EP2328238B1 - Socket device for an item of furniture - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a socket device, in particular for a piece of furniture.

It has long been known to integrate sockets for power lines in furniture. So-called socket outlets are installed in corresponding holes or openings in the furniture. For office furniture, it is common, in addition to sockets for power lines and connections for data lines (data interfaces), for example, computer network cables to install with the sockets together in furniture. However, such combined sockets usually have the disadvantage that they are firmly installed in the furniture and are only slightly flexible use, since the power socket and the data line sockets are firmly integrated in the device. Receptacles also have mostly exposed contacts on their back, so that a connection of the socket is made by an electrician.

WO 2009/039277 A1 discloses a socket device of the type mentioned with a housing and a power line socket with a connection device for clamping at least one power cable and a data line socket, wherein the housing has a first housing part, which connects the power line socket and the connection device and electrically isolated from the data line device.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a socket device with interchangeable data line interfaces for insertion or integration in a furniture, a partition, gypsum wall or the like, which is flexibly usable, further comprising connecting or changing the data line interfaces of the socket device without a trained electrician is feasible.

To achieve the object serve the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a socket device for inserting or integrating into a furniture has a partition wall, gypsum wall or the like, and at least one power line socket with at least one connection device for clamping at least one power cable. Furthermore, the socket device has at least one receiving opening for exchangeable reception of data line jacks, wherein the data line jacks each have at least one data interface. The housing has a first housing part which encloses each power line socket and each connection device and spatially separates and electrically isolates them from the at least one receptacle opening and a data line receptacle accommodated in the receptacle opening. The housing further has a second housing part, in which the receiving openings are arranged.

By providing a first housing part, which spatially separates the at least one receiving opening and the data line jacks received in the receiving opening from a power line socket and a connection device, the receiving opening and the data line socket are sealed off from the power line socket and the connection device and electrically insulated, so that a data line socket the receptacle can be removed and plugged in without the risk of electric shock from the connection device, the power line socket or connected to the connection device power cable. The power line socket may be previously connected via the connection device by an electrician with one or more power cables or the socket device is already provided during manufacture with one or more power cables, with the subsequent use and flexible use of the socket device, the consultation of an electrician no longer necessary is. In the receiving opening flexible data line jacks can now be used, with even the possibility exists during use of the Power line socket to replace data line jacks in the receiving openings. As a result, a flexible use of the socket device according to the invention is possible, since depending on the requirement data line jacks with differently standardized data interfaces can be used.

It is preferably provided that each of the receiving openings has an access opening arranged on the underside of the socket device, through which the data line sockets can be inserted from the underside of the socket device. As a result, a replacement of the data line jacks in a particularly simple manner possible, since in most cases the access to integrated in furniture socket devices from the bottom is advantageously possible.

In addition, such a solution is aesthetically advantageous, since such socket devices are usually facing the viewer with the top, so that by inserting the data line jacks from the bottom, the top of the socket device for the viewer can be designed in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the data line jacks can be fastened in the receiving opening via a snap connection, wherein preferably at least one elastic joining part is arranged on a data line socket. The use of snap connections for fastening the data line jacks in the receiving opening have the advantage that they are mostly solvable and can be produced in a simple manner. Furthermore, the snap connection can usually be released without the use of a tool so that data line sockets can be removed from the receiving opening in a simple manner. Furthermore, snap connections have the advantage that even a mounting of the data line socket without tools is possible by the data line socket simply in the Insertion opening inserted and the snap connection is made.

The invention advantageously provides that the data line jacks are designed as data line clutches, wherein preferably the data line jacks each have at least one second data interface opposite the data interface.

In this way, it is possible to connect the socket device in an advantageous manner with corresponding data lines by the respective data line is plugged into the second data interface. In addition, a flexible use of the socket device according to the invention in an advantageous manner possible because the unused data line jacks in the form of data line couplings can be made very small, since no permanently connected data lines are necessary. As a result, the data line jacks can be stored easily.

By the provision of data line couplings as data line jacks, it is also possible to connect only the data line socket used via a data cable, so that even the leading to the socket device number of cables can be reduced. Finally, the replacement of the data line jacks by the use of data line couplings, which have the data line jacks, is particularly advantageous because prior to replacing the data line jack, the corresponding feeding data cable can be easily removed and thus the access to the data line jack not from the Cable can be obstructed.

