EP2897235B1 - Connection box, expansion module, set consisting of a connection box and expansion module, method for creating a home network - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a junction box, an expansion module, the use of a junction box, a set of a junction box and an expansion module and a method for creating a home network.

Various junction boxes in domestic installation technology are known from the prior art. Classic examples of this are the power sockets, which are offered both in a flush-mounted version as well as in a surface-mounted version. For some time, so-called USB charging sockets are available, which directly converts the existing in the house installation technology mains voltage to the usual for USB plugs 5 V DC and provides in a corresponding USB interface. A combined junction box with an AC power connector and a USB charging socket is for example in the EP 2 287 975 B1 disclosed.

WO 2009/007730 A2 discloses a junction box which provides an AC mains connection in combination with a data jack. The data socket is supplied with a data signal which is transmitted on the power cable of the AC voltage network in the known powerline technology. A disadvantage is the limited data rate, which can be transmitted with the Powerline technology. GB 2 450 904 A discloses a junction box according to the preamble of claim 1.

US 2012/115359 A describes a connector for connection to a junction box with a data connector and a power connector. An essential parameter of a network infrastructure is the transmission speed. This is not only an important parameter in the commercial environment, but in the meantime high transmission speeds are also required in the private sector, to be able to satisfy a continuously increasing number of parallel network applications and services (VoIP, video streaming, data transfer, etc.) and their various connectivity options (optical, electrical or wireless). The physical connection of commercial buildings and an increasing number of private households already takes place through high-speed networks based on fiber optics (FTTH - Fiber to the home). In order to fulfill the set speed requirements, it makes sense not to let these high-speed networks end at the house, but also to establish them within the building.

In addition to glass fibers (GOF - glass optical fiber), more and more solutions based on POF (POF - polymer optical fiber) are being found today. Available POF products currently offer speeds of several hundred Mbps. Gigabit solutions are meanwhile under development. Furthermore, the POF cables are thin and, unlike glass fiber, inexpensive to buy and easy to process, making this technology suitable for use in the private sector.

The electrical or optical networking is elementary and allows a reliable and interference-resistant point-to-point connection. However, the fact is that the number of mobile internet-enabled devices has increased dramatically and wireless connections have to be seen as an integral part of a sustainable networking infrastructure.

When creating or planning a new house, the builder must already provide a house infrastructure, although it is not yet known how the individual rooms of the house are used. Accordingly, today a variety of conduits are fed and completed with empty boxes, so that at a later date an individual and custom infrastructure can be installed with the appropriate wiring. However, such a two-phase installation is very expensive and must be carried out by skilled workers.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a system is to be made available with which a simple creation of a home network with high data rates is possible.

This object is achieved by the devices and methods defined in the independent patent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

A junction box according to the invention comprises a data connection element for receiving a data signal and a voltage-current supply device. The data connection element has at least one preferably standardized data connector, in particular a data socket, with a data plug-in direction for connection to a corresponding data connector. The voltage-current supply device also has at least one preferably standardized supply connector, in particular a supply socket, with a supply plug-in direction for connecting a corresponding supply connector and for delivering a supply voltage. In this case, the data plug-in direction of the data connector and the supply plug-in direction of the supply connector are aligned approximately parallel.

Under a junction box is here and below a box for domestic installation technology understood, which can be mounted in particular surface or flush. Likewise, a junction box is also understood to mean a box which can be installed or installed in appliances, furniture, cupboards, channels, etc.

A connector, in particular data connector or supply connector, is understood here and below as any type of detachable connection of electrical and / or optical lines. In particular, these include connectors. Connectors can be configured male as male, female as female or hermaphroditic.
Here and below, the term "approximately parallel" an orientation understood, which is within a tolerance of +/- 10 ° from an exact parallelism.

The data connection element for receiving a data signal is designed, for example, such that it can receive the data signal from a glass fiber line, from a polymer optical fiber line, as well as from a conventional two-wire, multi-wire or coaxial data line. If necessary, the data connection element can convert the received data signal and make it available in a data format required in the data connector. The data connector can be configured in a multiplicity of different, in particular standardized, interfaces. Such interfaces include RJ-45, HDMI, USB, SATA, S / PDIF, TOSLink, RJ-11, RJ-12, FireWire (IEEE 1394-2008), Thunderbolt.

