FR3115638A3 - MODULAR ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR SINGLE OR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL BOXES - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular hooking device 1 serving to connect single or multiple electrical boxes SE to equipped panels PA, comprising a frame 2 defining a window 3 and a perimeter edge 4. From the frame 2 develops a first pair of walls 5 defining, with frame 2, a volume for containing and retaining electrical boxes SE. In the extension of the first pair of walls 5 is a pair of base walls 6, having a position parallel to that of the equipped panel PA, each having a plurality of openings 7 to allow the fixing of the modular attachment device 1 to a PA equipped panel via a plurality of fastening means 8. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1.

Description

MODULAR ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR SINGLE OR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL BOXES

The purpose of this utility model is a modular attachment device for single or multiple electrical boxes being mainly used in the sectors of design and development of equipped walls or fittings of industrial vehicles.

By electrical boxes is meant single or multiple sockets (known in the trade as multi-sockets), single or multiple switches or connectors.

In workshops or along assembly lines, a number of accessories are required on worktops or on crosspieces and uprights adjacent to assembly lines, such as electrical outlets for connecting tools or switches for switching tools on or off, or connectors for connecting other electrical devices, for example computers, measuring devices or the like.

Technical equipment to be used during work, such as battery-operated tools (screwdrivers, drills or torches) and shipment tracking and payment devices (barcode scanners and POS payment platforms), are also required in commercial vehicles, typically minivans, vans, trucks as well as inside cargo spaces.

In the two conditions described above, it is necessary to install one or more electrical boxes to connect the objects indicated and allow their operation or recharging.

In other words, the users of industrial vehicles or the mechanics on a work surface or the workers on an assembly line need, respectively, in the loading space of the vehicle, on the work surface or even along of the assembly line, an area equipped with several electrical boxes such as switches, Italian, German, British sockets, USBs, network ports, connectors and others for switching on, switching off, connecting devices and for activate and/or reload several tools.

In the current state of the art, there are known structures in the form of a cable tray of standard dimensions, therefore not customizable or difficult to customize, which are generally difficult to install after the sale of the workstation or of the equipped vehicle. In other words, insofar as these cable tray structures are particularly bulky, if the work plan or the vehicle has already been equipped with the systems described previously, it is difficult, if not by means of an expensive intervention and long, to give the electrical boxes the location desired by the owner.

Secondly, these systems, having standardized dimensions, do not benefit from a high degree of flexibility and therefore cannot be broken down into smaller or larger units than the standardized units offered by the manufacturers. It is therefore not easy to add additional modules or electrical boxes of non-standard dimensions to pre-existing systems.

In addition, these products are equipped with hooking systems which, during maintenance operations, and therefore in the event of frequent opening and closing operations, may break, forcing the user to completely replace the cable tray. .

The purpose of the present solution is to create a modular hooking device for single or multiple electrical boxes able to solve the problems of the known technique.

In particular, the purpose of this utility model is to realize a modular hooking device for single or multiple electrical boxes able to occupy little space, according to the needs of the user, and which can be composed of several modular units that can be positioned flexibly.

Another object of this solution is to provide a modular device that is easy to assemble during installation and to disassemble during maintenance operations.

The specified technical objective and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a modular attachment device for single or multiple electrical boxes comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the solution.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on the basis of the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description relating to an embodiment of the modular attachment device.

This description will be set out below with reference to the appended figures, provided solely by way of indication and, therefore, not limiting, in which:

- is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular attachment device;

- is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a modular attachment device;

- is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a modular attachment device;

- is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a modular attachment device;

- is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a modular attachment device;

- is a front view of an example of application of a set of modular devices made according to the first mode of the ;

- is a perspective view of the application example of the .

With reference to the attached figures, 1 designates a modular attachment device for single or multiple SE electrical boxes.

By electrical box SE, single or multiple, is meant what is also called on the market a power strip and/or boxes containing one or more electrical outlets P and/or one or more switches I and/or one or more connectors C.

