TWM609732U - Reconfigurable electrical connector assembly and electrical connector box - Google Patents

Abstract

This creation provides an electrical connector assembly for use on a wall, which can be reorganized to accommodate a variety of electrical connectors without the need to re-build the connector or the wall mounting part. The flange and the clip can be self-installed on the wall without the need for a fixed bracket. This composition is assembled by the installer with multiple electrical connector sub-assemblies on site to meet the needs of the cable. A basic electrical socket can be selected, and it can be detachably snapped into the socket socket of the component. This creation also proposes an electrical connector box that is not composed of electrical connector sub-assemblies.

Description

Reconfigurable electrical connector assembly and electrical connector box

This creation is about low-voltage electrical sockets, especially sockets that can be reorganized.

Junctions of electrical or electronic circuits are known to be used to connect audio, video, and electrical devices to other devices. These devices include televisions, stereos, modems, routers, game consoles, etc. These devices use one or more types of cables and connectors to transmit electrical signals and electronics through the wall between the devices, thereby hiding the cables. The junction box can be installed flush with the wall to provide a firm connection point to connect the incoming and outgoing cables, such as HDMI, optical, CAT 5 Ethernet, DC/AC power, and customized Connector.

US Patent 9,865,971, filed on January 9, 2018, named "Reconfigurable Recessed Electrical Conduit Receptacles", which discloses an electrical socket assembly with a flange that can be joined to one side of the wall, and a rotating motion that can be joined to the other side Type clip. Cable guides of different connector types can be fixed on each receptacle, so the whole assembly has a variety of receptacles and a variety of fixed connector types. Therefore, this type of socket assembly can be modified by replacing individual sockets, and can be combined together to provide more sockets, without the need to install other electrical socket boxes, and there is no need to install other electrical socket boxes. And the damage to the wall.

The creator found that by enabling the components of the socket to be disassembled without removing the socket or rebuilding the wall, the aforementioned known type of electrical socket can be improved.

One purpose of this creation is to provide an electrical socket that can be inserted into the wall of a building in a recessed form, and has a recess that can accommodate various types of electrical jacks. Compared with the previous connection assembly, there is no need to change individual sockets to the required electrical connector type, and only the electrical socket type can be changed while the socket itself remains in place.

According to one aspect of this creation, it provides an electrical connector assembly for use on a wall, which includes a plurality of abutting electrical connector sub-assemblies. Each component has an electrical connection surface and a mating connection portion located on the abutting edge of the electrical sub-components for detachably connecting one electrical connector sub-component to another electrical connector sub-component. The electrical connection surface is provided with an electrical socket socket for accommodating the electrical socket.

In one embodiment, each electrical connector sub-assembly includes two electrical socket sockets.

In one embodiment, the electrical connector assembly includes at least two end-side sub-components and zero or more intermediate sub-components.

In one embodiment, the electrical connector sub-components further include a flange for engaging with the wall, and the electrical connection surface is recessed from the flange.

According to the second aspect of the present creation, there is provided an electrical connector box applied to a wall, including a flange for engaging with the wall, and an electrical connection surface recessed from the flange, wherein the electrical connection The surface has an electric socket socket for connecting the electric socket in a detachable manner.

In one embodiment, the electrical connection surface is recessed at least 1.5 cm from the front surface of one of the flanges.

In one embodiment, the flanges and the electrical connection surfaces are substantially parallel and offset from each other by a distance, and are connected to the side wall of the electrical connector sub-assembly.

In one embodiment, it further comprises a clamping member for locking, which is rotatably installed on two or more of the flanges so that the flange can be engaged with the wall.

In one embodiment, each electrical jack socket can be detachably connected to a basic electrical jack (Keystone Jack).

In one embodiment, the mating connecting portions include a protruding piece arranged on one side edge, and a concave portion on one side edge of the abutting electrical connector sub-component.

In one embodiment, the mating connecting portions include a protruding portion and a complementary concave portion.

According to the third aspect of the present creation, it provides a method for installing an electrical connector in a wall, including: providing a plurality of connector sub-components, each component having an electrical connection surface and a socket socket; Fix the sub-assemblies in a recess on the wall; connect the mating connections on the edges of the electrical sub-assemblies The parts are connected together in a detachable manner to connect the primary component to the other to form a combined electrical connector component; connect a variety of electrical sockets to the electrical socket sockets; and connect matching electrical connectors Connect to these electrical sockets.

