• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Socket assembly for flush-mounted installation in a wall; the socket assembly comprising: a first and second flush-mounted box with a first and second side wall, respectively, which first and second side wall are intended to be placed side by side in the wall; a first and a second base each comprising a socket function; a first and second mounting means for mounting the first and second base respectively in the first and second mounting box; a bridge member configured to extend over the first and second sidewall, inside the first and second mounting box and behind the first and second base, the bridge member including electrically conductive paths that electrically connect the socket function of the first base to the socket function of the second base.
    公开号:BE1023178B1
    申请号:E2015/0166
    申请日:2015-06-12
    公开日:2016-12-12
    发明作者:Diederik Jozef Luc Devenyn
    申请人:Niko, Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Socket assembly with multiple flush-mounted boxes
    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    The invention relates to a socket assembly with a plurality of flush-mounted boxes for flush-mounted installation in a wall, the socket assembly being configured to power a plurality of electrical loads.
    Background
    A socket assembly includes a base and a cover. The base is provided with the electrical socket function, for example a contact output. The cover typically includes a central element (also called central plate or finishing set) and cover frame (also called mounting frame plate) that extends around the central element. The base is mounted in a flush-mounted box and connected to electrical wires in the wall.
    When several sockets are provided, it is known to place several flush-mounted boxes next to each other in a wall. Optionally, the flush-mounted boxes can be connected to each other before the connected boxes are placed in the wall. The socket with the socket function is typically placed in a kit using a screw or claw connection. In some countries the claw connection is preferred because it has a higher degree of freedom when aligning the base in the mounting box. The claws engage an inner side wall of the flush-mounted box. In other words, when a first and a second flush-mounted box are placed side by side, a first claw engages a first side wall of the first kit and a second claw engages a second side wall of the second kit, which second side wall adjoins the first side wall. These first and second side walls create a wall barrier on the inside between the first and the second construction set. All electrical wires that are connected to the first and second base must pass through openings in the side walls of the flush-mounted boxes.
    Summary
    The object of the present invention is to provide a socket assembly with a plurality of flush-mounted boxes for flush-mounting in a wall that permits improved mounting and wiring of the contact base in the respective socket-mounted boxes.
    According to a first aspect, a socket assembly is provided for recessed mounting in a wall. The socket assembly comprises: a first and a second flush-mounted box with a first and a second side wall, respectively, which first and second side wall are intended to be placed side by side in the wall; a first and a second base each comprising a socket function; a first and second fixing means for fixing the first and second base respectively in the first and second mounting boxes; and a bridge section. The bridge member is configured to extend over the first and second sidewall in the interior of the first and second recessed mounting box and behind the first and second base. The bridge portion includes electrically conductive paths that electrically connect the socket function of the first base to the socket function of the second base.
    Using the bridge part that can connect the socket functions of the first base to the socket function of the second base, mounting of the first and second bases in the respective first and second flush-mounting boxes is considerably simplified. It is indeed prevented that wires for the second base have to pass through side walls of the second flush-mounted box. Furthermore, an assembly with a bridge part will not hinder the use of second fixing means for fixing the second base in the second mounting box. Also, by having a bridge part extending between the first and second base, the connection between the electrically conductive parts and the socket functions can be easily realized.
    The concept of the invention can further extend to an assembly with more than two flush-mounted boxes, the bridge member extending through adjacent flush-mounted boxes from the rear of a first socket function in a first flush-mounted box, over adjacent side walls of the first and second flush-mounted boxes, to the rear of a second socket function in a second flush-mounted box, over adjacent side walls of the second and third flush-mounted box, to the rear of the third socket function in a third flush-mounted box.
    Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
    In a preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive paths have first connecting parts and second connecting parts, the first and second connecting parts being connectable to the socket function of the first and second base respectively. Typically, these connecting parts can be conductive lines that can be inserted into suitable openings in the socket functions, for example the standard openings for connecting a socket function to the network. However, it is also possible to provide wire / line receiving parts as first and second connecting parts, and to use separate wires or lines to connect the electrically conductive lines of the bridge part to the socket functions. In a preferred embodiment, three conductive paths are provided and three connecting parts for connecting each socket function. In the case of two flush-mounted boxes, three connecting end parts can be provided twice.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second connecting parts are elongated flexible or flexible parts such that the connecting parts can be manipulated and inserted into an opening in the first and second base, respectively. The connecting parts can be metal wires. The flexible parts can also be rigid parts with a number of folding lines that allow the flexible parts to assume an arc shape.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second connecting parts are provided on a first and second upper edge of the bridge part, respectively. Positioning at an upper edge allows easy connection of the electrically conductive paths with the socket functions, because the socket functions typically contain openings in an upper part thereof.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the bridge member comprises at least a first and second folding line extending parallel to an upper edge of said first and second side wall, such that a first panel of the bridge member can be folded against the inside of the first side wall and a second panel of the bridge part can be folded against the inside of the second side wall. Such folding lines also allow easy placement of the bridge part in the recessed boxes. In a further developed embodiment, the bridge member comprises a third and fourth folding line extending parallel to an upper edge of said first and second side wall, the third folding line extending between the first folding line and a further outer edge of the bridge member, and said fourth folding line extends between the second folding line and a second outer edge of the bridge portion. In this way the outer edges of the bridge part can easily be placed behind the first and second socket function.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the bridge member is configured to allow a portion of said first and second fixation means to extend through or adjacent the bridge member to engage on said first and second sidewall, respectively. The first and second fixation means may each contain at least two claws, and the bridge member can then be adjusted, for example, by corresponding indentations to allow a claw to extend through the bridge member. In other embodiments, the fixing means can be screws that connect a frame of the base to the flush-mounted box. In such embodiments, the bridge member does not have to be provided with recesses.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the bridge member comprises a PCB, for example a multi-layered PCB. The PCB can be a flexible PCB or a PCB with multiple folding lines. In this way, the conductive paths can easily be placed.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second base include a first and second frame, respectively, wherein the first and second frame are configured to extend for the first and second socket function, respectively, wherein the first and second frame are optionally configured to be connected be with the bridge section.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly further comprises a third flush-mounted box with a third base. The second mounting box has a third side wall opposite the second side wall thereof, and the third mounting box has a fourth side wall. The third side wall and the fourth side wall are intended to be placed side by side in the wall. The third base also includes a socket function, and third fixation means are used to secure the third base in the third flush-mounted box. The bridge member is further configured to extend across the third and fourth sidewall in the interior of the third junction box and behind the third base, the electrically conductive paths of the bridge member also being connected to the socket function of the third base.
    Those skilled in the art will understand that the bridge member can be used to connect more than three recessed boxes. The bridge part can be provided as a long strip with electrically conductive paths and several sets of connecting parts, whereby the strip can be cut to size by an electrician in function of the number of flush-mounted boxes to be connected.
    In a preferred embodiment, the socket assembly further comprises a first and a second central element, each having at least two through holes into which at least two pins of a plug are pluggable to be electrically connected to the socket function of the first and second base, respectively. The first and second central element are intended to be connected to the first and second base, respectively. Preferably the first and second central elements are made of a plastic material and / or the first and second base each comprise a metal frame configured to connect the base in the opening in the wall.
    In an exemplary embodiment, the socket assembly further comprises a first and second cover frame configured to surround the first and second central element, respectively.
    According to a further aspect of the invention, a bridge member is provided for use in a socket assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments.
