert (E), wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment comprises a tank (T) containing a liquid fragrance, an atomizer for atomizing the liquid fragrance, and an electrical connection for connection to a power supply, wherein the electrical connection of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is designed as a wireless plug (CS) molded onto the rear (R) of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment for insertion into the socket insert (E), wherein the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is fixed to the socket insert (E) by means of fixing means, and wherein the tank (T) and / or the atomizer are arranged flush with the wall, wherein the tank (T) and / or the atomizer engage in particular in a cylindrical recess (V) of the socket insert (E).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug (CS) comprises at least two plug pins (ST) for insertion into two socket base openings (SÖ) of the socket insert (E) and is designed, for example, as a Euro or Schuko plug.

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tank (T) of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment is surrounded by a design frame (D) of the socket insert (E).

4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fixing means have a retaining shoulder which is suitable for insertion into a cylindrical recess (V) of the socket insert (E), wherein the retaining shoulder has elastic elements (EL) which contact the cylindrical recess (V) at least section by section around in order to increase the holding force of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment on the cylindrical recess (V) of the socket insert (E).

5. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fixing means are designed as locking means of the functional module (F) with a support ring (TR).

6. Arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the plug (CS) is designed for insertion into a USB socket insert having a USB port (USB), wherein the plug (CS) is designed as a USB plug.

7. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flush-mounted diffuser attachment has adjusting means for adjusting the diffuser performance, in particular via application on a terminal device or by means of an actuating element (B).

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flush-mounted diffuser attachment has a protrusion (H) in the central area which is spaced away from its edge, so that the height of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment increases from the edge.

9. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the atomizer generates a fan-based diffusion, a heat-based evaporation, a cold air atomization or an ultrasonic mist.

10. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tank (T) is designed such that it extends with a section deeper into the can than the bottom (BD) of the cylindrical depression.

11. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the flush-mounted diffuser attachment has an optical display that indicates the operating status of the flush-mounted diffuser attachment.

12. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the tank (T) is made transparent to allow an optical level indicator (X).

13. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tank (T) is made of glass or ceramic.

14. Method for atomizing a liquid fragrance with the arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13 comprising the steps: Insert the flush-mounted diffuser attachment into the socket insert (E), - Secure the flush-mounted diffuser attachment to the socket insert (E) using fixing means, - Start atomizing the liquid fragrance.

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