It can be provided that the data line jacks comprise a USB interface, a Firewire interface, an RJ interface, preferably an RJ45 interface, an HDMI interface or an S-video interface. Of course it is also possible that the data line socket includes another interface standard. In the context of the invention, data lines / interfaces in addition to conventional data lines / interfaces for the transmission of data from the EDP area naturally also mean data lines / interfaces for the transmission of audio and / or video data.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the housing is adapted to a cable outlet opening of a cable duct of the furniture, wherein the housing is preferably removably insertable to the cable outlet opening. This makes it possible that the socket device according to the invention can already be used in existing in a furniture openings, so that no additional openings in the furniture must be present or must be created.

As a result, a simple insertion of the socket device is possible, at the same time the socket device according to the invention is flexible, since the socket device can be used in the presence of multiple Kabelauslassöffnungen as needed in one of the Kabelauslassöffnungen.

If no socket device is needed, for example, the Kabelauslassöffnungen can also be used again in a conventional manner and provided, for example, with covers. Thus, the socket device according to the invention can be used in an ideal manner according to the needs of the user.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that a fastening device for fastening the socket device to the furniture is arranged on the housing. It can be provided that the fastening device is a clamping device, wherein preferably the clamping device consists of a fixed part and a movable part. By providing a fastening device, in particular in the form of a clamping device, the socket device can be attached to the furniture in an advantageous manner. By providing a clamping device, the attachment can be made in a simple manner.

It can be provided that the clamping device has a locking strip on which the movable part is displaceable and fixable. The provision of a locking strip has the advantage that the movable part of the clamping device can be fixed in a simple manner. In addition, a clamping device with a locking strip has the advantage that the socket device according to the invention can for example be secured in a receiving opening in a piece of furniture that the socket device is indeed secured against falling out, yet the clamping device allows a rotational movement of the socket device in the furniture, so that a flexible use of the socket device according to the invention is made possible by the power line socket and / or the receiving openings are rotated with the data line jacks in accordance with the requirements in the correct position.

In one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the connection device has at least one strain relief for each power cable. This ensures that a pull on the arranged at the back of the socket device power cord does not lead to a tearing out of the cable or damage to the connection device.

It can be provided that a pivotable cover for covering the power line socket and / or the receiving openings or the data line jacks is arranged on the housing. This can ensure that the socket device is protected against environmental influences during continuous use. For example, when using the socket device according to the invention in a desk can thus ensuring that the corresponding connections are protected against moisture and dirt when the power line sockets and / or the data line sockets are not used.

In one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the data interfaces of the data line jacks are part of a hub or switch.

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckdosenvorrichtung von schräg unten,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Steckdosenvorrichtung der Fig. 1 von unten,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Steckdosenvorrichtung,

Fig.4

eine schematische Draufsicht der erfindungsgemäßen Steckdosenvorrichtung mit zwei eingesetzten Datenleitungsbuchsen und

Fig. 5

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Datenleitungsbuchse.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the following drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a socket device according to the invention obliquely from below,

Fig. 2

a schematic view of the socket device of the invention Fig. 1 from underneath,

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of the socket device according to the invention,

Figure 4

a schematic plan view of the socket device according to the invention with two inserted data line jacks and

Fig. 5

a schematic perspective view of a data line socket according to the invention.

In FIGS. 1 to 4 a socket device 1 according to the invention is shown schematically. The socket device 1 has a housing 3, which consists of a first housing part 5 and a second housing part 7. The first housing part 5 forms a closed space in which a power line socket 13 is arranged with an associated connection device 15 for clamping a power cable. The first housing part 5 in this case has a passage opening 9, through which the power cable in the first housing part 5 can be performed. The connecting device 15 may further comprise a strain relief, not shown, for the power cable, which is arranged for example on the passage opening 9.

The first housing part 5 merges into the second housing part 7, which is designed plate-shaped. Here, the first housing part 5 and the second housing part 7 are integrally formed with each other. Of course, it is also possible that the first housing part 5 and the second housing part 7 are in two parts.

Side of the first housing part 5 7 receiving openings 11 are arranged in the second housing part, in which, as in Fig. 4 shown, data line jacks 27 can be received with data interfaces 31. For this purpose, the data line jacks 27 are inserted from the underside 4 of the socket device 1 shown in access openings of the receiving openings 11.

The first housing part 5 is designed so that the connection device 15 and the power line socket 13 are spatially separated from the receiving openings 11, so that the access to the receiving openings 11 and the recorded therein in operation data line jacks 27 is possible without the risk of electric shock formed by the connection device 15 or the power line socket 13.

The housing 3 is designed such that it can be used in a predominantly round eruption in a piece of furniture, in a partition wall or in a plaster wall.

