WO2012042334A1 - Fixing frame and wiring device - Google Patents

Fixing frame and wiring device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012042334A1
WO2012042334A1 PCT/IB2011/002225 IB2011002225W WO2012042334A1 WO 2012042334 A1 WO2012042334 A1 WO 2012042334A1 IB 2011002225 W IB2011002225 W IB 2011002225W WO 2012042334 A1 WO2012042334 A1 WO 2012042334A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fixing frame
wiring
wiring units
frame
units
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2011/002225
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Takahiro Sakaji
Masayuki Mimura
Toru Honda
Kenichi Miyazaki
Hirohisa Okuno
Original Assignee
Panasonic Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Corporation filed Critical Panasonic Corporation
Priority to CN201180044460.9A priority Critical patent/CN103109426B/en
Publication of WO2012042334A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012042334A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/04—Cases; Covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/14—Fastening of cover or lid to box
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/056—Mounting of key housings on same frame
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/042—Snap coupling; Snap mounting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H23/14—Tumblers
    • H01H23/143—Tumblers having a generally flat elongated shape

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fixing frame for use in fixing a wiring unit to an installation surface and a wiring device including the wiring unit attached to the fixing frame.
  • a wiring device that includes a wiring unit attached to a fixing frame.
  • the wiring device is used to arrange a wiring unit such as a switch or a wall socket on an installation surface.
  • the wiring device of this kind there is known a wiring device including a fixing frame and a plurality of wiring units attached to the fixing frame (see, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-57227 ( JP2010-57227A) ) .
  • the fixing frame includes a front surface opened in a rectangular shape and a rear surface fixed to an installation surface.
  • the fixing frame has an attachment hole and attachment grooves arranged along the inner edge of the attachment hole.
  • the wiring units are inserted into the attachment hole and attached to the fixing frame .
  • each of the wiring units includes elastic attachment legs formed in the tip end portions thereof to be inserted into the attachment hole.
  • the attachment legs are provided with hooking claws protruding away from each other.
  • the attachment legs of the wiring units are fitted to the attachment grooves of the fixing frame, thereby restraining transverse and longitudinal movement of the wiring units.
  • the hooking claws of the wiring units are inserted through the attachment hole and hooked on the rear surface of the fixing frame, whereby the wiring units are fixed to the fixing frame.
  • the wiring device has increased versatility because a plurality of wiring units can be arbitrarily attached to the fixing frame by merely hooking the hooking claws of the wiring units on the fixing frame.
  • the wiring units of the wiring device can be easily detached from the fixing frame by just releasing the engagement of the hooking claws with the fixing frame.
  • the transverse and longitudinal movements of the wiring units are restrained by the elastic attachment legs of the wiring units. Therefore, there is a possibility that, even when attached to the fixing frame, the wiring units may slightly move in the arrangement direction thereof. If the wiring units are moved in this manner, deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units may occur, consequently impairing the beauty of the wiring device.
  • the present invention provides a fixing frame and a wiring device, which are capable of suppressing movement of wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units with a relatively simple configuration.
  • a wiring device including: one or more wiring units; and a fixing frame having a frame portion and an attachment hole.
  • the wiring units are arranged in the attachment hole and attached to the fixing frame, and the fixing frame includes bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units, and each of the wiring units includes a lug for making contact with each of the bent pieces to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and an engagement claw for elastically making contact with, and coming into engagement with, the fixing frame to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.
  • a fixing frame having an attachment hole in which a plurality of wiring units are adapted to be arranged and attached to the fixing frame.
  • the fixing frame includes a frame portion; a plurality of bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units, the bent pieces serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and a linking piece for interconnecting the bent pieces, the linking piece serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.
  • Each of the bent pieces may include an extension portion extending toward one of the bent pieces adjoining thereto, the extension portion serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an insertion direction of the wiring units .
  • the extension portion may serve as a shoulder portion protruding from the linking piece in the removal direction of the wiring units.
  • the fixing frame may include a plurality of hole portions of identical shape arranged at a regular interval along the arrangement direction of the wiring units and surrounded by the frame portion, the bent pieces and the linking piece.
  • the frame portion may include an insertion hole through which a screw is inserted, the screw threadedly coupled to a female thread portion of a storage unit for partially storing the wiring units; and a rib formed between the insertion hole and an outer edge of the frame portion to make contact with a head of the screw.
  • the rib may be formed to extend along a perimeter of the frame portion.
  • a wiring device including one or more wiring units and the fixing frame.
  • the present invention it is possible to provide a wiring device capable of suppressing movement of wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units with a relatively simple configuration.
  • Figs. 1A through ID are respectively plan, side, front and partially cutaway perspective views showing a wiring device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the wiring device
  • Fig. 2B being a section view of the wiring device taken along line A-A in Fig. 2A
  • Fig. 2C being a section view of the wiring device taken along line B-B in Fig. 2A;
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are front views of the wiring device, in which different numbers of wiring units are attached to a fixing frame of identical shape;
  • Figs. 4A and 4B are plan and section views for explaining major parts of the wiring device
  • Figs. 5A through 5D are explanatory views showing a wiring device, in which different numbers of wiring units are attached to fixing frames of identical shape in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a fixing frame employed in a wiring device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing frame and a decoration plate employed in the wiring device
  • Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating a fixing frame employed in a wiring device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a fixing frame employed in a wiring device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 10A through 10D are plan views depicting a wiring device in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiments
  • a wiring device 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 through 4 which form a part hereof.
  • the same components will be designated by like reference numerals in the drawings and will not be described repeatedly.
  • the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment includes a fixing frame 2.
  • the fixing frame 2 has a rectangular plate-like external shape and includes a frame portion 2a having a rectangular attachment hole 2aa defined in the central area thereof.
  • a plurality of (three or less, in the present embodiment) of wiring units 1 can be arranged in, and attached to, the attachment hole 2aa at the front side of the fixing frame 2 (at the upper side in Fig. 1C) .
  • the attachment hole 2aa has a shape that is substantially similar to the quadrangular contour of the frame portion 2a when seen in a plan view.
  • the fixing frame 2 further includes a plurality of bent pieces 3 extending from the inner edges of the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a and bent at bending portions 3a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring units 1 (see Fig. 1C) .
  • the bent pieces 3 include a plurality of (six, in the present embodiment) bent pieces arranged at a regular interval along one edge of the attachment hole 2aa and a plurality of (six, in the present embodiment) bent pieces arranged at a regular interval along the other edge of the attachment hole 2aa opposing to one edge.
  • the fixing frame 2 still further includes a pair of linking pieces 4 extending parallel to the arrangement direction X of the wiring units 1 (see Fig. 1C) and interconnecting the bent pieces 3 at the tip ends of the bent pieces 3 opposite to the bending portions 3a.
  • the fixing frame 2 has a plurality of (five, in the present embodiment) hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval along the arrangement direction X of the wiring units 1.