The voltage-current supply device can be connected, for example, directly to the mains voltage of the domestic installation and converts this line voltage, for example, into a DC signal of 5 volts. Of course, other supply voltages are conceivable, which provides the supply connector. It is also conceivable that the voltage-power supply device does not draw its voltage from the mains voltage of the house installation but is, for example, battery-powered or powered by a solar cell.

The fact that both a data signal to a data connector and at the same time a supply voltage to a supply connector are provided at the junction box, a variety of different devices can be connected directly to the junction box and operated. In particular, a separate power supply with an external adapter is no longer necessary.

Characterized in that the plug-in directions of both the data connector and the supply connector are aligned approximately parallel, it is possible that a corresponding terminal device can be connected by means of a simple plug both data and supply voltage moderate.

The data connector and the supply connector may be disposed on a common outer surface of the junction box. Such a configuration allows, for example, the arrangement of the connectors on a flat or curved surface. The cleaning of the box is greatly simplified in particular in the design of the connector as sockets and a handsome design is possible. It is conceivable in one embodiment of the connector as a plug that the outer surface is in a rest position in front of the connector interfaces and is slidably mounted. Only by a shift of Outer surface thus the plugs are visible and can be connected to the corresponding counterpart. In addition, the outer surface may also have openings, so that appropriately designed sockets can pass through the openings to the plugs.

The data connector and the service connector may be spaced apart at a distance of 15 mm to 35 mm. In this case, the distance between the two sockets is understood to be that distance which is measured from the centers of the two connectors. By a large distance between the two connectors, a connected device can be better mechanically held to the junction box as if the distance would be small. In this case, the distance should be chosen such that an optimum between mechanical retention and available space requirements, especially in a flush mounting, found.

The junction box may have additional fastening means which serve to hold a connection device. Such fastening means may be, for example, pins, insertion openings, latching tabs, magnets, etc. It goes without saying that connecting devices to be connected must have corresponding arresting means. Such additional fasteners allow a secure attachment of the connection device to the junction box and an additional mechanical support. In particular, in sensitive connectors, where a floating bearing is provided in the housing of the junction box or in the housing of the terminal device, additional fastening means are advantageous.

The data connector may have an RJ-45 interface. Such an interface is commonly used to provide a Internet cabling to allow. It goes without saying that other interface standards are possible.

The supply connector can be configured as a USB interface. Today, USB interfaces are increasingly being used to charge mobile devices. It goes without saying that other interface standards such as Thunderbolt, FireWire (IEEE 1394-2008), POE, EIAJ connectors or a simple hollow connector are also conceivable.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to an expansion module, which comprises at least one preferably standardized data connector, in particular a data connector, for connection to a corresponding data connector for data transmission and at least one preferably standardized supply connector, in particular a power connector, for connection to a corresponding supply connector for power supply. In this case, the data connector define a data plug-in direction and the supply connector a supply plug-in direction, which are aligned to each other in approximately parallel. Due to the parallel plug-in direction of the data connector and the supply connector, a simple plugging in of the expansion module to a correspondingly configured junction box is made possible. In particular, no additional cables or adapters are necessary, which ensure, for example, the power supply of the expansion module.

The data connector and the service connector may protrude from a common outer surface of the expansion module. In this case, this outer surface or the dimensioning of the connector may be designed such that, for example, in a plug-in operation first the supply connector for power supply is connected to its counterpart and only below the data connector. Of course, a reverse order is conceivable. The outer surface of the expansion module can be designed flat or curved. It goes without saying that this outer surface preferably corresponds to the outer surface of the junction box. As already described for the junction box, the outer surface can be arranged in a rest position in front of the connectors here as well. Likewise, this may be mounted slidably and / or have openings for reaching through the corresponding connector.

The data connector and the service connector may be spaced apart at a distance of 15 mm to 35 mm. A suitable distance allows, in addition to ensuring the data connection or the power supply, a mechanical hold on a correspondingly designed junction box. However, it should be noted in particular that an optimum must be found between the greatest possible distance to achieve a high mechanical stability of the holding with respect to a small distance in order to make optimal use of the available space. The distance between the data plug and the power plug is measured between the centers of the male protruding elements.

The expansion module may additionally include mechanical fasteners for securing to a corresponding junction box. Such fastening means are, for example, magnets, pins, insertion openings, locking tabs, etc. It goes without saying that the corresponding junction box must have corresponding fastening means.

The data connector may have an RJ-45 interface. Such data connectors are common in today's home wiring telecommunications cabling. It goes without saying that other interface standards, as already listed in the junction box of the data socket, are possible.

