Installation element for socket elements

An apparatus provides temporary electrical connections to electrically powered devices. Exemplary arrangements include a base housing (01) that includes a socket (02) therein. Such a socket releasably engages electrical plugs to deliver household current, or may include USB ports or other types of sockets that releasably engage electrical connectors. A housing top cover (10) includes a socket access opening (11) that is in corresponding aligned relation with the socket. A rotatable plate (30) is positioned in underlying relation of the housing top cover and is rotatable in operative supported connection with the base housing. The rotatable plate includes at least one plate opening. The plate is selectively rotatable responsive to manual actuation of a button, between a socket blocked position in which an outer face of the plate blocks access through the socket access opening, and a socket access position in which the plate opening is in corresponding aligned relation with each of the socket and the socket access opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary arrangements relate to apparatus that provide temporary releasable electrical connections.

BACKGROUND

Sockets as electrical installation equipment are used as part of the building installation technology and are generally mounted at a fixed location. They provide the voltage for electrically powered devices which consume electricity. Sockets in worktops, such as kitchen countertops, are often only made accessible for the duration of the use thereof. To perform work in the kitchen or for visual as well as safety-relevant reasons, the sockets are often covered. To connect the devices, the sockets can usually be opened for access. When open, the voltage connections protrude from the countertop, into which they are installed, and are thus visible. In this position, the connections can be connected to the socket insert. This has the disadvantage that the socket housing and the connections are arranged on the countertop, for example a kitchen countertop, so as to always be visible. Depending on the area and purpose of application, the sockets can be covered by means of the above-mentioned hinged covers in order to avoid the entrance of foreign objects and also in order to prevent unauthorized access.

DE 24 58 243 A1 discloses a protective device for installation elements, such as sockets and switches, comprising an automatically closing cover flap, which covers the installation element so as not to be accessible. A rotatable cover plate comprising a safety bolt is arranged at the cover flap, by means of which safety bolt the opening of the cover flap is made possible in that the safety bolt can be brought into operative and inoperative position by rotating the cover plate.

Devices, which can be pivoted out of a countertop or the floor and which are embedded, for example, underneath the countertop, are known as well. The opening of the cover is required for activation purposes and to access sockets therein.

DE 202 09 189 U1 discloses an under floor distribution box for electrotechnical purposes comprising a cover and a cord outlet comprising a closing flap, which can be pivoted around a cover-side pivot axis into an open position, wherein the closing flap has a lever underneath the cover, and a push button can be activated, so that the lever and thus the closing flap can be pivoted into an open position by pushing the push button.

It is a disadvantage of the known coverings that the covers protrude beyond the remaining components, for example of the piece of furniture, into which sockets are to be integrated, both in the closed position and in the open position. In addition, movable covers wear out and lose their functionality. Rattling can result.

SUMMARY

Exemplary arrangements described herein provide a covering, which provides for a closable, flat assembly for a socket construction.

An installation element device for electrical connections, that includes in particular sockets that accept electrical connectors of different types, as well as USB or other connections, is disclosed. Said installation element includes in particular a socket element. The device includes a housing outer cover for a base housing, respectively, comprising socket access openings, as well as an inner base housing comprising one or several sockets arranged therein. Different options for covering the sockets will be described below.

The exemplary device has the stationary base housing, and the housing outer cover, comprising a stationary upper housing screen which is alternatively referred to herein as a cover. Openings, which make it possible to access the sockets, are formed in this stationary upper housing screen.

In addition, the device has a rotatable device, by means of which the above-mentioned openings of the housing screen can be opened or closed. The exemplary rotatable device is a rotatable rotary disk, which is alternatively referred to herein as a plate. The rotary disk is arranged at the base housing or an inner housing, which is formed in a stationary manner. Alternatively to the rotary disk, the rotatable device can be formed in any other suitable form, for example as rotary vane, rotary cam, or other movable structure.