  • Each of the hole portions 3bb is surrounded by the frame portion 2a, the adjoining bent pieces 3 and each of the linking pieces 4.
  • a pair of extension portions 3b and 3b extending toward each other from the adjoining bent pieces 3 is arranged in each of the hole portions 3bb (see Fig. ID).
  • the wiring unit 1 employed in the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment may be, e.g., a switch 23 that includes a rectangular prism-shaped body 23a, a part of which is accommodated at the rear side of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2, and an operation portion 23b arranged on the front surface thereof as shown in Figs. 1A, IB and 1C.
  • a contact device (not shown) having a terminal unit (not shown) connected to a power supply wire (not shown) is held within the body 23a of the switch 23.
  • a wire insertion hole (not shown) for the insertion of the power supply line is formed on the rear surface of the body 23a.
  • the wiring unit 1 includes a pair of lugs lb and lb formed at two points on each of the short-side opposite surfaces of the body 23a (see Fig. ID).
  • the wiring device 10 further includes attachment legs la protruding from the substantially middle portions of the short-side opposite surfaces of the body 23a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1.
  • Each of the attachment legs la includes an engagement claw laa formed in the tip end portion thereof to protrude away from the body 23a (see Figs. ID and 2C) .
  • one wiring unit 1 is inserted into, and attached to, the central area of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
  • the wiring unit 1 includes the lugs lb and lb for restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X by making contact with the bent pieces 3 bent from each of the inner edges of the frame portion 2a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1; and the engagement claws laa for restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the removal direction Y2 of the wiring unit 1 (see Fig. 1C) by elastically making contact with, and engaging with, the fixing frame 2.
  • the wiring unit 1 has a function of restraining the movement thereof in the arrangement direction X by allowing the lugs lb and lb to make contact with the bent pieces 3 defining each of the hole portions 3bb of the fixing frame 2.
  • the wiring unit 1 further has a function of restraining the movement thereof in the removal direction Y2 by allowing the attachment legs la to elastically make contact with the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 and allowing the engagement claws laa to engage with the linking pieces 4 (see Fig. 2C) .
  • the function of restraining the movement of a plurality of wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X and the function .of restraining the movement of the wiring units 1 in the removal direction Y2 are controlled by the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4, respectively.
  • the fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment is capable of suppressing movement of the wiring units 1 and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X of the wiring units 1, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units 1 with a relatively simple configuration.
  • the fixing frame 2 has an attachment hole 2aa defined in the central area thereof.
  • the attachment hole 2aa is formed into a rectangular shape to have a size that is slightly greater than the contour of a plurality of (three, in the present embodiment) wiring units 1 arranged in close contact with each other so that the plurality of wiring units 1 can be inserted into, and arranged within, the attachment hole 2aa.
  • the transverse dimension of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 is set such that the inner edges of the attachment hole 2aa can make contact with the short-side surfaces of the wiring unit 1.
  • the size of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 may be properly set depending on the number and size of the wiring unit 1 to be attached to the fixing frame 2.
  • the wiring unit 1 may have a proper shape depending on the size of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
  • the fixing frame 2 includes a plurality of (six, in the present embodiment) bent pieces 3 extending from each of the opposite longitudinal inner edges of the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a and bent at bending portions 3a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1.
  • the fixing frame 2 further includes a pair of linking pieces 4, each of which is arranged to interconnect the bent pieces 3.
  • the fixing frame 2 has a plurality of hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval and surrounded by the frame portion 2a, the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4.
  • the linking pieces 4 have a function of restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X.
  • the linking pieces 4 have a function of restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the removal direction Y2.
  • the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 may have a function of restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the insertion direction Yl by making contact with the lugs lb and lb of the wiring unit 1.
  • the hole portions 3bb may be arranged not only in the arrangement direction X but also in the insertion direction Yl.
  • different kinds of wiring units having attachment legs la whose length varies depending on, e.g., the size of a body 23a can be attached to the fixing frame 2
  • the bent pieces 3 include extension portions 3b extending toward the adjoining bent pieces 3.
  • the extension portions 3b are formed at the side of each of the linking pieces 4 facing the frame portion 2a.
  • the extension portions 3b serve to restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the insertion direction Yl.
  • the extension portions 3b of the bent pieces 3 serves as shoulder portions protruding from each of the linking pieces 4 in the removal direction Y2 of the wiring device 10.
  • the bent pieces 3 in the fixing frame 2 of the present embodiment are formed into the shoulder portions, by setting the width of the bent pieces 3 in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1 to become greater at the side of the linking pieces 4 than at the side of the frame portion 2a and then forming a step-like shape with an edge portion parallel to the arrangement direction X of the wiring unit 1 and an edge portion parallel to the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1.
  • the extension portions 3b of the bent pieces 3 can be used to locate the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 having recess portions lba fitted to the shoulder portions (see Fig. ID) .
  • the adjoining bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame 2 can restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X by making contact with the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1.
  • the extension portions 3b are not limited to the shoulder portions but may be formed into such a shape that the width of the bent pieces 3 gets gradually increased along the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1.
  • the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 are formed into such a shape that the width thereof grows smaller toward the insertion direction Yl. This enables the lugs lb to make contact with the extension portions 3b of the bent pieces 3 and come into engagement with the bent pieces 3.
  • the wiring unit 1 is inserted into the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 so that each of the attachment legs la of the wiring unit 1 can enter between the corresponding adjoining bent pieces 3.
  • the attachment legs la of the wiring unit 1 are bent as the engagement claws laa thereof make contact with the linking pieces 4 interconnecting the bent pieces 3.
  • the lugs lb and lb of the wiring unit 1 are fitted between the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 to make contact with the respective bent pieces 3.
  • the engagement claws laa move beyond the rear edges of the linking pieces 4
  • the attachment legs la of the wiring unit 1 are released from bending and come into elastic contact with the linking pieces 4.
  • the engagement claws laa engage with the linking pieces 4.
  • the lugs lb and lb of the wiring unit 1 are fitted between the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 and are brought into contact with the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2.
  • the wiring unit 1 is fixed to the fixing frame 2 by allowing the lugs lb to make contact with the fixing frame 2 at the inside and outside of the hole portions 3bb defined by the frame portion 2a, the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 and the linking pieces 4.
  • the width of the bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame 2 in the arrangement direction X is set such that the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 make contact with the bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame 2.
  • the length of the bent pieces 3 and the width of the linking pieces 4 in the insertion direction Yl are set such that the engagement claws laa of the wiring unit 1 are caught by rear edges 4a of the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2.
  • the rear edges 4a of the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 serve as claw-receiving portions for receiving the engagement claws laa.
  • the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment can restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X by bringing the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 into contact with the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 of the fixing frame 2. Moreover, the ' fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment can restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the insertion direction Yl by bringing the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 into contact with the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2. That is to say, the wiring unit 1 is fixed to the fixing frame 2 against movement .