In general, the electrical box SE comprises a base B on which above is an area E which may comprise either one or more switches I or one or more sockets P or one or more connectors C. By socket P, is meant an element to which an electrical plug is connected. In the present solution, the socket can be in any form, such as, for example, the European one, the German one or the most common USB sockets.

In the present solution, the switches can be general, that is to say intended to switch on and/or switch off and/or protect the entire installation powered, or simple and therefore intended to supply or interrupt the electric current. to sockets adjacent to the aforementioned single switches.

Returning to the shape of the single or multiple electrical box SE, the latter provides a base B having the shape of an elongated body provided with a zone R on the top, flush with the base or projecting, inside of which there are one or more P sockets or one or more I switches or one or more C connectors.

The modular hanging device 1 is adapted to be mounted on a PA panel, generally in the form of a plate, defined by a wooden panel, a masonry wall or a fitted panel having on the exposed surface a smooth surface or a spaced surface. by a matrix of holes, circular or square, spaced apart by a pitch S.

The attachment device 1 comprises a frame 2 in its upper part. In a preferred mode, frame 2 has a rectangular outline but, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, can take any outline. Inside the frame is a window 3 which, in the illustrated figures, preferably has a rectangular shape.

Around the window 3 is a perimeter edge 4 having an inner side 41 and an outer side 42. When the device 1 is installed on the equipped panel PA, the inner side 41 is turned towards the latter while the outer side 42 is facing the side opposite the inner side 41.

Still referring to the attached figures, the perimeter edge 4 has a rectangular shape but it is understood that the perimeter edge can take any shape depending on the shape of the electrical outlet P or the shape of the switch I or the shape of the connector C.

A first pair of walls 5 develops from the perimeter edge 4. In particular, each first wall 5 develops away from the perimeter edge 4, preferably forming an angle of 90°. In essence, each first wall 5 is inclined by 90° with respect to the frame 2. Also in this case, without altering the innovative concept of the present utility model, each first wall 5 can form any acute or obtuse angle to adapt to the shape of the electrical box SE.

As can be seen in the attached figures 1-5, the first pair of walls 5 are placed with the walls facing each other so as to define two free and opposite spaces, thanks to which it is possible to make small adjustments to the position of the electrical box SE during the mounting of the device 1 on the panel equipped PA.

The first pair of walls 5 defines with the frame 2, at the level of the inner side 41 of the perimeter edge 4, a volume for containing and retaining the electrical boxes SE.

Inside the frame 2, the window 3 defines a surface slightly larger or substantially equal to the zone E and has an outline of the shape reversed to that of the zone E, where there are one or more switches I and/or a or several electrical sockets PE and/or one or several connectors C, so as to enclose within it zone E.

The pair of first walls 5 is continued by an extension defining a pair of base walls 6. In other words, each first wall 5 comprises an extension defined by a base wall 6.

Each base wall 6 has a position parallel to that of the equipped panel PA, and comprises a plurality of openings 7 to allow the attachment of the modular attachment device 1 to an equipped panel PA using fastening means 8.

Each base wall 6 is preferably inclined at 90° relative to each first wall 5 and has a position parallel to the plane subtended by the frame 3.

When in use, the modular attachment device 1 makes it possible to close the electrical box SE as a whole. Indeed, the modular attachment device 1 is brought into abutment against the base B of the electrical box SE, thus achieving a blocking in abutment on the interior side 41 against the base B.

Before the complete tightening of the fixing means 8, it is possible, by using the free spaces, to make small adjustments to the position of the electrical box SE inside the modular device 1 in order to definitively adjust the position of the electrical box SE on the PA fitted panel.

Thanks to the window 3 and its contour of inverted shape, the modular device 1 traps within it the electrical box SE, leaving free access to the zone E where the at least one socket P and/or the other is located. at least one switch I and/or at least one connector C.

The definitive blocking of the modular device 1 takes place through the complete tightening of the clamping means 8. In the attached figures, the clamping means 8 are preferably defined by a plurality of screws, each comprising a rod 81 passing through an opening 7 respective and a head 82 clamped in abutment against the base wall 6.