The exemplary rotary disk, which is arranged at the base housing or the firmly installed inner housing, can be rotated with respect to the outer, stationary housing outer cover or screen, which is firmly connected to the base housing. The upper housing outer screen of the stationary outer housing cover has size-adapted insertion holes which are alternatively referred to herein as socket access openings for the acceptance of electrical connectors such as plugs of devices that consume electricity respectively, depending on the number of the sockets installed in the base housing. These are usually two or three sockets for each device, thus either a duplex or a triplex arrangement. However, the arrangement of one or of more than three sockets is also possible.

The rotary disk is arranged at the stationary inner base housing in such a way that in this stationary inner housing the individual socket devices are positioned so as to correspond exactly to the corresponding socket access openings of the stationary upper housing outer screen of the outer housing cover, so that the corresponding plugs or electrical connections, respectively, of the electrically powered devices can be inserted into the sockets after the opening through the rotary disk. Only the rotary disk, which is movably secured to the inner base housing, is rotated in such a way that the openings are either covered or open, and the connections, i.e. the sockets, can thus be accessed from outside the stationary outer housing cover. During the non-use of the sockets, the rotary disk can be activated again, and the openings of the stationary upper housing outer cover can be covered, in that the position of the rotary disk is changed in such a way that perforated screens formed at the rotary disk can move into or lock in place with the socket access openings of the housing outer cover, respectively, and the surface of the cover overlying the socket element is thus covered in a planar or flush manner, respectively.

The rotatability of the rotary disk can take place by means of different rotary mechanisms. The exemplary rotary mechanisms can be:a) A firm inner base housing comprising a movable rotary disk according to the “ballpoint pen principle”. On the inner side, the housing outer cover has two fastening domes, which are arranged in such a way that they protrude into the inner base housing and are screwed to the latter. A hollow space, in which the rotary disk is movably arranged, is thus created between the inner base housing and the housing outer cover. In the alternative, the fastening of the housing outer cover to the base housing can also take place by means of screw connections, which are provided radially on the circumference, but also by means of locking connections, which are arranged between cover and base housing. The activation takes place according to the “ballpoint pen principle”, wherein an activating device, such as, for example, a button, is formed. Several parts form the covering of the socket. Inside, the rotary disk is rotated around an axis of rotation. A pressure or rotary spring, respectively, is arranged in the lower region of the socket element. The rotary disk is opened through rotation by means of the “ballpoint pen principle”. In particular three guide ribs act against in particular, three recesses. The rotary disk is thus released and is pulled downwards in order to unlock the sockets. The rotary spring acts on the axis of rotation with a certain torque. When releasing the button, the latter moves axially in the direction of the top side of the outer housing cover. The pressure spring strikes against this upper region. The opening thus rotates open automatically with respect to the stationary housing outer cover, and the socket can be accessed and used. The button sticks axially out of the cover for activation purposes. The guide ribs are guided in the axis of rotation. The rotary disk is rotated by means of manual activation of the button, and the rotary spring is biased. Due to the play, the button is moved downwards, and the sockets are covered in a flat manner again. In the cooperation of the button with the guide ribs, the rotary disk is guided upwards in its function as cover plate. Two springs can be formed.b) Another arrangement utilizes helical turns for providing rotary disk rotation. The rotary disk, which is arranged at the firmly arranged inner base housing, can be rotated by means of a rotation sleeve around helical turns, for example two helical turns, and can be rotated, e.g. >90°. By pushing down an actuating button, the rotary disk is released from its locking position, and the rotary spring, which represents a connection under bias with the rotation sleeve and the housing bottom, can relax and rotates the rotation sleeve. An axially movable axis, which engages with the helical turns of the rotation sleeve via moldings, is arranged in the interior of the rotation sleeve. In its interior, the axially movable axis has an angular geometry, which protrudes in a complementary manner from the housing bottom with a molding into the axis. The axis is thus pushed out of the base housing by rotation of the rotation sleeve and brings the actuating button axially outward into a raised position. The rotary disk is likewise rotated from a closed into an open position by means of the rotation of the rotation sleeve via followers, which are arranged at the end of the axis of rotation of the rotary disk and which are engaged with the rotation sleeve. By pushing down the actuating button, the rotation sleeve is rotated in an opposite direction of rotation via the movable axis, the rotary spring is biased, and the rotary disk is rotated into the closed end position. A pressure spring, which is arranged between rotation sleeve and rotary disk, pushes the rotary disk into the locked position. The function of the helix principle is that guide elements, which are engaged with helical turns, convert an axial movement into a rotating movement.c) An alternative arrangement includes helical turns of another type. A different type of the helical turn principle takes place, as initially described in b), by pushing down the actuating button and by releasing the locking of the rotary disk. The arrangement of the helical turns in the rotation sleeve allows for a rotation of the rotary disk into the respective open or closed position for covering purposes.