    According to a further aspect, a method is provided for installing multiple socket functions in a wall. The method comprises: placing several flush-mounted boxes next to each other in the wall; selecting a bridge part configured to extend over adjacent wall parts of the plurality of recessed boxes and behind a corresponding number of bases (containing the multiple socket functions) intended to be placed in the plurality of recessed boxes, said bridge section being provided with electrically conductive paths; connecting the plurality of socket functions with the electrically conductive paths; placing the bridge part with the multiple bases in the multiple recessed boxes; and fixing the plurality of bases in the plurality of recessed boxes. The bridge part can be designed according to one of the preceding embodiments.
    In an exemplary embodiment, selecting the bridge part includes cutting a strip of electrically conductive paths to size depending on the amount of socket functions to be connected. In other words, one long strip of conductive paths can be arranged to form a plurality of bridge members. The strip can be provided, for example as a roll.
    In the context of the present invention, the term wall may refer to a side wall, a ceiling, or a floor.
    In the context of the present invention, the term socket assembly may refer to an assembly suitable for placement at a fixed location in a building and configured to facilitate the provision of power to a load in the wall. Typically, the assembly is intended and configured to be mounted at least partially in an opening in the wall in which the socket function of the first base is connected to the electrical wires present in the wall. Typically, the electrical wires in the wall contain wires that are connected to the mains. However, in other embodiments, the electrical wires in the wall may include wires connected to a DC power source. More generally, the wires in wall can be connected to any one of an AC or DC power source.
    Brief description of the figures
    The accompanying figures are used to illustrate presently preferred and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other preferred features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures in which:
    Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view looking from the front to the rear of a first exemplary embodiment of a socket assembly of the invention,
    Figure 2 shows a perspective view looking from the front to the rear of the first preferred embodiment of a socket assembly of the invention, in assembled state;
    Figure 3 is a schematic view of a bridge member according to a first exemplary embodiment;
    Figure 4 is a schematic view of a bridge member according to a second exemplary embodiment;
    Figure 5 is a schematic top view of a socket assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment;
    Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view from the front to the rear of a second exemplary embodiment of a socket assembly of the invention.
    Description of the embodiments
    Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a socket assembly for recessed mounting in a wall. The socket assembly comprises a first and second flush-mounted box 110, 210 with a first and second side wall 111, 111, respectively. The first and second side wall 111, 111 are intended to be placed adjacent to each other in the wall. The socket assembly further comprises a first and a second base 120,220, each comprising a socket function, for example an electrical function that allows to plug in a plug, typically a two-pin plug and a ground connection. The first and second base 120, 220 are mounted in the first and second flush-mounted box 110, 210 by means of a first set of claws 121 and a second set of claws 221. The claws 121, 221 are provided on opposite sides of the base 120, 220 and allow level mounting of the base 120, 220 in the respective flush-mounting box 110, 210.
    The socket assembly further includes a bridge portion 300 configured to extend over the first and second side wall 111, 111 into the interior of the first and second flush-mounted box 110, 210. The bridge member 300 includes electrically conductive paths (not shown in Figure 1, but can be integrated into the bridge member 300 as shown in Figure 4, see reference numbers 311, 312, 313). The conductive paths have first ends connected to first wire ends 321, 322, 323 and second ends connected to second wire ends 331, 332, 333. The first and second wire ends are connectable to the socket function of the first and second base respectively. To this end, the first and second base 120,220 can be provided with threaded connection holes 122,222 in which the first and second threaded ends can be fixed by means of screws that are accessible in a known manner at the front of the base 120,220. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second thread ends are 321,322, 323; 331,332,333 provided on a first and second upper edge 371,372 of the bridge part 300, respectively, such that they can easily be inserted into the openings 122,222.