How best Fig. 3 shows that in Fig. 1 and 2 shown outlet device is shown in section, the power line socket 13 and the connecting device 15 are enclosed by the first housing part 5. The power line socket 13 has a standardized Opening 17 for insertion of a conventional power line plug on. The opening 17 of the power line socket 13 is open at the top and is located next to the in Fig. 3 This ensures that an access from above to the power line socket 13 and the data interfaces 31 of the data line jacks 27 is ensured.

The power cable for feeding to the power line socket 13 is guided through the passage opening 9 in the first housing part 5 to the connection device 15 and can be clamped there. Clamping in the context of the invention are understood to mean all types of connection possibilities of power cables to power line sockets, in particular the connection of the cable cores via terminal contacts or the cohesive connection via a solder joint. The connecting device 15 may further comprise a tension and / or rotational relief for the power cable.

The socket device 1 according to the invention has the advantage that with the single connection of the power line socket 13 to a power cable, which must be made by an electrician or has already been made in manufacturing, the socket device 1 according to the invention can be used flexibly by different data line jacks 27 in the Receiving openings 11 are inserted.

Characterized in that the first housing part 5 surrounds the power line socket 13 and the connecting device 15 and spatially separated from the receiving openings 11, it is thus ensured that the receiving openings 11 are also electrically isolated from the power socket 13 and the connecting device 15, so that even when connected the power line socket 13, the data line jacks 27 can be inserted or removed in the receiving openings 11.

Laterally on the housing 3, a fastening device 19 is provided, which in the in Figs. illustrated embodiment is designed as a clamping device. The fastening device 19 has a movable part 21 and a fixed part 23. The movable part 21 runs on a locking bar 25 and can be moved on the locking bar 25 and fix in the corresponding notches.

The fixed part 23 is designed as a protruding edge of the housing 3, which can be supported after insertion of the socket device, for example, in a piece of furniture on a correspondingly adapted surface or a projection. With the help of the movable part 23, the socket device according to the invention can then be fixed to the furniture by the movable part 23 presses against a surface facing away from the fixed part 23 of the furniture. In this way, the socket device 1 according to the invention can be attached to the furniture in a simple manner.

It can also be provided that the fastening device 19 is designed such that the socket device 1 is clamped to the furniture so that the socket device 1 according to the invention is secured against falling out, however, a rotation of the socket device 1 is still possible in the furniture. As a result, the socket device 1 according to the invention can be used very flexibly, since the socket device 1 according to the invention can be rotated into different positions as required.

How out Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 it can be provided that on the housing 3 of the fastening device 19 opposite a further locking strip 25a is arranged, which may also be part of the fastening device 19. There is thus the possibility of providing the fastening device 19 on both sides or on one of the sides of the housing 3 by either the movable part 21 is pushed onto one of the further locking strips 25,25a or an additional movable part 21 is used.

As a result, a particularly flexible use of the socket device 1 according to the invention is possible.

In Fig. 4 the socket device 1 according to the invention is shown in plan view with data line bushings 27 inserted into the receiving openings 11.

How out Fig. 4 shows, two different data line jacks 27 are received in the receiving openings 11. For this purpose, the data line sockets 27 have been inserted from the rear side of the housing 3 into the receiving openings 11. One data line socket 27 has a USB interface, while the other data line socket 27 comprises an RJ45 interface. The inventive design of the socket device 1 is thus made possible that in a socket device 1, which is flexibly plugged into a piece of furniture, in addition to a power socket 13 and different data line jacks 27 are provided with different data interfaces 31.

It is possible that after inserting the socket device 1 in a furniture, the data line jacks 27 are exchanged, so that depending on the requirement, a corresponding data interface 31 can be provided on the furniture.

If the socket device 1 according to the invention is used, for example, in a desk, various data interface 31 can be made available on the table surface in a simple manner in addition to a power connection with the aid of the socket device 1. Depending on requirements, the required data line interfaces 31 can be provided by exchanging the data line sockets 27. Due to the inventive design of the housing, in which the first housing part 5, the power line socket 13 and the connection device 15 spatially from the receiving openings 11 for the data line jacks 27th disconnects, the data line jacks even during use of the power line socket 13 is possible without the risk of electric shock or an electrician must be consulted. As a result, a particularly flexible use of the socket device 1 according to the invention is possible.

In Fig. 5 a data line socket 27 of a socket device according to the invention is shown schematically and in perspective view. The data line socket 27 has a socket housing 29, in which the corresponding data interface 31 is arranged. In the in Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment, the data interface 31 is a Firewire interface. Of course, it is also possible that the data line jacks 27 include other data interfaces 31, such as USB, RJ, in particular RJ45, S-Video, Keystone or HDMI.

