EP2625984A1 - Data interface for a worktop - Google Patents

Abstract

The data interface has module with housing having aperture (23). The plugs are fastened to a data cable (16) of the module through the aperture. The aperture is formed to the edge (24) of a function panel (21) fixed radially at recess formed at ceiling of the module. The recess formed at bottom of the module is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the plug fastened to the data cable.

Description

The invention relates to a data interface according to the preamble of the main claim.

Such a device is from the DE 1 01 52 555 B4 in the manner of a mounted on a countertop modular sockets set with it, for connection to a data processing device, in the direction approximately parallel to the plate plane herausziehbarern data cable known. To avoid interference, the data cable runs uninterrupted from a room feed through a cable duct behind the back of the worktop and through the module to the already production side posted plug for connection to the interface of the on the worktop, especially an office desk, operated data processing device. If the data cable is not being used and could therefore interfere with the countertop, it will be pushed back through the module into the cable duct that opens behind it until the plug is received by a tray recessed in the module. Since the pushing back around corners into the storage space in the cable channel only comes into consideration in the case of relatively flexible data cables, the data cable in the module behind the plug depression experiences a channel-like longitudinal guide which prevents buckling buckling with looping of the data cable in the module. Immersed in the trough of the plug, however, is difficult to pull out tangible.

Modern, especially very multi-core, data cables are so stiff that they no longer require a longitudinal guide for kink protection; However, they are due to their elaborate shielding and robust insulation too rigid for such multiple redirected routing through the module into the cable channel located behind it. On the other hand, there is an increasing demand for non-stationary data interfaces of different standards, for example at the desk or conference table. Today's visitor expects from a timely equipped meeting table, that he can use his laptop, without searching for sockets and cumbersome handling of data cables, for example to transfer information to the in-house data network and to present his information to a larger one Screen or projector (beamer) can connect. This relatively stiff, with RJ45 LAN connectors, with HDMI digital plugs or with VGA analog plugs and possibly also equipped with USB universal plugs cable ends to the laptop introduce. If then even more laptops on a table to be connected to such cables, then the cable ends provided on the table easily lead to cable clutter, which must be time-consuming unbundled because he conjured up mis-connections or other malfunctions.

In recognition of these circumstances, the present invention is the technical problem of setting up a workstation data interface generic type for mechanically and electrically problem-free temporary connection of data cables with different data connector standards; and, if possible, by incorporating them into the modular table socket sets proven in everyday office life.

This object is achieved by the essential features specified in the main claim. The solution is based on the realization that it would be in vain, possibly several of the rigid data cable coming from a cable channel coming through such, small bending radii conditional to want to pass through socket modules. Instead, according to the invention, the data cables now run essentially vertically linearly through such modules, and if appropriate also vertically through recesses located in the work surface underneath; and then with relatively much excess length, for example, to a work table computer (PC) supported on the table leg under the worktop. Each currently unused data cable is hung on its entry into the module with its plug on this module. The currently unused connector so now resting preferably no longer sunk into the modules, but they remain, easily accessible manually, supported on the tops of the modules.

For temporary connection of a laptop to be operated on the worktop about the local area network, the next available LAN connector (typically in RJ45 standard) is first lifted manually from its module upwards and thereby connected to him, with his other end to the local workstation -Computer leading data cable with his under the worktop sufficiently existing excess length pulled up out of the module. The data cable can then, in accordance with its rigidity, be deflected in an arc to the horizontal, to the LAN port of the laptop to be operated on the worktop. Functionally critical buckling loads of the data cable are thereby reliably avoided.

When this LAN connector on the laptop is released again, the data cable, due to gravity virtually automatically, slides back through the module until its data plug comes to rest on the top of the module housing.

For such substantially vertical sliding movement of the data cable through the module through to the plug stop in the housing upper part of the module expediently a so-called functional plate is used, as otherwise in such modules for receiving about a socket pot, a fuse holder, a power switch or the like is equipped. This functional plate now has at least one cable passage opening whose diameter is significantly larger than the diameter of the cable assigned to it - but smaller than the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the plug attached to the cable end and resting on the functional plate.

In order not to dismantle the plug for the introduction of the data cable into this opening and later laboriously re-connect to the cable end with the large number of thin wires function, the opening opens into the edge of the function panel, so that this laterally, centripetally pushed onto the data cable can be. The functional plate is then inserted into a recess in the module upper part, preferably framed by the ceiling, whereby the opening is closed laterally, so that the data cable can no longer slide laterally out of the opening. This recess in the housing upper part, and thus the function plate is at least sized so large that the plug can be passed easily. A recess of corresponding cross-sectional dimensioning is located in the bottom of the module housing lower part.

To populate the module with the data cable this is preceded by his already battered at the ends of his wires plug, with open module housing from below through the bottom recess, whereupon the opening in the function panel as mentioned laterally pushed onto the cable , Then, the plug is guided from below through the cover recess in the housing upper part, so that the data cable protrudes with its plug ahead of the module housing above. If the housing is now closed by placing its upper part on the lower housing part, the function panel is framed by the cover recess and also axially clamped between the upper and lower housing part. The data cable is accessed by pulling it out of the module at its easily accessible, above the module and passing it in an arc around to a laptop, which then picks up the connector of this data cable.