Instead of the screws, the fastening means 8 are defined by rivets, clips or other devices comprising a pivot passing through the respective opening 7 and a stop body blocked in abutment against the base wall 6.

In a first variant, illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the base walls 6 each have a pair of openings 7 having the shape of a slot 9.

In this way, it is possible to screw the fixing means 8, preferably a pair of screws, on each base wall 6, with a variable center distance.

In a second variant, illustrated in the appended Figures 3 and 5, the base walls 6 each comprise a plurality of openings 7 defined by a series of holes 10, preferably of circular or square shape, spaced from each other. with a step S/2.

In this way, it is possible to screw the fixing means 8, on each base wall 6, by spacing them from each other by a pitch equal to S/2 and by meeting on the equipped panel PA the holes belonging to the matrix of holes.

In both cases, the tightening of the fixing means 8 closes the modular attachment device 1 and the electrical box SE, which it contains, on the equipped wall PA as a whole.

In the variants of figures 2, 3 and 5, the base walls 6 develop away from the respective first walls 5 and in opposite directions.

In these configurations, it is possible to observe, on a cross section, a linear "Ω" section produced by the assembly consisting of the frame 2, the first pair of walls 5 and the base walls 6.

In other words, the base walls 6 are parallel and offset with respect to the plane subtended by the frame 2 and are spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to the extension of the first walls 5 which, at their turn, have an orientation preferably perpendicular to the frame 2 and to the base walls 6.

In this variant, the width of the frame 2 can be substantially equal to the width of the base B of the electrical box SE (the window 3 thus taking the maximum width on the frame 2).

By taking a reference frame of Cartesian axes, by considering the longitudinal axis as an axis crossing the first walls 5 in parallel, the transverse axis as an axis crossing the first walls 5 perpendicularly along a directrix connecting them, and the azimuth axis as an axis perpendicularly crossing the plane subtended by the frame 2 to the base walls 6, it is possible to make the following considerations.

The fixing of the electric box SE on the equipped panel PA is carried out, along the longitudinal axis under the effect of the frame 2, along the azimuth axis under the effect of the fixing means 8 which close en bloc the electrical box between the perimeter edge 4 and the equipped wall PA, and along the transverse axis under the effect of the pair of first walls 5 (the clamping means 8, depending on the clamping force, contribute to blocking the electrical box SE along the axis reference frame).

In the variants of Figures 1 and 4, the base walls 6 develop away from the respective first walls 5 in converging directions.

In these configurations, it is possible to observe, on a cross section, a linear "C" section made by the assembly composed of the frame 2, the first pair of walls 5 and the base walls 6.

Also in this case, the base walls 6 are parallel and offset with respect to the plane subtended by the frame 2 and are spaced from each other by a distance equal to the extension of the first walls 5 which, in turn , have an orientation preferably perpendicular to the frame 2 and to the base walls 6.

In this variant, the width of the frame 2 is greater than the width of the base B of the electrical box SE.

By taking the same reference system of Cartesian axes as a reference, the fixing of the electrical box SE to the panel PA takes place, along the longitudinal and transverse axes under the effect of the frame 2 and along the azimuth axis under the effect of the tightening of the fastening means 8 which imprison the electrical box as a whole between the perimeter edge 4 and the equipped wall PA.

In this case, as regards more particularly the base walls 6, the device of Figures 1 and 4 differs from the device of Figures 2, 3 and 5 in that the base walls 6 are oriented towards the inside of the plan dimensions of device 1 while in the other case, the base walls are oriented towards the outside of the plan dimensions of device 1.

The variants of FIGS. 1 and 4 make it possible to reduce the size and to have a compact form in plan of the modular device 1, the base walls 6 being oriented towards the internal space of the device itself and enveloping the electrical box. SE. More specifically, the electrical box SE, in these variants, is enveloped above by the inner side 41 of the frame 2, below by the base walls 6 and laterally, on at least two sides, enveloped by the first walls 5 maintaining a certain distance from these to allow the fastening means to pass through the frame 2 and the base walls 6.