In the case of the described helix principle, guide elements in the helical turns of the gate element or of the rotation sleeve lead to the rotation due to an axial degree of freedom. This principle of the helical turns is also usable in that the gate element or the rotation sleeve represent a partial region of the rotary risk or of the activation element.d) In an alternative arrangement the device is electrically powered. The release of the locking of the rotary disk takes place by pushing down the actuating button against the pressure of a pressure spring, which is arranged between the axial bearing of the rotary disk and an electrical drive. When reaching the bottom dead center which is alternatively referred to as the extent of travel of the actuating button, a switch is activated causing a change in electrical condition which causes a control circuit to turn on the electric motor. The electric motor rotates the rotary disk into the open socket access position and then is stopped via an axial connection by operative connection with a stop. When the rotary disk stops in the socket access position, the current increases, an overload detected by the control circuit sets the switch to off, turns off the delivery of electricity to the motor, and reverses the polarity of the DC motor connections. The pressure spring pushes the rotary disk into a locked position. The closing in which the rotary disk moves to a socket blocked position can take place in the same way as the opening by pushing down the actuating button. The control circuit is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it realizes the reversal of the direction of rotation and, on the other, hand, represents a clamping protection.

Another type of the rotary disk control in electronic form is the use of an IC timing element. If the locking position of the rotary disk is not reached within a specified time, the electronics reverses the polarity of the DC connections, as a result of which the reversal of the direction of rotation and thus a clamping protection is realized.

In the case of all mentioned rotary mechanisms, a pivotable or rotatable device, respectively, the inside rotary disk or plate formed for this purpose, which is arranged within the stationary base housing, but not an upper covering on the outside of the stationary device is rotated for covering or making accessible, respectively, the sockets formed in the device for providing releasable electrical connections. A releasing and movement of an exposed upper covering is not required. A wear-out or a rattling, respectively, of a movable exposed cover within the insert opening can thus be prevented in the exemplary arrangements.

In alternative exemplary arrangements three springs can also be arranged.

The socket or the sockets, respectively, arranged in the inner base housing serve as electrical plug connectors between conduits such as cords of electrically powered devices. They are used for the electricity supply. The wired electric plug systems form the releasible interface between electrical devices and the current source supplying them. Equipment is usually supplied via sockets with household current of single-phase of 230 Volts or three-phase alternating current (AC current) with 400 Volts, there are also standardized sockets for 12V direct current. A Schuko (protective contact) household socket provides a voltage of 230 V and up to 16 Amperes, thus up to an output of approximately 3680 Watts. If this output is exceeded, the fuse generally turns off. A socket used for the electrical connection for the household current may be connected to a distribution board of the building installation and generally guides one of three outer conductors, the neutral conductor, and the protective conductor. Voltage-conducting sockets with “female” design, which have contact openings facing inwards, are also referred to as bushes or coupling. According to the exemplary arrangements sockets may include, USB connections or the like and can also be integrated in the exemplary arrangements. Socket models, such as socket units of a foreign design, such as, e.g., of Italian, English, French, or also Swiss design, can likewise also be integrated.

The exemplary device providing a coverable socket element is arranged in particular at a kitchen countertop or any other worktop, thus for example a desk or the like. The kitchen countertop refers to the work surface in the kitchen. It is usually firmly mounted and forms the horizontal closure of built-in kitchens for example with a depth of approximately 60 cm and a working height of 85 cm to 110 cm. The kitchen countertop can also be used for so-called island kitchens.