The supply connector can be configured as a USB interface. In common applications, the USB interface has established itself as both a data connection and a power supply connector. Of course, other interface standards can be used, as they are listed at the junction box at the power jack.

• Wifi-Acces-Point oder anderes Funkmodul,
• Datenumsetzer, um Daten von einem Datenstandard oder Übertragungsmedium in einen anderen Datenstandard oder Übertragungsmedium umzusetzen,
• N-Port-Switch,
• Raum Sensorik für Temperaturm, Bewegung, usw.,
• Modul für Ambient Assisted Living, oder
• beliebige Kombinationen davon.

Selbstverständlich sind auch andere Ausgestaltungen denkbar, so dass eine vielfältige Modularität gewährleistet werden kann. Insbesondere sind im Bereich der Raum Sensorik neben der Temperaturüberwachung oder Anwesenheits- oder Präsenzmelder auch andere Funktionen wie Rauchmelder, Babyphone, Raumüberwachung, usw. denkbar. Als Übertragungsmedium wird hier beispielsweise Funk, Glasfaser oder polymeroptische Faser, drahtgebunden verstanden. Als Datenstandard wir hier beispielsweise für eine Funkverbindung IEEE 802.11g verstanden. Unter einem anderen Funkmodul wird ein Modul verstanden, welches sich nicht nach dem Wifi-Standard richtet sondern mit einer anderen Funktechnologie, wie z.B. Zigbee, Z-Wave, Enocean, arbeitetThe expansion module can be designed as:

• Wifi access point or other radio module,
• Data converter for converting data from one data standard or transmission medium to another data standard or transmission medium,
• N-port switch,
• Room sensors for temperature, movement, etc.,
• Module for Ambient Assisted Living, or
• any combinations thereof.

Of course, other embodiments are conceivable, so that a variety of modularity can be ensured. In particular, other functions such as smoke detectors, baby monitors, room monitoring, etc. are conceivable in the field of room sensors in addition to temperature monitoring or presence or presence detectors. As a transmission medium is understood here, for example, wireless, glass fiber or polymer optical fiber, wired. As data standard we understand here for example for a wireless connection IEEE 802.11g. Another radio module is understood to mean a module which does not follow the Wifi standard but with a different wireless technology, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Enocean, works

The expansion module and / or the previously described junction box can be equipped such that they have known functions of a SmartHome controller.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a set of a junction box and an expansion module, both of which are described above.

Here, the junction boxes belong to the house infrastructure and the expansion modules provide the desired functionalities, which are defined by the user as needed. The initial investment for building a home infrastructure is significantly reduced and can be enriched with the required functionality at a later date.

The electrical planner only has to deal with the placement of the junction boxes. The electrician has to deal primarily with the cabling of the infrastructure. It does not need a configuration and is very easy to install. The infrastructure can have either a bus, star or a combination of both architectures. The functionality is then individually selected and installed in each room accordingly by selecting the required expansion module.

The client can offer his tenants / owners an infrastructure without having to worry about the individual functionalities. These are defined in retrospect by the user himself.

The separation of infrastructure and functionality also simplifies repair and maintenance. The defective expansion modules can be easily replaced without special knowledge.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a junction box as described above for connecting a previously described expansion module.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for creating a home network comprising the step of providing, in particular installing, at least one junction box as previously described in a domestic installation.

Figur 1:

eine erfindungsgemässe Anschlussdose in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Figur 2:

die Anschlussdose gemäss Figur 1 in einer Ansicht zur Definition der Abstände,

Figur 3:

die Anschlussdose gemäss Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht auf die Rückseite,

Figur 4:

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein auf ein erfindungsgemässes Erweiterungsmodul,

Figur 5:

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein Set bestehend aus einer Anschlussdose und einem Erweiterungsmodul, und

Figur 6:

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf das Set gemäss Figur 5, wobei das Erweiterungsmodul auf die Anschlussdose aufgesteckt ist.

On the basis of figures, which represent only embodiments, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

FIG. 1:

an inventive junction box in a perspective view,

FIG. 2:

the junction box according to FIG. 1 in a view defining the distances,

FIG. 3:

the junction box according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view on the back,

FIG. 4:

a perspective view of a on an inventive expansion module,

FIG. 5:

a perspective view of a set consisting of a junction box and an expansion module, and

FIG. 6:

a perspective view of the set according to FIG. 5 , wherein the expansion module is plugged onto the junction box.