  • one wiring unit 1 is inserted into the attachment hole 2aa and attached to the fixing frame 2 as shown in Figs. 1A through 2C.
  • the fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of (five, in the present embodiment) hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval so that a plurality of (three or less, in the present embodiment) wiring units 1 can be attached to the fixing frame 2 along the longitudinal direction of the attachment hole 2aa.
  • the size of each of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X is set on a specified unit dimension basis so that different kinds of wiring units 1 can be arranged within the attachment hole 2aa and attached to the fixing frame 2.
  • the size of each of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X is set equal to a specified unit dimension or one and a half times, two times or three times greater than the specified unit dimension, so that the wiring units 1 of different kinds and specifications can be appropriately arranged within the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
  • three wiring units 1 having the same shape as that of the wiring unit 1 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C can be attached to a fixing frame 2 having the same shape as that of the fixing frame 2 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C (see Fig. 3A) .
  • three wiring units 1 in total are attached to the fixing frame 2 by additionally arranging two wiring units 1 of identical shape at the opposite sides of the wiring unit 1 shown in Fig. 1.
  • two wiring units 1 having the same shape as that of the wiring unit 1 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C may be attached to a fixing frame 2 having the same shape as that of the fixing frame 2 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C (see Fig. 3B) .
  • two wiring units 1 in total are attached to the fixing frame 2 by excluding the wiring unit 1 shown in Figs. 1A through ID and, instead, arranging two wiring units 1 of identical shape in the positions deviated from the center of the attachment hole 2aa in the arrangement direction X by a distance equal to one half of the specified unit dimension.
  • the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment restrains movement of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X by bringing the lugs lb of the wiring units 1 into contact with the adjoining bent pieces 3. Accordingly, depending on the interval of the bent pieces 3 provided in the fixing frame 2, the wiring units 1 can be attached to the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 in the positions shifted in the arrangement direction X.
  • the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment is fixed to a rectangular box-shaped hollow storage unit 9 which is embedded in an installation surface (not shown) and capable of partially storing the body 23a of the wiring unit 1 (see Figs. 4A and 4B) .
  • the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 has insertion holes 5a through which screws 11 are inserted.
  • the screws 11 are threadedly coupled to the female thread portions 9aa of brackets 9a attached to the inner surface 9c of the storage unit 9.
  • the insertion holes 5a are formed in an opposing relationship with each other across the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a.
  • the insertion holes 5a extend through the thickness of the frame portion 2a.
  • the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 includes ribs 5 formed between the insertion holes 5a and the outer edges of the frame portion 2a so as to make contact with the heads 11a of the screws 11 (see Fig. 4B) .
  • the fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment is formed to have a size greater than the size of a marginal portion 9b of the storage unit 9 opened at the front side thereof.
  • the marginal portion 9b of the storage unit 9 making contact with the fixing frame 2 when the fixing frame 2 is fixed to the storage unit 9 is formed into a quadrangular ring shape (see broken lines in Fig. 4A)
  • the margin portion 9b is of a rectangular shape.
  • the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment further includes a rib 6 extending along the perimeter of the frame portion 2a.
  • the rib 6 has a quadrangular ring shape when seen from a planar surface.
  • the rib 6 is of a rectangular shape.
  • the rib 6 is formed such that the longitudinal direction of the rib 6 can cross the transverse direction of the marginal portion 9b at a right angle (see Fig. 4A) . Accordingly, the rib 6 extending along the perimeter of the frame portion 2a serves as a reinforcing portion for suppressing deformation of the frame portion 2a in the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the frame portion 2a.
  • the rib 6 When seen in a plan view, the rib 6 continuously extends inward and outward of the storage unit 9 across the marginal portion 9b. This makes it possible to enhance the strength of the frame portion 2a making contact with the marginal portion 9b of the storage unit 9.
  • the rib 6 formed on the front surface of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 is capable of suppressing deformation of the frame portion 2a which may be caused by an external force. Since the insertion holes 5a are formed inward of the rib 6 for enhancing the strength of the frame portion 2a in the fixing frame 2, the fixing frame 2 can restrain the frame portion 2a from sagging into the storage unit 9 due to the application of overload when tightening the screws 11.
  • the ribs 5 and the rib 6 of the fixing frame 2 of the present embodiment are formed to protrude from the front surface of the frame portion 2a by pressing the fixing frame 2 made of metal.
  • the ribs 5 and the rib 6 may be configured by fixedly securing reinforcing members formed independently of the frame portion 2a to the frame portion 2a.
  • the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment has a plurality of (four, in the present embodiment) rectangular retaining holes 7a defined in the frame portion 2a at the outer side of corner portions of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
  • Rectangular tube-shaped protecting sleeves 7 (see Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C) molded with a resin can be inserted into, and retained by, the retaining holes 7a of the fixing frame 2.
  • the protecting sleeves 7 have a function of holding the retaining claws 21b of a decoration plate 21 to be described later.
  • the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment has two sets of three through-holes 8a, 8b and 8c defined in the diagonally opposite areas of the rectangular plate-like frame portion 2a.
  • the centrally positioned through-hole 8a of each through-hole set has a rectangular shape when seen in a plan view.
  • the through-hole 8a is formed to have a size greater than the size of the through-holes 8b opposing to each other in the transverse direction of the frame portion 2a across the through-hole 8a.
  • Display elements of a display unit such as light- emitting diodes not shown in the drawings are exposed through the through-holes 8a of the fixing frame 2 to indicate, e.g., the position of the wiring device 10 on the installation surface at all times.
  • the through-holes 8b and 8b serve as fixing portions for fixing holder legs not shown in the drawings to keep the display unit held on the fixing frame 2.
  • a process for manufacturing the fixing frame 2 may include a punching step in which the attachment hole 2aa, the hole portions 3bb, the retaining holes 7a and the through-holes 8a and 8b are formed in a metal plate (made of, e.g., stainless steel) by punching.
  • the process may further include a rib forming step in which the ribs 5 and the rib 6 are formed in the metal plate by pressing.
  • the process may still further include a bending step in which the bent pieces 3 having the bending portions 3a are formed in the metal plate by pressing.
  • the fixing frame 2 can be manufactured through a relatively simple manufacturing method and with increased productivity by just performing the punching step, the rib forming step and the bending step one after another. .
  • the punching step, the rib forming step and the bending step can be performed independently or simultaneously depending on the structures of molds for manufacturing the fixing frame 2.
  • the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment is not limited to the fixing frame 2 in which at most three wiring units 1, e.g., switches 23, having a specified unit dimension can be arranged as shown in Figs. 1A to 2C or 3A and 3B.
  • the wiring device 10 may include any other fixing frame 2 in which a plurality of wiring units 1 can be appropriately arranged in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the wiring device 10 shown in Figs. 5A through 5D may include a fixing frame 2 in which at most two switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged (see Figs. 5A and 5C) .
  • one switch 23 having a specified unit dimension may be arranged in the central area of the attachment hole 2aa (see Figs . 5B and 5D) .