The device according to exemplary arrangements thereby has the advantage that a masking of the openings for sockets, which is secure, can be operated easily, and has a low rate of failure, is attained by means of a simple activation.

Further advantages and advantageous designs of exemplary arrangements can be gathered from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus configured to provide temporary releasible electrical connections which is sometimes referred to herein as an installation or socket element device, respectively, is illustrated inFIG.1as a complete assembly in an isometric view from the outside. In this exemplary first arrangement, the device is formed as duplex. The device has a stationary base housing01. The base housing01is in fixed operative connection with a stationary upper housing screen, the housing top part or housing outer cover10. An actuating button45is arranged approximately in the center of the housing outer cover and is manually engageable on or through the housing outer cover.

FIG.2shows a base housing01for the first exemplary arrangement of the description. Socket units02are formed or positioned within the base housing01. Switches and/or USB moldings can also be formed as sockets. At least one socket unit02is formed. In addition, a plug insertion aid03is formed. A rotary disk is provided and rotationally movably mounted in supported connection in this base housing01. The rotary disk is arranged via a rotary disk receptacle04. A support edge05is formed. Receiving openings06for a fastening of the housing top part10are formed.

FIGS.3to10show the individual components for the first exemplary arrangement of the description. The axially centered actuating button45is formed as push button. The housing bottom20is illustrated. A spring, which is formed as pressure-rotary spring59, is positioned there. This pressure-rotary spring59is arranged within the base housing01. A rotary disk30, on which the pressure-rotary spring59acts, is attached to the pressure-rotary spring59. A pressure spring58acts on the rotary disk30from the top. The pressure spring58can be compressed by means of manual actuation of the actuating button45via a rotary sleeve50. The housing top part10is arranged at the top side.

FIG.4shows the housing outer cover or top part10comprising the through socket access openings11. The fastening cylinders or domes12described inFIG.3are illustrated. The activating device, thus the actuating button45fromFIG.3, has a guide13and a stop14. In addition, radial position securing ribs15are formed.

FIG.5shows the base housing bottom20comprising the rotary-pressure spring receptacle21.

The rotary disk30which is alternatively referred to as a plate is illustrated inFIG.6. The rotary disk30has at least one through openings31which are alternatively referred to herein as plate openings. Perforated screens32are formed on an outer face of the plate. The perforated screens32can be rotated away from the socket access openings of the housing top part10and can be rotated towards the openings again. As shown inFIGS.6and7the perforated screens may comprise cylindrical projections that extend upward on the plate outer face and extend in the socket access openings in the housing outer cover. Position securing grooves33are located on the exemplary plate opposite one another.

FIG.7shows the rotary disk30comprising an axial enveloping body34and a pressure surface35for the axial deflection. A control gate36is formed. Reference numeral37refers to an axial holding position. In addition, a through duct38is formed. A rotary spring receptacle40is formed in the direction of the pressure-rotary spring59.

FIG.8shows the exemplary actuating button45comprising control segments46, a follower shoulder47for the pressure spring58, as well as comprising a stop plane48.

FIG.9shows the exemplary rotary sleeve50comprising guide ribs51, guide pins52, a control segment receptacle53, and a guide bore54.

FIG.10shows the complete assembly of the first arrangement in section. In particular the pressure spring58as well as the pressure-rotary spring59are illustrated. Force is exerted on the pressure spring58via axial movement of the actuating button45toward the base housing. A rotary sleeve guide49is formed within the axial enveloping body34. A support surface41for the rotary sleeve50is formed. The rotary disk30can be put into motion by means of the activation of the button and can be rotated with respect to the housing outer cover, top part10.