In one embodiment, the method further includes fixing the wall engaging flange to the wall by using a locking card rotatably installed on the flange for engaging in the projection. Edge and the wall between the clip.

In one embodiment, the mating connecting portions include a protruding piece provided on the abutting edge of one side, and a concave portion on the abutting edge of the side of the abutting secondary component.

In one embodiment, the mating connecting portions include a protruding portion and a complementary concave portion.

In one embodiment, the electrical connector sub-assemblies are first fixed to the wall, and then the abutting edges of the electrical connector sub-assemblies are connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the method includes removing the electrical sockets from the electrical socket sockets, and replacing the electrical sockets with different types of electrical sockets, and not removing the electrical connector subassemblies from the electrical sockets. Remove from the wall.

The above-mentioned aspects and other novel aspects of this creation can be clearly understood from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below, which are for reading in conjunction with the drawings.

1: Electrical connector box

2: The first end socket

24: against the edge

3: middle socket

31: against the edge

4: The second end socket

41: against the edge

5: flange

6: Surface for electrical connection

7: Protruding part

8: Electric socket socket

9: side wall

10: Clip

10A: Clip

10B: Clip

12: Mounting hole

13: recess

15: Fasteners

21: Clip

22: end

23: end

25: Electric socket

35: fixed parts

38: Rail

40: Port

Figure 1 is the appearance of the electrical connector assembly created.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the electrical connector with retaining clips.

Figure 3A is a perspective view of the holding clip.

Figure 3B is a side view of the holding clamp.

Figure 4A is a side view of the middle sub-assembly.

Figure 4B is a plan view of the intermediate sub-assembly.

Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate sub-assembly in Figure 4B along the line G-G.

Figure 4D is a perspective view of the intermediate sub-assembly.

Figure 5A is a side view of the first end subassembly.

Figure 5B is a plan view of the first end sub-assembly.

Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the first end sub-assembly in Figure 5B along the line M-M.

Figure 5D is a perspective view of the first end sub-assembly.

Figure 6A is a side view of the second end subassembly.

Figure 6B is a plan view of the second end sub-assembly.

Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of the second end sub-assembly in Figure 6B along the line R-R.

Figure 6D is a perspective view of the second end sub-assembly.

Figure 7A is a side view of the electrical connector box (dual electrical connector) of another aspect of the creation.

Figure 7B is a plan view of the dual electrical connector.

Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of the double electrical connector in Figure 7B along the line D-D.

Figure 7D is a perspective view of the dual electrical connector.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the basic electrical jack (Keystone Jack).

The detailed description and technical content of this creation are described below with the drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are only provided for reference and explanation to help understand the creation, and are not intended to limit the scope of this creation.

With reference to the drawings, this case provides an electrical connector assembly (in this embodiment, the electrical connector box 1) installed on a wall and a manufacturing method thereof. The electrical connector assembly includes a plurality of abutting electrical connector sub-assemblies, and the electrical connector sub-assemblies are detachably connected to each other through the mating connecting portions located on the abutting edges of the electrical connector sub-assemblies together. These electrical connector sub-components (in this embodiment, the first end socket 2, the middle socket 3, and the second end socket 4) can be provided in a set or individually for the purpose of cable installation or modification. , To be assembled on site. Figure 1 shows that three electrical socket subassemblies are combined into the electrical connector box 1 assembly. Each electrical connector sub-assembly has a surface 6 for electrical connection, and the surface 6 for electrical connection is provided with an electrical socket socket 8 to accommodate the electrical socket in a detachable manner.

In this embodiment, the electrical connector assembly (electrical connector box 1) further includes a flange 5 for engaging with the wall. The flange 5 is designed to be joined and fixed to the wall, and the surface 6 for electrical connection is recessed from the front (outer) surface of the flange 5. The surface 6 for electrical connection is preferably recessed at least 1 or 1.5 cm, more preferably at least 2 cm, so that the cable heads can be housed in the wall to prevent them from being damaged, and to better protect the electrical Connect the part and prevent objects from resting on the wall. Each electrical connection surface 6 is equipped with a plurality of electrical socket sockets (Jack Socket) 8 for fixing various types of electrical sockets (Jack) in a detachable manner. By using a universal electrical socket socket instead of a socket (receptacle) type, the electrical connection can be When the head box 1 is fixed in position, only the electrical socket is changed to match the new type of cable (data/signal/power).