  • the wiring device 10 may include a fixing frame 2 in which at most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged as shown in Fig. 6.
  • a fixing frame 2 in which at most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged as shown in Fig. 6.
  • insertion holes 5a are formed in the rib 6 extending along the perimeter of the fixing frame 2 at the outer side of the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a.
  • the rib 6 of the fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6 also plays the role of the afore-mentioned ribs 5 formed between the insertion holes 5a and the outer edges of the frame portion 2a so as to make contact with the heads 11a of the screws 11 and eventually enhance the strength of the frame portion 2a. Accordingly, the rib 6 of the fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6 has a function of enhancing the strength of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 and a function of distributing the loads applied when tightening the screws 11.
  • the fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6 has a plurality of (four, in the present embodiment) rectangular retaining holes 7a defined in the frame portion 2a at the outer side of corner portions of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
  • the retaining holes 7a of the fixing frame 2 serve to retain protecting sleeves 7 in place.
  • the decoration plate 21 for covering the front surface of the fixing frame 2 can be fixed to the fixing frame 2 by bringing the retaining claws 21b of the decoration plate 21 into engagement with the protecting sleeves 7 (see Fig. 7) .
  • the decoration plate 21 has a window 21bc through which the wiring units 1 are exposed to the front side.
  • the decoration plate 21 is formed to have a size that is slightly greater than the contour size of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 to which the wiring units 1 are attached.
  • the decoration plate 21 is attached to the fixing frame 2 so as to cover the front surface of the frame portion 2a.
  • the decoration plate 21 may include a plurality of (four, in the present embodiment) retaining claws 21b formed to protrude toward the fixing frame 2.
  • the decoration plate 21 has two pairs of attachment slits 21bb respectively- formed at the longitudinal opposite sides of the window 21bc
  • Two rectangular plate-like decoration covers 21a for covering the front surface areas of the decoration plate 21 at the longitudinal opposite sides of the window 21bc are attached to the decoration plate 21.
  • Each of the decoration covers 21a is provided with hooking claws 21aa.
  • the decoration covers 21a can be fixed to the decoration plate 21 by bringing the hooking claws 21aa of the decoration covers 21a into engagement with the attachment slits 21bb of the decoration plate 21.
  • the wiring device 10 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing frame 2 having, e.g., two attachment holes 2aa of the type shown in Fig. 6. At most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged in each of the attachment holes 2aa.
  • the wiring device 10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing frame 2 having three attachment holes 2aa of the type shown in Fig. 6. At most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged in each of the attachment holes 2aa.
  • the wiring device 10 not only the switch 23 (see Fig. 10A) having a specified unit dimension but also a TV socket 24 (see Fig. 10B) having a specified unit dimension may be used as the wiring unit 1.
  • the wiring unit 1 may be a socket 22 (see Fig. IOC) or a regulator 25 (see Fig. 10D) , either of which has a size two times greater than the specified unit dimension.
  • the socket 22 is used as, e.g., a multi-outlet power supply socket, and has plug insertion holes 22b designed to receive prongs of a plug (not shown) and opened toward the front side of the wiring unit 1.
  • the switch 23 is provided with an operation portion 23b at the front side of the wiring unit 1.
  • the TV socket 24 has pin insertion holes 24b designed to receive pins of a TV plug (not shown) and opened toward the front side of the wiring unit 1.
  • the regulator 25 is provided with a regulating knob 25b at the front side of the wiring unit 1.
  • the wiring unit 1 is not limited to the socket 22, the switch 23, the TV socket 24 and the regulator 25 for ceiling fans or illumination devices. Many other wiring units such as a modular socket for telephones and an optical cord connector may be suitably used as the wiring unit 1.
  • the fixing frame 2 has a plurality of hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval and surrounded by the frame portion 2a, the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4.
  • switches 23 as wiring units 1 having a specified unit dimension can be attached to the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 (see Fig. 1A to 4D or 3A and 3B) .
  • one switch 23 as a wiring unit 1 having a specified unit dimension and one socket 22 as a wiring unit 1 having a size twice as great as the specified unit dimension may be attached to the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 (see Fig. 10A) .
  • the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment can be fixed to an installation surface such that the transverse direction thereof runs vertical or such the longitudinal direction thereof remains vertical.
  • the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 are separately controlled for the function of restraining movement of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X and the function of restraining movement of the wiring units 1 in the removal direction Y2, respectively. Accordingly, the wiring device 10 is capable of suppressing movement of the wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units 1 to the fixing frame 2 with a relatively simple configuration. While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

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  • Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)

Abstract

A fixing frame has an attachment hole in which a plurality of wiring units are adapted to be arranged and attached to the fixing frame. The fixing frame includes: a frame portion; a plurality of bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units, the bent pieces serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and a linking piece for interconnecting the bent pieces, the linking piece serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.

Description

FIXING FRAME AND WIRING DEVICE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fixing frame for use in fixing a wiring unit to an installation surface and a wiring device including the wiring unit attached to the fixing frame. Background of the Invention
Conventionally available is a wiring device that includes a wiring unit attached to a fixing frame. The wiring device is used to arrange a wiring unit such as a switch or a wall socket on an installation surface.
As one example of the wiring device of this kind, there is known a wiring device including a fixing frame and a plurality of wiring units attached to the fixing frame (see, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-57227 ( JP2010-57227A) ) . The fixing frame includes a front surface opened in a rectangular shape and a rear surface fixed to an installation surface. The fixing frame has an attachment hole and attachment grooves arranged along the inner edge of the attachment hole. The wiring units are inserted into the attachment hole and attached to the fixing frame .
In the wiring device disclosed in JP2010-57227A, each of the wiring units includes elastic attachment legs formed in the tip end portions thereof to be inserted into the attachment hole. The attachment legs are provided with hooking claws protruding away from each other. With this wiring device, the attachment legs of the wiring units are fitted to the attachment grooves of the fixing frame, thereby restraining transverse and longitudinal movement of the wiring units. The hooking claws of the wiring units are inserted through the attachment hole and hooked on the rear surface of the fixing frame, whereby the wiring units are fixed to the fixing frame.
The wiring device has increased versatility because a plurality of wiring units can be arbitrarily attached to the fixing frame by merely hooking the hooking claws of the wiring units on the fixing frame. In addition, the wiring units of the wiring device can be easily detached from the fixing frame by just releasing the engagement of the hooking claws with the fixing frame.
Meanwhile, in the wiring device disclosed in JP2010- 57227A, the transverse and longitudinal movements of the wiring units are restrained by the elastic attachment legs of the wiring units. Therefore, there is a possibility that, even when attached to the fixing frame, the wiring units may slightly move in the arrangement direction thereof. If the wiring units are moved in this manner, deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units may occur, consequently impairing the beauty of the wiring device.