    In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 3, the bridge member comprises a first and second folding line 351, 352 extending parallel to an upper edge 112, 112 of the first and second side wall 111, 211, such that a first panel 361 of the bridge member is folded can be folded against the inside of the first side wall 111 and a second panel 362 of the bridge part can be folded against the inside of the second side wall 211. A central panel 360 is placed between the first and second fold lines, and the central panel 360 extends extends over the front edges 113, 113 of the first and second side wall 111, 111 of the recessed boxes 110, 210. The bridge part further comprises a third and fourth fold line 353, 354, which extend parallel to an upper edge 112, 212 of the first and second second side wall. The third fold line extends between the first fold line 351 and a first outer edge 301 of the bridge portion, and the fourth fold line 354 extends between the second fold line 352 and a second outer edge 302 of the bridge portion. Through the third and fourth folding lines 353, 354, the outer panels 363 and 364 of the bridge member 300 can be folded behind the first and second base 120, 220, respectively.
    In an alternative embodiment, the bridge member 300 may consist of, or contain a flexible element, for example a flexible PCB, such that the flexible element can extend from an inside of the first side wall to an inside of the second side wall. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 4. Also in such an embodiment, the bridge member 300 can be configured to extend behind the first and second base.
    Preferably, the bridge member 300 is configured to allow a portion of the first and second fasteners 121, 122 to extend through or adjacent the bridge member 300 to engage the first and second sidewall, respectively. In the embodiment of Figure 3, therefore, two recesses 341,342 are provided. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the shape of the bridge member is such that the jaws 121, 122 extend adjacent to the bridge member 300.
    The bridge member 300 may contain a PCB, for example a multi-layer PCB. The bridge part preferably contains the electrical paths between a substrate and a coating or top layer. The bridge part 300 preferably has a thickness that is smaller than 4 mm, preferably smaller than 2.5 mm.
    The first and second bases 120, 220 may respectively comprise a first and second frame 125, 225. The first and second frame 125,225 is configured to extend for the first and second socket function, respectively, and can be configured to be connected to the bridge member 300, see reference numerals 381,382 in Figure 5. That way, the bridge member 300 can be connected with the frame, after which the first and second base 120,220 and the bridge part 300 can be inserted as a unit into the first and second mounting boxes 110,210.
    The socket assembly further comprises a first and second central element 130,230 each having at least two continuous openings into which at least two pins of a plug are pluggable to be electrically connected to the socket function of the first and second base 120, 220, respectively. and second central element 130, 230 are intended to be connected to the first and second base 120, 120, respectively. The first and second central element 120, 220 can be made from a plastic material. The frame 125, 225 may be a metal frame configured for mounting the base in the opening in the wall. The socket assembly may further comprise one or more cover frames configured to surround the first and second central element 130,230.
    The socket assembly controls the power supply to electrical appliances via plugs plugged into the socket outlet. The assembly is intended to be built into an opening in the wall, the socket function of the first base being connected to electrical wires 401, 402.403 of a cable 400 present in the wall, see Figure 5. Typically, the electrical wires contain 401, 402, 403 in the wall wires connected to the net.
    Figure 6 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a socket assembly for recessed mounting in a wall. The socket assembly comprises a first, a second, and a third recessed box 110,210,210 "positioned side by side such that a first and second side wall 111,211 create a first wall barrier and a third and fourth side wall 213, 21Γ create a second wall barrier. The socket assembly further comprises a first, a second, and a third base 120, 220, 220 "each containing a socket function, i.e. an electrical function into which a plug can be inserted, typically a two-pin plug and an earth connection. The first, second and third plinth 120, 220, 220 "can be mounted in the respective mounting boxes 110, 210, 210" by means of claws or screws.
    The bridge part 300 is similar to the bridge part of Figure 1 with the difference that it contains two "bridges" to extend over the first and the second wall barrier. The skilled person understands that the bridge part can be provided as a long strip that can be cut to size by an electrician in function of the number of flush-mounted boxes for which it is intended.