Certain types of electrical sockets 25 can be provided in sets or obtained individually. Various types of electrical sockets that have the same size and connection method and can be installed in the electrical socket socket 8 are known in this art. The basic electrical jack (Keystone Jack) is a standard electrical jack used in industry (see Figure 8). The electrical socket socket 8 can be integrated on the electrical connection surface 6 or individually connected to the electrical connection surface.

In the combination of FIG. 1, the first end socket 2 abuts against the middle socket 3, and the middle socket 3 abuts against the second end socket 4. In some embodiments, the middle socket 3 may not be provided, or a plurality of middle sockets 3 may be used to abut each other, and the two sides of the whole are the first end socket 2 and the second end socket 4 (in this specification, the The first end socket 2 and the second end socket 4 are also called end-side sub-components, and the middle socket 3 is also called the middle sub-component). The electrical connector assembly includes at least two end-side sub-components and zero or more intermediate sub-components.

The abutting edges 24, 31, 41 of each socket (the first end socket 2, the middle socket 3, and the second end socket 4) have interconnection devices that can cooperate to join adjacent sockets. The typical way is through a The protrusion 7 on the side edge is inserted into the recess 13 on the abutting edge of the other socket. This method can provide better strength, and can avoid bending the wires when the individual electrical sockets are changed. In one embodiment, a pin, a protruding piece, a dovetail, or a detent portion protrudes from the abutting edge, which can be engaged with the corresponding concave portion 13. At least one protrusion 7 is provided on each abutting edge, preferably There are a plurality of protruding parts 7, and a corresponding number of concave parts 13 are provided on the adjacent socket. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, these sockets can be provided with mirrored interconnections on the abutting edges of the sockets they abut. For example, the protruding piece of the socket is arranged on one side edge at the same position as the recess on the other side edge that abuts against the socket.

The convex portion 7 and the concave portion 13 have substantially the same size, and can be joined together by interference fit. Although the protrusions and recesses are used as an exemplary interconnection device between the abutting electrical connector sub-components, those skilled in the art can also use other interconnection methods, such as dovetail devices, plugs, or cards. Buckles, etc. can be used in various embodiments.

Fig. 2 and Figs. 3A and 3B show a fixing clip 10 used to connect or fix the electrical connector box 1 to a wall. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the electrical connector box 1, showing the state of the fixing clip 10 in the unlocked position (clamp 10A) and the locked position (clamp 10B). Two clips 10 are usually provided on each socket. These clamps are located on the rear side of the flange 5 and are installed in a rotating manner through a fastener 15 provided in the mounting hole 12 penetrating from the front side of the flange 5. The clip 10 can be rotated around the fastener 15 so that one end 22 can be engaged with the side wall 9 when in the locked position, and the other end 23 is engaged with the rear side of the wall to connect the flange 5 and the end 23 Push against the wall, and then firmly fix the flange 5 on the wall.

At a position slightly deviated from the rotation axis of the clamping member 21 where the fastener 15 is joined to the clamping member 10, the clamping member 10 is provided with a bent abutting portion, sometimes also called a kick, a self-clamping member 10 The general straight shape is bent at 30 degrees, so the end 22 of the clip deviates from the general straight shape of the clip. In this way, when the clip 10 is tightened around After the axis of the clip is rotated by ninety degrees, the end 22 will engage the side wall 9 to prevent the clip 10 from continuing to rotate, so that the other end 23 of the clip will be substantially perpendicular to the proximal side wall 9 of the clip. This vertical alignment can maximize the degree of attachment of the end 23 to the wall.

In Figure 2, the clip 10A is shown in a position before being inserted into the electrical connector box 1 provided in the wall. This is the unlock position. The rotating clamp 10 is fixed on the flange 5 by a fastener 15. The end 23 of the clip is initially parallel to the top side wall 9 and does not protrude beyond the edge of the flange 5. In the locked position, the clip 10B engages with the side wall 9 and protrudes beyond the edge of the flange.

In use, the electrical connector box 1 is inserted into the opening on the wall, and the clip 10A is initially in the unlocked position. After the box is inserted into the wall, the clip 10A is rotated approximately 90 degrees by rotating the fastener 15, as shown in the clip 10B, so that the flange 5 and the end 22 of each clip can be clamped Wall, and fix the electrical connector box 1 on the wall. By abutting against the side wall 9 of the electrical connector box 1 by the stop part on the end 22 provided with the pushing part, each clip can be firmly fixed at the position shown in FIG. 2. The characteristics of this clip and its operation method can be further referred to US Patent 9,865,971.