Summary of the Invention
In view of the above, the present invention provides a fixing frame and a wiring device, which are capable of suppressing movement of wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units with a relatively simple configuration.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wiring device, including: one or more wiring units; and a fixing frame having a frame portion and an attachment hole. The wiring units are arranged in the attachment hole and attached to the fixing frame, and the fixing frame includes bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units,, and each of the wiring units includes a lug for making contact with each of the bent pieces to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and an engagement claw for elastically making contact with, and coming into engagement with, the fixing frame to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing frame having an attachment hole in which a plurality of wiring units are adapted to be arranged and attached to the fixing frame. The fixing frame includes a frame portion; a plurality of bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units, the bent pieces serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and a linking piece for interconnecting the bent pieces, the linking piece serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.
Each of the bent pieces may include an extension portion extending toward one of the bent pieces adjoining thereto, the extension portion serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an insertion direction of the wiring units .
The extension portion may serve as a shoulder portion protruding from the linking piece in the removal direction of the wiring units.
The fixing frame may include a plurality of hole portions of identical shape arranged at a regular interval along the arrangement direction of the wiring units and surrounded by the frame portion, the bent pieces and the linking piece.
The frame portion may include an insertion hole through which a screw is inserted, the screw threadedly coupled to a female thread portion of a storage unit for partially storing the wiring units; and a rib formed between the insertion hole and an outer edge of the frame portion to make contact with a head of the screw.
The rib may be formed to extend along a perimeter of the frame portion.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wiring device including one or more wiring units and the fixing frame.
With the present invention, it is possible to provide a wiring device capable of suppressing movement of wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units with a relatively simple configuration.
With the present invention, it is possible to provide a fixing frame capable of suppressing movement of wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units with a relatively simple configuration. Brief Description of the Drawings
The objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figs. 1A through ID are respectively plan, side, front and partially cutaway perspective views showing a wiring device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the wiring device, Fig. 2B being a section view of the wiring device taken along line A-A in Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2C being a section view of the wiring device taken along line B-B in Fig. 2A;
Figs. 3A and 3B are front views of the wiring device, in which different numbers of wiring units are attached to a fixing frame of identical shape;
Figs. 4A and 4B are plan and section views for explaining major parts of the wiring device;
Figs. 5A through 5D are explanatory views showing a wiring device, in which different numbers of wiring units are attached to fixing frames of identical shape in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a fixing frame employed in a wiring device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing frame and a decoration plate employed in the wiring device;
Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating a fixing frame employed in a wiring device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a fixing frame employed in a wiring device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and
Figs. 10A through 10D are plan views depicting a wiring device in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiments
A wiring device 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 through 4 which form a part hereof. The same components will be designated by like reference numerals in the drawings and will not be described repeatedly.
The wiring device 10 of the present embodiment includes a fixing frame 2. As shown in Figs. 1A, IB and 1C, the fixing frame 2 has a rectangular plate-like external shape and includes a frame portion 2a having a rectangular attachment hole 2aa defined in the central area thereof. A plurality of (three or less, in the present embodiment) of wiring units 1 can be arranged in, and attached to, the attachment hole 2aa at the front side of the fixing frame 2 (at the upper side in Fig. 1C) . In the fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the attachment hole 2aa has a shape that is substantially similar to the quadrangular contour of the frame portion 2a when seen in a plan view.
The fixing frame 2 further includes a plurality of bent pieces 3 extending from the inner edges of the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a and bent at bending portions 3a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring units 1 (see Fig. 1C) . In this regard, the bent pieces 3 include a plurality of (six, in the present embodiment) bent pieces arranged at a regular interval along one edge of the attachment hole 2aa and a plurality of (six, in the present embodiment) bent pieces arranged at a regular interval along the other edge of the attachment hole 2aa opposing to one edge. The fixing frame 2 still further includes a pair of linking pieces 4 extending parallel to the arrangement direction X of the wiring units 1 (see Fig. 1C) and interconnecting the bent pieces 3 at the tip ends of the bent pieces 3 opposite to the bending portions 3a.
Thus, the fixing frame 2 has a plurality of (five, in the present embodiment) hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval along the arrangement direction X of the wiring units 1. Each of the hole portions 3bb is surrounded by the frame portion 2a, the adjoining bent pieces 3 and each of the linking pieces 4. A pair of extension portions 3b and 3b extending toward each other from the adjoining bent pieces 3 is arranged in each of the hole portions 3bb (see Fig. ID).
The wiring unit 1 employed in the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment may be, e.g., a switch 23 that includes a rectangular prism-shaped body 23a, a part of which is accommodated at the rear side of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2, and an operation portion 23b arranged on the front surface thereof as shown in Figs. 1A, IB and 1C. A contact device (not shown) having a terminal unit (not shown) connected to a power supply wire (not shown) is held within the body 23a of the switch 23. A wire insertion hole (not shown) for the insertion of the power supply line is formed on the rear surface of the body 23a.
The wiring unit 1 includes a pair of lugs lb and lb formed at two points on each of the short-side opposite surfaces of the body 23a (see Fig. ID). The wiring device 10 further includes attachment legs la protruding from the substantially middle portions of the short-side opposite surfaces of the body 23a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1. Each of the attachment legs la includes an engagement claw laa formed in the tip end portion thereof to protrude away from the body 23a (see Figs. ID and 2C) .
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment shown in Figs. 1A through 2C, one wiring unit 1 is inserted into, and attached to, the central area of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2. The wiring unit 1 includes the lugs lb and lb for restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X by making contact with the bent pieces 3 bent from each of the inner edges of the frame portion 2a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1; and the engagement claws laa for restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the removal direction Y2 of the wiring unit 1 (see Fig. 1C) by elastically making contact with, and engaging with, the fixing frame 2.
In other words, the wiring unit 1 has a function of restraining the movement thereof in the arrangement direction X by allowing the lugs lb and lb to make contact with the bent pieces 3 defining each of the hole portions 3bb of the fixing frame 2. The wiring unit 1 further has a function of restraining the movement thereof in the removal direction Y2 by allowing the attachment legs la to elastically make contact with the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 and allowing the engagement claws laa to engage with the linking pieces 4 (see Fig. 2C) .
In the fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the function of restraining the movement of a plurality of wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X and the function .of restraining the movement of the wiring units 1 in the removal direction Y2 are controlled by the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4, respectively. As a result, the fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment is capable of suppressing movement of the wiring units 1 and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X of the wiring units 1, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units 1 with a relatively simple configuration.
Next, the respective components of the wiring device 10 in accordance with the present embodiment will be described in detail.
The fixing frame 2 has an attachment hole 2aa defined in the central area thereof. The attachment hole 2aa is formed into a rectangular shape to have a size that is slightly greater than the contour of a plurality of (three, in the present embodiment) wiring units 1 arranged in close contact with each other so that the plurality of wiring units 1 can be inserted into, and arranged within, the attachment hole 2aa.