The variants of Figures 2, 3 and 5 likewise have reduced overall dimensions, not so much because of the base walls 6 which, unlike the previous ones, are oriented towards the outside of the attachment device 1, but in because of the proximity of the first pair of walls 5 with the electrical box SE and in particular with the sides of the base B. The electrical box SE, in these variants, is enveloped above by the inner side 41 of the frame 2, placed below in abutment against the equipped wall PA and laterally, on at least two sides, enveloped by the first walls 5 in contact with the base B of the electrical box SE.

There are a first and a second series of through holes 11, 12, at the level of the first pair of walls 5.

As can be seen in the attached figures, the frame 2 comprises two first sides 21, parallel and opposite to each other, on which a first series of through-holes 11 is made. Said first series of through-holes 11, preferably of circular or square shape, comprises each through hole 11 spaced from a contiguous hole according to a center distance of pitch S/2. The pitch S/2 between one through-hole and another is preferably between 10 and 40 mm, and better still 19 mm.

Said first series of through holes 11 allows the installer to access, with a screwdriver, the plurality of openings 7 to screw the device 1 to the equipped panel PA.

Similarly, in the variant illustrated in the , the frame 2 comprises at two second sides 22, opposite, parallel and perpendicular to the two previous first sides 21, a second series of through holes 12. Said second series of through holes 12, preferably of circular or square shape, comprises each through hole 12 spaced from a contiguous hole according to a center distance of pitch S/2.

Said second series of through holes 12 allows the installer to screw, if necessary, the electrical box SE to the support 1 by means of suitable accessory blocking seats made on the electrical box.

The modular hooking device 1 can be made of aluminum sheet or profile having a thickness of between 0.2 and 3 mm.

Otherwise, the modular attachment device 1 can be made of plastic having a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate several modular attachment devices 1 connected to an equipped panel PA.

Thanks to its rectangular shape, the modular device allows series coupling of several elements. In this way, it is possible to obtain a row of electrical outlets in the form of a box of the desired length according to the technical requirements of the user.

The assembly of the modular devices 1 can take place along a single direction, thus achieving a linear configuration of several devices 1, or along directions perpendicular to each other, thus creating a "broken line" configuration of multiple devices 1.

The assembly first provides for the introduction of the electrical box SE into the modular device 1, then the coupling of the latter to the equipped panel PA.

Fixing is carried out by tightening the clamping means 8 on the base walls (through the respective openings 7).

The fixing of the modular device 1 to the equipped panel PA can be carried out using fixing means 8, which can be self-tapping screws, or by through screws with a nut, or by inserts coupled to the equipped panel and coupled to self-tapping screws, or by rivets, or by clips.

The through holes 11 and 12, which are not involved by the fixing means 8, can accommodate other accessories (for example, other fixing devices or hooks).

The present device has several advantages over systems of the known technique.

First of all, assembly, like disassembly, is simple and can be carried out as often as desired without compromising the device.

The electrical box SE can be installed between the device 1 and the equipped wall PA without using screws (because it is trapped between them under the effect of the clamping means) and, possibly, in the frame, which considerably reduces the time installation of equipped walls.

The dimensions of the device are very limited and can therefore be applied even in the narrow spaces of the PA load wall without having to modify its layout.

Then, the parallelepiped configuration of the device itself allows great flexibility of use with the possibility of achieving any configuration desired by the user. In particular, thanks to the type of quick and modular connection of some types of electrical boxes available on the market, it is possible to mount several hooking devices, one next to the other, creating different electrical cable paths. in the most varied configurations.

Finally, the through holes 11, 12 not involved by the fastening means 8 can be occupied by other devices, similar to those that can be connected to the equipped wall, such as support brackets and hooks that increase the versatility of the device itself.