    Although the principles of the invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that this description is made by way of example only and not restrictive of the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (24)
    [1]
    Conclusions
    1. Socket assembly for flush-mounted installation in a wall; the socket assembly comprising: a first and second flush-mounted box (110,210) with a first and second side wall (111,211), respectively, which first and second side wall are intended to be placed side by side in the wall; a first and a second base (120, 220) each comprising a socket function; a first and second mounting means (121, 211) for mounting the first and second base respectively in the first and second mounting box; a bridge part (300) configured to extend over the first and second side wall, inside the first and second flush-mounted box and behind the first and second base, the bridge part including electrically conductive paths (311, 312, 313) that electrically connects the socket function of the first base to the socket function of the second base.
    [2]
    The socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive paths comprise first connecting parts (321, 322, 323) and second connecting parts (331, 332,333), the first and second connecting parts being connectable to the socket function of the first and second base respectively .
    [3]
    The socket assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first and second connecting parts are elongated flexible or flexible parts such that said connecting parts can be manipulated and inserted into an opening in the first and second base, respectively.
    [4]
    The socket assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second connecting parts are respectively provided on a first and second upper edge (371,372) of the bridge part.
    [5]
    The socket assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the bridge member comprises at least a first and second fold line (351, 352) extending parallel to an upper edge (112, 212) of the first and second side wall such that a first panel (361) of the bridge part can be folded against an inside of the first side wall and a second panel (362) of the bridge part can be folded against the inside of the second side wall.
    [6]
    The socket assembly of claim 5, wherein the bridge member includes a third and a fourth fold line (353.354) that extend parallel to an upper edge (112.212) of said first and second sidewall, with said third fold line extending between the first fold line and a first outer edge (301) of the bridge portion, the fourth folding line extending between the second folding line and a second outer edge (302) of the bridge portion.
    [7]
    The socket assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the bridge part comprises a flexible element, such that said flexible element can extend from an inside of the first side wall to an inside of the second side wall.
    [8]
    The socket assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge member is configured to allow a portion of the first and second fasteners to extend through or adjacent the bridge member to engage on the first and second sidewall, respectively.
    [9]
    The socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge part comprises a PCB, for example a multi-layer PCB.
    [10]
    The socket assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge member comprises a flexible PCB.
    [11]
    The socket assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second connecting means each comprise at least two claws.
    [12]
    The socket assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second base include a first and second frame (125, 225), respectively, wherein the first and second frame are configured to extend for the first and second socket function, respectively, wherein the first and second frames are configured to be connected to the bridge member.
    [13]
    The socket assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second junction box (210) has a third side wall (213) opposite the second side wall (211) and the socket assembly further comprises a third junction box (210 '), the third junction box (210) ') has a fourth side wall (211') intended to be placed adjacent to the third side wall in the wall; a third base (220 ") including a socket function; a third fastener for fastening the third base in the third junction box (210 "); wherein the bridge member (300) is further configured to extend across the third and fourth sidewall in the interior of the third junction box and behind the third base, the electrically conductive paths of the bridge member also being connectable to the socket function of the third pedestal.
    [14]
    The socket assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first and second central element (130, 230) each having at least two continuous openings into which at least two pins of a plug are pluggable to be electrically connected to the socket function of the first and second base, respectively; wherein the first and second central element is intended to be connected to the first and second base, respectively.
    [15]
    The socket assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first and second central element is made of a plastic material and / or wherein the first and second base each comprise a metal frame configured for mounting the base in the opening in the wall.
    [16]
    The socket assembly according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a first and second cover frame configured to surround the first and second central element, respectively.
    [17]
    A bridge member for use in a socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge member (300) is configured to extend over a first and second side wall of a first and second mounting box, on the inside of an inside of the first and second flush-mounted box, and behind a first and second base, the bridge member including electrically conductive paths (311, 312, 313) connectable to the socket function of the first and second base, respectively.
    [18]
    The bridge member of claim 17, wherein the electrically conductive paths have first connector members (321,322, 323) and second connector members (331, 332, 333), the first and second connector members being connectable to a socket function, the first and second connector members elongated flexible or flexible parts are such that the connecting parts can be manipulated and inserted into an opening in the first and second base, respectively.