These clamps can allow the electrical connector assembly to be self-fixed on the wall without using a fixing bracket that must be installed on the wall to combine with the electrical connector box. It can also be easily expanded without destroying the existing fortifications.

The electrical connector box 1 shown in Figure 1 is composed of multiple electrical connector subassemblies (first end socket 2, middle socket 3, second end socket 4). Concave The electrical connection surface 6 is recessed downward from the corresponding flange 5 via the side wall 9. As shown, the flange 5 and the connected electrical connection surface 6 are parallel to each other, and both are perpendicular to the side wall 9 that causes the depression. However, the electrical connection surface 6 can also be deviated from and recessed from the flange 5 in other ways, such as through curved side walls, and they do not necessarily have to be completely parallel.

The middle (or second) sub-assembly (middle socket 3) is shown in a side view (Figure 4A), a plan view (Figure 4B), a cross-sectional view (Figure 4C), and a perspective view (Figure 4D). There may be no, one, or a plurality of intermediate subassemblies in the assembled electrical connector box 1, and the components can be used to expand the electrical connector box and its capacity. This assembly has top and bottom flanges, each of which is provided with a mounting hole 12 for mounting the flange 5 on the wall. It can be seen that the protrusions 7 and the recesses 13 are arranged in a staggered manner, so as to be used in combination with other intermediate sub-components or first and second end sub-components (first end socket 2, second end socket 4) Can cooperate with each other.

The sub-component (first end socket 2) shown in the side view (Figure 5A), plan view (Figure 5B), cross-sectional view (Figure 5C), and perspective view (Figure 5D) is convenient to call and can be called It is the first end (or left) secondary component, but its actual position is set by the installer and the wall. This assembly also includes a flange 5, a side wall 9, a recessed surface 6 for electrical connection, a mounting hole 12, and an electrical socket socket 8. A protruding portion 7 and a concave portion 13 are provided on the open (flange-free) edge for joining the corresponding concave portion 13 and the protruding portion 7 on the abutting middle or second end sub-assembly.

The sub-component (second end socket 4) shown in the side view (Figure 6A), plan view (Figure 6B), cross-sectional view (Figure 6C), and perspective view (Figure 6D) is convenient to call and can be called It is the second end (or right) secondary component, but its actual position is set by the installer and the wall. This assembly also includes a flange 5, a side wall 9, a recessed surface 6 for electrical connection, a mounting hole 12, and an electrical socket socket 8. A protruding portion 7 and a recessed portion 13 are provided on the open (flangeless) edge for joining with the corresponding recessed portion 13 and the protruding portion 7 on the middle or left side sub-component that it abuts against.

The electrical socket socket 8 in each component (first end socket 2, middle socket 3, and second end socket 4) is shown as being integrated with the surface 6 for electrical connection. The electrical socket socket 8 is designed as a fixing member 35 that can be buckled to the electrical socket through the elastically deformable rail 38. It is found that, in terms of ease of installation, the optimal number of socket sockets 8 for each component power-on is two, but for larger surfaces 6 for electrical connection, a larger number is also feasible. These electrical sockets can be inserted and removed from the socket socket 8, usually a screwdriver is used to pry off the fixing member 35.

This creation also proposes a method for installing an electrical connector assembly in a wall, which includes: providing a plurality of electrical connector sub-assemblies, each of which has an electrical connection surface and an electrical socket socket; The electrical connector sub-assembly is fixed in a recess on the wall; the mating connection parts located on the edge of the electrical connector sub-assemblies are detachably connected together to connect one electrical connector sub-assembly with another The electrical connector sub-components are connected to form a combined electrical connector component; various electrical sockets are connected to the electrical socket sockets; and the matching electrical connectors are connected to the electrical sockets.

In operation, a recess is first opened on the wall, the size of which can accommodate the required number of electrical connector sub-components (socket sub-components). For example, to install four electrical sockets, only two socket subcomponents (the first end socket 2 and the second end socket 4) are required. The electrical connector sub-assemblies are arranged on the wall one at a time, and are connected to each other by abutting edges to form an electrical connector box on site. Another way is to first combine the electrical connector sub-components into an electrical connector box, and then insert it into the wall. The interlocking protrusions can constitute a strong electrical connector box, which can be pushed into the recess in the wall.

Choose a suitable electrical socket (for example, the basic electrical socket 25), and snap it into the socket 8 of the electrical socket. The cable extending in the wall is inserted into the electrical socket through the port 40. The clip 10 is rotated ninety degrees by rotating the fastener 15 so that their ends are engaged with the side wall 9 and the wall, as described above. The external cable can be inserted into the front side of the electrical socket (partially recessed in the wall) to continue the connection between the devices.