FIG. 1 shows in a perspective view of an inventive junction box 1. The junction box 1 is designed as a flush-mounted box. Clearly visible is the front cover plate 5, which is fastened by means of a fastening screw 6 to the junction box 1. The cover plate 5 has three recesses, which release a data socket 11 and two supply sockets 16. The cover plate 5 forms a flat outer surface 2, in which the data socket 11 and the supply sockets 16 are aligned. In each case a dashed line, a data plug-in direction 12 and a supply plug 17 are indicated. These plug-in directions specify in which direction according to corresponding plug are to be introduced. The data plug-in direction 12 is aligned approximately parallel to the supply plug-in direction 17.

On the back side of the junction box 1, essentially two elements can be seen, one representing a data connection element 10 and the other a voltage-current supply device 15. The voltage-current supply device 15 has a mains connection 18 in order to receive a supply voltage from the domestic installation. By means of a voltage converter 19, the voltage-current supply device 15 converts the mains voltage, which is usually present as an alternating voltage, into a constant direct voltage, which is made available both to the data connection element 10 and to the two supply sockets 16. Of course, it is conceivable that the voltage converter 19 the voltage-current supply device 15 provides different supply voltages for the data connection element 10 and the supply jacks 16. In the embodiment shown, the two supply sockets 16 are designed as USB data sockets. Accordingly, a supply voltage of 5 volts DC is provided. The data connection element 10 receives a data signal from the house installation and converts this with a converter 14, if necessary, into a data format provided on the data socket 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the data jack 11 is an RJ-45 jack which provides a data signal in accordance with the Ethernet standard.

In FIG. 2 is the junction box 1 according to FIG. 1 in a view for defining the distances 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 between the data socket 11 and the supply jacks 16 shown. In this case, the distance is 3.1, in each case measured from the center of the corresponding socket opening, between the two supply sockets 16 about 22 mm. The vertical distance 3.2 between the supply jacks 16 and the data socket is approximately 24 mm. Due to the arrangement is easy to see that a design with 2 data sockets is conceivable. The corresponding diagonal distance 3.3 between a data socket 11 and a supply socket 16 is approximately 30 mm.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the back of the junction box 1. The junction box 1 consists essentially of the data connection element 10 and the voltage-power supply device 15. The voltage-power supply device 15 has a network connection 18, where, for example, a mains voltage of 230 volts AC can be connected from the house installation. As already described above, the voltage-current supply device comprises 15 a voltage converter, which a supply voltage for both the supply socket 16 (see Figures 1 and 2 ) as well as for the data connection element 10.

The data connection element 10 has a data connection 13, where, for example, a data cable 7 in the form of a polymer optical fiber (POF) can be connected. Such a polymer optical fiber may already be present in the domestic installation or additionally be drawn into an existing empty tube. The data connection element 10 has a converter 14, which converts the data signal from the data connection 13 into the data socket 11 (see FIG FIGS. 1 and 2 ) converts required data format. The supply voltage required for this purpose is provided by the voltage-current supply device 15.

The data connection element 10 can be designed differently. For example, it has a receiver / transmitter for connecting polymer optical fibers or for connecting glass fibers. Alternatively, the data connection element 10 may be designed purely electrically and only convert a data signal arriving in electrical form into the data format made available in the data socket. The data connection element 10 is designed to be flatter on its rear side, so that sufficient space is available for the cable management, in particular the kink-free arrangement of the glass or polymer optical fibers.

In FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inventive expansion module 21 is shown. The expansion module has on its rear side an outer surface 22, from which a data connector 31 and two Outlet plug 36 protrude. The two supply plugs 36 are designed as USB plugs, while the data plug 31 has the shape of an RJ-45 plug. All three connectors are each arranged at a defined distance from each other. The two supply plugs 36 are arranged at a distance of about 22 mm from each other. The vertical distance between the supply plugs 36 and the data plug 31 is approximately 24 mm. It goes without saying that other distances can be selected. However, these distances must be determined by the distances 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 (cf. FIG. 2 ) of the junction box correspond.