    [19]
    The bridge member according to claim 18, wherein the first and second connecting members are provided on a first and second upper edge (371, 372) of the bridge member, respectively.
    [20]
    The bridge member according to any of claims 17-19, wherein the bridge member comprises at least a first and second fold line (351,352) that extend in parallel such that a first panel (361) of the bridge member can be folded against an inner side of the first side wall of the flush-mounted box and a second panel (362) of the bridge member can be folded against an inside of the adjacent second side wall of an adjacent flush-mounted box.
    [21]
    The bridge member according to claim 20, wherein the bridge member comprises a third and fourth fold line (353, 354) extending in parallel, the third fold line extending between the first folding line and a first outer edge (301) of the bridge member, and the fourth fold line extends between the second fold line and a second outer edge (302) of the bridge portion.
    [22]
    A method for installing multiple socket functions in a wall; wherein the method comprises: placing several flush-mounted boxes (110, 210, 210 ") next to each other in the wall; selecting a bridge portion configured to extend across adjacent wall portions of the plurality of flush-mounted boxes and behind a corresponding number of bases intended to be placed in the plurality of flush-mounted boxes; wherein the multiple pedestals contain the multiple socket functions; said bridge part being provided with electrically conductive paths (311, 312, 313) for electrically connecting the plurality of socket functions; connecting the plurality of socket functions with the electrically conductive paths (311,312,313); placing the bridge part with the multiple bases in the multiple recessed boxes; and fixing the plurality of bases in the plurality of recessed boxes.
    [23]
    The method of claim 22, wherein selecting a bridge portion includes cutting a strip of electrically conductive paths to function as a function of the multiple socket functions to be connected.
    [24]
    The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the bridge part is designed according to one of claims 17 to 21 or wherein a socket assembly according to one of claims 1 to 16 is used.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    US8878058B2|2014-11-04|Raised access floor box with partitions
    US7554032B2|2009-06-30|Electrical box with multi-mount features
    BE1023178A1|2016-12-12|SOCKET COMPOSITION WITH MULTIPLE RECESSED BOXES
    US9263863B2|2016-02-16|Method and apparatus for positioning in-wall power
    US20120231652A1|2012-09-13|Waterproof simplex receptacle with insulation displacement
    US7825336B2|2010-11-02|Electrical outlet box having high and low voltage compartments
    TW201014099A|2010-04-01|Expandable power distribution unit
    TW200937766A|2009-09-01|Pre-terminated outlet assembly for raceway systems
    CN103262348A|2013-08-21|Terminal structures for wiring devices
    US9564725B1|2017-02-07|Pluggable electrical receptacle and universal wall box and methods of use thereof
    US20100018739A1|2010-01-28|Enclosure for wiring devices
    US20130118771A1|2013-05-16|Electrical Outlet Cover
    BE1023178B1|2016-12-12|SOCKET COMPOSITION WITH MULTIPLE RECESSED BOXES
    MX2008010201A|2009-03-05|Gangable electrical bracket.
    WO2017155855A1|2017-09-14|Junction box
    US20100101818A1|2010-04-29|Hybrid electrical cover plate
    US10581231B1|2020-03-03|Electrical panel assembly
    US20070111592A1|2007-05-17|Modular plug strip
    RU2485653C2|2013-06-20|Device for installation of electrical unit in duct for electric cables and wires routing and node containing electrical unit and above unit
    TWI566486B|2017-01-11|Wiring appliance coupling device
    US9941648B2|2018-04-10|Angle bracket system with integral ground attachment
    GB2462336A|2010-02-10|Pattress box containing electrical terminals
    US20160113132A1|2016-04-21|Energy storage/delivery device mounting plate
    KR200282491Y1|2002-07-22|A wiring duct having division plate
    US9806480B1|2017-10-31|Building wiring system, components and methods
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    [返回顶部]