In one embodiment, wherein the electrical connector sub-assemblies have flanges 5 for engaging with the wall, the installation method further includes fixing the flange 5 to the wall, which is rotatably installed on the wall. The clamping member 10 on the flange 5 is provided for engagement on the wall located between the flange 5 and the clamping member 10.

After the electrical connector assembly of this creation is installed on the wall, the electrical sockets can be removed from the electrical socket socket 8 and the electrical sockets can be replaced with different types of electrical sockets without the electrical sockets. The connector sub-assembly is removed from the wall.

The side view (Figure 7A), plan view (Figure 7B), cross-sectional view (Figure 7C), and three-dimensional view (Figure 7D) of another aspect of this creation show a single The electrical connector box 1 without electrical connector sub-components still has the aforementioned beneficial electrical socket socket features. This embodiment includes a flange 5, a side wall 9, a concave electrical connection surface 6, a mounting hole 12, and an electrical socket socket 8, but it cannot be expanded.

The aforementioned parts are preferably molded from UL-certified flame-resistant plastic materials, which can be PC/ABS (polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).

The above descriptions are only the preferred and feasible embodiments of this creation, and are not limited to the scope of patents of this creation. All equivalent structural changes made by using this creation specification and schematic content are all included in the scope of this creation. .

5: flange

6: Surface for electrical connection

8: Electric socket socket

9: side wall

10A: Clip

10B: Clip

15: Fasteners

Claims (22)

An electrical connector assembly applied to a wall, comprising: a plurality of abutting electrical connector sub-assemblies, the electrical connector sub-assemblies are connected via mating connecting portions located on the abutting edges of the electrical connector sub-assemblies They are connected together in a detachable manner, wherein each of the electrical connector sub-components has an electrical connection surface, and the electrical connection surface is provided with an electrical socket socket to accommodate the electrical socket in a detachable manner. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein each electrical connector sub-assembly includes two electrical socket sockets. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, including at least two end-side sub-assemblies and zero or more intermediate sub-assemblies. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2 includes at least two end-side sub-assemblies and zero or more intermediate sub-assemblies. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a flange for engaging with the wall, and the surface for electrical connection is recessed from the flange. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a flange for engaging with the wall, and the surface for electrical connection is recessed from the flange. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the electrical connection surface is recessed at least 1.5 cm from the front surface of one of the flanges. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein the electrical connection surface is recessed at least 1.5 cm from the front surface of one of the flanges. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the flanges and the electrical connection surfaces are substantially parallel and offset from each other by a distance, and are connected to the side wall of the electrical connector sub-assembly. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein the flanges and the electrical connection surfaces are substantially parallel and offset from each other by a distance, and are connected to the side wall of the electrical connector sub-assembly. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a clamping member for locking, which is rotatably installed on two or more of the flanges so that the flange can be engaged with the wall. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a clamping member for locking, which is rotatably installed on two or more of the flanges so that the flange can be engaged with the wall. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each electrical socket socket can be detachably connected to a basic electrical socket (Keystone Jack). The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mating connecting portions include a protruding piece provided on one side edge, and the abutting electrical connector sub-assembly side A recess on the edge. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mating connecting portions include a protruding portion and a complementary concave portion. An electrical connector box applied to a wall, including: A flange for meshing with the wall, and an electrical connection surface recessed from the flange, wherein the electrical connection surface has an electrical socket socket for connecting the electrical socket in a detachable manner. The electrical connector box according to claim 16, wherein the electrical connection surface is recessed at least 1.5 cm from the front surface of one of the flanges. The electrical connector box according to claim 16, wherein the flanges and the electrical connection surfaces are substantially parallel and offset from each other by a distance, and are connected to the side wall of the electrical connector sub-assembly. The electrical connector box according to claim 16, further comprising a clamping member for locking, which is rotatably installed on two or more of the flanges so that the flange is engaged with the wall. The electrical connector box according to claim 16, wherein each electrical socket socket can be detachably connected to a basic electrical socket (Keystone Jack). The electrical connector box according to claim 16, wherein the mating connecting portions include a protruding piece provided on one side edge, and a concave portion placed on one side edge of the abutting electrical connector sub-assembly. The electrical connector box according to claim 16, wherein the mating connecting portions include a protruding portion and a complementary concave portion.

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