The housing 29 is connected to the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 adapted receiving openings 11 adapted. In this case, lateral projections 32 are arranged on the data line housing 29, which are adapted to corresponding recesses 33 in the receiving openings 11. The projections 32 serve on the one hand as a stop, so that the data line socket 27 is snugly received in the receiving opening 11, on the other hand, via the projections 32, the data line jacks 27 at least partially guided during insertion into the receiving openings 11.

For fixing the data line socket 27 in one of the receiving openings 11, a snap connection is used, wherein on the side of the data line socket 27, an elastic joining part 35 is arranged, which cooperates with a projection 36 in the receiving opening 11. With the aid of the snap connection, the data line socket 27 can be fixed in a particularly simple manner in the second housing part 7 of the housing 3, wherein the data line socket 27 can be removed from the receiving opening 11 in a simple manner for replacement.

The data line socket 27 is in the in Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment designed as a data line coupling. In this case, a second data interface 39 is arranged on the data line housing 29 on the side opposite the interface 31 side.

This has the advantage that for connecting the data line socket and thus the socket device with a peripheral device does not have to be clamped in a complex manner a cable to the corresponding data line socket, but it is sufficient to plug a conventional connection cable into the second data interface 39. As a result, a particularly flexible use of the socket device according to the invention is possible and beyond the data line jacks can be kept in an advantageous manner, since they can be stored without cables.

In an embodiment of the socket device according to the invention, not shown, it is provided that at the upper part of the housing, a pivotable cover is arranged so that when not in use the power line socket or the data line socket on the pivotable cover, these can be protected from environmental influences. Of course, it is also possible that each socket has a cover for itself, so that when not in use a single jack this can be covered.

The interface of a data line socket can also be part of a hub or switch, so that several data interfaces are interconnected.

The socket device 1 according to the invention is in the in the FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrated embodiments adapted to an existing cable outlet opening of a piece of furniture. This makes it possible to insert the socket device instead of the cover of the Kabelkanalauslasses in the Kabelkanalauslass. As a result, a particularly flexible use of the socket device 1 according to the invention is possible because the socket device 1 according to the invention subsequently in already existing openings of a piece of furniture can be arranged. It is also possible to remove the socket device according to the invention when not in use again and to use the Kabelkanalauslass in a conventional manner.

Of course, it is also possible to retrofit a socket device according to the invention in existing furniture by appropriate in the furniture corresponding to the socket device adapted openings are introduced.

Claims (12)

1. A socket device (1) for insertion or integration into an item of furniture,

   - comprising a housing (3),

   - comprising at least one power supply socket (13) having at least one connection device (15) for clamping attachment of at least one power cable,

   - comprising at least one receiving opening (11) adapted to receive data line plugs (27) having at least one data interface (31), the housing comprising a first housing portion (5) enclosing each power supply socket and each connection device (15) and spatially separating and electrically insulating them from said at least one receiving opening (11) and from a data line plug (27) received in the receiving opening (11), and comprising a second housing portion (7) having at least one receiving opening (11) arranged in it,

   characterized in that
   the data line plugs (27) are received in said at least one receiving opening (11) in an exchangeable manner.
2. The socket device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the receiving openings (11) comprises an access opening arranged on the bottom side (4) of the socket device, wherein the data line plugs (27) are insertable via said access opening from the bottom side (4) of the socket device.
3. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the data line plugs (27) can be fastened in the receiving opening (11) by a snap connection, wherein preferably at least one elastic joining member (35) is arranged on the data line plug (27).
4. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data line plugs (27) are formed as data line couplings, wherein the data line plugs (27) preferably each comprise at least one second data interface (39) arranged opposite to the data line interface (31).
5. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data line plugs (27) comprise a USB interface, a firewire interface, an RJ interface, preferably an RJ45 interface, or an S-video interface.
6. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (3) is adapted to a cable outlet opening of a cable duct of the item of furniture, the housing (3) being preferable insertable into the cable outlet opening in a removable manner.
7. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, on the housing (3), a fastening device (19) is arranged for fastening the socket device to the item of furniture.
8. The socket device according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening device (19) is a clamping device, said clamping device preferably comprising a stationary part (23) and a movable part (21).
9. The socket device according to claim 8, characterized in that the movable part (21) of the clamping device comprises a locking bar (25) adapted to have the movable part (21) displaced and fixed on it.
10. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connection device (15) comprises a strain relief for the power cable.
11. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, on the housing (3), a pivotable cover is arranged for covering the power supply socket (13) and/or of the receiving openings (11) and respectively the data line plugs (27).
12. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the data line interfaces (31) of the data line plugs are parts of a hub or a switch.

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