To promote a jam-free longitudinal guide of the data cable through the opening in the relatively thin-walled function panel, according to an advantageous development of the solution according to the invention in this opening a sleeve surrounding the data cable with radial clearance used, namely, preferably easily disassembled, such as soft elastic non-positively or hard elastic positive fit held in the opening. Conveniently, the bushing at the two ends of their original about hollow cylindrical wall radially outwardly bulging annular beads on. As a result, on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve between their axially staggered annular beads circumferential annular groove is defined. Tangentially to this, the bushing surrounding the data cable is inserted radially from the still exposed plate edge into the plate opening, whereby it is also axially fixed therein.

In order to equip the data cable with such a socket previously, the hollow cylindrical wall is separated approximately parallel to the axis at one point of its circumference over the entire axial length of the bushing. After temporary flexurally elastic widening of this separation point, the data cable can be inserted radially here, whereupon the socket closes again and can now be pushed laterally into the plate opening with the cable loosely enclosed therein, as described.

• Fig.1 eine erfindungsgemäße Arbeitsplatz-Datenschnittstelle im Schnitt und
• Fig.2 die darin enthaltene, bestückte Funktionsplatte in Draufsicht mit im Querschnitt angedeutetem Datenkabel.

Additional refinements and alternatives to the solution according to the invention will become apparent from the other claims and, also with regard to their advantages, from the following description of a not quite to scale in the drawing and on the Functional essentials outlined outlined preferred implementation example of the invention. In the drawing shows:

• Fig.1 a workstation data interface according to the invention in section and
• Fig.2 the therein contained, populated functional plate in plan view with indicated in cross-section data cable.

A worktop 11 is equipped with a data interface 12 in the form of a cubic to slightly desk-shaped, created in plastic injection molding module 13 of the kind that is commercially available, for example, when equipped with a grounded plug socket; wherein a plurality of such modules 13 can be installed side by side along a rail lined up. These modules 13 are on the worktop 11 easily accessible to the rear Stinkante or as sketched in this example along the rear edge of the worktop 11 mounted, held by means of clamps on the plate edge or - optionally by means of a base plate 20 - to the plate end edge or on the plate surface glued or screwed.

The module 13 essentially consists of a housing 14 with lower part 14 and upper part 14.2. In the ceiling 14.4 of the upper part 14.2 and - if present - in the bottom 14.3 of the lower part 14.1 of the module 13 are vertically approximately mutually aligned recesses 15 (15.2 or 15.1). Their geometry is in each case dimensioned such that the commercially available, mostly standardized plug 17 connected with plug pins or sockets to the wires of data cables 16 can easily be passed from bottom to top through the entire housing 14. Such a data cable 16 is connected to a local area network (LAN) or to a display or a projector (beamer) via a computer 18 installed under the work plate 11, for example, or to a room server via a floor channel. If the module 13 is not mounted behind but as sketched on the workplate 11, then this has an aligned with the recess 15.1 in the housing bottom 14.3 recess 19. If module 13 (individually or in a series arrangement) is mounted on a base plate 20, then it has a corresponding opening 20 '.

The struck at the data cable 16 connector 17 is passed for the cable assembly of the module 13 at first still removed housing upper part 14.2 from below through the recess 19, the opening 2o 'and the recess 15.1. Then the data cable 16 in the areas of the housing ceiling 14.4 with a function panel 21 ( Fig.2 ) equipped. For this purpose, the data cable 16 is pushed radially from the plate edge 24 into a short slot 22, with which a functional plate 21 passing through the opening 23 to the plate edge 24 opens out. The opposite or sack end of the slot 22 is preferably bounded with a radius of half the width of the slot 22, so that overall results in a U-shaped opening 23 with between legs in the arc extending yoke. To offer a plurality of, in particular differently plug-equipped, data cable 16 to a module 11, the functional plate 21 has a corresponding plurality of openings 23 with adapted to the cable diameters diameters.

Before such loading with the function plate 21, the data cable 16 is still a socket 25 is clipped. This has one, their hollow cylindrical wall 26 over its entire axial length penetrating, separation point 27 in this case, the sleeve 25 bent elastically bent and inserted radially onto the data cable 16, whereupon the socket 25 closes again. Now equipped with the cable 16 socket 25 can be advanced with a circumferential in the outer surface of its wall 26 annular groove 28 tangentially between the U-legs of the plate opening 23 to the U-yoke. The adjacent edges of the opening 23 are expediently overlapped by axially offset from each other annular beads 29 which are formed on both sides of the annular groove 28 at the two ends of the socket 25 and the U-shaped boundary of the opening 23 largely conceal. The inner diameter of the bushing 25 is preferably sized for a relatively large amount of clearance with respect to the diameter of the data cable 16 slipping freely therethrough. As a result, creases stress of the cable 16 are avoided behind its plug 17 when the plug 17 should not be lifted off the module 13 is not steep.