In the case of the second exemplary arrangement elements having similar functions are described using the same reference numbers as in the first arrangement. The movable rotary disk30, which is activated according to the “ballpoint pen principle”, is thus arranged. On the inner side, for example, the base housing01has in particular two fastening domes12, which are arranged in such a way that they protrude into the inner housing07and are screwed thereto. A hollow space, into which the rotary disk30is movably arranged, is thus created between inner housing07and the base housing01. The activation takes place according to the “ballpoint pen principle”, wherein an activating device, such as, for example, the actuating button45, is formed. Several parts form the cover of the socket. Inside, the base housing the rotary disk30is rotated around an axis of rotation. The pressure or rotary spring59, respectively, is arranged in the lower region of the device. The rotary disk30is opened through rotation by means of the “ballpoint pen principle”. In particular three guide ribs51act against in particular three recesses. The rotary disk30is thus released and is pulled downwards in order to unlock and enable access to the sockets. The rotary spring59acts on the axis of rotation with a certain torque. When releasing the actuating button45, the latter moves in the direction of the top side of the outer housing01. The pressure spring58strikes against this upper region. The plate opening thus rotates open into corresponding aligned relation automatically with respect to the socket in the stationary base housing01, and housing outer cover10, and the socket can be accessed and used. The actuating button45sticks out for activation purposes—as in the case of a ballpoint pen. The guide ribs51are guided in the axis of rotation. The rotary disk30is rotated by means of the actuating button45, and the rotary spring58is biased. Due to the axial play, the actuating button45is enabled to be moved downwards, the plate rotates from the socket access position to the socket blocked position and the sockets are covered in a flat manner again. In the cooperation of the actuating button45with the guide ribs51, the rotary disk30is guided upwards in its function as cover plate. Two springs58,59can be formed. The rotary disk30has plate openings, which correspond with the through socket access openings of the housing top part10in such a way that they can be rotated into an open socket access position or a socket blocked closed position by activating the actuating button45.

FIGS.11to19illustrate the individual parts of an exemplary third arrangement from the description in exploded illustration. Again some reference numerals common to similarly functional elements in prior arrangements are used. A helical gate80is arranged on the housing bottom20. A rotary spring92is attached to said helical gate. Said rotary spring is acted on by a pressure spring91of the actuating button60. A central axis body74is arranged thereon. A sliding body65is arranged thereon. The actuating button60can slide along said slide body. The actuating button60serves to activate the rotary disk30or the axial enveloping body34thereof, respectively. The device is covered by means of the housing outer cover alternatively referred to as top part10, which has fastening domes12.

FIG.12shows the housing bottom20comprising a helical gate receptacle23, a perpendicular inner axial guide24and a rotary spring receptacle25.

FIG.13illustrates the rotary disk30. Through openings31for releasing the socket or USB, respectively, or further connections are formed. Follower moldings44are formed at the axial enveloping body34. Position securing grooves33are introduced at the rotary disk30.

FIG.14illustrates the rotary disk30alternatively referred to as a rotatable plate. A guide surface41for the actuating button60is formed. The guide surfaces41are limited by the pressure surface42for the axial deflection. The follower moldings44are visible in section.

FIG.15shows the actuating button60comprising a pressure spring guide61, the receptacle for the sliding body52, as well as a recess for the locking of a slide body65, seeFIG.16.

FIG.16illustrates the slide body65. A receptacle66for the actuating button60as well as locking lugs67for the actuating button60is formed. In addition, guide ribs68are formed. The stop plane69for the housing top part10as well as the stop plane70for the central axis body74is likewise illustrated.

FIG.17shows the central axis body74with its locking geometry75. A cylindrical guide76is formed in the slide body65and a further cylindrical guide77is formed in the helical gate80. The central axis body74has a pin molding78as well as the inner axial guide79.

FIG.18shows the helical gate80comprising a rotary guide wall81, a follower receptacle82, a central axis body guide83, a helical guide84, a rotary spring receptacle85, as well as a pressure spring stop86and a rotary spring guide87.

FIG.19shows the helical gate80in a complete view with the helical gate80, as well as with a pressure spring90for the actuating button60, a pressure spring91for the rotary disk30, as well as a rotary spring92for the rotary disk30.