In order to restrain the wiring unit 1, e.g., the switch 23 with a rectangular plan-view shape, from moving in the short-side direction (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction X) , the transverse dimension of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 is set such that the inner edges of the attachment hole 2aa can make contact with the short-side surfaces of the wiring unit 1. The size of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 may be properly set depending on the number and size of the wiring unit 1 to be attached to the fixing frame 2. Alternatively, the wiring unit 1 may have a proper shape depending on the size of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
The fixing frame 2 includes a plurality of (six, in the present embodiment) bent pieces 3 extending from each of the opposite longitudinal inner edges of the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a and bent at bending portions 3a in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1. The fixing frame 2 further includes a pair of linking pieces 4, each of which is arranged to interconnect the bent pieces 3. Thus, the fixing frame 2 has a plurality of hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval and surrounded by the frame portion 2a, the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4.
In this regard, the bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame
2 have a function of restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X. The linking pieces 4 have a function of restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the removal direction Y2. In addition, the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 may have a function of restraining movement of the wiring unit 1 in the insertion direction Yl by making contact with the lugs lb and lb of the wiring unit 1.
The hole portions 3bb may be arranged not only in the arrangement direction X but also in the insertion direction Yl. In this case, different kinds of wiring units having attachment legs la whose length varies depending on, e.g., the size of a body 23a can be attached to the fixing frame 2 In the fixing frame 2 employed in the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the bent pieces 3 include extension portions 3b extending toward the adjoining bent pieces 3. The extension portions 3b are formed at the side of each of the linking pieces 4 facing the frame portion 2a. The extension portions 3b serve to restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the insertion direction Yl.
In this regard, the extension portions 3b of the bent pieces 3 serves as shoulder portions protruding from each of the linking pieces 4 in the removal direction Y2 of the wiring device 10. In other words, the bent pieces 3 in the fixing frame 2 of the present embodiment are formed into the shoulder portions, by setting the width of the bent pieces 3 in the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1 to become greater at the side of the linking pieces 4 than at the side of the frame portion 2a and then forming a step-like shape with an edge portion parallel to the arrangement direction X of the wiring unit 1 and an edge portion parallel to the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1. When the wiring unit 1 is inserted into the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2, the extension portions 3b of the bent pieces 3 can be used to locate the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 having recess portions lba fitted to the shoulder portions (see Fig. ID) .
Thus, the adjoining bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame 2 can restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X by making contact with the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1.
The extension portions 3b are not limited to the shoulder portions but may be formed into such a shape that the width of the bent pieces 3 gets gradually increased along the insertion direction Yl of the wiring unit 1. In this case, the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 are formed into such a shape that the width thereof grows smaller toward the insertion direction Yl. This enables the lugs lb to make contact with the extension portions 3b of the bent pieces 3 and come into engagement with the bent pieces 3.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the wiring unit 1 is inserted into the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 so that each of the attachment legs la of the wiring unit 1 can enter between the corresponding adjoining bent pieces 3. The attachment legs la of the wiring unit 1 are bent as the engagement claws laa thereof make contact with the linking pieces 4 interconnecting the bent pieces 3. The lugs lb and lb of the wiring unit 1 are fitted between the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 to make contact with the respective bent pieces 3. As the engagement claws laa move beyond the rear edges of the linking pieces 4, the attachment legs la of the wiring unit 1 are released from bending and come into elastic contact with the linking pieces 4. Thus, the engagement claws laa engage with the linking pieces 4.
At this time, the lugs lb and lb of the wiring unit 1 are fitted between the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 and are brought into contact with the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2. The wiring unit 1 is fixed to the fixing frame 2 by allowing the lugs lb to make contact with the fixing frame 2 at the inside and outside of the hole portions 3bb defined by the frame portion 2a, the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 and the linking pieces 4.
In the wiring device 10, the width of the bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame 2 in the arrangement direction X is set such that the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 make contact with the bent pieces 3 of the fixing frame 2. Likewise, the length of the bent pieces 3 and the width of the linking pieces 4 in the insertion direction Yl are set such that the engagement claws laa of the wiring unit 1 are caught by rear edges 4a of the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2. In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, therefore, the rear edges 4a of the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 serve as claw-receiving portions for receiving the engagement claws laa.
The fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment can restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the arrangement direction X by bringing the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 into contact with the adjoining bent pieces 3 and 3 of the fixing frame 2. Moreover, the' fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment can restrain movement of the wiring unit 1 in the insertion direction Yl by bringing the lugs lb of the wiring unit 1 into contact with the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2. That is to say, the wiring unit 1 is fixed to the fixing frame 2 against movement .
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, one wiring unit 1 is inserted into the attachment hole 2aa and attached to the fixing frame 2 as shown in Figs. 1A through 2C. The fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of (five, in the present embodiment) hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval so that a plurality of (three or less, in the present embodiment) wiring units 1 can be attached to the fixing frame 2 along the longitudinal direction of the attachment hole 2aa.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the size of each of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X is set on a specified unit dimension basis so that different kinds of wiring units 1 can be arranged within the attachment hole 2aa and attached to the fixing frame 2. For example, the size of each of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X is set equal to a specified unit dimension or one and a half times, two times or three times greater than the specified unit dimension, so that the wiring units 1 of different kinds and specifications can be appropriately arranged within the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, therefore, three wiring units 1 having the same shape as that of the wiring unit 1 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C can be attached to a fixing frame 2 having the same shape as that of the fixing frame 2 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C (see Fig. 3A) . In the wiring device 10 shown in Fig. 3A, three wiring units 1 in total are attached to the fixing frame 2 by additionally arranging two wiring units 1 of identical shape at the opposite sides of the wiring unit 1 shown in Fig. 1.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, two wiring units 1 having the same shape as that of the wiring unit 1 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C may be attached to a fixing frame 2 having the same shape as that of the fixing frame 2 shown in Figs. 1A through 2C (see Fig. 3B) . In the wiring device 10 shown in Fig. 3B, two wiring units 1 in total are attached to the fixing frame 2 by excluding the wiring unit 1 shown in Figs. 1A through ID and, instead, arranging two wiring units 1 of identical shape in the positions deviated from the center of the attachment hole 2aa in the arrangement direction X by a distance equal to one half of the specified unit dimension.
The fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment restrains movement of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X by bringing the lugs lb of the wiring units 1 into contact with the adjoining bent pieces 3. Accordingly, depending on the interval of the bent pieces 3 provided in the fixing frame 2, the wiring units 1 can be attached to the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 in the positions shifted in the arrangement direction X.
The frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment is fixed to a rectangular box-shaped hollow storage unit 9 which is embedded in an installation surface (not shown) and capable of partially storing the body 23a of the wiring unit 1 (see Figs. 4A and 4B) . Thus, the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 has insertion holes 5a through which screws 11 are inserted. The screws 11 are threadedly coupled to the female thread portions 9aa of brackets 9a attached to the inner surface 9c of the storage unit 9. When seen in a plan view, the insertion holes 5a are formed in an opposing relationship with each other across the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a. The insertion holes 5a extend through the thickness of the frame portion 2a.
The frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 includes ribs 5 formed between the insertion holes 5a and the outer edges of the frame portion 2a so as to make contact with the heads 11a of the screws 11 (see Fig. 4B) .
It is only necessary for the ribs 5 to assure that, when the screws 11 are threadedly coupled to the female thread portions 9aa, the heads 11a of the screws 11 can make contact with the ribs 5 formed on the front surface of the frame portion 2a. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the frame portion 2a from undergoing deformation and partially sagging toward the attachment hole 2aa due to the application of overload when tightening the screws 11.
The fixing frame 2 of the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment is formed to have a size greater than the size of a marginal portion 9b of the storage unit 9 opened at the front side thereof. The marginal portion 9b of the storage unit 9 making contact with the fixing frame 2 when the fixing frame 2 is fixed to the storage unit 9 is formed into a quadrangular ring shape (see broken lines in Fig. 4A) In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the margin portion 9b is of a rectangular shape.
The fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment further includes a rib 6 extending along the perimeter of the frame portion 2a. The rib 6 has a quadrangular ring shape when seen from a planar surface. In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the rib 6 is of a rectangular shape. The rib 6 is formed such that the longitudinal direction of the rib 6 can cross the transverse direction of the marginal portion 9b at a right angle (see Fig. 4A) . Accordingly, the rib 6 extending along the perimeter of the frame portion 2a serves as a reinforcing portion for suppressing deformation of the frame portion 2a in the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the frame portion 2a.
When seen in a plan view, the rib 6 continuously extends inward and outward of the storage unit 9 across the marginal portion 9b. This makes it possible to enhance the strength of the frame portion 2a making contact with the marginal portion 9b of the storage unit 9. As a result, the rib 6 formed on the front surface of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 is capable of suppressing deformation of the frame portion 2a which may be caused by an external force. Since the insertion holes 5a are formed inward of the rib 6 for enhancing the strength of the frame portion 2a in the fixing frame 2, the fixing frame 2 can restrain the frame portion 2a from sagging into the storage unit 9 due to the application of overload when tightening the screws 11.
The ribs 5 and the rib 6 of the fixing frame 2 of the present embodiment are formed to protrude from the front surface of the frame portion 2a by pressing the fixing frame 2 made of metal. Alternatively, the ribs 5 and the rib 6 may be configured by fixedly securing reinforcing members formed independently of the frame portion 2a to the frame portion 2a.
The fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment has a plurality of (four, in the present embodiment) rectangular retaining holes 7a defined in the frame portion 2a at the outer side of corner portions of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2. Rectangular tube-shaped protecting sleeves 7 (see Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C) molded with a resin can be inserted into, and retained by, the retaining holes 7a of the fixing frame 2. The protecting sleeves 7 have a function of holding the retaining claws 21b of a decoration plate 21 to be described later.
The fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment has two sets of three through-holes 8a, 8b and 8c defined in the diagonally opposite areas of the rectangular plate-like frame portion 2a. The centrally positioned through-hole 8a of each through-hole set has a rectangular shape when seen in a plan view. The through-hole 8a is formed to have a size greater than the size of the through-holes 8b opposing to each other in the transverse direction of the frame portion 2a across the through-hole 8a.
Display elements of a display unit such as light- emitting diodes not shown in the drawings are exposed through the through-holes 8a of the fixing frame 2 to indicate, e.g., the position of the wiring device 10 on the installation surface at all times. The through-holes 8b and 8b serve as fixing portions for fixing holder legs not shown in the drawings to keep the display unit held on the fixing frame 2.
A process for manufacturing the fixing frame 2 may include a punching step in which the attachment hole 2aa, the hole portions 3bb, the retaining holes 7a and the through-holes 8a and 8b are formed in a metal plate (made of, e.g., stainless steel) by punching. The process may further include a rib forming step in which the ribs 5 and the rib 6 are formed in the metal plate by pressing. The process may still further include a bending step in which the bent pieces 3 having the bending portions 3a are formed in the metal plate by pressing.
The fixing frame 2 can be manufactured through a relatively simple manufacturing method and with increased productivity by just performing the punching step, the rib forming step and the bending step one after another. . The punching step, the rib forming step and the bending step can be performed independently or simultaneously depending on the structures of molds for manufacturing the fixing frame 2.
The wiring device 10 of the present embodiment is not limited to the fixing frame 2 in which at most three wiring units 1, e.g., switches 23, having a specified unit dimension can be arranged as shown in Figs. 1A to 2C or 3A and 3B. Alternatively, the wiring device 10 may include any other fixing frame 2 in which a plurality of wiring units 1 can be appropriately arranged in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. For example, the wiring device 10 shown in Figs. 5A through 5D may include a fixing frame 2 in which at most two switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged (see Figs. 5A and 5C) . In the fixing frame 2 shown in Figs. 5A through 5D, one switch 23 having a specified unit dimension may be arranged in the central area of the attachment hole 2aa (see Figs . 5B and 5D) .
In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, the wiring device 10 may include a fixing frame 2 in which at most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged as shown in Fig. 6. In the fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6, insertion holes 5a are formed in the rib 6 extending along the perimeter of the fixing frame 2 at the outer side of the attachment hole 2aa of the frame portion 2a.
The rib 6 of the fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6 also plays the role of the afore-mentioned ribs 5 formed between the insertion holes 5a and the outer edges of the frame portion 2a so as to make contact with the heads 11a of the screws 11 and eventually enhance the strength of the frame portion 2a. Accordingly, the rib 6 of the fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6 has a function of enhancing the strength of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 and a function of distributing the loads applied when tightening the screws 11.
This eliminates the need to independently form the ribs 5 for the fixing of screws and the rib 6 for the enhancement of strength in the fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment. Accordingly, it becomes possible to increase the resistance against overload while reducing the areas for formation of the ribs 5 and the rib 6.
The fixing frame 2 shown in Fig. 6 has a plurality of (four, in the present embodiment) rectangular retaining holes 7a defined in the frame portion 2a at the outer side of corner portions of the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2. The retaining holes 7a of the fixing frame 2 serve to retain protecting sleeves 7 in place. The decoration plate 21 for covering the front surface of the fixing frame 2 can be fixed to the fixing frame 2 by bringing the retaining claws 21b of the decoration plate 21 into engagement with the protecting sleeves 7 (see Fig. 7) .
The decoration plate 21 has a window 21bc through which the wiring units 1 are exposed to the front side. The decoration plate 21 is formed to have a size that is slightly greater than the contour size of the frame portion 2a of the fixing frame 2 to which the wiring units 1 are attached. The decoration plate 21 is attached to the fixing frame 2 so as to cover the front surface of the frame portion 2a.