The thus, behind its plug 17, equipped with the data cable 16 function panel 21 is material, force or positively mounted in the housing 14 as sketched with molded perforated tabs 30 at the corners of the function panel 21 on donated pillar 31 in the housing base 14.1 plugged. The thereby already above the function plate 21 located plug 17 is still guided from below through the recess 15.2 in the housing cover 14.4, whereupon the housing 14 with force, material or positive fastening of the housing upper part 14.2 on the lower housing part 14.1 is closed. Appropriately, while the function panel 21 at the ceiling recess 15.2 axially and radially aligned and fixed. This can be done by supporting the ceiling 14.4 on the opposite of the function plate 21 axially lowered, radially projecting tabs 30 on the function plate 21, which, moreover, as in Fig.1 sketched, framed by the edge of the ceiling-side recess 15.2. Preferably, the tabs 30 are lowered relative to the surface of the functional plate 21 so far, the class laid on the tabs 30 while the functional panel 21 framing ceiling 14.4 outside approximately flush with the surface of the functional plate 21 connects.

Should once the cross-sectional dimensions of a plug 17 be greater than the dimensions of the function plate 21, then the recess 15.2 is enlarged in the ceiling 14.4 on the dimensions of the plug 17 addition, and the function plate 21 is under intermediate joints of a bridging frame (not considered in the drawing) inserted into the recess 15.2.

Thus, in order to be able to provide the required data cable 16, for example for connecting a laptop to the local area network or to the beamer installed in the room, without problems and without cable clutter or disturbance-causing kinks, according to the invention, modules 13 are arranged on or behind the worktop 11 , strung together next to each other, on the housing tops 14.2 each at least one plug 17 is. At the data cable 16 can be pulled out substantially vertically depending on the local conditions of sufficient excess length under radial play from an opening 23 in the housing upper part 14.2 and out in the arc to the laptop on the countertop 11. After loosening the plug 17 from the laptop, the data cable 16 slides back through the opening 23 substantially due to gravity until the plug 17 again comes to rest on the housing upper part 14. 2 of the module 13. This opening 23 opens with approximately U-shaped surf in the edge 24 of a function panel 21 to attach them radially on the data cable 16 before they are fixed in the module housing 14, especially when mounted in the housing base 14.1 of the housing upper part 14.2 is encompassed frame-shaped. For the equipping, the housing upper part 14.2, then the Funktionsplalte 21 receiving, recess 15.2, which is larger than the largest cross-sectional dimension of the posted to the data cable 16 connector 17 to this along with its data cable 16 from below through the module housing 14 to be able to pass.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11

Worktop (with 12)

12

Data interface (13 to 11)

13

Module (for 12)

14

Housing (14.1 lower part with 14.3 bottom, 14.2 upper part with 14.4 cover)

15

Recesses (15.1 in 14.1 / 14.3, 15.2 in 14.2 / 14.4)

16

Data cable (from 18 to 17)

17

Plug (to 16)

18

Computer (under 11)

19

Recess (in 11 under 15.1)

20

Base plate (between 11 and 14.3);

20 '

Breakthrough (in 20)

21

Function plate (in 15.2)

22

Slot (from 23)

23

Opening (in 21 at 24)

24

Edge (of 21)

25

Bushing (around 15)

26

Wall (from 25)

27

Separation point (in 26)

28

Ring groove (between 29-29 at 26, for 22)

29

Ring beads (at the ends of 25)

30

Lashing (at 21, between 14.4 and 31)

31

Pillar (in 14.1, to accommodate 21)

Claims (10)

On a work surface (11) installable Daten-Schnittstcne (12) with a at its plug (17) from an opening (23) in a module (13) withdrawable data cable (16), characterized in that the data cable (16) below its Plug (17) with radial clearance through an opening (23) approximately vertically, which opens to the edge (24) of a Funktionsplattte (21), which is supported at a provided in the ceiling (14.4) of the module (13) recess (15.2) , which, as appropriate, a recess (15.1) in the bottom (14.3) of the module (13), greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the plug (17). Data interface according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening (23) has an approximately U-shaped boundary. Data interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the puncture plate (21) on a housing lower part (14.1) of the module (13) is supported. Data interface according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the functional plate (21) lowered from its corners projecting tabs (30) between on the one hand the edge of the recess (15.2) and on the other hand from the housing base (14.1) towering pillars (31) is held. Data interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function plate (21), optionally with the interposition of a bridging frame, framed by the recess (15.2). Data interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data cable (16) traverses a socket (25) held in the opening (23) and which can be opened at a separation point (27) by its wall (26). Data interface according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bushing (25) has radially protruding annular beads (29) at its ends. Data interface according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the bushing (25) is inserted laterally into the opening (23) tangentially to an annular groove (28). Data interface according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the bush (25) is latched in the opening (23). Data interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a base plate (20) for mounting the at least one module (13) on or behind a worktop (11).

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