The rotation of the rotary disk30takes place via helical turns. The rotary disk30, which is arranged, for example, at a firmly arranged inner housing or—as illustrated—within the base housing01with vertical and rotational play for the freedom of movement, can be rotated by means of a rotation sleeve around helical turns of the helical gate80, for example two helical turns, and can be rotated, e.g. >90°. By pushing axially down on the actuating button60, the rotary disk30is released from its locking position, and the rotary spring92, which represents a connection under bias with the rotation sleeve and the housing bottom20, can relax and rotates the rotation sleeve. An axially movable axis, which engages with the helical turns of the rotation sleeve via moldings, is arranged in the interior of the rotation sleeve. In its interior, the axially movable axis has an angular geometry, which protrudes in a complementary manner from the housing bottom20with a molding into the axis. The axis is thus pushed out of the base housing01by rotation of the rotation sleeve and brings the actuating button60into a raised axially outward extending position. The rotary disk30is likewise rotated from a closed socket blocked position into an open socket open position by means of the rotation of the rotation sleeve via followers09, which are arranged at the end of the axis of rotation of the rotary disk30and which are engaged with the rotation sleeve. By pushing down the actuating button60, the rotation sleeve is rotated in an opposite direction of rotation via the movable axis, the rotary spring30is biased, and the rotary spring92is rotated into the closed end position. A pressure spring91, which is arranged operatively between the rotation sleeve and the rotary disk30, pushes the rotary disk30into the locked position. The rotary disk30has plate openings, which correspond with the through socket recess openings of the housing top part10in such a way that they can be rotated into an open or closed position by activating the actuating button60.

FIGS.20to22show an alternative exemplary arrangement that is similar to previously described arrangements but with an electric motor. Again some common reference numbers for functionally similar elements to those described in prior arrangements are used to describe this arrangement.

FIG.20shows the housing bottom20. An electric motor100is arranged thereon within the base housing01. A control board105comprising a transformer, which is alternatively referred to herein as a control circuit, as well as a switch104is arranged within the base housing. A pressure spring103is arranged in operative connection with the electric motor100. A running disk102is arranged between the pressure spring103and the rotary disk30which is alternatively referred to herein as a rotatable plate. Between the running disk102and the housing top part which is alternatively referred to as a housing outer over10, an actuating button101, which can be on or through the top side of the housing top part10, can be operated via axial movement.

FIG.21shows the switch104for the electric motor100, as well as the control circuit including board105comprising the transformer.

FIG.22illustrates the electric motor100with the actuating button101, the running disk102, the pressure spring103, the switch104, the control board105with the transformer, as well as the upper covering, the housing top part10.

The release of the locking of the rotary disk30from a locked position takes place by pushing axially down on the actuating button101against the pressure of a pressure spring90, which is arranged between the axial bearing of the rotary disk30and an electrical drive, the electric motor100. When reaching the bottom extent of axial travel of the actuating button101, the switch104is activated, and changes electrical condition which turns on the electric motor100responsive to the control circuit. The electric motor100rotates the rotary disk30from the socket blocked position into the socket access position and to operative engagement with a stop via an axial connection. When rotation of the rotary disk30stops due to operative engagement with the stop in the position, the current increases, the circuit detects the current increase, sets the switch104to off, turns off the supply of electricity to the electric motor100, and reverses the polarity of the DC connections to the motor. The pressure spring90axially pushes the rotary disk30into a locked position. The movement of the rotatable plate to the socket blocked position from the socket access position can take place in the same way as the opening, by pushing down the actuating button101. The exemplary circuit is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it realizes the reversal of the direction of rotation and, on the other, hand, represents a clamping protection.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Thus the exemplary arrangements described herein achieve improved operation, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, and achieve the useful results described herein.

Further in the following claims any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to only the particular means shown or described for performing the recited function in the foregoing description, or mere equivalents thereof.

It should be understood that features and/or relationships associated with one arrangement can be combined with features and/or relationships from another arrangement. That is various features and/or relationships from various arrangements can be combined in further arrangements. The inventive scope of the disclosure is not limited only to the particular arrangements that have been shown and described.

Having described features, discoveries and principals of the exemplary arrangements, the manner in which they are constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.