The decoration plate 21 may include a plurality of (four, in the present embodiment) retaining claws 21b formed to protrude toward the fixing frame 2. The decoration plate 21 has two pairs of attachment slits 21bb respectively- formed at the longitudinal opposite sides of the window 21bc Two rectangular plate-like decoration covers 21a for covering the front surface areas of the decoration plate 21 at the longitudinal opposite sides of the window 21bc are attached to the decoration plate 21. Each of the decoration covers 21a is provided with hooking claws 21aa. The decoration covers 21a can be fixed to the decoration plate 21 by bringing the hooking claws 21aa of the decoration covers 21a into engagement with the attachment slits 21bb of the decoration plate 21.
As shown in Fig. 8, the wiring device 10 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing frame 2 having, e.g., two attachment holes 2aa of the type shown in Fig. 6. At most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged in each of the attachment holes 2aa. As shown in Fig. 9, the wiring device 10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing frame 2 having three attachment holes 2aa of the type shown in Fig. 6. At most nine switches 23 having a specified unit dimension can be arranged in each of the attachment holes 2aa.
In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the wiring device 10, not only the switch 23 (see Fig. 10A) having a specified unit dimension but also a TV socket 24 (see Fig. 10B) having a specified unit dimension may be used as the wiring unit 1. Further, the wiring unit 1 may be a socket 22 (see Fig. IOC) or a regulator 25 (see Fig. 10D) , either of which has a size two times greater than the specified unit dimension.
The socket 22 is used as, e.g., a multi-outlet power supply socket, and has plug insertion holes 22b designed to receive prongs of a plug (not shown) and opened toward the front side of the wiring unit 1. The switch 23 is provided with an operation portion 23b at the front side of the wiring unit 1. Similarly, the TV socket 24 has pin insertion holes 24b designed to receive pins of a TV plug (not shown) and opened toward the front side of the wiring unit 1. The regulator 25 is provided with a regulating knob 25b at the front side of the wiring unit 1.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the wiring unit 1 is not limited to the socket 22, the switch 23, the TV socket 24 and the regulator 25 for ceiling fans or illumination devices. Many other wiring units such as a modular socket for telephones and an optical cord connector may be suitably used as the wiring unit 1.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment, the fixing frame 2 has a plurality of hole portions 3bb of identical shape arranged at a regular interval and surrounded by the frame portion 2a, the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4. Thus, an arbitrary number of, e.g., one through three, switches 23 as wiring units 1 having a specified unit dimension can be attached to the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 (see Fig. 1A to 4D or 3A and 3B) . Alternatively, one switch 23 as a wiring unit 1 having a specified unit dimension and one socket 22 as a wiring unit 1 having a size twice as great as the specified unit dimension may be attached to the attachment hole 2aa of the fixing frame 2 (see Fig. 10A) .
The fixing frame 2 employed in the present embodiment can be fixed to an installation surface such that the transverse direction thereof runs vertical or such the longitudinal direction thereof remains vertical.
In the wiring device 10 of the present embodiment including the wiring units 1 and the fixing frame 2, the bent pieces 3 and the linking pieces 4 of the fixing frame 2 are separately controlled for the function of restraining movement of the wiring units 1 in the arrangement direction X and the function of restraining movement of the wiring units 1 in the removal direction Y2, respectively. Accordingly, the wiring device 10 is capable of suppressing movement of the wiring units and occurrence of deviations in the dimension of gaps between the wiring units in the arrangement direction of the wiring units, and capable of enabling stable attachment of the wiring units 1 to the fixing frame 2 with a relatively simple configuration. While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A wiring device, comprising:
one or more wiring units; and
a fixing frame having a frame portion and an attachment hole,
wherein the wiring units are arranged in the attachment hole and attached to the fixing frame, and the fixing frame includes bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units, and
wherein each of the wiring units includes a lug for making contact with each of the bent pieces to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and an engagement claw for elastically making contact with, and coming into engagement with, the fixing frame to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.
2. A fixing frame having an attachment hole in which a plurality of wiring units are adapted to be arranged and attached to the fixing frame, the fixing frame comprising: a frame portion;
a plurality of bent pieces extending from an inner edge of the frame portion of the fixing frame and bent in an insertion direction of the wiring units, the bent pieces serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an arrangement direction of the wiring units; and
a linking piece for interconnecting the bent pieces, the linking piece serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in a removal direction of the wiring units.
3. The fixing frame of claim 2, wherein each of the bent pieces includes an extension portion extending toward one of the bent pieces adjoining thereto, the extension portion serving to restrain movement of the wiring units in an insertion direction of the wiring units.
4. The fixing frame of claim 3, wherein the extension portion serves as a shoulder portion protruding from the linking piece in the removal direction of the wiring units.
5. The fixing frame of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fixing frame includes a plurality of hole portions of identical shape arranged at a regular interval along the arrangement direction of the wiring units and surrounded by the frame portion, the bent pieces and the linking piece.
6. The fixing frame of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the frame portion includes an insertion hole through which a screw is inserted, the screw threadedly coupled to a female thread portion of a storage unit for partially storing the wiring units; and a rib formed between the insertion hole and an outer edge of the frame portion to make contact with a head of the screw.
The fixing frame of claim 6, wherein the rib is forme extend along a perimeter of the frame portion.
8. A wiring device, comprising:
one or more wiring units; and
the fixing frame of any one of claims 2 to 7.
PCT/IB2011/002225 2010-09-27 2011-09-26 Fixing frame and wiring device WO2012042334A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201180044460.9A CN103109426B (en) 2010-09-27 2011-09-26 Fixed frame and electrical power wiring assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010216196A JP5608028B2 (en) 2010-09-27 2010-09-27 Mounting frame and wiring device
JP2010-216196 2010-09-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012042334A1 true WO2012042334A1 (en) 2012-04-05

Family

ID=45892047

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2011/002225 WO2012042334A1 (en) 2010-09-27 2011-09-26 Fixing frame and wiring device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (1) JP5608028B2 (en)
CN (1) CN103109426B (en)
WO (1) WO2012042334A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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ES2510166A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2014-10-20 Schneider Electric España, S.A. Anchoring system for electrical or similar elements in installation ducts (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7169548B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2007-01-30 Xy, Inc. Sperm cell processing and preservation systems
JP2015106993A (en) * 2013-11-29 2015-06-08 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Wiring instrument mounting member and wiring device employing the same

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JPH11243615A (en) * 1998-02-24 1999-09-07 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Plate for wiring tool
JP2010057227A (en) * 2008-08-26 2010-03-11 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd Wiring device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001177940A (en) * 1999-12-15 2001-06-29 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Plate for wiring tool

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11243615A (en) * 1998-02-24 1999-09-07 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Plate for wiring tool
JP2010057227A (en) * 2008-08-26 2010-03-11 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd Wiring device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2510166A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2014-10-20 Schneider Electric España, S.A. Anchoring system for electrical or similar elements in installation ducts (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN103109426A (en) 2013-05-15
JP5608028B2 (en) 2014-10-15
JP2012075203A (en) 2012-04-12
CN103109426B (en) 2016-02-24

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