In FIG. 5 is a set consisting of the junction box 1 according to FIG. 1 and the expansion module 21 according to FIG. 4 shown. Clearly visible at the junction box 1, the data socket 11 and the two supply sockets 16. Furthermore, a fastening magnet 4 is schematically indicated, which is arranged under the cover plate 5. Alternatively, the fastening magnet 4 can also be stamped directly as a magnetic bolt in a metal mount which is conventionally used in wall junction boxes or cast in the housing of the junction box 1. This fastening magnet 4 serves for the additional mechanical attachment of the expansion module 21 to the junction box 1. The expansion module 21 has a data connector 31 and two power connectors 36. Both the data plug 31 and the two supply plugs 36 correspond to the data socket 11 and the supply sockets 36 of the junction box 1 and also have the same spacing from one another. Also, the expansion module 21 has a fastening magnet 24, which is indicated schematically. This fastening magnet 24 is preferably integrated in the outer surface 22 of the expansion module 21 or arranged below the outer surface 22.

For example, the fastening magnet 24 is cast into the housing of the expansion module 21. When correctly connecting the expansion module 21 on the junction box 1, the two supply plugs 36 engage in the two supply sockets 16 and the data plug 31 into the data socket 11. The two fastening magnets 24 and 4 serve the additional mechanical connection of junction box 1 and extension module 21.

The FIG. 6 shows the set of junction box 1 and expansion module 21 according to FIG. 5 , wherein the expansion module 21 is plugged onto the junction box 1. The expansion module 21 is designed as a 3-port Ethernet switch with Wifi adapter. Accordingly, the expansion module 21 has three Ethernet ports 25, which serve to connect to Ethernet-enabled devices. An on / off switch 26 is used to turn on / off the Wifi adapter, so that does not permanently electromagnetic radiation must be delivered. The status of the on / off switch 26 is indicated by a light emitting diode 27. In addition, the expansion module 21 has a range switch 28, with which the range of the Wifi adapter can be regulated. The range switch 27 is also provided with a light emitting diode 29, which indicates the status of the range switch 28.

Claims (15)

1. Connection box (1) comprising a data connection element (10) for receiving a data signal and also comprising a voltage/current supply device (15), wherein the data connection element (10) has at least one preferably standardized data connector, in particular a data socket (11), with a data insertion direction (12) for connecting a corresponding data connector, wherein the voltage/current supply device (15) has at least one preferably standardized supply connector, in particular a supply socket (16), with a supply insertion direction (17) for connecting a corresponding supply connector and for outputting a supply voltage, wherein the data insertion direction (12) and the supply insertion direction (17) are oriented approximately parallel in relation to one another, characterized in that the data connection element (10) is designed in order to receive a data signal from a glass fibre line, a polymeric optical fibre line or a coaxial data line, to convert the received data signal and to provide the said data signal in a data format which is required in the data connector.
2. Connection box (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the data connector and the supply connector are arranged on a common outer face (2) of the connection box (1).
3. Connection box (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data connector and the supply connector are spaced apart from one another by a distance (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) of 15 mm to 35 mm.
4. Connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection box (1) has additional fastening means for securing a connection device.
5. Connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data connector has an RJ45 interface.
6. Connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the supply connector is designed as a USB port.
7. Expansion module (21) for connection to a connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one preferably standardized data connector, in particular a data plug (31), for connection to a corresponding data connector of the connection box (1) for data transmission purposes and also comprising at least one preferably standardized supply connector, in particular a supply plug (36), for connection to a corresponding supply connector of the connection box (1) for energy supply purposes, wherein a data insertion direction (32) is prespecified to the data connector and a supply insertion direction (37) is prespecified to the supply connector, wherein the data insertion direction (32) and the supply insertion direction (37) are oriented approximately parallel in relation to one another, characterized in that the expansion module (21) is formed as:

   - a Wi-Fi access point or another radio module,

   - a data converter in order to convert data from one data standard or transmission medium into another data standard or transmission medium,

   - an N-port switch,

   - a room sensor system for temperature, movement etc.,

   - a module for ambient assisted living, or

   - any desired combinations of the above.
8. Expansion module (21) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the data connector and the supply connector are arranged on, in particular protrude from, a common outer face (22) of the expansion module (21).
9. Expansion module (21) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the data connector and the supply connector are spaced apart from one another at a distance of 15 mm to 35 mm.
10. Expansion module (21) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the expansion module (21) has additional fastening means for securing to the connection box (1).
11. Expansion module (21) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the data connector has an RJ45 interface.
12. Expansion module (21) according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the supply connector is designed as a USB plug.
13. Set comprising a connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 with an expansion module (21) according to one of Claims 7 to 12.
14. Use of a connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 for connection of an expansion module (21) according to one of Claims 7 to 12.
15. Method for creating a domestic network comprising the step of:

    - providing, in particular installing, at least one connection box (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6.

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