Claims (14)

Modular attachment device (1) for connecting to equipped panels (PA), having a preferably vertical position, single or multiple electrical boxes (SE) defined by a base (B) where there is an area (E) , having a surface lower than the base B, on which is made at least one socket (P) and/or at least one switch (I) and/or at least one connector (C), said device (1) being characterized in that that it includes:
- a frame (2) defining a window (3), having a surface slightly larger or substantially equal to that of the zone (E) and an outline of a shape reversed to that of the zone (E) so as to enclose in its within the zone (E) where the at least one socket (P) and/or the at least one switch (I) is located, and a perimeter edge (4) having an interior side (41), oriented towards the panel equipped (PA), and an outer side (42) facing away from the equipped panel (PA);
- a first pair of walls (5), developing from the inner side (41), moving away from the perimeter edge (4) and defining, with the frame (2), a volume for containing and retaining the boxes electric boxes (SE), placed one in front of the other so as to define two free, opposite spaces, through which the position of the electric box (SE) can be regulated and adjusted during the mounting of the device (1) on the panel equipped (AP);
- a pair of base walls (6), each extending to a respective first wall (5) and having a position parallel to that of the equipped panel (PA), comprising a plurality of openings (7) to allow the attachment of the modular attachment device (1) to an equipped panel (PA) by means of a plurality of attachment means (8) each having a rod (81) passing through a respective opening (7) and a head (82) tight in abutment against the base wall (6); said fixing means (8) favoring the block closure of the electrical box (SE), between the equipped wall (PA) and the device (1), and allowing the blocking of the latter. Modular device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that each base wall (6) can be connected to the equipped panel (PA) by means of a pair of fixing means (8) and comprises at least two openings ( 7) each receiving a fixing means (8) respective. Modular device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that each opening (7) is in the form of a slot (9) to allow the positioning of the pair of fixing means (8), on the wall of base (6) respectively, with a variable center distance. Modular device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said plurality of openings (7) is defined by a series of holes (10) spaced from each other by a pitch (S/2) to allow positioning at least two fixing means (8) on each base wall (6) at a distance multiple of the pitch (S/2); said holes (10) being circular or square. Modular device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pair of base walls (6) develop, in the extension of the respective first wall (5), moving away from each other and in opposite directions. opposite; said frame (2), said first pair of walls (5) and said pair of base walls (6) defining between them in cross-section a linear "Ω" profile. Modular device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said pair of base walls (6) develop, in the extension of the respective first wall (5), approaching each other and in converging directions; said frame (2), said first pair of walls (5) and said pair of base walls (6) defining therebetween in cross section a linear "C" profile. Modular device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said frame (2) comprises two opposite and parallel first sides (21), each having a first series of through-holes (11), each through-hole (11) being spaced a contiguous through-hole of one pitch (S/2); said first series of through-holes (11) being able to facilitate the access of a screwdriver to the plurality of openings (7) to connect the device (1) to an equipped panel (PA) via the plurality fastening means (8). Modular device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the said frame (2) comprises two second sides (22) opposite, parallel and perpendicular to the preceding first sides (21), each having a second series of through holes (12), each hole through (12) being spaced from a contiguous through hole by one pitch (S/2); said second series of through-holes (12) being able to facilitate the access of a screwdriver to the locking seats of the electrical box (SE) and to allow the coupling of the latter to the device (1). Modular device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said frame (2) has a quadrangular outline to allow a modular device to be added and mounted to another modular device. Modular device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each first wall (5) is inclined by 90° with respect to the plane subtended by the frame (2). Modular device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each base wall (6) is inclined by 90° with respect to the first wall (5) from which it develops resulting parallel and offset with respect to the plane subtended by the frame (2). Modular device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of sheet steel or aluminum having a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, preferably 0.8 mm. Modular device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is made of plastic material having a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably 2 mm. Modular device according to claim 4 or 7 or 8, characterized in that said holes (10, 11, 12), not concerned by the fixing means (8) are configured to be engaged by other accessories such as support brackets, hooks or the like.